Bit of a range rant.

[pyth0n]

I have four ranges in my area that I've used. I'll just call them #'s1, 2, 3, 4. Now down to two. I understand ranges have rules, some I don't agree with but not a bother. Other rules are acceptable & easy to comply. The two I will no longer visit, #1 physically checks ammo. I mean pulls rounds from the box & eyeballs each cartridge. Now they have the usual rules about tracers & armor piercing rounds. but I thought this was a bit overboard. Range #2 wanted to inspect my guns. I started to un case them all & decided to go to ranges 3 & 4. They don't do these inspections. Unless I was going to compete, & there were rules regarding the equipment, I never had to go through this type of scrutiny. Even though I realize & understand the concern of their liability, I just had it in my head that they were complying with the 'what if program', everyone is incompetent, and maybe reacting to YouTube videos.
I've run ranges, indoor & out door, & have used ranges in six states & never dealt with this before. At some stores you have to be buzzed in and others not. Same with pawn shops. The ones that do tell you it's required. But apparently not rquired by all. Hmmm.
I know, I took it personal, but I'm tired of having to deal with rules established for someone playing what if. . Well it's their business, & I'll go to 3 & 4. End of rant/vent.
Just my two cents for what it's worth.

 

[Mobuck]

I am so fortunate to have my 'personal' 0-100 yard range just beyond the yard gate and the 350 meter/400 yard range 100 yards up the driveway.
I wouldn't use a range that did ammo and firearm 'inspections'. POO on that.

 

[cowboycopus]

I don't get to shoot in my backyard much anymore. Too many new neighbors.
Fortunately, there are places in the northern part of the county where we can still shoot in the woods.
We have a very nice private "gun club" range and a county owned range, but I think it is more fun by myself or with 1 or 2 friends. Sometimes with no paper targets just cans on the ground.

 

[mk70ss]

Yeah, agree, they went too far. I went to a range once that did not allow jacketed ammo and would just look at the ammo’s box label. My current indoor range allows anything up to .308 and they just let you shoot. But I mostly use my 100 yard outdoor range at our ranch. I hit the indoor range on days of inclimate weather.

 

[Kevin]

I'm also fortunate to belong to a private members-only outdoor range. No rage officer unless there's a match. Heck I usually go on Sunday and am the only one there. Sometimes another guy, sometimes. Only negative is the distance, it's an hour and 15 minute drive.

I did go to an indoor range this winter here in Dallas. I thought about joining it also, because of the distance. They allow reloaded ammunition, and don't do any inspections.

You were right to walk out. I wouldn't put up with that either.

I shot at one range back in Illinois. They keep your driver's license until you pay and leave. I went to pay and before he gave me my license he insisted in walking back into my lane to inspect it. To see if I had mis-fired and hit the wall or done any other damage. He only did it to me. I was only shooting a Henry .22 rifle that day, and no mistakes. I told him what I thought and walked out, never to return. Some people have that sort of mentality.

Actually there is another indoor range here in DFW I shot at years ago. They wanted to inspect my ammunition, until I told them I was only shooting 22's, then they said "no problem, go on in." I guess they didn't allow reloaded ammo.

 

[Dan in MI]

I would avoid any place that inspects your firearms. Too many “experts” that don’t know what they are touching, or how it functions.

The local indoor range states any brass that hit the floor is theirs. I’m not paying anyone to steal my brass.

 

[57springer]

Yeah I agree , suppose they accidently drop your gun and scratch it or worse ? Will they be responsible for it ?

 

[bigbillyboy]

I don't get to shoot in my backyard much anymore. Too many new neighbors.
Fortunately, there are places in the northern part of the county where we can still shoot in the woods.
We have a very nice private "gun club" range and a county owned range, but I think it is more fun by myself or with 1 or 2 friends. Sometimes with no paper targets just cans on the ground.

Good old fashioned plinking

 

[welder]

I am a member of a private members only range and never have any issues. I would not allow anyone to claim MY brass or yield to any mall cop inspections either. I can shoot on my property but have neighbors relatively close so I choose not too.

