range paranoia

That is a possibility where I shoot as well. When I shoot I' usually there at sunup and generally have at least 2 hours by myself. Often longer. It is a pivate club, and only other clup members are there so I don't worry too much.

I've considered taking one of my rifles, possibly an AR down the line when I change targets, but realistically you couldn't legally shoot at someone for stealing your guns and gear.

You could take that thought one step further and they could just pop you.... Thought has crossed my mind in a similar situation.

I was at a public range the other day and as I was walking down range to my target I got a wacko thought run through my feeble mind. I'm the only one there. Suppose, just suppose, while down range another vehicle pulls up to where my truck is parked (keys in it), all gear on the ground, gun on the rifle rest on the bench, ect. and they decide to run off with all my stuff and truck. No cell phone signal for over 3/4 mile, no side arm and 100 yards away. Boy, what a delemia that would be.

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This happens more than you think.

I don't go to ranges alone unless they're supervised ranges.

I worry about this too. Especially when I have an expensive gun sitting on a bench and there's people around I don't know.

I've walked out to the 300 yard line with my Barrett slung and a few 50 BMG rounds in my pocket before. Same with my 300 Win Mag, FS2000 with a mag in my pocket, etc.

To hedge against this somewhat, I've gotten in the habit of writing down the license plates of people I don't know at the range.

Paranoia yes, but gun ranges are one of the easiest places for someone to steal guns at. If a criminal were desperate enough, they might just shoot you to do it; especially if the range (like most outdoor ranges) are in the middle of nowhere.

(Just like the easiest place to steal a race motorcycle is at a motorcycle race track; back a few years ago a couple of Ducati's (1098R and 848R) worth a small fortune were stolen right out of the damn paddock on a race weekend.)

Wasn't there a THR member sometime back that was killed at a range for his guns?

This happens more than you think.

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Any links to news articles or reports?

I don't think it happens much at all. Kind of the same reason not many cops gt robbed.

Last ones I remember hearing about were the Platt and Matix robbery/killings about 20 years ago.

I'd rather have a long arm on a sling with a magazine handy while I'm walking out to check targets, than leave my guns and ammo at my back on the bench.

I *have* been shot at once at the range while changing targets - was an idiot who pulled up during a cease fire, and didn't bother looking downrange. He unloaded his little 22 rifle and immediately started shooting at a target that was already out there.

I was standing 2 target stands OVER from the target he was shooting at, with my son (he was 4 or 5 at the time).

I was beyond furious. I was ready to tear someone's head off by the time I got back to the shooting line. By then the RO had him packing up his gear, and 3 of my friends restrained me until he left (never to come back; permanently banned).

While that might be an argument for body armor at the range, it also indicates how exposed you are when you're away from your guns.

Happened several times here in FL at a range in the US Forest. Now, I understand they have someone there to keep an eye on things

Why are your keys in your truck?

Wasn't there a THR member sometime back that was killed at a range for his guns?

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Yes, Rev. McCalla. His killers were brought to justice.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news...robbery-second-degree-murder-in-McCalla-trial

So no it isn't paranoia. Particularly at isolated ad-hoc ranges with no range master. Always a good idea to use a buddy system and be very suspicious of guys wanting to see your firearms.

Never expect this kind of scum to show mercy. These animals murdered a man of the cloth when the most they were in danger of was a sermon on the evils of stealing. They'll kill any of us given a chance. For our firearms or for fun.

And don't be fooled by appearances. These killers were white and likely pretended to be legitimate vets even though both were deserters.

Keys on my belt, as is my carry piece. I can hit at 100 yards with it because I practice.

Pops

I had an unknown person slip a cheap Star BM 9mm out of my range bag once. I'm just glad he didn't grab the '70 Series Colt Gold Cup that was right next to it. Since then (about 7 years ago), I'm much more aware of exactly where my bag is and who is around me at any range. Also, I NEVER leave the keys in my truck or even leave it unlocked, anyplace, anytime.

Use the buddy system. Take turns changing targets.

And why in the world would you ever leave your keys in the car?

