What is a common safety feature on many ranges?

A berm or backstop is a critical safety feature found on many shooting ranges. Its primary purpose is to contain projectiles and prevent them from leaving the designated shooting area, thereby reducing the risk of injury to individuals outside the range. The berm is typically constructed from earth or other materials that can absorb bullets, effectively acting as a protective barrier. This safety measure is essential for maintaining a controlled environment and ensuring that all activities conducted on the range are done so with minimal risk to the surrounding community and environment.

Other options, while they may offer various functionalities, do not provide the same level of safety assurance. Open access areas could lead to unintended exposure of uninvolved individuals to potential hazards. Temporary shooting zones may not be permanently structured for safety or may lack the reinforced containment necessary for long-term use. Public observation woodlands do not inherently relate to the safety of the range and could pose risks if not properly managed. Hence, the berm or backstop stands out as a fundamental element of range safety.