ACBMWM3
member
i dont really like shooting my long guns at the public range.
I prefer goin off to my own little place.
I prefer goin off to my own little place.
Public Rifle Ranges...How do you shoot when
- Thread starter deerhunter61
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jerry46
Member
We have a local public range that I ocassionally go to that is not supervised. One day I was there with my brother shooting revolvers. We were on about positions 4 & 5. There were two other people to our right and no one on the first three positions. As we were shooting, out of the corner of my eye I noticed two other guys walk up to positions 1 & 2. At the time I was working on my trigger control and was just about to squeeze off a round when I heard my brother tell me to put down my gun. Then I heard the two guys that had been there before yell, "Cold range, cold range". I looked up to see the one newcomer about 20 feet downrange with several targets in his hand. He turned and asked," What's the matter, you guys aren't that bad of shots are you" ? I said to my brother, "Come on, let's go. If he will go down range while we are shooting, he will shoot while we are down there".
I had shot there in the past without problems, but I now do most of my shooting at a private range.
Jerry
I had shot there in the past without problems, but I now do most of my shooting at a private range.
Jerry
Try to avoid weekends, ranges are just friggen packed in the afternoon on friday, sat or sunday. If you go super early one of those days it's usually not to bad, but the best time to go is during the week.
I usually work at 2:30 in the afternoon until 10, so it's not a problem to get up at 9:30, have a shower and leave the house by ten to get to the range at eleven and shoot. Usually no one is there, or just a couple guys and you can do whatever you want at whatever pace you want.
Personally I never go during the weekends because like you, I hate it when it's crowded. Not only that but the more people you have at a free range with no RO, the more likely an accident by someone stupid.
I usually work at 2:30 in the afternoon until 10, so it's not a problem to get up at 9:30, have a shower and leave the house by ten to get to the range at eleven and shoot. Usually no one is there, or just a couple guys and you can do whatever you want at whatever pace you want.
Personally I never go during the weekends because like you, I hate it when it's crowded. Not only that but the more people you have at a free range with no RO, the more likely an accident by someone stupid.
zombienerd
Member
My whole life since I started shooting, I've always done so around other who were doing the same thing. I very rarely flinch or lose focus hearing other people shoot. I feel that to be the best shooter you can be, you should be able to shoot straight no matter what noises or commotion are going on around you.
Even though I'm pretty good at blocking out most other shooters while at the range, sometimes one gets me to jump a bit
I was on my 4th or 5th mag as the only shooter on the line, didn't notice the guy who walked past me down 2-3 lanes had a 500S&W with him... It's a good thing I had just finished shooting, and was reloading a magazine, when he fired his first shot, I damn near hit the ceiling
Even though I'm pretty good at blocking out most other shooters while at the range, sometimes one gets me to jump a bit
I was on my 4th or 5th mag as the only shooter on the line, didn't notice the guy who walked past me down 2-3 lanes had a 500S&W with him... It's a good thing I had just finished shooting, and was reloading a magazine, when he fired his first shot, I damn near hit the ceiling gbran
Member
I don't like public ranges. I'm lucky that I'm near public (BLM) land where I can go set up. I don't like the too numerous range breaks and the usual targeting systems.
When I go to the range, it is sometimes for fun and sometimes for work (sighting in, chrono work etc.). I take my own target stands, table, chairs, umbrella, rests, etc. I usually only have a small group with me and it's really nice with no stress or interruption.
When I go to the range, it is sometimes for fun and sometimes for work (sighting in, chrono work etc.). I take my own target stands, table, chairs, umbrella, rests, etc. I usually only have a small group with me and it's really nice with no stress or interruption.
OP
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deerhunter61
Member
There are times when I enjoy public ranges. And then there are times when I would rather be alone or with my father-in-law. The times when I enjoy shooting at public ranges is when I am simply praticing. I tend to be a lot more relaxed and things simply do not bother be as much.
But when I am working up loads and trying them then I want absolute quite around me. I do not want to waste a round due to bubba setting up next to me with a howitzer that nails me with the recoil blast and sound coming from it. That is when I get a little off center and kinda get PO'd. So if I have this kind of work to do I would rather it be when I am pretty much alone.
