Range Etiquette: Magnums versus Shell-Shuckers

[WebHobbit]

I shot my shiny new .44 Magnum Ruger Bisley at an indoor range not too long ago. I fired about 70 rounds of Federal American Eagle 240 grain Magnums. I was pretty pleased with the gun and my first time shooting it.

One of my buddies (THR's Glocksman) who came along complained to me later about the "awful blast" from my magnum. He actually suggests that when using an indoor range one should really limit the ammo to ".44 special only". :rolleyes: Yeah right!

He said it was annoying and distracting shooting in the lane next to me.

:rolleyes:

He went on about how he could not only hear the boom but could "feel the force from the blast, every time I fired".

:rolleyes:

Boo-Frigging Hoo! :neener:

I told him that was only because he was so used to his wimpy Glock 19's wee little report. :D

Then he threw this in:

"The guy on the other side of your lane was also complaining about your Magnum. He said it was annoying and distracting to him and his shooting too."

You know what? All that brass flying over into my lane from his Glock and the assorted .45 ACP and rifle brass coming from the other complainer was annoying as all hell to me too but I didn't complain as I take that as one of the draw backs to an indoor range. I mean you didn't rent the whole range, just ONE LANE. If the guy next to you wants to fire a bazooka then that's between him and the range owner!

Magnum blast and noise may be annoying but hot brass down the shirt is downright painful but you don't hear me crying about it!

So lets make it a poll question. What's more annoying brass flying into your lane or a Magnum shooter next door?

[.45FMJoe]

definately the brass. Besides, get used to the loud bangs...if you are in a gunfight, guess what you are gonna hear?

[Darrin]

Only the first magnum fired is the one that sucks. By then, however, I'll be expecting the handcannon and use that and part of my target practice. However, hot brass can leave a mark. (Right, bowlcut? :evil: )

He went on about how he could not only hear the boom but could "feel the force from the blast, every time I fired".

A co-worker and I were at an outdoor range shooting rifles at 100 yds. Me and my .22lr, he with his 7mm mag Rem700. He's on the table using a bi-pod and I'm on the ground on the opposite side of the table. Before I could get a shot off, I heard a BOOM and felt the shockwave go through my whole body. Slightly stunned, I stood up, grabbed my rifle, and just walked to the other end of the range, and started to shoot my now very very very quiet .22. :D

[355sigfan]

definately the brass. Besides, get used to the loud bangs...if you are in a gunfight, guess what you are gonna hear?
END

Actually you will not hear much of anything in gunfights audatory exclusion takes hold and most can't hear much of anything other than slight pops.
PAT

[GitSome45]

Took buddies new Ruger .454 Cassull to the range, loaded it up with full power .454 loads, quietly peeked around wall at everyone going "pop, pop pop" with their 9mm`s ...

BOOM...BOOM...BOOM...

Looked around wall again...:D

(Everybody was looking , but with the SAME look on their faces...HORROR)

Some left, but one guy asked me what I was shooting, and I told him, and even let him shoot a few rounds through it....

Moral of story... I paid just as much as the next guy for my membership... I shot a BIG gun...Some chose to take offense and leave, but others showed tolerance/ interest, and actually were able to experience the weapon for themselves...they benefitted.

In the Chinese Language, the Symbol for "CRISIS" and "OPPORTUNITY" is the same symbol...

How do YOU view the world and what goes on in it...?

JMHO,

Howard

[high_caliber]

Just wait till someone with a 50 cal pulls into the bench next to you. After the muzzle blast blows a few things off your bench, you'll be glad to put up with a little brass or pistol blast.

[Majic]

If the blast from a firearm bothers you, then you should rethink the idea of going to a gun range. It is not a quiet sport.

[WebHobbit]

Majic -- agreed!

[ACP]

I third that. You're all at a range. Deal with it. The only time I complain is when someone is violating a safety rule.

[J Miller]

Shooting is a loud sport...........like duh!

When I pay my admissions fee, I follow the safety rules and shoot what I have. If I am shooting magnums and / or +P loads, so what?
When I am shooting and someone starts shooting a fire breathing, pressure belching something, I just keep shooting. Sometimes I'll set back and watch.

