Ever Annoyed at people at the Range? RANT

[Jonah71]

I've taken as many as 8 handguns with me to the range even though I don't always fire them all. Getting there just as the sun is rising and being ready to bug out when it starts to get busy helps. With some of my guns I need to get out of the bench area and closer than the 75 feet range policy. I'm not likely going to be firing my G 26 or S&W Mod. 36 from 25 yards+ so getting there early gives me an opportunity to practice from "realistic" distances with any of my guns. Of course I only do this when I'm alone or with another shooter. Even before I started doing this, I seldom had any problems with others at the range. With few exceptions people are polite and friendly and usually very knowledgeable about guns and gun safety. The Mo. Conservation Range I visit occassionally is not really set up for shorter distance pistol (CCW) practice, so it's either get there very early or find someplace else.

 

[EddieNFL]

http://www.eatliver.com/i.php?n=2026

 

[mdauben]

I'm honestly suprised at how many posters seem to feel rude and inconsiderate behavior is acceptable "because he was there first".

If someone wants to bring a dozen guns to the range, that's fine. If he wants to bring 5000 rounds of ammo and shoot for 6 hours straight, more power to him. However, if he spreads his equipment out over the equivalent of 3-4 firing lanes when there are people waiting to shoot, that's just rude and inconsiderate and complaining about that is perfectly justified and not "whinning".

 

[Dnaltrop]

We roll in with my old man lugging 3 bags, his C&R's and his more modern ones, and the tool bag. Me with a steel ammo box. and a single bag for the pistols I'm not actively CCWing.

When getting everything out and set up on the firing line, we can take up a decent amount of space.

We still manage to take up one small shooting stand each, with our emptied bags tucked neatly on the benches at the back once everything has been settled in... and the guns placed in interlocking patterns like a firearms-themed Tetris game.

It all depends on the person... I'd likely say the folks spread out beyond what they're gear demands are the same sorts who fail to use turn signals when they drive (if you're too stupid to operate a signal, you're too stupid to operate a car) , and rarely (if ever) hold doors open for other people of any gender.

 

[Snowdog]

It all depends on the person... I'd likely say the folks spread out beyond what they're gear demands are the same sorts who fail to use turn signals when they drive (if you're too stupid to operate a signal, you're too stupid to operate a car) , and rarely (if ever) hold doors open for other people of any gender.

Interesting point... though probably accurate. I have a buddy that believes turn signals are for student drivers and never returns a wave from a fellow motorcycle rider (which especially burns me up). However, leading by example can certainly make an impact over time. This guy now polices his brass and tossing his range refuse (boxes, targets, etc) is common practice.

For a person to knowingly "hog" exorbitant amounts of range spaces that clearly isn't needed, while aware of and indifferent to others who are prevented from shooting as a result, speaks chapters to their character.

They would be among the ilk who allow a door to slam in the face of the person behind them, light up a cigarette at an indoor family restaurant or incessantly blabber profanities into their cellphone during a movie or while in line at a grocery store.
Certainly they're out there and there's a name for them, but I like to believe most who do such things aren't necessarily aware of what they're doing. That's my hope, anyway.

Just remember though, for every chafing jerk you meet out there, you'll find several who feel the same way as you.

 

[P5 Guy]

Pet Peeves At The Range

I visit two ranges, one indoor and one outdoor. Most of the time I bring too much stuff and still forget something important to me.
The indoor is 22lr and handguns only. Well run and the main thing that gets me is the "Training Sessions". A couple of local security guard and ccw trainer have dibs on the last few lanes. All the screaming of firing orders gets to me, but they have to qualify somewhere, and none of the other local ranges allow drawing from holsters and rapid firing. The reason I like shooting there is the rapid firing, so I put up with the yelling.
The outdoor range is a 55 mile trip and I don't go as often as I would like. It is very well run too. The thing that gets me about that range is the Hunters. Happily it is only a couple of weeks and I have learned to avoid that time of year. Because the SROs also hunt they let the hunters set up on multiple benches so they can site in at various distances. One time I was there one RealTree clad guy had four lanes and benches. And was firing BP rifles from fifty to two hundred yards.
The Benchresters now have their own range, but when they used the main range there SOP was one table for the rifle and the next one over for their handloading rig. That works best if one is lefthand and the other is righthand they can then use each others bench for handloading.
Now, the Camo clad assault rifle guys all get stuck together and have to use screens at the end of their part of the range. The SROs are real good at keeping this group together. So no spraying hot brass on the others.
The SROs can control the setup of the people using the range. For the most part I have a great time at the ranges, but at times a guy will come along and balance a four foot long gun case on a stool and have a fit when someone gets too close. Why use such a precarious perch for your multi thousand dollar rifle? There are fine sturdy rifle racks on the edge of the shooting line.
I'll stop whining now. I have never taken more than one bench. I tuck my stuff under that bench. And when I bring a days worth of shooting irons I make multiple trips to the car to exchange the guns I just shot for the ones I'm going to shoot next hot range. That's just the way I roll.
Happy Shooting P5 Guy

 

[cbfan87]

I must of hit too close to home for some of these posters ha.