 

[daveag.]

MDC, Missouri Dept. Conservation , has a range close to me. Across from Lake City. It’s convenient and reasonable. Only no “ Human Shape targets “. I don’t get that one. I prefer my own private range. Metal targets. Paper is boring. I bring golf balls. Better shooting with a few friends.

 

[Hvymax]

I can see the inspections. Idiots think they are entitled to try and destroy the backstop. They also have to worry about people bringing in wore out junk guns hurting themselves. I'm sure their license to operate is reviewed every time an ambulance is called. If people could pretend to have some sense we wouldn't need rules. If course I can shoot in the yard so I rarely visit a range.

 

[sceva]

Good old fashioned plinking

I like plinking. My favorite target as a tie tack

 

[WAYNO]

I am close to the woods and my Gun Club. I can shoot any time I want.

At my gun club, every member is his own Range Officer. We are expected to be safe, and nobody babysits. Or, reading between the lines, we all babysit. Even up in the woods, if I take newer shooters, or shooters I don't know of their experiences, I absolutely babysit them.

But I understand there are other ranges that people get babysat, and some folks need it. I don't lose sleep with it, as I don't need those places.

But as the world tuns, that could all change next week. Then I would be beholden to obey whatever rules, at whatever club.

Let's go farther... A match. Could be trap, could be Cowboy Shooting, etc. We don't know who might be attending, and we don't know their skills or safety practices. Then, a Range Officer is absolutely necessary, with all the checks required of such a position.





.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

My range is my back yard. I have 500 yards at my disposal when the crops are out, and 200 when planted...AND it's all mine & 100% idiot free!

 

[Ride1949]

Range? What is this range thing you speak of? Many hundreds of acres of BLM land surround me here in the High Desert. I can't remember when I didn't have a place to shoot within about 15 minutes from home.

 

[Hvymax]

I am close to the woods and my Gun Club. I can shoot any time I want.

At my gun club, every member is his own Range Officer. We are expected to be safe, and nobody babysits.

But I understand there are other ranges that people get babysat, and some folks need it. I don't lose sleep with it, as I don't attend those places.

Unfortunately all it takes is one numbnuts to get you shut down permanently.

 

[Gary Lee]

I used to belong to two different so-called "conservation clubs" of dubious repute just to be able to shoot various kinds of targets and to conduct various ballistics tests without being bothered. But I finally became weary of the disrespectful and ungrateful way I was treated by the club officials (exclusive inner clique) who liked my dues, and the free labor I performed on their ranges, but didn't like me because they didn't 'feel' I was good enough for them to associate with.

I now shoot only paper targets on an indoor range where I initially experienced unpleasant ROs who are no longer ROs for various reasons. (I got the insulting buttheads fired) And now I'm treated much more respectfully by the current and much friendlier set of ROs.

 

[codebreaker]

When I shoot at an indoors range, it is at a nice air conditioned one. But I don't go if it's crowded. Last time I did, I had holes in my target down both sides from the people on either side of me. My daughter was standing back watching everything and told me we should leave - the jumping around, hollering, f-bombs, etc. ruining things as usual.

 

[bobski]

i check long guns if they come in my clubhouse. i check guns if i see guns racked with actions open.
i dont check ammo.
results.....

4 guns in 10 years loaded an cocked coming out of the case.
3 loaded in the rack.

....after signing waiver saying they would comply with rules not to.

good rule.

 

[Gary Lee]

When I shoot at an indoors range, it is at a nice air conditioned one. But I don't go if it's crowded. Last time I did, I had holes in my target down both sides from the people on either side of me. My daughter was standing back watching everything and told me we should leave - the jumping around, hollering, f-bombs, etc. ruining things as usual.

The gun shop, combined with three different ranges I now visit is modern in every respect. I only go in the morning during weekdays to avoid other shooters as much as possible. The new range officers are also cool in every respect. When I'm the only shooter there, we enjoy conversing about everything of interest to us, not just gun related topics.

 

[Mobuck]

I put up a sign at the entrance of a private access road: WARNING, YOU ARE ENTERING A LIVE FIRE PRACTICE RANGE. OWNER NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURIES.
I don't even have to close the gate anymore.