But I can't tolerate brass bouncing off me. On that subject I think ranges should put up drop nets between all shooting positions. It wouldn't cost too much. And it would prevent some burn injuries.

[Sean Smith]

Other people's brass is more annoying by far. Though a .454 is pretty damn loud indoors... :eek:

[arinvolvo]

You should have dialed WHINE.. ONE.. ONE and told them to send the WHAAAAA mbulance.

[glocksman]

This indoor range only has 8 or 9 lanes, so it's small.

Just imagine that you're shooting for accuracy (why practice otherwise?) and just as you're releasing the trigger comes a *BOOM* that you not only hear over the reports from everyone else's gun on the range, but you actually feel it.

I don't know about the rest of you, but that tends to throw my aim off a little.


Now I know WebHobbit doesn't care about accuracy as he can't shoot very well anyway :neener: , but I like to see if I can improve my score a little.

Oh, and my Glock may be 'wee', but I've put thousands of rounds through it and I haven't had to send it in for repairs. Unlike some wee little poster who had to send in his carry gun after a mere 700 rounds. :p

[Shaughn Leayme]

I think that when it comes to magnums that we (universal) should evaluate exactly what kind of shooting is going on in the range and then deciding if one should start shooting, rather unfair if there are some junior league shooters there practicing with thier 22's and you are assaulting them with the blast and shockwave of magnum rounds.

That is the kind of thing that can lead to shooters giving up the sport, because they perceive it to be no fun when subjected to the blast and flash of a magnum shooter next to them.

We don't want that to happen.

Now for an auto loader, I always try to pick the lane at the far right, so as not to subject anyone to flying brass and if at a range that has insufficent lane barriers, I wear earplugs and muffs with the head band resting ont he back of my neck and a stetson, instead of a baseball cap.

Keeps brass off my neck and head and out of my shirt.

Yes it is an indoor range and yes we pay to use it, but we should also be courteous as well.

I have heared of ranges that do not allow magnum rounds, because a cadre of shooters were causing a problem because they were always firing Magnum rounds and disturbing the other shooters who weren't enjoying themselves and found other places to go and shoot or possibly quit altogether.

We do not want to alienate our fellow shooters or to cause new shooters to quit because they are not having any fun.

which is more annoying? both and neither, depends what I am doing at the time and place.

[seeker_two]

Definitely hot brass.

Magnum BOOOM's tend to attract me to the source so that I can make some too...:D

[Sactown]

Hands down it's the fly'n brass. I double up on the ear protection when I shoot handguns. YOu have to protect your hearing.

[MoNsTeR]

Shooting underneath a thunderstorm of hot brass at least teaches you calm under pressure. Shooting next to a guy with a .44 just knocks your teeth out.

[WebHobbit]

glocksman said:

Now I know WebHobbit doesn't care about accuracy as he can't shoot very well anyway , but I like to see if I can improve my score a little.


Oh, and my Glock may be 'wee', but I've put thousands of rounds through it and I haven't had to send it in for repairs. Unlike some wee little poster who had to send in his carry gun after a mere 700 rounds.


1) It IS a bit harder to get really small groups with a handgun that ACTUALLY has some oomph.

2) Do you EVER listen to what I tell you? I sent the 640 in to get it repolished and I figured to have some action work done while it was there. The gun functioned fine and was still accurate as ever. S&W gave me a report that said the forcing-cone had some erosion and recommended I PAY them to fix it. Now all that is outlined in another thread here but I just mention it here for the sake of accuracy as I didn't send it IN FOR REPAIRS as you have stated.

:rolleyes:

[10-Ring]

I can pretty much block out sounds when I'm shooting. Being distracted w/ brass from my neighbor is another issue :fire:

[glocksman]

S&W gave me a report that said the forcing-cone had some erosion and recommended I PAY them to fix it. Now all that is outlined in another thread here but I just mention it here for the sake of accuracy as I didn't send it IN FOR REPAIRS as you have stated.

OK. I'll correct the statement to say 'gun that was found in need of repair after only 700 rounds'

Better?

[cool45auto]

The flying brass by far. But even that I take in stride. It's part of the sport. Use the loud reports as a training tool. See if you can still get good shots off while not being distracted.

Wear ear plugs and ear muffs.

