Range Etiquette/Rules/Laws

[jiannichan]

When I used to go to Eagle in Lewisville, the RO told me they are very CC friendly. I always unloaded when I was about to shoot and reloaded and put it back in my holster before leaving my lane.

[OldCurlyWolf]

When I used to go to Eagle in Lewisville, the RO told me they are very CC friendly. I always unloaded when I was about to shoot and reloaded and put it back in my holster before leaving my lane.

That has always been my standard procedure. I have shot at ranges in few different states and have never had anyone try to give me any guff over it.

[Soap]

I went shooting with a buddy recently. I went to a new range. Loved the range and the people that worked there. Anyway, I didn't see any signs that said you can't carry a loaded gun into the lobby. Well I brought my unloaded gun that I planned to shoot in a carry case. I had my CC gun IWB concealed on my hip. Nobody knew I had it. I bought my targets and went to shoot. I took my concealed gun out at the range and my buddy told me it can't be loaded. That I can not carry a loaded gun on their property unless I'm on the range. To me this is a hilarious rule This is the same guy who I see preach about the 2nd and his right to protect himself, now flip out and tell me to disarm myself. I asked him what he'd do if someone flipped out and started shooting at us. Would he beg the range officer to protect him or pull some kind of speed load off at the range? I admit I am not worried I'll be in danger at the range but this is the same guy who preaches you always need a loaded gun. My home state had two ranges in my city. They didn't care if you open carried or concealed carried. They didn't care if they were loaded. Basically, don't touch your gun. I can only imagine these rules exist around here because of all the idiots who buy a gun and walk in waving it around. I'm not sure, but back the laws were relaxed and not once did we have an issue. Point of concealment means no one can see it. So how can you enforce such a terrible rule?

[Lynyrd]

This will seem strange to many, but the only time I have ever been to a range was during CHL class. I grew up in the country and still live in the country. I shoot at least 500 rounds a year, sometimes a lot more. I have an area on my property where I piled up some dirt with my dozer as a backstop, and that is where I shoot. I welded up a target frame, screwed some plywood to it, and I carry that back and forth to the backstop when I practice. My brother and a friend who live nearby went to a little more trouble and built "home made" ranges on their property. Each of them built a shooting table and a carport like structure, with targets set up at various distances up to 150 yards. Some of the targets are spinners, some allow stapling of paper targets to them. We built everything ourselves, and get together often to shoot. The nearest houses are over a mile away with trees and high ground in between.

This thread about range etiquette makes me realize that I would be a fish out of water at an organized gun range. We practice safe gun handling, and we chide the occasional visitor very strongly when they flub up. Newcomers are watched like a hawk until they have proven themselves to be safe. And even then I keep a close eye them. But we don't have a set of written rules, and we certainly don't have a range officer. I wouldn't even know how to recognize who that person is.

Country life is so very much different in so many ways. I don't mean it derogatorily, but city folks sure do have different experiences with guns than country folks. Don't get me wrong, I understand the need for safety rules where lots of unknown people are bringing guns to shoot. I would probably be the most nervous person at your range.

[thetexan]

Having recently received my CHL some questions have arisen now regarding range etiquette. The range I go to does not allow loaded firearms anywhere behind the firing range itself. So here is my dilemma or question. When I am done at the range how, when, and where can I load my handgun and conceal carry after I leave? My first thought was in the car. But aren't a I guilty of having it not concealed then?

Check the by-laws and range rules. Many ranges have a CHL/LTC exception.

Tex

[jed]

This will seem strange to many, but the only time I have ever been to a range was during CHL class. I grew up in the country and still live in the country. I shoot at least 500 rounds a year, sometimes a lot more. I have an area on my property where I piled up some dirt with my dozer as a backstop, and that is where I shoot. I welded up a target frame, screwed some plywood to it, and I carry that back and forth to the backstop when I practice. My brother and a friend who live nearby went to a little more trouble and built "home made" ranges on their property. Each of them built a shooting table and a carport like structure, with targets set up at various distances up to 150 yards. Some of the targets are spinners, some allow stapling of paper targets to them. We built everything ourselves, and get together often to shoot. The nearest houses are over a mile away with trees and high ground in between.

This thread about range etiquette makes me realize that I would be a fish out of water at an organized gun range. We practice safe gun handling, and we chide the occasional visitor very strongly when they flub up. Newcomers are watched like a hawk until they have proven themselves to be safe. And even then I keep a close eye them. But we don't have a set of written rules, and we certainly don't have a range officer. I wouldn't even know how to recognize who that person is.

Country life is so very much different in so many ways. I don't mean it derogatorily, but city folks sure do have different experiences with guns than country folks. Don't get me wrong, I understand the need for safety rules where lots of unknown people are bringing guns to shoot. I would probably be the most nervous person at your range.

Are you sure we are not brothers from different mothers?

I was a member at a local outdoor range back in the 90s and it was very laid back and I would go very early Saturday mornings and had the place to myself. I would be gone by about 10 when people starting getting there. No range officer, just people shooting. Everyone was very respectful and no one would go down range without clearing it. But still, I was nervous with other people there shooting. We had our chl qualifying there and it was very different, range officer an all.
My brother and I build a 100 yard range on our parent's place back then but I was going to the paid range with a co-worker. My parent's place is now ours and I moved here 10-12 years ago and only shoot here or at my brother's place a few miles away.

[Deitz83]

My range states no loaded guns can be brought in if used on the range. I assume loaded means clip in, if it's a semi auto. So, I take my clip out place it in my pocket and place my firearm in my range bag when entering. When I leave, I load my clip and place it in my pocket. My firearm is placed back in my bag and at my car pop my clip in. I am not sure if I am right or wrong, but upon entering and leaving my firearm is unloaded and in my bag.