We provide battle-tested bullet traps, baffles and wall treatments so that you can rest at ease knowing that the safety containment on your range will do its job in stopping, containing, and storing rounds sent down range.
When building or upgrading a shooting range, containment is just as critical as targeting. Spire Ranges offers three industry-leading solutions designed to safely absorb and contain live rounds, simplify lead recovery, and optimize operational efficiency:
Spire’s Helix™ Steel Bullet Trap combines rugged AR500 steel with precision engineering to deliver unparalleled durability and easy lead management. It’s built to withstand sustained fire from handguns through high-velocity rifles in commercial, law enforcement, and military environments.
The Blackout™ trap uses chopped granulated rubber to absorb energy, suppress sound, and virtually eliminate ricochet risk. It’s engineered for ranges that demand low maintenance, quiet operation, and proactive lead-and-dust containment.
The Welkin™ baffle system is a patent-pending, overhead solution that adds an extra safety layer. It’s ideal for tactical training courses, retrofits, and new-build ranges requiring customizable ceiling containment.
Feature | Helix™ Steel Trap | Blackout™ Rubber Berm Trap | Welkin™ Baffle System |
|---|---|---|---|
Construction | 3/8″ AR500 hardened-steel plates | ¾″–1″ chopped granulated rubber media | Patent-pending interlocking steel-baffle panels |
Energy Handling | Up to 3,600 ft-lbs; velocities ≤ 3,300 fps | Up to 3,600 ft-lbs; .50 BMG rated with oversight | Captures overhead ricochets; supplements primary traps |
Compatible Rounds | 9 mm–.30-06, 5.56 NATO, .308 Win; limited .50 BMG | 9 mm–7.62 NATO; .50 BMG approved in moderation | Works with any round angled upward; not primary capture |
Maintenance Interval | Weekly visual checks; empty barrels at 75 percent full | Professional cleanings after 50k–70k rounds per lane | Periodic visual inspection; clear accumulated debris |
Lead Collection | Integrated trays + sealed barrels | Lead captured in rubber media; proactive removal procedures | N/A (baffle system only) |
Noise Reduction | High-impact noise; acoustic treatment often needed | Excellent sound dampening | Moderate; deflects sound upward |
Installation Footprint | Deep footprint; requires clearance behind firing line | Moderate depth; containment walls | Ceiling-mounted; minimal floor footprint |
Indoor/Outdoor Use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
What is the main difference between a steel and a rubber bullet trap?
Steel traps (like Helix™) use AR500 plates and deceleration chambers for precise deflection and lead funneling and simpler lead recovery. Rubber berm traps (like Blackout™) rely on energy-absorbing media for quiet operation, reduced ricochet, and proactive dust management.
How often should I perform maintenance on each system?
Helix™ requires weekly visual inspections and barrel emptying at 75 percent capacity. Blackout™ needs professional cleanings after 50,000–70,000 rounds per lane, plus regular media depth checks.
Can the Blackout™ trap handle .50 BMG rounds?
Yes. It’s rated for .50 BMG in moderation with professional oversight, but Spire recommends monitoring impact zones and adhering to maintenance guidelines to preserve media integrity.
What rounds are not compatible with the Helix™ system?
Helix™ is not suitable for armor-piercing, steel-core, tracer, or sustained .50 BMG use under warranty. Always consult with Spire for approval on specialty ammunition.
How do I choose between Helix™ and Blackout™?
If you need precise lead recovery and don’t mind acoustic treatment, Helix™ is ideal. For quieter ranges with lower ricochet and dust concerns, Blackout™ offers a turnkey granulated-media solution. Your choice depends on volume, noise requirements, and maintenance preferences.
What is the Welkin™ system used for?
Welkin™ is a ceiling-mounted baffle system that intercepts errant rounds or fragments overhead. It’s designed to complement primary traps in tactical courses, advanced training scenarios, and range retrofits.
Can I use these traps outdoors?
All three systems—Helix™, Blackout™, and Welkin™—are engineered for both indoor and outdoor use, with weather-resistant finishes and containment features suitable for any environment.
How is lead collected and recycled?
Helix™ funnels bullets into sealed barrels for clean recycling. Blackout™ captures lead within the rubber media, which is then mined out and separated as part of Spire’s proactive lead management program.
For any additional questions, contact a Spire Ranges representative today.
Monday–Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturdays: Closed
Sundays: Closed
You can’t afford downtime. We can’t either. We take pride in our ability to identify issues and fix them quickly to ensure that your range is always up and running. That’s the guarantee we put on every range we install.
