Shooting at an indoor range

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tightgroup tiger

tightgroup tiger

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I need to ask your opinion on something. I'm a lot like Gamestalker in that when I load my handgun ammo I load it hot. I like a .357 magnum to shoot like a .357 magnum. My 41 magnum really barks.

My 9mms are the only low powered handguns I own.

Now, I went to the indoor range today and took two of my .357 magnums with full tilt magnum loads and that whole side of the range (6 lanes) emptied out and when I was done I was in that side alone.

The range officers were all watching me shoot through the windows and all I could think was they probably will blame me for chasing off their customers.

When I was done and walked into the lobby part of the range, they didn't say anything but the owner said those were some awfully big bangs I was hearing.

Some of the range officers have complained before about me shooting my magnum loads in there, (.357, 41 and so on) but the guy that owns the place usually just says that's tough, it's a shooting range.

They rent out 44 magnums also so I don't know how they can complain. I know the cheap factory ammo they sell is low powered but it's still a shooting range.

I really like the owner and his son and family. Some of his employees I could do without.

With all that said, and from most of you probably being on the receiving end of loads like mine, do you think I'm being rude by shooting really load magnum loads at an indoor range? I pay to shoot like the rest of them do but I want your honest opinions.
 
They got muffs or plugs right? If still too loud, suggest some better ones. Lol.

Shoot on, that's what I'd do. You pay to shoot your ammo just like everyone does
 
tightgroup tiger said:
I need to ask your opinion on something. I'm a lot like Gamestalker in that when I load my handgun ammo I load it hot. I like a .357 magnum to shoot like a .357 magnum. My 41 magnum really barks.

My 9mms are the only low powered handguns I own.
Click to expand...

You're actually a bit of a light weight. I would be shooting a 50 AE or a 460 S&W Magnum.:D
 
......but the owner said those were some awfully big bangs I was hearing.
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Maybe the owner's way of mentioning it so not to offend you. You've paid your fee & should be able to shoot what's allowed.
...but the guy that owns the place usually just says that's tough, it's a shooting range.
Click to expand...
He's right; let's hope the other patrons get used to magnums in the house.
 
I double plug when shooting in a indoor range. I took my sound meter with me early on to get an idea on actually how loud it would get. I was 1 by from the wall with a mag shooter 2 down form me, dividers between stations. My meter was registering over 140db ~8' away. They do not make a single plug that works for that level. Most who shoot on a regular basis double plug.

The only thing I check is the ventilation system make sure the smoke is going away from me. Several time I have moved to different station due a exhaust fan not working.

My guess was shooters not a custom to big bore magnum. They can be fun shoot.

Don't sweet it, you paid to shoot and no policy was violated.
 
Yes and no

I have refrained from shooting certain loads when I have been next to a family where younger or obviously less experienced shooters are being instructed.

My shooting buddy often offers to let them shoot his 500 S&W. (He keeps a stock of ammo in his range bag that go from pipsqueak loads in graduated power levels all the way up to barn-burners, so no no newcomers to the cartridge is ever surprised by the recoil.)


I recall once, when he unleashed one, I was standing back and got a roofload of snow dumped on me, loosened by the concussion. But that was my fault entirely.

We usually warn our neighbors before setting off his 500 or my Casull

Courtesy is simple.

Lost Sheep
 
Are you allowed to shoot the hot stuff - yes.
Should you always shoot the hot stuff indoors when other shooters are effected - maybe not always.

I have a feeling you already know that or you wouldn't have made this post. Just because you have the right and can doesn't mean you have to. Is there something wrong with being a good neighbor?
 
I agree, if you thought it was coolio you wouldn't have made this thread..
If you're busting ultra hot loads through a comp'd snubbie/AR next to a kid and his pops learning on a .22lr, you're NOT okay and I'm sure most folks would have a few choice words for you.

I remember when I was younger learning to shoot with my dad someone brought some super hot loads in some revolver and just rapid fire blasted all of his ammo at his target at 10 yards. Moved everything on our bench, until things started to fall off. His target looked like it had been peppered with a 12 ga at 75 yards.
Leaves an impression on others you're acting selfishly and not being very considerate.

If you're chasing away most of their patrons, maybe try talking to the guy who owns it if he can place you somewhere away from most folks, or close to a wall.
 
Tightgroup Tiger, when I read your post I just had to laugh, as I've been asked to leave more than once over the years.