 

[contender]

Ok, there are (4) ranges you can use.
(1) You are fortunate to have that many available. Many people have a hard time just finding a place to shoot. Just think, you could NOT have ANY place to shoot.
(2) As you've mentioned,, liability issues as well as the expenses of just operating with the media & worries added to such liability.
(3) Due to IDIOTS doing stupid stuff with ammo & guns,, inspections can prevent damages to a range, AND protect the other people in the range. (Excessive reloads, squibs etc can cause issues.) And with the new regs concerning pistol braces & their popularity etc,, they may be trying to head off headaches etc.
Remember,, the ATF sends out agents to do stuff to gun shops & ranges trying to "catch" businesses doing stuff wrong. Remember,, they want to put us out of business.
(4) Many ranges are going to membership & private rules etc to help ward off the "What if's" that can pop up.
(5) What happens if you lose all (4) places due to shut downs, lawsuits, or if you just choose to quit using them? People not utilizing a business, will cause them to go out of business.
(6) Outdoor ranges have to be concerned with their neighbors too.
(7) I agree it's more fun to be "self regulated" & only have your friends & such around, but it's still a business.
(8) Holding a driver's license is a form of protection. Locally, about a month or two back, a young couple went to a local range. Rented (2) guns, went to shoot, got done, went back into the shop, then ran out the door, stealing the (2) guns. They had used a fake ID,, but were caught.
(9) Lots of ranges now have a "brass on the floor belongs to the range" rule. Not only to keep the brass as an extra income potential,, BUT,,, it also keeps Joe-Dumb-Butt from going forward of a firing line to get his brass while the range is hot. And yes,, I have seen this.
(10) Good points bobski about the loaded guns incoming. I have a "No gun handling" rule on my range, UNLESS in a safe area or under the supervision of a RO. Also, no loaded firearms on the range during a match unless under the supervision of a RO AND in a bay.
I had a gun club (they were renting my place for matches) where the club prez decided the rules didn't apply to him. He'd keep his CCW on his person, AND told a few other people they could break my handling rule in an unsafe manner. I had to eject that guy, AND he took issues with it, so I ejected the whole club. SAFETY FIRST for EVERYBODY.
Now,, why not ask for a meeting with the owner(s) of such places to find out WHY they have their rules. And you can express YOUR concerns to the owner about why you prefer to go elsewhere?

I own a range.
I built it LONG ago, with the idea that it would give me a place to shoot as well as a place to allow my friends a place to shoot. Sadly, due to thefts, damages, and liability,, I can't allow it to be "open" any longer. I do have events there, and we shoot USPSA matches there. But problems caused me to shut down my "easy access" to others.

Sadly, in todays society,, we are subjected to lawsuits over EVERYTHING. And gun owners, gun shops, gun ranges all are TARGETS for the anti-gun crowd, who want to do everything they can to force us all to go away. They can't (easily) change the Constitution, but they can make it very hard to exercise out right. We are seeing the end results of decades of attacks upon us.
Deranged psychopaths buy guns, go to ranges & practice, then go shoot up a school, or mall or church or whatever. They buy the guns legally, practice legally, then commit crimes. Yet,, a commercial gun range or a gun shop can still face huge legal bills even if they were totally in the right.
Why?
My lawyer described it in (2) simple yet powerful terms; "Negligence" and "Deliberate Indifference."

Now,, I have rules on my range, and yet, I've had to stop shooters & others for infractions & such. I've had LEO's called by neighbors. And I've had complaints by neighbors.

Just remember,, we could lose it all easily. But EDUCATE yourself by actually talking to the owners of places that have regulations as to WHY they have such rules. You may be in for a surprise.

 

[amishjeff]

Luckily enough for me, I live in the country and step out onto my back deck and I have 800yds to the woods across open farmers field with targets set up at multiple intervals for a wide range of distances. Have never been to a shooting range and am not anticipating doing so any time soon. I allow a select few people to shot at my house and they were determined by their gun etiquette and respect for neighbors.