 

[pazz]

I think I might annoy a few folks at my indoor range when I bring the Magnums.

 

[beatledog7]

When I go to the rifle range it's a bit of an expedition, a 30-mile drive mostly through city traffic. No doubt many of you go much further.

When I get time to go, I pack out at least three rifles, maybe a pistol or two, perhaps a shotgun, appropriate tools, spotting scope or binoculars, ammo, ear and eyewear, bench rest and lead ballast, targets...you know what I mean. I've been known to make two trips from the car. I'll spread out if there's room, but I manage to keep it all under control at my bench anytime another shooter needs the space. I don't wait to be asked; if I'm overflowing onto what should be someone else's bench or floor space, I move.

 

[orionengnr]

I'm honestly suprised at how many posters seem to feel rude and inconsiderate behavior is acceptable "because he was there first".

If someone wants to bring a dozen guns to the range, that's fine. If he wants to bring 5000 rounds of ammo and shoot for 6 hours straight, more power to him. However, if he spreads his equipment out over the equivalent of 3-4 firing lanes when there are people waiting to shoot, that's just rude and inconsiderate and complaining about that is perfectly justified and not "whinning".

Bingo. What was called "common courtesy" when I grew up is no longer taught or practiced. It is virtually extinct, along with it's mate, "common sense".

 

[oneounceload]

I have taken up several benches when it is empty - if it gets crowded, you make room - no big deal. For some of us, going to the range can turn into a half day or more with travel time, etc., so taking several guns, etc., is the norm and all of the requisite "stuff" that entails.

What I hate is when every bench is empty and some yahoo has to sit right next to you with uber-mag with a muzzle break and proceeds to create enough muzzle blast to shake your muffs...................I just stop and sit back until he's done - it usually takes about 10 shoulder-thumping rounds and they're done

 

[Ian]

Getting your own range really is the best solution to all sorts of shooting problems. I can shoot anything I want, at any time, and at any kind targets. Like a Bren at steel plates.

 

[HOWARD J]

I go to state ranges in MI
They have a screen between benches to keep the .223's from the 16's & Mini's out of the back of your shirt,etc.--Rules are one bench & keep your own crap between screens.
Another rule: clean up your own brass--the thing that I hate: the guy that takes off & does not clean up his own station & the rangers let him get away with it because today they think they have to be politically correct......................

 

[jdr3366]

I get annoyed when the ejected cassings from the person shooting to my left hit me on the head.

I hate that!!! So, I usually take lane 2 on the far left of the range.

 

[rondog]

I get annoyed when the ejected cassings from the person shooting to my left hit me on the head.

I hate that!!! So, I usually take lane 2 on the far left of the range

 

[BlackMagic308]

Ejected casings don't bother me, and I have no idea why. If they hit me, oh well, so be it. I try to keep my guns covered up, though, because I don't want them getting dinged.

 

[Lex Luthier]

I go to a LGS with a basement range most of the time, to practice with handguns, and occasionally blast larger guns. The "urban element" does not usually get up as early as I like to go. Generally speaking, the other shooters are tolerant, if not polite about the rules. There is a narrow area for range bags and it would be idiotic to bring a reloading kit there.

I usually bring the long case with an AR, maybe the uzi, and three or four handguns, and an ammo bag. Why would you need a toolbox and all that other extra stuff? It isn't your living room. It is a public usage area.

What seems to annoy me the most lately is when some dude brings his hot girlfriend in to shoot for the first time, all dressed in clothing inappropriate for that environment. It is an unwelcome distraction, not just for us old married guys, but for all the shooters who just want to zero in on the target and get out of there. These ladies seem to like the attention and play their presence up, and that's not right. And it is also very interesting to hear the dudes instructions.

Once these guys see the toys I lay out on the bench and the blacked out target zones, they are more open to my suggestions to act with more decorum. They are just blowing through mags anyway.

 

[1911fan]

Interesting we should now bring up the brass-spraying thing. Autos spit brass--it's a fact of life. Screens, nets and the like would be nice (and make brass policing a hell of a lot easier) but not everybody has them. I say, either learn to deal with it, get the far left lane (so YOU can spray everybody else) or find some other time/place to shoot.

This brings up one of my favorite stories:

I was shooting at the local outdoor pistol range (there's a rifle side, berms out to 400 yards). I had my Ruger Mark II SS 6" tapered (I love the looks and heft of this pistol) and was shooting one-handed in a style that used to be called "precision". I had my Bushnell 10x50 binoculars with me and every magazine, I'd take a peek at the target I'd set out at 25 yards. Not botherin' nobody.

After a while a squad from the chin-fuzz crowd shows up, hats on backward to a man. They parked their rice burners at the far end of the range and unloaded EBR's, hi-cap pistols and tacti-cool shotguns and set up targets of some sort at the 7 1/2 and 15 yard berms, then proceeeded to have a noisy great time.

Since I had my 10x50's I was able to wait until they called "cease fire"--and they did, their firearms discipline was more than adequate. Still nobody botherin' nobody.

