My gun is too loud?

[harpethriver]

Kodiak-the shock from a Barrett .50 can't be eliminated with a .99 pair of ear plugs. I fail to see why we can't look to the right and the left before firing, and size up the situation. Since more than noise is produced, if an adjacent shooter appears to be unaware of what's about to happen, then we have an obligation to allow that person the opportunity to stand back and feel the effects from an adequate distance before he or she makes the decision to get up close. We owe it to ourselves, others, and the shooting sports in general to be as considerate as possible whenever possible.

 

[Rockrivr1]

I've also had a similiar situation when I take my Serbu BFG-50 to the range. I usually try to set up at the end, but some days the range is busy and you set up where you can.

Once I started firing, I wasn't paying very close attention to my neighbors. After about 10 rounds I stopped for a "shoulder rest" and looked around. There were still people there but they were crowded as far away from me as possible.

A shooter who looked to be in his 60s walked by me with a scowl and made a comment on how loud my "Damn" rifle was. I offered to let him shoot off a round and it was funny how fast his demeanor changed. Of course his friends had to come over and watch. It was actually good though. A few of them tried the rifle and everyone left happy.

 

[jsalcedo]

If the folks who were offended by the CETME were a couple of lanes down I would have warned them that my rifle was loud as heck.

They were 10 lanes down and seperated by a wall of railroad ties.

I agree that a concussion waves from a braked rifle is bad. I felt it.

Some guys came over to see what the commotion was and I let them shoot off a mag. They left happy

It is probably going to be wise for me to segregate myself as much as possible with this gun. Or try to bring extra ammo for my new friends

 

[Kodiak AK]

harpethriver
I have never been around one , but I don't doubt you . I just stated the double up is SOP for me . I feel it is pure stupidy not too. More so when you actually need your ears to work right for something else you enjoy out of life . Though granted there where a few times with the ex I wished I was deaf ...

 

[Mark Tyson]

Oh for the love of Pete, they're GUNS for God's sake! They're supposed to be loud!

Tell those folks to go take up knitting if they want a nice quiet hobby.

And yes, I've been to the range next to some noisy rifles before, even to the point that they made me a little skittish being in the adjacent lane. You know what I did? I went and got better ear protection.

Sheesh

 

[Slimjim]

I was about 5 lanes over from a guy shooting one of those Grizzly 50 BMG single shot rifles......talk about F-ing LOUD!!! The shock wave just rips through you........you cannot help but flinch.......or am I that big a wuss? I didn't complain.....that's part of going to a public range. I thought it was a pretty exciting experience to be that close to the muzzle blast.....eye and ear opening!! I had to stop and wait till he was done before I flinched through the rest of the day. At $2 a shot for the ammo he didn't take too long before he was out.

Heck, id have asked the guy if i could have shot it.

 

[harpethriver]

OK-one last attempt and I'm outta here. There are 2 problems-the noise and the shock. Noise should be taken for granted-if you go to the range and aren't prepared then you're...well, not prepared. Shock from a .50 is not something the average shooter has experienced, therefore we can't expect someone exposed to it for the first time to be thrilled about it. Granted the people JS spoke of were 10 lanes down, and, in my opinion did act rudely. Common sense, and just plain good manners dictates that before we shoot the .50s that we make sure those around us know what's in store for them. The implication that those who can't handle it are somehow wimps, or the assertion that it's a gun range therefore one should expect it is a rude and misguided excuse for being inconsiderate.

 

[jsalcedo]

good manners dictates that before we shoot the .50s that we make sure those around us know what's in store for them.

Good advice.

 

[Dionysusigma]

The first time I ever shot anything at a range, I was using a Springfield M1-A with the walnut stock, etc. that I had rented from the range. The first shot I cracked off let off such a BOOM that the people behind me were cussing up a storm with the usual "What the IS that thing?!?"

I just kinda smiled and gave 'em all the limited knowledge I had about .308 and M1s. They put up with it, though... and a couple of 'em wanted to rent it after I was done with it too.

The next time I went, I had just bought my first gun, a Marlin 60. Whilst emptying it onto a target 10yds away I failed to notice the guy with a .44 Dragoon BP setting up next to me. Let's just say that my next shot was 8" high when the blast wave hit me. He apparently noticed, and let out a hasty "I'm sorry, I forgot how loud this thing was." I laughed and said that the only thing that bugged me was the fact I couldn't see my target anymore, thanks to the cloud his revolver had emitted.