A while back I walked into one of our local indoor ranges, and fact being that what I shoot is full house, I was completely up front with them, and I was specific about this, in that I would be shooting full house H110 jacketed .357 and 44 mag. and wanted to know if that was acceptable. Without hesitation they told me to enjoy myself, no problem, that is until I emptied the first cylinder of .357's. Before I had finished off the first cylinder a couple of the other shooters practically ran out of the lanes and talked with the range guy / owner. As I was reloading my next cylinder he walked up to me and asked me to step into the lobby for a pow wow. What the heck are you shooting, is it published loads, are they safe, cause I'm telling you it's even loud out here. I showed him the data which was written on the plastic cartridge holders, and assured him they were completely safe, and well within published range. He then asked me if I had any other less potent ammo with me to shoot instead, which of course I didn't. He then apologized for misinterpreting what I meant by full house magnum loads, and then gave me back my range fee.

Like I said, this has happened more than just a couple times at various ranges, so now I just use outdoor ranges or just set up in the desert some place. but even at the outdoor ranges shooters next to my lane will vacate to a different shooting lane to get out of the range of the massive muzzle blast.

And no, I don't feel like you / we are being rude at all, but what I do think is that most fellows don't often experience the real deal full tilt stuff. I think they either become uncomfortable with the Db levels, or they get worried that the loads might pose a risk of a KB, possibly over book loads.

BTW, if you need some tips on some safe, yet definitely full tilt 9mm and .40 loads, send me a PM. I think Arch does a good deal of this stuff also.

GS
 
Just to reiterate, I always do everything in my power to clearly inform the range guy that I intend to shoot full tilt loads, as that is all I load and shoot. I also try my best to put as much distance between me and others, just out of respect. But those of us that shoot this type of ammunition, know that there is only so much one can do to minimize the effect of full tilt magnum loads on others.

And for me, it's not about trying to make some type of statement, not at all. I just plain and simple enjoy shooting the full tilt magnum stuff, nothing else satisfies me, which is why I own magnum handguns in the first place. And when I'm asked to leave, I never feel bad about it, I completely understand and respect their position. But I don't think they understand the meaning of what "full tilt magnum" means. Everyone seems to think of them as "hot loads" which they are not. They are simply mid to upper end H110/296 published loads, nothing more, nothing less. To me a "hot load" is that which is loaded beyond the published table, something of which I never engage in.

GS
 
I usually do warn them that I will be shooting magnums and ask if they have anyone in the range that would be noise sensitive. I have also told the people in the lanes next to me that I would be shooting something really load and ask if they mind. They usually say to have at it, until the walls start vibrating, but they still don't complain.

I don't cut loose with anything I shoot, and it irritates me when I here someone else do it. I shoot for accuracy, not for noise, but these are hunting guns and hunting loads and we have no outdoor ranges within 100 miles of here. Yesterday I was practicing double action trigger control with a 4"model 28 and a GP100.

My loads were published book max loads from Lyman's 49th edition with 125 gr with Power Pistol and 158 gr loads with 2400 and I also will not go over published loads with even my N- frames. But your right Gamestalker, I don't think the majority of the members there even know what a real magnum is supposed to sound like, they think the cheaply made practice ammo is the real deal.

If I see husband/wife combos or fathers trying to teach their daughters how to shoot I wait for another day so I don't ruin their experience. If I see people practicing bullseye type shooting, I don't worry about it. They are the ones that complain, their usually are shooting a 22 rimfire. I always figured they should be used to a range and loud guns since their there all the time.

But like I said and some of you have said, I paid my fee also but I wanted some opinions to think about before I have to go sit in a corner.
 
Wonder what it'd sound like in a indoor range with my hunting loads? 158gr XTP over full load of 296. They're pretty load outdoors. Even turned a few heads last time I went to outdoor range. Lol
 
Be a good neighbor. Just because there is no rule on magnum loads, doesn't mean you need to give them a reason to make one.

Save the magnums for days when no one is there or it isn't crowded. It may be a gun range, but it is still indoors and your guns should use their "inside voices"
 
Common courtesy goes a long way, in my opinion. How you go about this is important.

Personally, I don't mind full power loads. And it seems that most people who shoot full power loads are the ones who are going to be pumping several hundred rounds down range, either. They come, they shoot a box or two (per gun, maybe) and they're done.

Every once in a while some inconsiderate jerk seems to put in an appearance, and I'm sure you've all seen one here and there. He comes, he sets up, then he proceeds to blast away as fast as he can, pumping round after round down range. Usually can't hit anything worth a darn either, but that doesn't seem to be his intent. Comes across to me as a testosterone showing, not target shooting.