[WebHobbit]

OK. I'll correct the statement to say 'gun that was found in need of repair after only 700 rounds'

Better?

Yep. Much. Changes the whole context.

:D

[Tman]

I always thought of the big booms and flying brass as just a part of range life. Its not like the person in the next stall is throwing those things at you. The only problem I really have with flying brass is getting conked on the noggin with .45 brass. :(

[Hal]

(Where is that C.R Sam fella anyhow?)
To quote him:
"You can't script your next encounter"

Flying brass and loud noises are part of the *game*.

Deal with it or take up knitting or flower arrangement. I can guarentee a BG isn't going to back off because some brass may be coming in your direction, or his magnum is too loud.

[Majic]

Once at an outdoor range I had a fellow shooter next to me complain several times (rather loudly once) of the smoke and smell of the black powder I was shooting. Considering I was at the range and shooting before he arrived and for the better part of the hour he was there he was constantly retrieving brass from around my feet and off my bench, I found it rather ironic. Some people must have it their way or no way. It is a shame they have to live on this world with the rest of us.

[Nick96]

Flying brass is most annoying. Funny though, it only seems to be an issue with people that come in with a newish looking gun, in the factory box, shoot up 50 rounds in about 15 minutes that end up all over the paper down range. So, I end up making my shots while they are reloading - knowing they will be going away shortly.

I can't say I've really been bothered with magnum revolver blast though. Believe it or not, the blast from .40's seems more sharp and annoying - especially when they are popping them off pretty rapidly.

What's really annoying is people that come in with apparently little skill, knowledge, training, seriousness - or a combination of all. I end up keeping a periferal eye on them to make sure they don't shoot me or someone else. Typically it's the same people described in the first paragraph.

[Darrin]

Don't ask how, but at an indoor range today, I was getting hit by brass, (there are walls separating each lane), from a guy 2 lanes over!



*cough*cough*dave*cough*cough* :D

[yesterdaysyouth]

only time i ever got to shoot in a lane was in my ccw class, guy on my left has a 92f and guy on my right had a 22/45.....

i only took 3 brass to the check but those guys got 25 rnds of 44 mag. powder blast to the face.... the ammo i was shooting at first was 180gr jhp from the early 80's so it was HOT!! at least compared to the last 10 rnds of 180 umc.... oh and we were shoulder to shoulder, :D

im pretty sure the guy with the 22 was pretty shook up, the 92 guy was probally the first time he shot the pistol, it looked brand new and he was all over the target at 7 yds...

[Billy Sparks]

I think that when it comes to magnums that we (universal) should evaluate exactly what kind of shooting is going on in the range and then deciding if one should start shooting, rather unfair if there are some junior league shooters there practicing with thier 22's and you are assaulting them with the blast and shockwave of magnum rounds.

Just playing devils advocate here. By the same token if I have arrived at the range I am paying a yearly membership for should I turn around and leave if I brought the "wrong" caliber? At which point your are forcing me to leave and find another place to shoot.

[bpisler]

The indoor range where i was a member banned all magnum ammo because they thought the mags were to loud.I guess they never heard 357sigs or 10mm's,my last trip i took my friends ruger blackhawk and some of his 300gr 45 colt reloads,i got off 6 shots before the rangemaster came in ready to throw me out for shooting magnums.I told him they were 45 colts,not magnums,at this point he looked a little confused but told me they were too loud anyway.I justed packed up and left.I now shoot at a outdoor range and have no problems.

[Edward429451]

I dont mind the blast and I can deal with the brass, those are things that let you know you're on a range. The thing thats annoying sometimes is it seems that invariably when I go up to shoot some big boomers, some twit brings a kid or two right up into the next lane with no muffs or plugs for their kids.It makes it hard to sluff it off and keep shooting with the kids there, knowing they have no ear protection.

[Preacherman]

It makes it hard to sluff it off and keep shooting with the kids there, knowing they have no ear protection.
Why not have a range rule banning from the firing line anyone who does not have ear and eye protection? Similarly, with the big-boomers, why not have a range time set aside when "loud" guns (yes, I know it's relative! :D ) will be banned from the range to give those with .22's, or introducing newbies to shooting, a chance to shoot without flinching at the noises from the next lane? This can be structured so as to give the least possible inconvenience to all concerned.