Worst groups I've ever shot in my life, but ah well.

 

[Daedalus]

I like the loud ones. In fact I like to stand next someone who is bumping a Cetme or a SAR 1 because the thumping concussion is part of what I like about the range.

 

[XLMiguel]

Nonney-nonney-neener-neener-nyah-yah-yah It's a shooting range, it supposed to be loud. I mostly shoot at indoor ranges, mostly with other pistol shooters, but sometimes, someone birings in a Big GuN. I figure they have as much right to be there as I do, and I can move away,double up on ear protection, etc. Last time I was at the NRA range we had a Mag/ Research BFR in 450 Marlin. It was really pretty loud, but all that happened was abunch of folks wandering over to see what the noise was about and trying to snag a shot or two. The owner was flattered and several folks had a turn and we had a lot of fun..

Dang. I hate it when that happens

 

[Hillman]

Much like others choose to go to the football stadium for the 'whole experience' I'd rather go to a range that has other people shooting. It's the 'whole experience' thing, I guess.

I expect noise, shock waves, and the smell of powder. I always have a much better time at the range if there's a lot going on.

I shoot a SW640 (.357 snubby). Not the quietest gun on the range by any means, but I find it fun to shoot. And since it's my current carry gun, I have an obligation to run rounds through it --- usually a box of 38spl, and maybe a half box of 357. When I make the switch over from 38 to 357, I'll let others around me know during the cold call.

Worst experience: A RO reminded me the 38s were quieter, and he'd rather I practice rapid fire with 38s than measured shots with the magnums. (Not really all that bad, is it?)

Best experience: The guy at my side was happy, because he was waiting to break out his 44mag. We traded lanes a few times to shoot each other's guns.

 

[pignock]

I shoot at an unsupervised, outdoor, public range and I actually had a guy complain about the noise from my postban, unbraked bushmaster(apparently he thought everyone else should just shoot 22LRs like him).

I keep a few packs of disposable foam plugs just for times like that - and the guys that show up with fingers for earplugs

 

[TechBrute]

I like a lot of loud shooting going on around me when I'm training. If you can't hit anything with a guy shooting NEXT TO you, you won't hit anything with a guy shooting AT you.

 

[mtnbkr]

If you can't hit anything with a guy shooting NEXT TO you, you won't hit anything with a guy shooting AT you.

I'll try to remember that next time I'm testing handloads for hunting.

Not every trip to the range is a tryout for SEEL Team 6 1/2.

Chris

 

[cratz2]

My honest opinion (and I only read about five responses before typing this one) is that if you aren't violating any range rules and the rangemaster didn't say anything, I wouldn't worry about it. If you wanna be extra cuddly and nice, you could probably ask the rangemaster specifically, but if he/she didn't say anything, it's probably all cool.

At the same time, I on very rare occasions have been put off by certain shooters. For quite a while, 100 yard shooting with my Dan Wesson 22 revolver was my big thing. One time, a guy was shooting a 3" 44 Magnum that was ported was in the lane right next to me. I couldn't concentrate on the 100 yards shooting so just moved ahead with my 9mm shooting. After a couple cold ranges, I asked him about the gun and he let me put 12 rounds through it. I opted to just shoot specials as I wanted to continue shooting at 100 yards again when I could. Very nice guy, very loud gun but I never thought of cussing at him or even asking him nicely to stop shooting it.

Another time at a friends place, we were shooting several military type rifles including my AR, an SKS and a Garand and two Savage bolt guns. From where we were shooting, I was about 150 yards away and from various positions, I had a chance to hear my AR and a 223 Savage without hearing protection. The Savage, I could literally listen to just about all day from that distance. The AR was... well... alarmingly loud without hearing protection. Not so much that it was unbearably loud, just the difference between a 26" straight barrel and a 20" with ports was... as I said, very alarming.

 

[Mike Irwin]

I've had people bitch at me when I've been shooting hot .357 or .41 Mag. loads.

One guy ticked me off so badly that I just looked at him and said "This isn't a library. What do you expect?"

I look at it the same as if someone goes to a NASCAR race and then complains about the lack of mufflers.

 

[Mike Irwin]

"I can see where she's coming from. Even though I LOVE shooting guns, I am terribly sensitive to loud noises."

What, with a baby in the house you should be almost immune to loud noises!

Now that I know that, though, I can see myself having a LOT of fun the next time we get toge BOO!

