A VERY disturbing development at the indoor range

[WeekendReloader]

Did they not notice there wasn't a new hole in the target?

Some people don't hit the target on a regular basis. I see it all the time. Sometimes it's maybe 5 holes in 10 shots.

 

[Spats McGee]

I do not know of any indoor range that will allow handloaded ammunition.....

I don't know of a range within driving distance of me that doesn't allow handloads, provided that you are shooting your own guns. If you rent their guns, you have to buy their ammo.

 

[ballman6711]

When I lived in VA, the new range in Manassas allowed reloads. Then I moved to PA in early 2019, and found two ranges. One allowed reloads after the armorer inspected them, the other didn't allow them at all, but in reality it was a "don't ask don't tell" policy (I know because I asked).

Now I live in WV, and the local indoor range did allow reloads, but unfortunately shut down for good last year.

All four of these ranges had rental guns, and all four ranges required you to purchase ammo from them in their rentals. None of these ranges allowed tracers or AP bullets, and three had limits on caliber size.

Some people don't hit the target on a regular basis. I see it all the time. Sometimes it's maybe 5 holes in 10 shots.

Off topic, but, I was at an indoor range with my gf a few years ago. We were trying out some new loads in my revolver. I set a new target up and fired six shots at five yards as an initial test. The range was kind of dark and I couldn't see the holes, so I brought the target back and discovered seven holes! Yep, the guy in the next lane shot my target at a distance of fifteen feet. Their were six holes in the ten and X, and one hole in the eight ring.

chris

 

[shoobe01]

A lot of ranges have rules that no one really follows. E.g. more often than not they ban handloads, but almost no one CHECKS, and if like me you dump all the ammo into bags for rapid reloading, it's not even easy to prove.

I have, rarely, seen people try to say ammo has to be in "sealed" factory boxes, but most boxes aren't sealed so that doesn't go very far.

Aside from general KB fears, anyplace that has rentals doesn't like random ammo on the range in case you trade guns, people pick stuff up off the floor, etc. It's a little paranoid but at least it's a reason so helps you understand sometimes and maybe argue against it

 

[CQB45ACP]

When I lived in VA, the new range in Manassas allowed reloads. Then I moved to PA in early 2019, and found two ranges. One allowed reloads after the armorer inspected them, the other didn't allow them at all, but in reality it was a "don't ask don't tell" policy (I know because I asked).

Now I live in WV, and the local indoor range did allow reloads, but unfortunately shut down for good last year.

All four of these ranges had rental guns, and all four ranges required you to purchase ammo from them in their rentals. None of these ranges allowed tracers or AP bullets, and three had limits on caliber size.



Off topic, but, I was at an indoor range with my gf a few years ago. We were trying out some new loads in my revolver. I set a new target up and fired six shots at five yards as an initial test. The range was kind of dark and I couldn't see the holes, so I brought the target back and discovered seven holes! Yep, the guy in the next lane shot my target at a distance of fifteen feet. Their were six holes in the ten and X, and one hole in the eight ring.

chris

If you’re talking about Elite in Manassas, yes they still do.

 

[ballman6711]

If you’re talking about Elite in Manassas, yes they still do.

Yes, Elite. A very nice range to shoot at. Friendly staff and well lit, and I would recommend it to anyone in the area. Haven't shot at the NRA Headquarters range in many years, so couldn't say if they allow reloads or not. Clark Bros. was ok but they required you to buy their ammo, but as I recall once on the range they never checked.

chris

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

Outside of buying ammo from the range, how are they to know handloads from factory?

Especially those who are diligent about sorting cases and saving ammo boxes?

 

[Howland937]

The only indoor range I've been to has no problem with my using reloaded ammo. All they've ever done is ask to see my ammo, run a magnet over it and say "have fun".
They have the same rental rules others have mentioned...their gun/their ammo.
One time I let the owner shoot a couple of my guns, but I made him use his own (factory) ammo.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Yes, Elite. A very nice range to shoot at. Friendly staff and well lit, and I would recommend it to anyone in the area. Haven't shot at the NRA Headquarters range in many years, so couldn't say if they allow reloads or not. Clark Bros. was ok but they required you to buy their ammo, but as I recall once on the range they never checked.

chris

Yes NRA does and sells used brass. I shoot there at least weekly. A couple of the RSOs are reloaders. Clark Bros lets you bring your own but you have to pay for time—use their ammo and that’s all you pay.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Outside of buying ammo from the range, how are they to know handloads from factory?