But when I am working up loads and trying them then I want absolute quite around me. I do not want to waste a round due to bubba setting up next to me with a howitzer that nails me with the recoil blast and sound coming from it. That is when I get a little off center and kinda get PO'd. So if I have this kind of work to do I would rather it be when I am pretty much alone.
Coal Dragger
member
Public ranges are a pain in the buttocks, I avoid them like the plague.
My biggest complaint is when shooting rifles, it's such a pain to go down range to check targets, replace targets, or paste targets.
Then you have the inevitable yahoos that show up to shoot, who display poor gun safety or range manners. I don't need to be around for auditions for the Darwin Awards thanks.
My biggest complaint is when shooting rifles, it's such a pain to go down range to check targets, replace targets, or paste targets.
Then you have the inevitable yahoos that show up to shoot, who display poor gun safety or range manners. I don't need to be around for auditions for the Darwin Awards thanks.
OP
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deerhunter61
Member
I am curious...
How many of you who shoot at public ranges have had people shoot at your targets?
A while back I have someone blazing away at one of my targets...you talk about getting PO"D! Man I was hot but the range was full and how in the world would you ever find out who was doing it?
I am sure they thought they were being cute but talk about being 100% classless. That is it.
How many of you who shoot at public ranges have had people shoot at your targets?
A while back I have someone blazing away at one of my targets...you talk about getting PO"D! Man I was hot but the range was full and how in the world would you ever find out who was doing it?
I am sure they thought they were being cute but talk about being 100% classless. That is it.
Coal Dragger
member
I have had that happen on public ranges, although given how poor some of the marksmanship is at those places I don't know if it's intentional or not.
On a funny side note when I was in college I shot for the pistol team at Missouri State, and during practice I would occasionally shoot on another shooter's target. It was so funny to watch the consternation on my buddies face as he tried to figure out how in the hell one of his shots missed the scoring rings completely. Ah the good old days.
On a funny side note when I was in college I shot for the pistol team at Missouri State, and during practice I would occasionally shoot on another shooter's target. It was so funny to watch the consternation on my buddies face as he tried to figure out how in the hell one of his shots missed the scoring rings completely. Ah the good old days.
natescout
Member
Public ranges are what you make them, you treat the people around you nice, they'll treat you nice. As for poor gun safety, a good R.O should cure that. Im lucky to have an old marine chief warrant officer as a range officer, he doesn't tolerate poor gun safety or bad range manners.
The Deer Hunter
Member
Yeah, you can practically walk anywhere into the woods and start shooting
I hate crowds, but not because of concentration. I hate having to ask "can I go shoot at 10 yards?" because our range is 100 yards rifle or 25 yards pistol. And no, you can't shoot rifle into the pistol berm. They are concerned about it falling apart...
I live in Eastern Missouri and there's a public unsupervised range on conservation land. It has an area for shotgun and then another for Rifle. I've had it to myself a few times and it was glorious.
I've been there at other times and had mixed experience. I've had the guy who's picking up brass and picks mine up without asking...that's rude.
I've met the guy who know's everythings and is convinced I know nothing and wants to tell me everything while I'm trying to shoot something.
I've met the guy who has his child or his wife and he's teaching or allowing BAD form or worse, BAD safety.
I've had guys just start walking down to targets when I'm about to fire and yes, the hot brass on the collar but I don't blame anyone for that...
And I've met the occassional quiet shooter with manners and a way about them. They're not showing off their skill or gun, just really enjoying the opportunity to shoot as one of those simple pleasures in life and once in a while we've actually talked and enjoyed the fellowship.
But I still like shooting out on private land (I don't have the options I once had) where I can practice different drills or shoot ping pong balls, etc.
The range I have doesn't have a handgun section so it's hard to practice at 7 and 10 yards. If no one is there I can step up to one of the 25 yard backstops. I'm making my own portable target holder so I can set it out in front of me at 7 but I'm not sure how that'll go over.
I'm glad I have the one I do but I wish I could afford a private one. There's a school near by and I've heard they'll let you use their range once you've taken a course with them so I might check into that.
For those of you with your own land, you're blessed!
God Bless
Gideon
I've been there at other times and had mixed experience. I've had the guy who's picking up brass and picks mine up without asking...that's rude.
I've met the guy who know's everythings and is convinced I know nothing and wants to tell me everything while I'm trying to shoot something.
