WSET.com - ABC13Final Push to Stop Campbell Co. Gun Range

Reporter: Mark Kelly l Videographer: Parker Slaybaugh

Campbell Co., VA - In less than 24 hours, Campbell County supervisors are expected to vote on a proposed gun range. The Sheriff's Office wants one to train its deputies. They say renting space at other facilities has gotten too costly and difficult. But, the neighborhood clearly does not want the guns so close to their homes.

The potential for a stray bullet, the project's cost and safety are all concerns, but noise tops the list. And, for that reason, the Sheriff's Office recently did a decibel reading on the site. The readings were just slightly louder than ambient noise. But, for folks with a home nearby, they would rather hear no gun noise at all.

On the other side of a picturesque tree line in Rustburg could soon sit a shooting range. And 130 yards from that range is the Trent home. A war veteran, David Trent's heard enough gunfire for one lifetime and doesn't want it in his backyard.

"I spent 15 months in Korea, and it's going to be like I'm back over there. That's what it's going to amount to," said Trent.

But, not if the neighborhood wins. Many residents say a gun range would be too loud, and a reminder of war for Don Barnett too.

"I know what it's like to live under the constant threat of having a scud missile or a mortar or a missile or something fall out of the sky on your head," said Barnett. "Well, you're always looking up. You're always wondering when the next one is going to come in."

The Sheriff's Office says with giant oaks to cut back the gun noise and a 35 foot high berm to block bullets, the range will be one of the safest. And, will only be open for trained officers.

"As long as I am range master for this, safety will be of the utmost concern," said Captain Kevin Schmitt, Campbell County Sheriff's Office.

But, that promise doesn't cut it for folks who could be living near the range. They don't want to walk just a few yards and hear officers practicing their gun skills.

"Do you think you have any chance of winning this fight?" we asked Barnett.

"I think so. I think common sense may prevail," said Barnett.

But, common sense is relative. For the Sheriff's office, having its own gun range and not having to rent space is common sense too.

Tuesday night at 7, the Board of Supervisors will take up this proposed gun range.

The planning commission gave it the green light back in December. But, residents say the board doesn't always agree with the commission.