My vote, though, goes to the noise and muzzle-blast of big boomers as more distracting than flying brass. When I did General Purpose Rifle at Thunder Ranch, I was prone between a muzzle-braked AR15 on my left (thanks, Dirt Dude!) and a 7mm. Rem. Mag. bolt-action on my right with the BOSS system installed. My darn hat was lifting off my head every time they fired! Made my Steyr Scout .308 look puny by comparison... :D

[Edward429451]

Why not have a range rule banning from the firing line anyone who does not have ear and eye protection?

My range is an open outdoor range with no RO's so I'd have to be the enforcer. Would cut into my shooting time playing range cop. I just carry extra plugs for these occasions for the kids, but not for the twit dads.:D

[Majic]

Everyone's time is limited. How can you determine a time that is compatable with all your customers? There seems to be suggestions from some to place limits on magnum shooters for the sake of the smaller caliber shooters. If that be the case, shouldn't the magnum shooters have lower dues since they are limited in when they can shoot? Or would you rather see the range divide all the time up? Then you can have a only magnum shooters time frame, only semi-auto time frame, and only non-magnum revolver time frame. Then everyone would have to restructure their time allotment for shooting. That would be fair to everyone.
Do we really want to divide ourselves like this? There are probably certain things that bother each and every one of us, but we all live in this world together. Why not accept that this is the life of a public range, or find your own private range.

[DE44mag]

Try shooting around a Desert Eagle, not only the magnum blast, but flying brass too!!!!:what: :neener: I love it when people start looking around to see what is making all that noise AND throwing 44mag brass. the look on their faces is great. While we should all try to make an effort to be consious of were our brass is going and of our muzzle blast, at the same time remember that it is all part of shooting at the range. If these folks payed their money to use the range, or to belong to a shooting club, then as long as they follow the range safty rules, and the clubs rules, they have a right to shoot what they want when they want!!!

[E357]

This is a pretty tough question to answer. For myself, I will almost always inform the people around me that I will be shooting something loud, and try to work my 6 shots into their 10-17 mag reloads. If they act like idiots, I just blast away.

Elliot

[Handy]

My old indoor range allowed rifles. So I avoided the loud vs. flying brass problem by doing both.

But I never fired more than couple sight-in rounds out of my HK91.:D

[starfuryzeta]

The local indoor pistol range/gun store has banned anything over 44magnum. I asked the guy that used to own it why that was. He said the only reason was because it would bother the other shooters. I then asked why he sold calibers greater than 44 (there was a new .454 and .480 in the case) if you can't even try them out there. A very excuse ridden response.

The outdoor range I want to visit will not allow anything over .50 caliber, except muzzle loaders.

[E357]

The outdoor range I want to visit will not allow anything over .50 caliber,

starfuryzeta: What were you planning on shooting, if you don't mind my asking.

Elliot

[Frohickey]

definitely the shell-shuckers...

When I bring my big boomers to the indoor range, I usually look to see if there are others nearby.

I usually start out with a few rounds, definitely under 10, and see their reaction to the loud boom. If they stop and look, I smile back. If they come and ask, I offer them a few rounds to try out.

The shell-shuckers, you couldn't bother them to be as courteous.

[Ledbetter]

I guess I agree. That's why some people wear earplugs under their muffs.

Also, the only people I notice complaining about magnum blasts are the folks that aren't blessed with ownership of one:scrutiny:

Many times, a guy with a new magnum (especially a Desert Eagle) is the most entertaining thing you'll see at the range all month. I once saw a guy that couldn't hit the black part of a B-27 target at seven yards with his 44. mag DE. He asked me if I would try it and I shot one in the chest and one in the forehead (kinda lucky). Now THAT was fun.

[Bobarino]

i didn't vote because there was not a "neither" option. both the loud boom-booms and the flying brass are just part indoor shooting. nothing we can do about it, so no use complaining. i figure one should learn to shoot well even when distracted by loud magnums and being pelted in the melon with hot brass. if you can still hold your groups together while one or both of those are happening, then good on ya.

Bobby

[Edward429451]

I agree! What a concept. Its like training. If you can shoot good while under fire from hot brass and concussions from blasts, you just may be military material.;)

Anybody ever hear Sgt. York complain of noise or shrapnel?