If it were me, I'd probably pick a moment to let the other shooters know I'd be shooting some full power loads.


Other than that...if the range has no prohibitions on power that affects you, then shoot away. That's what ranges are for.

:)
 
When I joined there I asked what I was allowed to shoot, they told me anything up to 460 magnum and no bolt action pistols or 5.7x 28s. Other than that I was good. I've never seen any gun bigger than a 44magnum in there though.

I think it's hypicritical that they rent 44magnum revolvers and sell ammo for them, then make comments about my little .357s.

If the place is full I usually don't shoot my magnums out of courtesy and like I said above, I usually warn the range officers and people around me that I will be shooting magnums and ask if they would mind. I haven't had a single person on the range say anything but "go ahead".

But I'm also trying to read the warning signs.

Wonder what it'd sound like in a indoor range with my hunting loads? 158gr XTP over full load of 296.
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JW, I imagine your loads would vibrate the walls like mine do. Everyone in the front lobby jumps up and comes running to the windows to see what the explosion was. You and I would both get a timeout.

I think I'll talk with the owner and his son, first to find out what their true concerns are. They know I load all my own loads and maybe concerned with over loading (which I don't do). And second to ask when would be a good time that I can shoot with minimal impact of the other customers.
 
If you're chasing away most of their patrons, maybe try talking to the guy who owns it if he can place you somewhere away from most folks, or close to a wall.
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I don't know that I am chasing anyone away or it they are respecting my rights and just simply moving to the other side of the center wall.

The owners and I are on very good terms and I know they don't want to loose my business so I will talk to them about this and find out if there are any real complaints and who is actually complaining.

If I have to I'll change ranges.

Thank you everyone for you comments, I want to do what's right for everyone.

I'm on vacation this week so I call them today and let you all know what is said.
 
If you set up in the lane next to me and start shooting something that shakes the walls, all I can say is YOU BETTER LET ME SHOOT A FEW! :D
 
I don't mind the big loads. If you flinch when others are firing it's a good bet you flinch when you're firing.

I will say that I see people standing or even leaning on the bench inside their stall when shooting. For one it's not good form and I also notice if your barrel is well outside your stall and down range the noise deadening material or whatever you want to call it isn't really doing much for the neighboring stall. I thought that's why they put the stuff up.
 
The rules

As long as you are doing no damage to the range keep right on shooting.
 
If I know it's a crowded day in the winter I will shoot the smaller stuff. But in the summer and nice spring days I shoot outdoors. I do remember one crowded wintery day a guy brought his kids. A couple guys were firing big magnums. His daughter looked very upset and was crying shortly after. Now maybe the dad just shouldn't have brought his kids but man that's not furthering the activity. I can think of alternatives such as larger indoor ranges with big bore rooms or dad bring kids on light days or wait until they are older. ......etc. ..
 
Shooting indoors requires additional common courtesy. Even doubled up with plugs and muffs, someone shooting a 50 S&W or a 454 in the next lane will effect you physically. It's not just about noise but also the physical concussion. If you shoot enough of these hot rounds indoors, you will mess up your hearing. Sound doesn't only travel through your ears. Your eyes/retinas are also at risk if you shoot a lot of these large hot calibers - even with glasses on.

With that said, hot 357 mags are really that loud or generate that much blowback, but people are all different. Personally, I only shoot indoors when there is no choice due to weather or time.
 
I very sensitive to seeing children at the range. I don't shoot anything louder than a 9mm when I see them. I also don't enjoy scaring people.

Walkalong, Thank you for your latitude on this post.

I'll have a reply from the range I shoot at, right after 12:00 noon, I'll talk to the owners and find out how they feel about this.

I'll let all of you know what they say.

And again, thank for your honest comments.
 
The people that complain about noise at an indoor range are the same that complain about the smoke from a muzzle loader at an outdoor range.

My wife and I were testing some loads for her hunting rifle and the group next to us were trying to get their slide fire stock to work. I knew they do not allow rapid fire at this range. Found the RO and asked him if the rules had changed and he said "yes".

The wife and I waited till the group was done and then we finished with her rifle. They were there first and were not braking any rules (although they were lucky if the could hit the ground with the wasted of aim and ammo)

We could have kept firing but chose to wait. Same goes for when we shoot Black powder. Some people complain, They act like I'm making the wind blow in their direction or making the wind not blow so the smoke blinds everybody.

We are all shooters and should be polite to each other, but as long as I'm being safe and not endangering anybody or anything I will continue.
 
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