I've met the guy who has his child or his wife and he's teaching or allowing BAD form or worse, BAD safety.
I've had guys just start walking down to targets when I'm about to fire and yes, the hot brass on the collar but I don't blame anyone for that...
And I've met the occassional quiet shooter with manners and a way about them. They're not showing off their skill or gun, just really enjoying the opportunity to shoot as one of those simple pleasures in life and once in a while we've actually talked and enjoyed the fellowship.
But I still like shooting out on private land (I don't have the options I once had) where I can practice different drills or shoot ping pong balls, etc.
The range I have doesn't have a handgun section so it's hard to practice at 7 and 10 yards. If no one is there I can step up to one of the 25 yard backstops. I'm making my own portable target holder so I can set it out in front of me at 7 but I'm not sure how that'll go over.
I'm glad I have the one I do but I wish I could afford a private one. There's a school near by and I've heard they'll let you use their range once you've taken a course with them so I might check into that.
For those of you with your own land, you're blessed!
God Bless
Gideon
Had a bad experience today at the local range. Its a 25 yard indoor rifle and pistol range. They are considering expanding to an outdoor 300 yard setup, which will be MUCH BETTER since there isn't anywhere within an hour drive of Charlotte to shoot it seems, outside of the 2 indoor ranges.
It was super busy, took an hour before we could shoot on the rifle side, I had picked up a few different styles of .22lr to play with, and also had my R15 to play with some. When my roomate and I finally get in, to my right is a group of 3, a man and his son and daughter, shooting an absolute arsenal of various pistols and rifles. To my left, 2 men, also shooting an arsenal. The group to the right had what I figure to be a .300 win bolt rifle, with a god awful muzzle break. Even with good ears on, it was almost painful to be next to that monstrosity. Why someone would be bothering sighting in a big rifle like that at 25 yards is beyond me. The guys to the left... they were the real problem. After blasting through a clip of .380 most of it being double taps, they would swing around with thier hands STILL IN THE TRIGGER GAURD and walk back to the back counter to get more ammo. This makes me and my roomie nervous of course, and my shooting proved it. One amusing moment came when the dad of the group on my right started railing on his son for not cleaning the AR before they brought it out. Apparently it wouldn't feed worth a damn.
I miss the country. I'm going home to the mountians next weekend, so I can shoot in relative peace.
It was super busy, took an hour before we could shoot on the rifle side, I had picked up a few different styles of .22lr to play with, and also had my R15 to play with some. When my roomate and I finally get in, to my right is a group of 3, a man and his son and daughter, shooting an absolute arsenal of various pistols and rifles. To my left, 2 men, also shooting an arsenal. The group to the right had what I figure to be a .300 win bolt rifle, with a god awful muzzle break. Even with good ears on, it was almost painful to be next to that monstrosity. Why someone would be bothering sighting in a big rifle like that at 25 yards is beyond me. The guys to the left... they were the real problem. After blasting through a clip of .380 most of it being double taps, they would swing around with thier hands STILL IN THE TRIGGER GAURD and walk back to the back counter to get more ammo. This makes me and my roomie nervous of course, and my shooting proved it. One amusing moment came when the dad of the group on my right started railing on his son for not cleaning the AR before they brought it out. Apparently it wouldn't feed worth a damn.
I miss the country. I'm going home to the mountians next weekend, so I can shoot in relative peace.
punkndisorderly
Member
It's suprising how much ranges and their clientele differ. There are at least 4 ranges within 20 miles of me.
The private range I went to until Ike forced me to move and wiped out the range was generally very empty and well maintained. I could go out on a Sunday morning and have the place to myself or a few other people unless it was deer rifle sight in season. The only thing I didn't like about it was how many people weren't really friendly and members did really stupid crap when no one was around. People shot a pole mounted electrical transformer once, the porta potty was riddled with holes, and I found all kinds of stupid stuff on the plinking range like bowling balls, metal plates, etc.
The range I go to now is generally more crowded and downright overcrowded during dear season. It's a public range run by the city and is clean, very well maintained, and has RSO's on duty at all times. People are generally really friendly. Usually I get to try out something new everytime I go out. Having to weait for the regular cease fires annoyed at first, now I just use that downtime for chit-chatting, smoking/coffee drinking, and checking out what others are shooting, etc.