Uh huh, thought so.:D

One thing to do is to buy a Magnum so you got something to 'fight back' with...Get some Boom Boom Boom going back & forth and then see who pulls back the better target.:D

[Boats]

I was shooting my Garand at my outdoor range when a guy shows up mid-morning to sight in his scope on his deer rifle. He had a lot of stations to choose from and he plops down two away from mine. It didn't take long, but he got impatient with brass-brass-brass-brass-brass-brass-brass-brass-PING! So he asks me if I mind, he's trying to zero.

"Sorry, I didn't notice that you'd taken up golf over there."

As to courtesy, anyone who wants to pop off a clip on my old warhorse need only reciprocate with whatever they are shooting.

[Chupacabra]

I shoot at an indoor range and I don't really mind either one. Flying brass isn't a problem because of the barriers between lanes and .44 magnums going off just make me concentrate more on my technique (what little there is! . :eek: )

There was one time howevere when a guy to my left was shooting an autoloader. He had the gun stuck out past the barrier so every time he fired, casings would go flying through my line of sight. Annoying yes, but nothing to get PO'd over.

:D

[anapex]

About the second or third time I took my .44 Mag Super Redhawk to my indoor range. While checking in the RO was dealing with an older woman who wanted to switch her lane because someone was using something that she considered "too loud", I believe it was a .45 or .40s&w. After she went back to the range I told the RO with a grin that he probably didn't want to put me in the lane beside her. I ended up not firing the ruger until later on in my session ( I had my wife with me who doesn't care for it) and the woman had already left but there were enough people left that my wife said it was like the one range scene in Robocop when everyone stops shooting and comes over to look. I usually get atleast one person now that does that but not as much as before. The range has a max of .44 mag but mostly everyone is in the 9mm-.45 range but I figure since I have a membership I should atleast be able to fire up to the max when I feel like it.

[starfuryzeta]

starfuryzeta: What were you planning on shooting, if you don't mind my asking.

I'm not planning on shooting anything .50 cal. Don't even own one....yet. :evil:

I just thought it was interesting, because I believe the outdoor range is the largest (and maybe only) one in town, away from any population centers. I just assumed that any caliber would be welcome.

[SteveS]

I didn't cast a vote on this one either. I can't say that I have ever been annoyed by either of these people. I mostly shoot at an outdoor range, so the noise is not that bad. I figure that they are paying the same dues as me, so as long as they shoot safely, it is fine by me.

If I am interested in some privacy, I will go right when the range opens. I can usually shoot undisturbed for several hours.

[spacemanspiff]

the poll is missing a third entry: 3) dont really care

brass and booms dont bother me. 45acp brass can hurt, but all it does is leave a bruise. brass from my own p22 bothers me more than the brass from the shooter to my left.

[Tman]

I suppose another question to ask: If you hear really loud boomers, are you annoyed :cuss: or are you really jealous :neener: :evil:

[pax]

If the boom bothers you that much, get better hearing protection and quit whining.

If the brass bothers you that much, button up your shirt, get a better hat, and quit whining.

The guy who taught me to shoot had an interesting take on flying brass. I had a brass go down my shirt one afternoon ( :cuss: ) and was cussing a blue streak while digging it out. My friend looked over and said, "You're practicing for self-defense, right?" Yeah, I was. "Well, then. Next time that happens, settle down and put one in the 10 ring before you do anything about the brass." Do WHAT?? :what: "No, really. It's the closest thing to real combat practice you're gonna get. Practice ignoring pain and shooting under pressure." Ohhh-kay.

I'm not quite that nutty, but the man did have a point. At least it was good practice for the first time I RO'd at a shooting class -- piece of brass got me right in the kisser and gave me a fat lip. I had just enough presence of mind to keep from yelping and embarrassing myself in front of all the brand new shooters. ;)

pax

Do not worry about your condition. Make your assailant worry about his condition. -- Jeff Cooper

[OEF_VET]

The brass down the shirt sucks, but heck, wear a hat and good shirt.

[dleong]

The poll is missing a third response: Neither.

Since I double up on hearing protection (muffs and plugs) at the indoor range, I am able to quite comfortably share the line with bigger-caliber handguns like the Desert Eagle and Ruger SRH. I actually find the concussion from these types of hand cannons... mildly therapeutic.