 

[TechBrute]

quote:
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If you can't hit anything with a guy shooting NEXT TO you, you won't hit anything with a guy shooting AT you.
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I'll try to remember that next time I'm testing handloads for hunting.

Not every trip to the range is a tryout for SEEL Team 6 1/2.

Chris

Yeah, I practice with my carry weapon. I must be a "SEEL" wannabe. Did you have to draw it out in crayon to make that assumption? I was just stating my preference for a lot of abient gunfire. Didn't mean to piss in your cornflakes with my uber-tacticool mindset. I didn't realize that trying to obtain some level of proficiency with my pistol was so "SEEL-like."

And I'm going to stick by the statement you quoted. If you can't hit anything with a guy shooting NEXT TO you, you won't hit anything with a guy shooting AT you. Stay with me now... that doesn't mean that I think you should have to do it the way I do.

 

[mtnbkr]

Yeah, I practice with my carry weapon. I must be a "SEEL" wannabe.

My apologies. I went back and read your post. I missed the "when I'm training" part. I read it as a blanket recommendation, not a statement of what you prefer.

I'm sceptical that background noise at a range prepares anyone for a gun battle (I think the person pointing the gun at you would be more distracting), but that's just my opinion.

Chris

 

[TechBrute]

I'm sceptical that background noise at a range prepares anyone for a gun battle (I think the person pointing the gun at you would be more distracting), but that's just my opinion.

I agree that it doesn't necessarily prepare you for a gunfight, but it helps me work on maintaining concentration when there are other distractions. Kind of like having your buddy randomly smack you upside the head as you're trying to hit a target, only less painful. I don't know of a safe way to train with someone actually shooting AT me.

 

[Pylon]

That lady is retarded. I say shoot as you normally would. Rangemaster didn't complain, you shouldn't worry. She should expect the gun range to be noisey.

She reminds me of one of those people who buy a pet Tiger and then end up killing the Tiger when it eats their dog or baby. I mean, what do you expect?!?!


-Pylon

 

[GraniteState]

Where did she think she was?

Your etiquette was ok. Maybe you could have informed the other shooters, but I don't think that's a necessity. After all you are at the range.

Her etiquette stunk.

My wife, son and I were at the indoor range earlier today. 5 lanes, no sound absorption so the shots really reverberate. This fella started shooting a .44 after we signed in. No warning. After the first round he steps back and sees the rest of the shooters hanging as far away as possible. We're all smiling and ask what he's shooting. He tells us and says he'll be done in a minute and when the outdoor range opens he go outside. Perfectly acceptable.

We made a couple new friends today, she didn't.

 

[artherd]

TAKE THAT, COBRA! <BOOOM!>

Guns are loud. A Range is a public place, with lots of loud things. All you can do is extend a little courtesy, and not sit down right next to anybody.

You were 10 lanes over? That's plenty.

She was incredibly rude. No excuse for that kind of behavior.

Now, if she came over during a cease fire, and nicely asked "Hey, I don't want to bother you, but we're getting kinda ruffled by your muzzle blast." You could have then said "Oh, sorry, I'll move down to the end, and go to the restroom and try these ear plugs under your muffs!"



I'm sorry, but if the guy next to me is shooting a .44mag, I just go double-up on plugs and muffs and keep pluging away with my 9mm. Sometimes I don't even do that. (Hey, if someone's ever shooting AT ME, I want to have some conditioning to fire back and not wet my pants.)

Rifles are no different. Guns are LOUD!

Ask her to vote to legalise suppressors! (verbotten in the PRK. I should sue the DOJ for hearing loss...)

 

[Black Snowman]

I like big guns. Particularly big pistols. If there is someone shooting 22 nearby or if someone seems to be teaching another shooter I'll hold off shooting it until they leave or ask them if they mind or if I'm really itchy I'll warn them 1st. Most people want to watch when I touch off the .50 AE anyway.

When I recently went to an outdoor range and someone whipped out an AR-50 he gave people plenty of warning before he shot and made sure everyone was clear of the blast and ready for it. No problems. Amazing how everyone seemd to gather around when he announced it. . . but not too close

Being on the other end of the range there wasn't really anything more you could do unless they had enough common sense to ask, or wait until you finished, or did something proactive. Of course, being modern American it's just so much more satisfying to blame you. Obviously you should have been psychicly aware of their trauma.

I pitty those kinds of people. Always angery about petty things that are fully in their power to correct. Too bad they end up screwing up everyone else's lives too.