Especially those who are diligent about sorting cases and saving ammo boxes?

They see that tear in your eye every time a spent case is lost

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Outside of buying ammo from the range, how are they to know handloads from factory?

Especially those who are diligent about sorting cases and saving ammo boxes?

They ask. And I won't lie.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

They see that tear in your eye every time a spent case is lost

Actually, at the indoor range, I leave my semiauto brass behind. The only brass I take with me is from revolvers or single-shot. Chasing brass in a crowded range is not my idea of a good time, Most weekends it's elbows deep in the lanes when the CCW classes do their range time for qualifications. I figure leaving the brass helps the owners out a little. They can make some spare change selling it and offset some of the cost of letting guys like me shoot free sometimes during the week when I can get a day off. I've known the family for decades and most of these guys working the range since they were in diapers. So, when I said "old timers who they know to be responsible," that's what I meant.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Off topic, but, I was at an indoor range with my gf a few years ago. We were trying out some new loads in my revolver. I set a new target up and fired six shots at five yards as an initial test. The range was kind of dark and I couldn't see the holes, so I brought the target back and discovered seven holes! Yep, the guy in the next lane shot my target at a distance of fifteen feet. Their were six holes in the ten and X, and one hole in the eight ring.

chris

Happened to me when I was trying out new .40S&W loads - but at the 25 yard line, not the 5.

Confused me real bad for a few seconds, too. Then I saw the difference in hole size, put two and two together and got eleven.

 

[gonoles_1980]

I would probably join the outdoor range if they implemented that policy here. Most of the people shooting now are reloaders so they'd lose a lot of business. Most of the reloaders are members, that's annual fees coming in.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Actually, at the indoor range, I leave my semiauto brass behind. The only brass I take with me is from revolvers or single-shot. Chasing brass in a crowded range is not my idea of a good time, Most weekends it's elbows deep in the lanes when the CCW classes do their range time for qualifications. I figure leaving the brass helps the owners out a little. They can make some spare change selling it and offset some of the cost of letting guys like me shoot free sometimes during the week when I can get a day off. I've known the family for decades and most of these guys working the range since they were in diapers. So, when I said "old timers who they know to be responsible," that's what I meant.

Prepandemic I went same time and day with the same folks showing up so they’d help
me collect the brass.

 

[George P]

I agree about private ranges making their own rules. I'm not chuffed about the rule - their range, their property, I don't have to go there - I'm just really shocked at the spike in accidents involving handloads. This family has owned the indoor range for almost a decade (maybe over?? time flies!) with no mention of problems with handloads. Now it's a big enough problem to ban them. And, it was mentioned some bystander got "hurt" - but nothing specific. These are good people so I trust their judgement. I'm just shocked people can be so irresponsible with ammunition and not know when they have a squib or stuck bullet. Did they not notice there wasn't a new hole in the target?

You're assuming they are hitting the target in the first place!............. (I have seen some folks miss a 2' x 3' paper target at 7 yards; it is especially interesting is they have a laser and you see it bouncing all over the place)

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

You're assuming they are hitting the target in the first place!............. (I have seen some folks miss a 2' x 3' paper target at 7 yards; it is especially interesting is they have a laser and you see it bouncing all over the place)

That's really kind of sad but, I guess that's why they're at the range. Hopefully, people who are THAT new to shooting aren't also reloading.

What am I thinking? Of course, we live in the Age of Instant Gratification and Hypocrisy. Spend your life being anti-2nd Amendment and when things look tough, go buy a gun, reloading press, a bazillion primers, some dies and then post a question to a forum, "Just got this gun... how do I make ammo for it?"