As for brass being thrown my way, I usually don't complain if they are of a caliber for which I reload. :D

DL

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

HOT brass flying into your shooting lane and
ultimately down your shirt can certainly distract
a good qualifying run! I had that experience on
my very last qualification as a LEO. Those darn
Smith & Wesson Sigma's are noted for this; as
well as stovepipes!:uhoh: :rolleyes: :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Tamara]

If one does not like loud noises or flying brass, then a shooting range probably ain't a good place to hang out. :uhoh:

[Navy joe]

Don't care. I wear double hearing and the indoor range I shoot at has bulletproof glass partitions. I will lay off on heavy artillery or rapid fire if there is a novice shooter trying to learn next to me. I try to shoot when they are reloading.

Conversely, If I get stuck next to God's gift to handguns, specops wannabe, or some other blowhard I usually have just the thing for the occasion. It boils down to speed reloading practice with an 870 and slugs, or rapid bolt manipulation practice with a M-44 carbine. They usually act a little calmer. If not, the fact that I am hitting my target with my pistols while they are looking cool and missing convinces them to pack and go.

Outdoors I try to be considerate, especially given how an AR flings brass.

[Flashpoint]

I have only gone to an indoor range twice, but I would have to say that the shockwave is what bothered me most. The first time it was me and a lady who was shooting a .22 about 5 lanes away, so there was no problem with either. The second time all lanes were full and the guy next to me was shooting a .45 cal. Once I realized that brass was going to bounce around I accepted it and was able to ignore it, but the shockwave coming from the lane next to me was a bit harder to get use to. Honestly neither was worth whining about.

[gbelleh]

I dig it when people shoot big boomers at the range. I brought my .44 mag out last week and the people at the range seemed to enjoy watching us shoot it! :D

[Meowhead]

Definitely the brass. Once upon a time I had a 9mm casing bounce off my forehead, off the right lens of my glasses, then lodge itself between frame and cheek. Ouch.

But that, and the concussion from big guns, are just a part of being at a shooting range. As annoyances they're negligible.

[Grampa]

Oh, I don't think either one is a big deal, but I suppose the annoying edge goes to the flying brass. I usually wear plugs and muffs, and our range is outdoors. I'm occasionally my own worse enemy on brass. I have a Browning semiauto breakdown 22 rifle -- the one that ejects straight down. I have to watch my sleeves real careful when I'm shooting from the bench. I have an empty 22 brass shaped burn a few inches above my wrist that is healing right now. And one of my handguns (don't recall which one right now) ejects brass up and right, which often hits the roof joist and comes back at me. Baseball cap, eye protection, buttoned collars ...etc. Whatever it takes!

[dav]

What I have not seen mentioned yet is how annoying either of these is to the person you brought with you who is not yet "into" guns.

The indoor range I belong to has two sections. Rifles on one side, and small handguns on the other.

For some reason, even though all I was shooting was a handgun, they always assigned me a lane in the rifle side! :D

I find the big booms hard to experience for the first shot (it is usually unexpected) but relaxing after that. Unfortunately, my wife wants to shoot with me, but shoots .22, and the noise really bothers her.

The brass can be startling, but easily put up with. Even the burns finally went away after I caught one by reflex instead of brushing it away. :rolleyes:

Just to get even with the big noise makers (yeah, like that is really why) I got myself a shotgun. I don't know if it makes a lot of noise at the indoor range or not. It is so darn much fun that I haven't noticed the sound it makes yet.

[Calanctus]

I agree with dav; the last time a went to a range, there was a woman who was an obvious first time shooter, jumping a foot in the air any time ANY shot was fired. I looked over and noticed her large earrings were keeping the earmuffs from forming a seal around her ears. If I hadn't noticed (the lug who brought who her to the range certainly didn't), she would have sworn off shooting for life. Thank god she wasn't there when the guy with the .50AE Desert Eagle was shooting, she would have been bleeding from the ears and talking about those "eeeeeeeeeevil guns." Instead, she was asking how much the .22s were in the case on the way out.

