Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lockheed Martin Tactical Systems, Inc.

John Pontus

Stephen H Young

A backstop of the 'venetian blind' type and contains a set of angled louvers to deflect projectiles safely. The present invention provides a system of modules whereby a backstop may be constructed across a wall of any width. The backstop modules themselves are made in a number of standardized widths, most preferably about 36 inches (0.91 m), 48 inches (1.22 m), and 60 inches (1.52 m) wide. Using various sets of these modules, any width can be filled in to the nearest foot, i.e., a maximum gap of about six inches remains between the end modules and an adjacent wall surface. These remaining gaps are preferably filled in using a sliding, angled wall plate that accommodates gaps between about zero and six inches. The visible flat edges of plates that form the sides of adjacent modules and the plate against the floor are ricochet hazards, and thus are also preferably provided with angled deflectors. The present invention also discloses an improved angle clip that has a slot that is closed at both ends, an improvement over the open slot clip used in the prior art. Methods of erecting backstops are also provided.

Pistol range backstop

A backstop and bullet trap are disclosed that provide access from the front so that spent projectiles can be removed without requiring a crawl space along the side or rear of the backstop, thereby permitting maximum use of the interior space into which the backstop and bullet trap have been installed. The present invention discloses a backstop that has a removable panel on the lower edge of a lower deflector. Preferably the lower panel overlies the lower deflector and is hingably connected to the floor or near the floor. In a preferred embodiment, this hinge connection is provided by resting the lower edge of the removable panel in a recess in the floor. In this embodiment, the removable panel presents an angled deflector surface to the shooter and no additional floor deflectors are required. Methods of removing projectiles from a backstop and bullet trap are also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Rock Hill, SC, United States of America

John Pontus