Going to my first public rifle range this weekend: Tips?

Status
Not open for further replies.
P

PirateRadio

Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2007
Messages
274
Location
Chicago, IL
Well, me and some buddies have decided to head out to a local public rifle range this weekend. The only rifle range I've ever been too was private and there was no RO on duty and never more than one other person on the range.

I like to think that I'm very careful and courteous with my firearms but I've heard a lot of stories about people getting yelled at or doing stupid stuff on the range and I don't want that to be me. Anyone have any good tips or advice to help me avoid making an ass of myself? :D
 
I wouldn't worry about you being safe as much as I would those around you. You are in control of your actions and know what is safe and what isn't. My only advice is be aware of the actions of those around you and don't be afraid to leave in a hurry if you don't feel safe.
 
I dont go to public ranges on the weekends. Seems like all the idiots come out of the woodwork on weekends.

I stick to weekdays, when the range isnt as busy.
 
Basically just read and understand and follow the rules and you shouldn't have a problem. The only option I have is a public range and it's never a big deal. There are all kinds of people, from guys banging away with AK's to little kids with .22's, to guys shootin .338's through chronographs that give them immediate printouts to guys shooting black powder.

Just don't do stupid things like mess with your rifle during cease fire or decide to walk downrange while people are shooting. You'll be fine.
 
Read/listen to the rules. Follow those rules, and make sure your friends do as well. Keep your eyes open for anyone not following those rules, and be polite with them when asking them to correct their behavior if they break the rules. Know when to back down and go get an RO.

Other than that, have fun. :)
 
Vigilance. Make sure everybody obeys the cease fire and watch for noobs pointing their guns anywhere but downrange.
 
Go early in the morning. Like daybreak. The crowds start comming in about 0930. Say good morning to any of those there or that come in after you and say something to the effect of letting you know when they may want to call the range cold and vice versa. That sort of sets a line of communication in progress. When the place starts to fill up, go home.
 
Listen to and follow the orders of the range officers. It's their world, you're just living in it. It's the best way I've found to keep them and those around you happy and safe.
 
I agree with everything posted above. My experience is that the older shooters are the most safety conscious. Experience, I guess. There are exceptions of course, as I found out a couple of weeks ago.

I think being aware of those around you and how they are handling themselves is critical. You can get a quick snapshot of an individual from how they bring their rig to the bench and set up. If I have any reservations about my safety or others I will have a civil talk with the individual. I will walk away from an unsafe range situation if the conversation is unsuccessful.

A nice curtousey, at a unsupervised range, is to make sure everyone has their ear protection on before sending rounds down range. People (me :)) forget sometimes during the ceasefire.

Read the rules, follow the rules, and emulate the guys that know which direction the rifle is supposed to be pointed in.

Use curtousey and common sense and you will fit right in.

Have fun! You will meet some very nice people at the range.
 
Good advice from Kingpin008:
Read/listen to the rules. Follow those rules, and make sure your friends do as well. Keep your eyes open for anyone not following those rules, and be polite with them when asking them to correct their behavior if they break the rules. Know when to back down and go get an RO.
Click to expand...
If you haven't already, try & do some research prior to going.
Some local ranges have magazine and/or caliber restrictions that might impact your plans. Most have shotgun shell preferences. Some may or may not sell ammo, targets, food, etc. You might want to bring you own staple gun ...

Which range are your going to?!?
I have tried a number of the ranges in the area - always looking for a new one !

I am currently enjoying the McMiller range over the border in Wisonsin:
http://www.mcmillersportscenter.com/

Good facilities, helpful & friendly personnel, < 300 yd range, pistol/rifle/shotgun, etc.

I remember my first trip to this range - I am quizing the RO, 'any mag restrictions? AK OK? can I shoot prone? can I sight in my HD shotgun with 00 buck? etc? etc?'

Eventually, I get all my answers and the RO says 'Oh yeah, one more rule - have fun !'

Nice range :)
 
Ecellent advice guys! I really appreciate it.

MrWood- I'm headed to Buffalo Range in Ottawa, IL. However, if you know of any better places I'm up for suggestions! I'm about 15 miles south of Chicago.
 
Our range is havig a big (sort of) BR comp this weekend, so I'll stay away. I just can't stand having rifles pointed at me.
 
I'm headed to Buffalo Range in Ottawa, IL.
Click to expand...
Never been to Buffalo Range. I have signed up for the Appleseed shoot @ Buffalo in September, so I plan to go there at least once before September to get a 'lay of the land'. Make sure you post a range report from your trip !