[ReadyontheRight]

I would never complain to the guy next to me about it, but the most disturbing shooting I've ever had going on next to me was a .357 Sig. The thing had a high little bang like a yippy little dog that went right through my ear protection. I know it was a .357 Sig because the little cases would hit me periodically.

I just moved onto a different range.

[ReadyontheRight]

The coolest was a fully auto .45 Thompson in the lane next to me. That guy really burned though $10 boxes of hardball, but he had a BIG smile.:D

[TamThompson]

Yeah, part of the game and what's going to happen in a real-world scenario.

Heck, when I took my CHL shootin' test, they lined all fifteen of us up in a row and we all shot simultaneously. Everyone was shooting a semiauto, and I was getting hit right and left with flying brass. I just pretended I was in a war (strange, since I've never BEEN in a war, but as I say, pretending.)

At one point, I got a hot shell right down my blouse and straight into my bra, but did I whine? No.

I figure noise and flying shells WILL happen in a defensive scenario, so I just deal with it.

[Berg01]

If muzzle blast percussion from big-bore magnums bothers your bud, two suggestions;

1) Get to the indoor range very early in the morning, when it first opens, and when it is least likely to be crowded;
2) Always shoot outdoors, where muzzle blast noise is less of a problem

[WebHobbit]

Berg01 -- did you read my opening post? Or were you not talking to me? I'm the Magnum shooter! So no Magnum blast doesn't bother me in the slightest.
:D

[Rock45]

I'll be honest, folks...if there is someone next to me with a 50BMG I completely lose interest in my handguns...It's such a hoot to just sit back and watch the carnage! Seriously, I always take a magnum revolver to the range for just these situations. I still get very excited shooting magnums or being around someone else shooting them, but I only shoot at an outdoor range.

[Spot77]

Neither really bother me much EXCEPT for the first shot from either one. The first "BOOM" usually makes my ears adjust, and the first piece of hot brass on the noggin' usually wakes me up a bit.

The thing to remember is that you can't take it personally if one or the other bothers you. I know I fling brass into the next lane sometimes, but it's not a personal attack on the poor guy next to me. Same with the "loud" guns. The guy next to me didn't show up that day just to see if he could ruin my hearing or not.

The range that I use assigns lanes, so we generally don't have a choice. I don't know if they have a method to lane assignment or not.

What really gets me though is the wannabes who show up unprepared to shoot; they'll bring their girlfriends/wives wearing a halter top with 3/4 of their breasts hanging out. It's such a shame.....hot brass sometimes finds its way down my buttoned up shirt, so I can only imagine what's going to happen in the next lane. Same with insufficient eye/ear protection.

And hey....a hot brass mark on the forehead is a great conversation piece with your buddies.


Selected times for each type of gun??? Not really fair I guess, although setting aside 2 hours a week for just the serious .22 target killers might not hurt.

I like both revolvers and autoloaders, and I love to check out what everybody else is shooting.

[Stormbringer]

I agree with Tamara if the noise and shells bothers you you probably shouldn't be at the range - instead find or buy some land and shoot in isolated bliss. If I'm at a range (indoor or outdoor) and I've paid my fee for its use I'm gonna use what I want within the limits posted by the owners of the range. That means I'm bringing my Magnum revolvers and my AR-15 if that's what I want to shoot and its allowed by the range. As long as safety is followed I don't care what others shoot while I'm at the range.

[Zach S]

When theres a magnum in the next lane, you do feel the blast, it gets on my nerves a little more than flying brass, but I live with both. Sometimes it doesnt bother me, other times I move to another lane (if possible).

[aerod1]

The brass but it really isn't that big a deal.. I usually try to shoot on the left side of a semi auto shooter if possible.
I shoot magnums myself, so they don't tend to bother me much.

Jim Hall

[Walk Softly]

I had one trip to the range when everyone stopped and came over to check out what I was shooting... Just some warm .357 mags I had loaded using blue dot! Not only were they loud, but they were also putting a vapor trail down range for several feet. People seem to get more upset over my FALs with muzzle breaks though, claim it blows things off the next table, specially my carbine with 16" barrel. Personally I find the .357 Sigs to have a very lsharp bark, though if you really want a surprise try a NAA 22 mag revolver with 1 1/8" barrel. BTW I find brass much more annoying than noise, but you get used to it and dress for the occasion.