 

[Jack Ryan]

I shoot on my own range and I'm a member at a club I've paid dues to for 3 years now and never shot there. And I live "in the woods".

I'd say most of these rules people don't like are the direct result of things people who don't like the rules have done. I make this guess based on what I see them doing "in the woods, just shooting at cans". They talk a game on gun boards when they are on their own "in the woods" they shoot like the 10 year olds watching the Lone Ranger shooting in every direction and shooting up every tree in site. They leave the place where ever they go covered in trash and junk. Some how "a few cans" turn in the soda bottles, old computers and TVs.

 

[Randyzzz]

I used to live in Central Oregon and there were places to shoot within a 20 minutes drive. Now in Southern Oregon, I can shoot on my own property, but I don’t as I feel the neighbors are too close. (5 acre parcels). There is a small box canyon about 5 minutes or less up the road. It works, but… I guess I got spoiled. I have 4 steel silhouettes with stands that are HEAVY! I used to keep the whole mess in the back of my truck. Drive out, set up the targets, drive back, set up a table and chair, maybe even a shade canopy. And make a day out of it. Not anymore. The box canyon has a 20 yard steep uphill hike, carrying the range bag is plenty. No way I could drag a silhouette up there. Im actively searching for another spot. There are 2 outdoor ranges and one indoor gun club range within 45 minutes- but I prefer steel over paper.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Yep, that looks like the kind of place people used to HUNT. Then they start "sighting in there", next they tell a few friends and the trees start to disappear and the trash and junk show up. Then it turns in to an eroded dump "to far up hill" to walk to any more.

Funny how these people who don't like the rules never turn their own back yard in to a -- hole like that.

 

[Randyzzz]

Yep, that looks like the kind of place people used to HUNT. Then they start "sighting in there", next they tell a few friends and the trees start to disappear and the trash and junk show up. Then it turns in to an eroded dump "to far up hill" to walk to any more.

Funny how these people who don't like the rules never turn their own back yard in to a -- hole like that.

It really angers me that not only are the people who abuse the privilege of being able to shoot on public lands trashing nature and making it an eyesore, but their disregard and disrespect make shooters look bad as a whole and lead to increasing regulations and shooting area closures. I’ll grab some trash whenever I go- but it’s a losing battle. One of the reasons I like shooting steel is that there’s no junk left behind.

On a positive note- it seems there aren’t many people who reload that visit here. I come away with gobs of 9mm and .40 brass on every trip.

 

[WV460hunter]

I have four ranges in my area that I've used. I'll just call them #'s1, 2, 3, 4. Now down to two. I understand ranges have rules, some I don't agree with but not a bother. Other rules are acceptable & easy to comply. The two I will no longer visit, #1 physically checks ammo. I mean pulls rounds from the box & eyeballs each cartridge. Now they have the usual rules about tracers & armor piercing rounds. but I thought this was a bit overboard. Range #2 wanted to inspect my guns. I started to un case them all & decided to go to ranges 3 & 4. They don't do these inspections. Unless I was going to compete, & there were rules regarding the equipment, I never had to go through this type of scrutiny. Even though I realize & understand the concern of their liability, I just had it in my head that they were complying with the 'what if program', everyone is incompetent, and maybe reacting to YouTube videos.
I've run ranges, indoor & out door, & have used ranges in six states & never dealt with this before. At some stores you have to be buzzed in and others not. Same with pawn shops. The ones that do tell you it's required. But apparently not rquired by all. Hmmm.
I know, I took it personal, but I'm tired of having to deal with rules established for someone playing what if. . Well it's their business, & I'll go to 3 & 4. End of rant/vent.
Just my two cents for what it's worth.

