Final answer:
Small arms exercises typically take place in shooting ranges or firing ranges, which are designed with safety features like target systems and bullet traps. These ranges can be indoor or outdoor and have specific impact areas to safely capture fired projectiles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of impact areas normally used for small arms exercises are shooting ranges or firing ranges. These facilities are designed to ensure safety and proper training in the use of various firearms, such as rifles, pistols, and shotguns. A firing range typically includes target systems for marksmanship practice, bullet traps or safe backstops to prevent bullets from exiting the range and other safety features to protect shooters and instructors.
Firing ranges can be indoor or outdoor, with the latter often accommodating longer-range shooting exercises. The impact area specifically refers to the part of the range where projectiles impact after being fired. The design of an impact area takes into account the potential for ricochets, environmental impact, and the need for easy collection and disposal of spent ammunition.