Is joining an outdoor range a good idea?

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bos19

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I have already been accepted as a new member of a local outdoor range, but I’m having second thoughts about it. I live in an area where there are some great indoor ranges, but land is congested, so outdoor shooting space is limited and you pretty much need to join a local gun club to have an opportunity to shoot outside, or buy a good amount of open land away from everyone. The concern I have is with the stringent rules and politics at most of these places. The local club I’ve been accepted into has cameras all over the place and seems political, in terms of certain people receiving favoritism over others. It’s like they don’t trust you if you haven’t belonged there for 20 years. Also, it seems like it is run by fudds. This seems to be the norm at a lot of these places. Basically when I go to the range, I want to shoot and not deal with any BS.

I was thinking about passing up on the membership and waiting until I have my own land to shoot on, so I don’t have to deal with other people.
 
So far you haven't said anything good about the outdoor range, so I guess we should assume there's nothing good to say. Do they have a range at that range? Can you go shoot there?

I wouldn't pass up my outdoor range for 3x the price, but that's because I shoot once a week, often at 300 yards, and wouldn't miss it.
 
I'm a member at a local Wildlife club and shoot outdoors 95% of the time. I much prefer it to shooting indoors. But it sounds like the local range where you're wanting to shoot isn't a good match for you. I'd suggest giving it a try, you've already joined. But if you don't like it search for another.
 
What are the rules, regulations ans security like at any INDOOR range???. I much prefer our outdoor range (except this time of year it's to hot and humid)
The indoor ranges around here are top of the line excellent ventilation well kept but run by Nazis! They are expensive and lots of riles (which I understand are needed) Plus I couldn't shoot reloads or pick up my own brass.

Either one you can not have a safe range without "rules"
 
What BS are you speaking of? I don’t see why having cameras is bad and if they don’t trust you, who cares? Shoot and be safe. If their politics are that important to you then don’t shoot there. Seems like a lot of drama over a piece of dirt you can shoot on.
 
Cameras are a fact of life these days. I much prefer an outdoor range. If you have a membership, you need to use it. I was a member for a number of years and didn't shoot much there. So, I dropped the membership during one of their renewal times. There is another outdoor range that is a drive, but I enjoy the drive if I have time and it's free/public range. Don't like indoor ranges; too noisy where I have shot.

Most of the BS is all about following the rules, their rules. They are there for a reason. Generally most places do not allow plinking at cans and so forth although they may have a separate area set up for that.
 
My outdoor range has cameras everywhere to make sure things are OK; the property is spread out with several areas for clay target shooting, pistols bays (single shooter, real nice), rifle bays, CAS area, etc. One person can sit in the office and watch things from all over. If you think you're not on camera 1000 times a day, you are delusional. You haven't even given (or let them get to know you) and you're whining. maybe after they meet YOU, they'll regret giving you a membership. That knife cuts both ways.
 
I belong to an outdoor range/club. It has 1300 members but on almost every weekday, there is maybe 1 or 2 other shooters there and it has 10 different ranges. If you are a safe shooter and obey the rules that are at any range and should be practiced anywhere you shoot, then I don't see what the issue of "politics" and the "Good Ole Boy" network means to you. As mentioned, try it out. If it's not for you, don't pay for the next year. You may find that it is perfect for your needs.
 
Cameras are a part of the ranges I've been to. Protects them and you in the event of some situation that involves law, lawyers or injury. If new shooter flags the line and discharges the weapon, it is proof of them being negligent and banned. That can work against you to so having your firearm conforming to state laws, etc. Range rules are strict other than public or private use land that allows the discharge of firearms.

Give it a try and if you don't like it, don't renew. If it is a high cost membership, that's ultimately your determination whether the cost is worth it.
 
What state are you in? Around here in the chicago suburbs I would love to have an opportunity to join a particular sportsman's club... Im working on it but have not gotten very far.
Go and shoot dude. Be grateful. Have fun. Make friends.
 
I much prefer to shoot outside vs inside. Unless it's terrible weather - raining or under 40 degrees I'll go to the outdoor range. Local DNR range annual pass is around $200 vs $20 per visit to shoot at the indoor range.