 

[George P]

Actually, in the instance I mentioned, these were older seniors with their adult child trying to help and for most, more likely their first time ever firing a gun. Usually some small 380 or 38 snub - both very difficult to shoot well anyway, there was plenty of that where I used to recently lived (LARGE population of retired folks between Ocala and The Villages)

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Prepandemic I went same time and day with the same folks showing up so they’d help
me collect the brass.

Pre-Plandemic I would have people give me brass and sometimes ask if they could have mine that I left laying. We talked more then. I guess most of us older shooters are deaf anyway and are used to reading lips. Masks kind of make that impossible.

The ka-booms from new reloaders bothers me. Maybe classes isn't such a bad idea? Only problem is, liability... and if I suggest it, they may ask me to teach it.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

Actually, in the instance I mentioned, these were older seniors with their adult child trying to help and for most, more likely their first time ever firing a gun. Usually some small 380 or 38 snub - both very difficult to shoot well anyway, there was plenty of that where I used to recently lived (LARGE population of retired folks between Ocala and The Villages)

Yup, I'm out nearer to Suwanee Valley, nearer the river, fishing coast and the Big Bend, but I drive through The Villages on the way visit relatives down south. Used to be some good gun stores around there.

 

[snowman357]

what they going to do when factory brass ammo goes kaboom become an archery range, armscor made bad 22lr, pmc made bad 38 super, I have read about other brands but those two I or a person I know saw it happen. Why should some people be trusted over others plenty of examples on the net with reloaders with 20 years plus experience having their first kaboom, maybe the should invest in some lane dividers. I am so glad I have my own personal range, the few public ranges I have been to I try to get far away from others rather they reload or not and indoor ranges you learn real quick to stay in your divider (they are suppose to be bullet proof)

 

[George P]

what they going to do when factory brass ammo goes kaboom become an archery range, armscor made bad 22lr, pmc made bad 38 super, I have read about other brands but those two I or a person I know saw it happen. Why should some people be trusted over others plenty of examples on the net with reloaders with 20 years plus experience having their first kaboom, maybe the should invest in some lane dividers. I am so glad I have my own personal range, the few public ranges I have been to I try to get far away from others rather they reload or not and indoor ranges you learn real quick to stay in your divider (they are suppose to be bullet proof)

The local outdoor range to me has individual (high-side berms) shooting areas where it can be you or you and a few friends but you're not always looking sideways to watch for sweeping or similar unsafe acts. These range from 15 to 25 to 50 yards. The 100 and 400 yard areas are like most others but no RSOs

 

[Slamfire]

but the owner told me they have had far too many ka-booms with newby reloaders and at least once a bystander got hurt so no more reloads. Last year they put a "no steel cases" policy in effect after a couple of pistols went ka-boom with Chinese steel ammo.

Morality aside, that is protecting your Range Officer employees, just what is the liability of a range if a shooter is injured by his own reloads? Or, if a shooter, or by stander, is injured by defective factory ammunition? Does the range have liability for the condition of the shooters weapons? It could be the shooter's own personal weapon is defective in some way and kabooms at the range.

I see the liability boogie man being raised from the grave to scare shooters. Be afraid or the boogie man will get you. But what is the liability to the range if a shooter brings his own reloads and blows himself (or worse others) up with his own reloads? And why would there be a financial liability?

 

[FROGO207]

You know, some of those problems may be from desperate gun owners buying suspect reloads for cheap at the local gunshow from Fumble Fingers the reloader who just makes more for beer money. Just sayi'n.

 

[CQB45ACP]

Morality aside, that is protecting your Range Officer employees, just what is the liability of a range if a shooter is injured by his own reloads? Or, if a shooter, or by stander, is injured by defective factory ammunition? Does the range have liability for the condition of the shooters weapons? It could be the shooter's own personal weapon is defective in some way and kabooms at the range.

I see the liability boogie man being raised from the grave to scare shooters. Be afraid or the boogie man will get you. But what is the liability to the range if a shooter brings his own reloads and blows himself (or worse others) up with his own reloads? And why would there be a financial liability?

Couldn’t agree more.