I've been to two others. One is a huge private range that was nice and clean but heard that its a madhouse on weekends. Too much of a drive for me ATM. I went during the week and saw 2 other people.
The other was a private range that was just filthy. Muddy, standing water, targets were shot to hell with boards hanging. It was mobbed and cease fires were few and far between since the person that called them was busy working the counter checking the steady flow of people in.
The most fun range I've been to was a public range at a state park in Alabama. Facilities were almost nonexistant. No bathroom (other than the trees), no targets (bring your own), maybe 10 firing tables. People out there were always friendly and well behaved. We always met new people, tried and let others try whatever guns were out there. Lots of different people out there from Mountain Men to Professionals with their young kids to college students.
Generally, I don't shoot quite as well when there are others around, but the trade off in terms of social interaction is worth it to me. The only time it really gets to me is the deer hunters with muzzle brakes. Way too loud and the blast is kind of annoying if you're to either side of them. Maybe I just meet all the losers, but their owners are usually as annoying as their rifle.
The private range I went to until Ike forced me to move and wiped out the range was generally very empty and well maintained. I could go out on a Sunday morning and have the place to myself or a few other people unless it was deer rifle sight in season. The only thing I didn't like about it was how many people weren't really friendly and members did really stupid crap when no one was around. People shot a pole mounted electrical transformer once, the porta potty was riddled with holes, and I found all kinds of stupid stuff on the plinking range like bowling balls, metal plates, etc.
The range I go to now is generally more crowded and downright overcrowded during dear season. It's a public range run by the city and is clean, very well maintained, and has RSO's on duty at all times. People are generally really friendly. Usually I get to try out something new everytime I go out. Having to weait for the regular cease fires annoyed at first, now I just use that downtime for chit-chatting, smoking/coffee drinking, and checking out what others are shooting, etc.
I've been to two others. One is a huge private range that was nice and clean but heard that its a madhouse on weekends. Too much of a drive for me ATM. I went during the week and saw 2 other people.
The other was a private range that was just filthy. Muddy, standing water, targets were shot to hell with boards hanging. It was mobbed and cease fires were few and far between since the person that called them was busy working the counter checking the steady flow of people in.
The most fun range I've been to was a public range at a state park in Alabama. Facilities were almost nonexistant. No bathroom (other than the trees), no targets (bring your own), maybe 10 firing tables. People out there were always friendly and well behaved. We always met new people, tried and let others try whatever guns were out there. Lots of different people out there from Mountain Men to Professionals with their young kids to college students.
Generally, I don't shoot quite as well when there are others around, but the trade off in terms of social interaction is worth it to me. The only time it really gets to me is the deer hunters with muzzle brakes. Way too loud and the blast is kind of annoying if you're to either side of them. Maybe I just meet all the losers, but their owners are usually as annoying as their rifle.
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deerhunter61
Member
Punkndisorderly,
What range are you going to now that is public?
I used to live down there and went to the Clear Creek gun range and loved it. They had 100 and 200 yard ranges. I went back there a year ago and boy was I disappointed. The place was a dump. The folks that were running it were extremely RUDE and the cost was stupid.
The place I go to now charges by the shooter. Clear Creek wanted to charge by the gun. I respect there right to do so. The problem is when I tried to ask a question and the guy behind the counter instead of simply answering the question became irate. I did not get rude with the guy. I simply asked a question. He did not like the question. I think he must have been having a bad day...needless to say we did not shoot there that day. We went to another range and had quite a good time. And we did not have to deal with rude people.
What range are you going to now that is public?
I used to live down there and went to the Clear Creek gun range and loved it. They had 100 and 200 yard ranges. I went back there a year ago and boy was I disappointed. The place was a dump. The folks that were running it were extremely RUDE and the cost was stupid.
The place I go to now charges by the shooter. Clear Creek wanted to charge by the gun. I respect there right to do so. The problem is when I tried to ask a question and the guy behind the counter instead of simply answering the question became irate. I did not get rude with the guy. I simply asked a question. He did not like the question. I think he must have been having a bad day...needless to say we did not shoot there that day. We went to another range and had quite a good time. And we did not have to deal with rude people.
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