As you may know, here is their website http://www.buffalorangeshootingpark.com/Home_Page.php
Most of the feedback I have gotten from casual acquaintances (e.g., clerk at Cabela's, ffl, etc.) has been neutral and/or negative. Most seemed to shy away from the place & used the phrase 'kinda like the wild west'.....I am open-minded & look forward to going there & trying their plinking pit. I need a range that will let me shoot 00 buck at targets for HD practice.

I just missed the open house at Aurora (private range) http://thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=368484. I would like to find a closer range for some more frequent, mid-week shooting.

I have also been to Bristol, WI (State DNR range). Nice people, but too restrictive with magazine limitations. I had fun shooting trap w/the range instructor offering good tips!

If you are south of Chicago, depending where you are at, you may want to look at the ISRA range at Bonfield (west of Kankakee) or the Kingsbury, IN DNR range.

If you find a good public range in the area that you would recommend - pm me !
 
I like to go with a buddy, and laternate hanging and checking targets, just to keep an eye on stuff. We've never had a theft to my knowledge, but it keeps people honest.

Have a good time, report back after!
 
mrwood-

I'm actually right in the middle of Buffalo Range and Kingsbury. :) Both are roughly an hour and fifteen minutes east or west of me. If you've heard negative things about Buffalo then maybe I'll check out Kingsbury.... Either way I will post a report. Thanks for the info!
 
I don't know how close you are to your buddies, but it may be prudent to review basic safety rules and common sense behavior *before* you guys go. It will make sure you are all on the same page so to speak. I have 'buddies' who may have shot before or even own guns but we part ways on what I consider safe and what they consider safe. I can't have a good time in that situation so I avoid it. Nothing better than sharing range time with like-minded shooters though.

Also, as suggested-take a stapler and staples at the very least. I have range boxes that I make up the night before that contain all sorts of hand tools, pasters, broken shell extractors, etc. Don't have to cart it all to the line but it gives peace of mind having in the car.
 
Mongrel-

They are good friend of mine but have never shot my rifles. I have taken them to the local pistol ranges a few times though and know the general rules. I will go over a few things before we leave me house though.

Great idea on the range kit! I think I have some shopping to do tonight. :)
 
Yes, I do have tips:

1. Go tomorrow, on the holiday, not on Sat or Sun.

2. Read, understand and obey all safety rules. In particular, the rule that is easiest for me to be tempted to inadvertently break is the rule of "no touching any firearms at all whenever people are downrange" - I have a tendency to want to fiddle with the scope or move rifles or whatever, but no touch means no touch, until the range is hot again. Just obey the RO and the rules is the main thing.

3. Wear a kevlar vest. Jk, of course, but do as always wear your safety glasses and hearing protection - the more people you have, the more possibility of schrapnel.

4. Be courteous to the other shooters by re-hanging your targets quickly. I *jog* out to and from targets - I want to be the first one back, so that I'm not the one holding up the show. The more people there are, the more some nincompoop can inconvenience every one by walking leisurely to the 200 yard line, slowly hanging, etc. Just use common sense on courtesy issues. Don't shoot a HUGE boomer, like a braked rifle, next to a young girl or something. If you do shoot a big boomer, don't shoot rapid fire, and don't shoot *just right when* the guy next to use is about to shoot. Wait until just after his shot, and then you shoot. And so on...

Be safe!
 
Wear Kevlar... Just kidding. I usually bring extra foam earplugs to give away to the dolts that brought their kids and no hearing protection.:cuss::banghead: Stay away from anyone with a blackpowder gun or be prepared to be smoked out. Stapler, cooler with water, and duct tape are all recommended. If it's an outdoor range don't forget sunscreen because it just isn't cool to be sunburned.
 
allways keep your arms pointed up, until you get to the line area or bench, then keep it pointed downrange. do what the inst. tell you to do over the pa. when they say 'cease fire' do not touch the weapon again, at all, until they tell you to over the pa again. if not sure, ask the dudes next to you.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

P
  • Locked
Rifle cleaning?
2
Replies
27
Views
917
30Cal
3
R
  • Locked
Heavy Duty Rifle Calibers
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
rgs1975
R
T
  • Locked
RO's.....should the public be ALLOWED to have guns?
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
artherd
A
O
  • Locked
Rimfire rifle shooting at the range: Question
Replies
9
Views
752
Jim Watson
J
T
  • Locked
North Texas--looking for a rifle range, private or public
Replies
19
Views
921
Deamon
D
Back
Top