How do you keep control of your semi-auto handgun brass?

[C. Latch]

I went through a phase - let's say 1998 to 2006ish - of high-volume semi-auto shooting. This was the heyday of cheap imported ammo and Winchester white box value packs at wal-mart. I'd shoot almost every day, sweep my brass up once in a while, and.......haul it to the dump. If a few cases got lost, I didn't care; if they got stepped on or lost in leaves, I didn't care. With steel-cased ammo, I often didn't even bother picking them up, and they quickly rusted away.

Fast forward to present day. As soon as I eased back into reloading my mind drifted back to shooting 1911s and other semi-autos, so several weeks ago I got .45 ACP dies, a mold, and away I went. I've ran into a little problem, though:

I can't keep up with my brass. There are two main places that I shoot, and neither have concrete or gravel. This isn't a huge problem shooting from a bench; I can sit a big open box on the bench and eject brass right into the box. But I don't want to shoot pistols from a bench.

Today I caught myself pulling the trigger and stopping to watch where an empty case landed. I can't concentrate on shooting if I'm worried about where my empties are going.

Short of paving the range, what are my options here?

[waco]

We hang a tarp between two trees and shoot right next to it. All the brass ends up in a nice pile right at your feet.

[crabo]

I use a tarp on the ground

[ACrowe25]

Tarp works. And they're light!

[kweidner]

Prayer. I feel your pain! Probably another reason I like revolvers so much.

[Guesser]

Graco, a company in Utah makes the neatest, most up to date style brass catchers I have ever seen. I ordered one of theirs yesterday. Google or Bing Graco and take a look. I had given up shooting my semi autos simply because picking up the cases was such a pain in the----everywhere. I'm almost 70 and I don't stoop or kneel easily.

[twc1964]

A big tarp on the ground works for me too. just stand next to it.

[RED333]

Tarp here as well, works, cheap and light.

[Petrol & Powder]

Tarp here as well, works, cheap and light.

/\ Ditto and at the end of the day I just fold the tarp up with the brass inside. No need for a bucket.

[762 shooter]

I relegate 2% to the brass gods and make sure that I have younger humans to police brass.

Or shoot wheelies or bolties or singleies.

762

[dragon813gt]

Tarps, as in I need more than one because the pistol range is on a hill. I started shooting pistol in rifle block house when it's not in use. It's a lot easier to sweep them up on a concrete floor.

[bigdog454]

I have my own range behind the barn. I've found that carpet installers are more then happy to give you their old rugs. I use old rugs, no looking thru the grass and weeds. I like the idea of hanging a tarp between tow trees but, I would have to put in post or something instead of trees.
BD

[Ubet]

We use several of these at the range for picking up brass. Works on various surfaces. The range staff don't mind having to pickup the brass.
http://www.brassmower.com/

[contender1]

I own a gun range AND we have USPSA matches there. Lots of shooters, mostly semi-autos, and brass everywhere.
Shoot, have fun, and realize you can clean up later, and will only lose a few if you search diligently.

[bobthenailer]

A large golfers umbrella opened up and turned upside down with the point sticking in the ground works well ! just adjust your shooting postion so the brass falls in it.

[357maximum]

I sold all my handheld brass tossing/losing devices and bought the rotary or break action style of brass saving devices. Not the choice for everyone, but I do not miss the autos.

[osteodoc08]

I use a tarp but prefer my revolvers for this exact reason. Sometimes I'll shoot next to my truck and have em end up in the bed. Super easy clean up.

[CastingFool]

I saw a photo of a guy using screen doors being used to catch brass. the guy had them angled towards each other, to form a tent.

[Sgtonory]

Just buy more brass from me I also find myself doing the same thing i shoot a mag full and find myself on my hands and knees looking for ever last piece. I like the brass mower idea.

[Firebricker]

I make my nephew pick it up ! Cruel I know but keeps him shootin for free and we're both happy with the arrangement lol. I think the best idea is what the guys above posted a tarp on the ground and one hanging like a curtain on ejection side. They make those brass wizards for picking them up but do not know how well they work. I would lease you my nephew but believe me tarps will be cheaper ! FB