Are there advantages to an indoor "Square range"

[kd7nqb]

So growing up in the city as I did I first learned to shoot on a classic square range with paper target on a retractable line.

In the past 3 years and since I have started buying my own guns I have not been back to a square range, initially just because my membership expired when I was broke and I didnt renew.

Most of my shooting as been at an outdoor range which gives me the advantages of being able to shoot longer ranges with my handgun and to use my rifle, the only rifles allowed at the indoor range were .22lr.

Are there any key advantages to an indoor range? Obviously I could see advantages to a true tactical range with reactive targets and shoot, no shoot options. But dont have access to anything like that.

 

[Mr_Rogers]

kd7nqb
PM me, we will have some fun.

 

[jackstinson]

Are there any key advantages to an indoor range?

When it's 15 below zero, an indoor range is mighty nice.
When it's 105 above zero, an indoor range is mighty nice.
When it's pouring rain by the bucketfuls, an indoor range is mighty nice.
When it's snowing blizzard style, an indoor range is mighty nice.
etc etc etc etc etc etc etc
Of course, I don't shoot at the local indoor ranges due to the $8-$12 cost per half-hour. So when it's pouring rain or freezing cold, I'm out at the state park range ($24 per year) or in my basement popping Colibri's through .22's.

 

[lebowski]

Here in FL, the only advantage to an indoor range is you can retract your target whenever you want and set it at whatever distance you want. For pistol shooting at self defense distances (7-10 yds) and wanting to be able to easily see where your bullets go, I like an indoor range.

For everything else, the outdoor range is much better. Less crowded, usually more comfortable (indoor ranges can get HOT inside), shoot at longer distances, can shoot shotguns on the trap field etc. Since I joined an outdoor club/range in Jan I've only been back to an indoor range a couple of times.

 

[oneounceload]

Besides the above, indoor ranges can get LOUD, even using plugs and muffs when you have everyone firing at the same time. IME, most have so-so ventilation as well.

 

[jnyork]

Our club owns an excellent indoor range, it stays mighty busy in the wintertime.

 

[benEzra]

Convenience of access (if you live in an urban area), weather, and hours. A lot of indoor ranges are open in the evenings when an outdoor range might be closed.

 

[chris in va]

Each has it's advantages. I like outdoor ranges so I can shoot reactive targets. Indoor ranges are great for incliment weather or just punching paper.

 

[bnkrazy]

I hate indoor ranges, and avoid them as much as possible. Sure, you can shoot in the rain inside, but there are many more options on an outside / private range. There's no comparison.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

90% of my shooting has been on indoor ranges.
Minus:
1. Ventilation, especially when someone is shooting black powder
2. Noise, especially when someone is shooting a 500 S&W or something similar.
3. Calber and velocity restrictions. One range I used to go to banned ALL centerfire rifles, even pistol caliber ones, like my Marlins.
4. Range restrictions-25 yards seems to be the max for indoor ranges.
Plus:
1. All weather access
2. Greater hours of access.
3. Easier to retrieve your targets.

 

[fireflyfather]

El Cajon, California has a 100 yard indoor range. Never been.

 

[AK103K]

About the only real plus to the indoor ranges, is the brass supply.

I prefer the outdoor ranges, and especially the ones where your the only one there, and you can shoot anything you want, any way you want, to your hearts content. All that just 2 minutes away, and $25 a year.

 

[Eightball]

Just got done shooting at an indoor range facility in Crestwood, near Louisville, KY. Very well lit where it needed to be (adjustable lighting on the target, can be made very "reactive/reactionary" if the shooter wishes), climate controlled, and the ventilation system was top-notch; even using my .38 special reloads, the smoke cloud wafted away from the shooters.

Also, it was humid as heck outside during the time of day I went shooting, and there was chances of rain, so not having to worry about any of it was nice. And, as an added bonus, the walls kept me from peppering .22lr casings on my dad (in the lane to my right), and helped me recollect my .45ACP brass (kept it closer).

Mostly, I shoot on an outdoor range, but there are times that an indoor range can just be plain ol' nice.

 

[Younggunner]

I like shooting in the cold because here in Texas, the cold is welcomed after summer. When it gets past febuary I'm heading to the indoor range for some peace and air conditioning.

 

[AK103K]

Depending on how you shoot and what your trying to accomplish, the indoor ranges comfort and climate control can actually be a deceiving detriment.

When you shoot outside, year round, in all weather, you know exactly what to expect from you and your gun in all conditions. If all you shoot is artificial, you'll never know what to do with your sights when the lights up or down, how temperature or wind, rain, snow, or combination's of all, will affect your bullet impacts, what humidity will do to a wood stocked gun from season to season, and a bunch of other seemingly insignificant issues that can be very significant if your not aware of them.

Then again, you will miss annoying the anal retentive bulls eye shooter in the next stall with full auto mag dumps and a nice stream of hot brass arcing over the divider. But hey, your helping out with their concentration, right?

 

[ohioshooter]

I shoot at an indoor range in Lancaster, Ohio and it's well ventilated, air conditioning (most of the time) it only cost $13 to shoot, they have 20+ bays, and you can shoot whatever caliber you choose. (don't know about a 50 BMG) but they let me shoot my 500 S&W like it's just another gun. The only negative is that you can only shoot about 75 ft.

 

[rondog]

We have a nice indoor range here that I've been to a few times, but since they won't allow lead or plated bullets, or milsurp rifle ammo with steel cores, that kinda put the kibosh on my fun. Only place around with an indoor, underground 100 yard range, but I can't shoot my Mosin or my M1 with surplus ammo. Bah.

 

[zombienerd]

kd7nqb
PM me, we will have some fun.

Seriously, You should head to Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. I'm not joking at all. It was a most enjoyable day.

I'll say thanks again for having me over that day too.