Gun Range Etiquette

[Magnus]

I haven't step foot in an indoor range since I got my handgun license. I've been outdoors in the wild. I usually open carry from my car to the shooting booth. No issues. Winter is coming, and all shooting will be indoors, so how do I bring my firearm into the range? I know I can legally conceal carry from and to the range, but what is acceptable once inside the range?

 

[Phauxtoe]

i guess it depends on the Range Rules, they usually post them!

 

[Airborneguy]

Concealed means concealed.

 

[Calculon]

Agree depends on range rules.

 

[NirvanaFan]

I've been to a few ranges, but only 1 indoor. If you planned on shooting a pistol on your hip, they had an unloading station when you walked in the first door. There is where you were supposed remove the pistol if you planned on shooting it. If it stayed concealed the whole time, you didn't have to move it. The reason for this (I assume) is that they had a "no drawing" rule at the line. You can't practice your draws while on the indoor pistol line.

 

[Criticalt]

Ive never been to an indoor range except 5 shots during my pp class.

I stand in the knee high snow all winter.

 

[Cleck]

I do whatever the range says. Keep it concealed til I get there, no open carry (unless I'm with a special group), keep actions open and up on the table, no drawing, etc.

 

[nortatoga]

My Club is a cold range, all firearms are to be unloaded unless on the firing line (rifles,pistols an shot guns!) there is also no drawing from the holster unless B.O.D approved event ( IDPA, NRA classes)

So when I do new member orientations I suggest that they come to the range with pistols cased. We have had a new member show up at orientation CCW' ing from time to time, and need to go to Safe unloading area then remove the pistol from the class. As no firearms or ammo are permitted in the NRA first steps rifle course that we use as part of our orientation til we do the live fire, and that is with the Clubs 22 rifles.

 

[togmaster]

Most public ranges want it cased and unloaded when you bring it in. Check with your range to be sure.

 

[Glenn B]

Range rules rule but make sure to check to see if any rules are listed outside the entrance before you even enter the building.

 

[Phazer]

The indoor range I belong to will allow drawing and shooting from concealment if the member has taken a course that teaches proper holster management (drawing and firing) at the range.

 

[FRANKIE]

Ive never been to an indoor range except 5 shots during my pp class.

I stand in the knee high snow all winter.

I'm with you. The barrel is the hand warmer.

 

[Podmonkey]

As other have said above check the range rules but I think if not carrying it in concealed in a case would probably be best.

 

[Bvin66]

I belong to an indoor and an outdoor gun club with similar rules on this.
If carrying concealed it must remain holstered until you are at the firing line.
Otherwise action open, unloaded, and cased until at the line.

 

[Cooolone]

I do agree to see the rules, but disagree to abide by them. Any range policy to unload and disarm while in the presence of other loaded firearms is utterly ridiculous (to/fro)... But that means I find ranges with like minds and an understanding that it's not inherently dangerous to carry or possess a loaded firearm,

I go to public ranges too, and keep mine holstered until at the line, where I remove my handgun once on the line, empty it (unload pointed down range), and leave action open until ready to use. When done, I reload, and Reholster (at the line) prior to leaving, period.

Rights are Rights, isn't it ironic at a location where you practice exercising your Rights, that they themselves would seek to inhibit them? And don't rest on Safety BS as an excuse to say it's sensible or anything similar.

Thanks for reading : )

 

[Podmonkey]

I don't see it as a violation. If you are carrying that one can stay loaded and on your person. Ranges just don't want people wandering in with an armload of loaded guns pointing every which way when they walk in.

 

[GOPerfect]

I hate the rules at a range. Some of the rules are just plain stupid. I hate that most of them will not allow shooting from a draw.

This is why I do not use them any longer. Glad I bought land.

 

[Mr. terzmo]

Concealed means concealed.

Never been to a range where my handgun had to be concealed. Once inside it's locked/loaded and plainly visible as like the rest of the shooters
Obviously concealed on the way there

 

[Robin]

Always use, May I, Please, and, Thank You. Thank you.
Robin Post

 

[Podmonkey]

I hate the rules at a range. Some of the rules are just plain stupid. I hate that most of them will not allow shooting from a draw.

This is why I do not use them any longer. Glad I bought land.

Some ranges are more restricive than others. The Niagara range wouldn't allow draws from holster right? The little range I go to does and they allow rapid fire as well, "within reason" ie they'd prefer you not mag dump 30 rounders.

 

[dsdmmat]

Ehh my carry gun goes with me down range. I have no issue with someone going down range with a gun strapped to their hip either concealed or not. There are wild animals down range if you have a holster weapon more power to you. We do not allow rifles to be carried down range nor guns not in holsters.

I do not see any issues with drawing a gun from a holster either, we do not have any rules against it but, I can see where it might be a concern for insurance companies.

I found evidence of a major catastrophe at the range today. Someone blew up their gun, there was glass, pieces of the laminated stock, a part of the trigger, the sling mount and blood either imbedded in the bench or all over the shoot house. I hope the person was not too terribly injured. No one has reported the accident to the club so I don't know what happened.

 

[Podmonkey]

Unless the left in an ambulance they should have picked up after themselves. Leaving bloods stains all over is gross!

 

[meketrefe]

When ranges are opened to the average public, I prefer to be alone at the range.
A lot of people do not follow the most basic rules and they also think the cleaning lady comes after they leave.

 

[Snappo]

After watching the Chris Kyle movie; I am thinking the best etiquette is to shoot alone on your private range so you don't get shot in the back by a maniac.