If you’re researching bullet traps for a new range—or considering an upgrade to a safer, cleaner, and quieter containment system—you’ve likely come across a few granulated rubber (or “gran”) trap options. While there are multiple providers in the space, one trap stands out for its unmatched durability, range of supported calibers, and commitment to shooter safety: The Blackout™ Trap by Spire Ranges.
In this guide, we’ll show you what makes The Blackout Trap the gold standard for modern shooting ranges—and how it outperforms alternatives across the metrics that matter most.
Gran traps are engineered to safely absorb and contain bullets using chopped or granulated rubber media. When rounds enter the media bed, their energy is dissipated gradually, reducing the risk of ricochet, bullet fragmentation, and airborne lead. The result?
But not all gran traps are created equal. That’s where Spire’s Blackout Trap sets itself apart.
At Spire Ranges, safety and performance are never optional—they’re engineered into every product. The Blackout Trap was designed to meet the real-world needs of commercial range owners, law enforcement agencies, and military installations.
This isn’t just a bullet trap—it’s a high-performance, mission-ready component of a modern training facility.
Let’s take a look at how the Blackout stacks up against other leading gran traps on the market.
| Feature | Blackout™ by Spire Ranges | Competitor A | Competitor B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Energy Handling | 3600 ft-lbs (.50 BMG approved with limitations) | Up to .50 cal (with increased depth) | 13,000 ft-lbs in specific limited models |
| Rubber Depth Requirement | 24” maintained perpendicular | 18–32” depending on model | Stepped media design |
| Lead Mitigation | Proactive lead management program | Low dust by design | Designed to reduce splatter |
| Noise Reduction | Excellent—virtually silent entry | Excellent | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Clear maintenance cycles (50k–70k rounds/lane) | Passive operation with hopper option | Requires frequent media monitoring |
| Outdoor Use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| .50 BMG Compatibility | Yes, with professional oversight | Yes, with added depth | Only in highly restricted use cases |
While other systems can technically handle high-powered rounds, The Blackout’s durability, support documentation, and field-proven performance make it the most reliable choice—especially if you’re running a range that sees serious volume.
Spire doesn’t cut corners. From materials to maintenance protocols, The Blackout is designed for professional use in even the most demanding environments. It’s trusted by tactical teams, firearms instructors, and range managers who can’t afford downtime—or safety issues.
Some traps advertise “low maintenance,” but then leave you guessing when it comes to upkeep. The Blackout Trap provides clear, measurable guidelines for maintaining performance:
This clarity helps you avoid surprises—and lets you plan confidently for long-term operational costs.
Chopped rubber bullet traps can present a fire hazard if not properly managed. Spire takes this risk seriously. While other traps simply reference fire-resistant media, the Blackout system includes:
Combined, these elements help mitigate the small but critical risk of fire from repeated, high-volume shooting.
While other traps claim weather resistance, The Blackout is built for it. Whether you’re constructing an outdoor LE range in a desert environment or outfitting an indoor range in the city, The Blackout’s rugged build quality, support structure, and media retention design keep it performing in any setting.
Yes, other manufacturers list compatibility with .50 BMG—but usually with asterisks. Limited fire rates, reinforced buildouts, and tighter maintenance windows are common.
Spire is transparent:
That level of honesty—and engineering support—is exactly what range operators need.
The reason more commercial and tactical facilities are switching to Spire isn’t just the trap specs—it’s the total ownership experience. Spire supports every client with:
With Spire Ranges, you’re not just buying a trap—you’re gaining a partner.
If you’re evaluating gran traps, don’t settle for the “spec-sheet shuffle” from other providers. The Blackout Trap by Spire Ranges delivers the performance, clarity, and durability that serious shooters, instructors, and facility owners demand.
Other systems might get you started—but only The Blackout is built to go the distance.
Spire Ranges is here to help you build a safer, quieter, and more effective shooting environment. Contact our team today to learn more about the Blackout Trap and how it can elevate your facility’s capabilities.
Let’s build the future of training—one round at a time.
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.