I would consider the cameras a good thing. I've seen people do some unbelievably stupid stuff both accidentally and purposefully while shooting. What are the other rules that are so burdensome?
 
You stated your impression that the operators and established members of the range have undesirable attitudes. It seems clear that you have a very sour attitude towards that organization and those people.

Either clear your head and give it a try with an open mind , or walk away and try somewhere else.

Sheesh.
 
Do you enjoy shooting inside or outside? I prefer outside. Quieter and more room. Problem is closest outdoor range is a hour and half away. 5 indoor ranges 30 min away. So go-to the outdoor range give it a go. If you don't like it don't go back.
 
find out if the range you want to join hosts any competitions or is it just one shot per second and no double taps type of range.
 
I was thinking about passing up on the membership and waiting until I have my own land to shoot on, so I don’t have to deal with other people.

The only times I shoot on ranges other than the ones I have are at matches. That said, if I didn’t have a range at home and on our other properties, I wouldn’t not shoot.
 
Funny this got asked now. I belong to an outdoor range and shoot there 99.999% of the time. I needed to help a friend yesterday following some surgery he had recently (he couldn't carry very much stuff) and we went to an indoor range (which I'd been to before). I walked out of there thinking "There's no way in the world I would join there." I just decided indoor shooting is not for me. It's so loud......and I have to pack up on ear protection....and the concussions reverberate through the shooting lanes......I just find it more stressful than relaxing.

My outdoor club has cameras, too. I'd also heard there were some "BS" things going on sometimes between folks running it. I've stayed out of those currents (if they actually exist) and my experience has been exceptionally positive. I go, shoot, leave. Rarely need to interact with someone. Most everyone is friendly....more than friendly. On one occasion I encountered kind of a gruff guy on the firing line. But I attribute that to the human race, not an issue with any BS that might or might not be going on with the administration of the club.
 
There are only a few indoor ranges that have a rifle range and most are limited to 100 yds. Question is do you have a rifle and are you interested in shooting at greater distance than 100 yds? One of the outdoor ranges I belong to is somewhat political the other not at all. I just ignore them and have fun shooting. I like shooting at a range with stringent rules. Helps keep you from getting an extra hole in you.
 
bos19, If the outdoor range is not too expensive, I'd say give it a try. The politics may not much affect you. When I moved from the big city to a smaller town, one of the first things I did was locate and join the local outdoor range. Ours has side ranges out to 300 yards and is $50.00 per year for 24/7 access. I just want to shoot, and I don't get involved in any politics that may or may not be going on behind the scenes. I enjoy shooting outdoors and would be willing to pay quite a bit more than $50.00/Yr. to do so if necessary......ymmv
 
I don't know what amenities the outdoor range you're looking at offers but the one I'm a member of offers action pistol ranges, plinking ranges, silhouette ranges(rifle and pistol), a shotgun range, and a rifle range to 600 yards. There might be more but I don't remember if there is. All of this for $75 a year with unlimited use. Try finding all of that at an indoor range.

The two indoor ranges near me charge $12.50 at one and $15 at the other per trip. The more expensive one has heat and AC. The cheaper one doesn't have nearly as nice climate controls.

There is another outdoor range that I'm not a member of anymore is a world class action pistol range but is lacking in rifle and shotgun amenities. I costs more than the range I'm a member of. I'm proud to have been a founding member of this club. However since I don't compete anymore it's just more $$ than I can justify.

Only you can justify your needs and wants.
 
Love my outdoor range and club. Love the outdoors. It is also across from a wildlife area I hunt so some times hunt in the morning and shoot in the PM. Also LOVE winter shooting. Have been to the range many times in winter and no one there but myself. Also there is no riff raff of People. One requirement is to be a member of the NRA. We have our own gate key so do not worry about others coming on the range. Makes for a really nice all day of shooting.
I am a member of two indoor ranges. Convenient, each a mile from my house in either direction. I average about twice a week at those, but weekends can really suck. Especially the careless, loud, obnoxious and the AR crowd. Place fills up with both. Which is interesting in the fact that it is a pistol range and only 25 yds.
 
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