That is truly ridiculous

 

[pyth0n]

Ok, there are (4) ranges you can use.
(1) You are fortunate to have that many available. Many people have a hard time just finding a place to shoot. Just think, you could NOT have ANY place to shoot.
(2) As you've mentioned,, liability issues as well as the expenses of just operating with the media & worries added to such liability.
(3) Due to IDIOTS doing stupid stuff with ammo & guns,, inspections can prevent damages to a range, AND protect the other people in the range. (Excessive reloads, squibs etc can cause issues.) And with the new regs concerning pistol braces & their popularity etc,, they may be trying to head off headaches etc.
Remember,, the ATF sends out agents to do stuff to gun shops & ranges trying to "catch" businesses doing stuff wrong. Remember,, they want to put us out of business.
(4) Many ranges are going to membership & private rules etc to help ward off the "What if's" that can pop up.
(5) What happens if you lose all (4) places due to shut downs, lawsuits, or if you just choose to quit using them? People not utilizing a business, will cause them to go out of business.
(6) Outdoor ranges have to be concerned with their neighbors too.
(7) I agree it's more fun to be "self regulated" & only have your friends & such around, but it's still a business.
(8) Holding a driver's license is a form of protection. Locally, about a month or two back, a young couple went to a local range. Rented (2) guns, went to shoot, got done, went back into the shop, then ran out the door, stealing the (2) guns. They had used a fake ID,, but were caught.
(9) Lots of ranges now have a "brass on the floor belongs to the range" rule. Not only to keep the brass as an extra income potential,, BUT,,, it also keeps Joe-Dumb-Butt from going forward of a firing line to get his brass while the range is hot. And yes,, I have seen this.
(10) Good points bobski about the loaded guns incoming. I have a "No gun handling" rule on my range, UNLESS in a safe area or under the supervision of a RO. Also, no loaded firearms on the range during a match unless under the supervision of a RO AND in a bay.
I had a gun club (they were renting my place for matches) where the club prez decided the rules didn't apply to him. He'd keep his CCW on his person, AND told a few other people they could break my handling rule in an unsafe manner. I had to eject that guy, AND he took issues with it, so I ejected the whole club. SAFETY FIRST for EVERYBODY.
Now,, why not ask for a meeting with the owner(s) of such places to find out WHY they have their rules. And you can express YOUR concerns to the owner about why you prefer to go elsewhere?

I own a range.
I built it LONG ago, with the idea that it would give me a place to shoot as well as a place to allow my friends a place to shoot. Sadly, due to thefts, damages, and liability,, I can't allow it to be "open" any longer. I do have events there, and we shoot USPSA matches there. But problems caused me to shut down my "easy access" to others.

Sadly, in todays society,, we are subjected to lawsuits over EVERYTHING. And gun owners, gun shops, gun ranges all are TARGETS for the anti-gun crowd, who want to do everything they can to force us all to go away. They can't (easily) change the Constitution, but they can make it very hard to exercise out right. We are seeing the end results of decades of attacks upon us.
Deranged psychopaths buy guns, go to ranges & practice, then go shoot up a school, or mall or church or whatever. They buy the guns legally, practice legally, then commit crimes. Yet,, a commercial gun range or a gun shop can still face huge legal bills even if they were totally in the right.
Why?
My lawyer described it in (2) simple yet powerful terms; "Negligence" and "Deliberate Indifference."

Now,, I have rules on my range, and yet, I've had to stop shooters & others for infractions & such. I've had LEO's called by neighbors. And I've had complaints by neighbors.

Just remember,, we could lose it all easily. But EDUCATE yourself by actually talking to the owners of places that have regulations as to WHY they have such rules. You may be in for a surprise.

I've run ranges both indoor & out door. Sponsored league & open events. I kept rules to a minimum. Unless it was a match that had equipment requirements I didn't have to inspect all guns or ammo. If someone committed an infraction, then that person was dealt with, not all others. You do your job as a range officer. I've had LEO's called by neighbors & I've had complaints by neighbors also. All baseless. (LEO's were getting annoyed by the calls.)
So I'm EDUCATED with why folks feel the need to make up 15 page long what if legaleze rules, and claim it's for my own good.

 

[mexicanjoe]

used to work on a 64,000 acre ranch loaded with coyotes and caliche pits to shoot in. The ranch provided ammo that was consider" varmint control". One pit was 1.2 miles long and we used it to shoot rifles in. Wished I still lived there.