Until--and there's ALWAYS an "until"--one of their crowd, I don't know, maybe he was a hanger on and got tired of the shooting real quick, maybe he'd shot his few rounds and nobody else would share, maybe he got tired of the kick from folding-stock shotguns, I can't really say. What I CAN say is that he drifted down by me to watch me shoot. I've shot competition, so having a spectator is no big deal. What made this a big deal is that he started at the back side of the range and kept getting closer and closer.

When I shoot precision, I stand side on to the target, right hand extended all the way. My left hand goes either on the hip or in the pocket, depending on slow or rapid fire. It's rather like the classical dueling stance.

Anyhow, this guy keeps getting closer and closer. Normally, I don't like anybody within arms length of my back when I'm shooting, unless you're my coach--and he definitely wasn't. Closer and closer, just like all those awful scary campfire stories...

So, after emptying my third and last magazine, instead of grabbing my binos, I laid down the Ruger, took a long step to my left and picked up my Llama Max-I .45acp, slapped in a loaded magazine, hit the slide stop and cracked off seven as fast as I could, then dropped the mag, popped in another and did it again. I was reaching for the third when I glanced behind me.

He was doing the brass dance. Now bear in mind that this all happened so fast that a couple of the empties were still in midair, so I got to enjoy his last few pirouettes.

He continued to watch but from far, far away.

The moral of the story? Don't infringe on a shooter's space except by invitation. I'll bet this guy never forgets that one. Sidebar, if he'd spoken to me at all, I might have been friendlier. He just kept silently creeping close and closer and that kind of behavior, especially if I have more than one gun case open on the bench, just makes me edgy.

See, expended brass CAN have its uses.

ed

 

[mdauben]

Interesting we should now bring up the brass-spraying thing. Autos spit brass--it's a fact of life.

I have to agree. No one likes getting pelted with their neighboors ejected brass, but if the range does not provide barriers between shooting positions to block the empties, its just something you either live with or move.

 

[Ultravox]

A buddy and I went to the range yesterday. I'm a lefty so I like to set up my rifle on the right side of the bench.

My buddy setup on my right, so my .22 brass was hitting him in the face. He mentioned it, and I promptly moved over another bench to the left. Luckily the range wasn't too crowded.

It's all okay though, later on the pistol range he was to my left and his .32 auto brass kept hitting me in the face. So we decided to take turns and alternate shooting.

 

[NoirFan]

I shoot at a public outdoor range near an urban area which seems to only draw responsible, considerate shooters who mind their own business. From reading these kinds of threads I'm starting to think this is a major anomaly.

Here is the rudest thing that ever happened at my range. The pistol lanes were all but full when I showed up, occupied by some kind of precision rimfire team shooting one-handed. I took the last lane and started cracking off .357 magnums. After a while I noticed they were glaring and giving me the stink eye. What gall! So what if the blast from my revolver was making them flinch and screw up their neat little 50 yard targets... oh wait, I guess I was the jackass that time. Sorry rimfire team. After that I tried to shoot only when they were reloading magazines.

 

[bigalexe]

I generally take up two benches if there's an extra available no matter how few or many guns I have. The first bench I actually shoot off of, maybe with some ammo on it. Then the other bench I throw up whatever other guns I have, setup a fixed spotting scope on my target (because I can't see .22 holes @ 25 yards with my bare eyeballs), and put my box there which contains everything in it. If no one is there to bug me I'll tend to leave some stuff out of the box like staple gun, targets, rangefinder just kind of strewn about on that extra bench. If someone asks for it I can pack it and throw the box under my shooting bench though.

A note on the brass thing... I started in a pistol league this year, first time I ever regularly been on the line shooting at the same time. Watched everyone fight for the far left spot. I decided to say forget it and I always went far right. I found it was much better to learn to deal with a consistent shower of brass and how to ignore it than to always try and fight about being the one guy that gets the free shoot. Now when I shoot with my buddy and its just us it actually bugs me he wants to alternate, give me some distraction darn it and make it interesting! The one good point, we never fight over position.

 

[Creature]

Rondog, that is uber-funny!

 

[S. Hill]

Most times I spend the afternoon and never see another shooter. But...if one is there before me, I generally let them finish before I set up. Most of the time they are like you and their handful of shells and one target takes them 15 minutes. Same if someone comes while I shooting. I'll tell them I'll be there for a while and they can set up next to me, or I'll take a break and let them have their 15 minutes to themselves.

In Wisconsin, that is when we sit back and have a beer. Calms us down.... and makes us look forward to the rest of the morning!

 

[Fishslayer]

Interesting we should now bring up the brass-spraying thing. Autos spit brass--it's a fact of life. Screens, nets and the like would be nice (and make brass policing a hell of a lot easier) but not everybody has them. I say, either learn to deal with it, get the far left lane (so YOU can spray everybody else) or find some other time/place to shoot.

I try to get the far RIGHT lane so I don't pelt others, though my light target loads don't toss the brass very far. The wall makes sure I don't have to chase it very far.

Getting pelted usually doesn't bother me much, and if it's a caliber that I load...