Use your camera phone to snap pictures instead of writing down numbers, you can snap the whole lot in a few shots. When my uncle was still alive , they were getting robbed outside of his range in Glen cove LI. He told me when we were leaving, since you have a carry, keep your gun at your side till we get to the car.
Pretty crappy way to live , but that's just how it is now. I would keep a lock with a light on it, or similar hi cap pistil in my range bag for entering and leaving. That's about all you can do, and try to leave in groups of 2 or more when it's dark.
Also if you do think someone is out there, call the sherriff and ask for a drive by, they are happy to do it most times

I've also thought about this but I always go to the outdoor range with at least one friend so it's not really a problem. Make some friends, don't be a loner

I have a home range, but even then I'm always carrying something when I'm downrange, as someone could pull off the road road and be at my shooting station pretty fast. I usually don't leave a gun at the bench, although I have with older military rifles. I doubt the majority of criminals could tell .30-40 from 8mm, figure out the safety, and chamber a round before they were under fire from me.

100 yd shots with a centerfire handguns on a man sized target are not that hard. I have a disc blade that measures about 14", and can ring it consistently, even with the P64 and PF9. It is great fun and I recommend everyone practice it, as it will greatly improve your handgun shooting overall.

It was drummed into my head in my Army days that you do NOT leave a weapon-or any sensitive or expensove gear unattended or unsecured.

I used to shoot to 500 yards at a place in northern California. Scumbags frequented the place.

I would always stay in my truck with it packed and go out to set targets...and even go so far as to notify somebody that I was heading down. The 500 yard berm was behind the other berms and I didn't want some pistol guy to start shooting while I was out there.

Then I'd motor back, and set up my table. Never, never did I set up my table then drive out.

Cosmoline said:

Yes, Rev. McCalla. His killers were brought to justice.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news...robbery-second-degree-murder-in-McCalla-trial

So no it isn't paranoia. Particularly at isolated ad-hoc ranges with no range master. Always a good idea to use a buddy system and be very suspicious of guys wanting to see your firearms.

Never expect this kind of scum to show mercy. These animals murdered a man of the cloth when the most they were in danger of was a sermon on the evils of stealing. They'll kill any of us given a chance. For our firearms or for fun.

And don't be fooled by appearances. These killers were white and likely pretended to be legitimate vets even though both were deserters.

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Dude.. that is horrible.

I'm thinking back to a couple of things that have happened at the range just this year, and now I got a chill up my spine.

I was out there with a friend and we went out to check / replace targets at the 200 yard mark; while out there a motorcycle rolled up. Usually I'm cool about motorcycles but I didn't recognize this guy (it's a small private club) and I had a gut feeling. As we're walking back he gets off the bike and starts looking at what's on the benches.

Anyway we pass the 100 yard mark on the way back, I don't think he's seen us yet, or doesn't seem to care. He goes over to the table where my buddy's AR is sitting on a bipod and picks up a magazine from Mike's "loaded" stack (empties are sitting in another pile).

I pick up my pace and by the 50 yard mark I've got my rifle off it's sling and in my hands, dude is still holding the mag and looking at the AR15.

I yell "YOU LOOKING FOR SOMEONE?" and he looks up to see us come around the 50 yard berm.

Puts the mag down.

We get back and my buddy Mike is upset at this dude who had just been going through his stuff.

Guy shifts around a bit and says "Hey you seen Larry around?"

"No, no Larry here. You a member, I haven't seen you before?"

"No, just looking for Larry. See you later." Turns around, gets on his motorcycle, and rolls off.

He might have been looking for Larry; or might not.

But after reading that story about Rev McCalla man.. my short hairs are all tingly. Never been in a gunfight, don't WANT to be in a gunfight.

Thinking back to the amount of times I've expended ALL of my ammunition at the range and drove off with a bag of empty magazines... I think that's gotta change too.

When it's dark, I'm alone, and locking the gate to the range... in the middle of nowhere.. yeah that's an easy target.

Never even crossed my mind but I guess it's possible.

This story reminds me of two "rules" I try to follow:

1. Always take a companion while shooting -- to guard each other's stuff, and to help if, heaven forbid, there should be an accident.

2. Never take a companion while shopping for guns -- too much chance that he/she will open his/her mouth and ruin your negotiations, or possibly have the deal misunderstood as a "straw sale." If you know what you're doing, the last thing you need is a second opinion.

I have a private 100/300 yard range on 40 acres in the middle of nowhere. I always wear a 1911A1 with a 10 round mag and a second mag on my hip.
Always.
If it's what I'm shooting I reload it before I walk downrange. If I'm with others, they do the same. While outbound I turn and look back frequently.
Paranoid? Not really. Vigilant is more like it. Situational awareness.
If you manage to sneak up on me, you've done something.

Bottom line is we are all responsible not just for our own safety, but must all safeguard against losing a firearm into a criminals possession.