gun noise and indoor range etiquette
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jakemccoy
Member
My local indoor range allows any guns/ammo having a muzzle velocity of less than 4,000 ft/s, which includes .50 BMG.
So, if you're skittish or have a problem with loud noises or concussions, then this range is definitely not the place for you.
By the way, I double up with earplugs and non-electronic muffs, highest ratings.
So, if you're skittish or have a problem with loud noises or concussions, then this range is definitely not the place for you.
By the way, I double up with earplugs and non-electronic muffs, highest ratings.
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The Tennessean
Member
If it wasn't posted or explained when you signed in I would be annoyed as well.
627PCFan
Member
I shoot at the NRA range and double up on hearing protection as well. I feel your pain too. Ive taken my 7 Mag down to let a few friends who don't own long guns torch a couple off with light bullets and slow powder for effect. Needless to say it was for the fun shooting factor and I made sure we didn't have anyone in the next 2 stalls.
When the Plexiglass stall walls push out from the muzzle-blast, its time to downsize. From 308s with hammerhead brakes to ported shotguns, sometimes its a just a bit much. Now I just shoot my HMR and 22 and make the big boomers feel guilty.
When the Plexiglass stall walls push out from the muzzle-blast, its time to downsize. From 308s with hammerhead brakes to ported shotguns, sometimes its a just a bit much. Now I just shoot my HMR and 22 and make the big boomers feel guilty.
I always double up indoors, but usually just wear my electronic muffs outdoors.
My favorite local range separates the rifle bay from the pistol bays. I've fired a .44 mag a few times in the pistol bays...it definitely gets people's attention. I'm kind, I try to warn anyone in the lane next to me ahead of time.
My 3" Kimber actually makes a decent bang for just being a .45.
-Mark
My favorite local range separates the rifle bay from the pistol bays. I've fired a .44 mag a few times in the pistol bays...it definitely gets people's attention. I'm kind, I try to warn anyone in the lane next to me ahead of time.
My 3" Kimber actually makes a decent bang for just being a .45.
-Mark
I double up hearing protection whenever possible. If I recall from OSHA classes though, there's a calculation for how much added protection you actually get (Noise reduction rating). Its not 30NRR+30NRR=60NRR but rather something like 30+30=40. The actual calculation is somewhere over in that stack of books I think....either way, if the guy a few lanes down is blasting away I like to have any extra I can get. Only one set of ears after all....
As for the noisy shooter...I dont think it's ever "rude." I mean after all...he's at a shooting range...with a gun....guns make noise...some of them lots of noise.
The only time I'd get slightly irked would be if he set up right next to an obviously new shooter when he had other lanes. I'm sure that can be intimidating for some people.
As for the noisy shooter...I dont think it's ever "rude." I mean after all...he's at a shooting range...with a gun....guns make noise...some of them lots of noise.
The only time I'd get slightly irked would be if he set up right next to an obviously new shooter when he had other lanes. I'm sure that can be intimidating for some people.
Mikhail Weiss
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Not at all. Neither does being pelted with flying pistol brass. I figure anything that challenges my ability to focus and achieve good hits is probably a good thing. I want to be able to achieve useful results no matter what's going on around me.
I will have to ask the range guy next time I see him, though, why he asked me to stop shooting the .454 Casull. Posted range rules indicate that it's a-okay. Perhaps it bothered someone. I dunno.
BMF500
Member
Just to be courteous to others, I don’t fire magnums or any center fire big boomers at indoor ranges. But, it is a rare occasion for me to go to an indoor range. By the same token, I’m not logistically limited to indoor. But I suppose if I were I would fire off anything the owner of the place would allow.
KarenTOC
Member
My very first range trip was to an indoor range that allows practically everything. The first time I ever fired a gun, I had a guy on one side firing a full auto, and someone on the other side firing some kind of hand cannon. I just assumed that's the way ranges are! I don't think I've ever had such a noisy day at the range since lol.
(Actually, I find it a lot easier to shoot at a full range with lots of noise, rather than an almost-empty range. A solid wall of noise is easier on my nerves than then ocassional unexpected blast from a few lanes over.)
p.s. I double up on hearing protection.
(Actually, I find it a lot easier to shoot at a full range with lots of noise, rather than an almost-empty range. A solid wall of noise is easier on my nerves than then ocassional unexpected blast from a few lanes over.)
p.s. I double up on hearing protection.
Hardtarget
Member
First! Kidrice (post #21)...I love that story! Its true...when that .500 goes off...everyone listens! 
I think even the deaf would notice...they would feel the thump.
I was shooting at the club two years ago. Two guys show up. One is trying to sell his rifle. It was something called a "Lazzeroni" (?spelling?). Never seen such a cartridge...never heard such a blast! I put on muffs over my plugs and moved to the far end bench. Didn't help much. lucky for me, the prospective buyer didn't like the ammo cost so they only shot 8 or 10 rounds and packed up. I continued with my meek little .30-30.
Mark
I think even the deaf would notice...they would feel the thump.I was shooting at the club two years ago. Two guys show up. One is trying to sell his rifle. It was something called a "Lazzeroni" (?spelling?). Never seen such a cartridge...never heard such a blast! I put on muffs over my plugs and moved to the far end bench. Didn't help much. lucky for me, the prospective buyer didn't like the ammo cost so they only shot 8 or 10 rounds and packed up. I continued with my meek little .30-30.
Mark
SMMAssociates
Member
My club's indoor range is essentially private. Just a big room with a backstop and target hangers.
We have a club rule against "human" targets (v.s. "bullseye" stuff), and magnums are supposed to be forbidden, as are jacketed rounds of any sort. Generally, center fire rifles are a no-no, too, but one of the regulars brings a .44Mag camp carbine down once in a while, and with .44Spl loads, it's well inside the safety limit.
We have more trouble with the guy across the street (former club president!) who complains if we make too much noise after dark....
Things are generally quite gentlemanly if we don't try to shoot during board meetings upstairs.
The only "noise" problem I ever had happened at another range - a public one - nearby. A guy in there was firing some kind of hand-cannon (I couldn't get in close enough to see, and he wasn't friendly at all) that seemed to be a full-boat 10mm. The one the FBI gave up on.... Looked like a 1911, but either he had some scary loads, or mine were kinda sickly . I got used to it....
At our club range, we generally hit the line in groups (up to seven, but we prefer smaller) and shoot a couple rounds each, in sequence. Good enough for paper punching.... If we're doing some drills, or somebody wants to see if he can empty a magazine before the gun barfs (like my KelTec likes to), we generally just tell everybody else, and wait until after the current group finishes a round.
(We sit around and BS a lot between rounds. Some nights we shoot more bull than bullets.... Beats going to a bar, but a couple of pole dancers might improve the scenery. I'm sure the club PTB wouldn't go for it, but....)
Guess the point is that you have to be a gentleman.... Since we don't get the "gangstas", that's a big help right there.
Regards,
We have a club rule against "human" targets (v.s. "bullseye" stuff), and magnums are supposed to be forbidden, as are jacketed rounds of any sort. Generally, center fire rifles are a no-no, too, but one of the regulars brings a .44Mag camp carbine down once in a while, and with .44Spl loads, it's well inside the safety limit.
We have more trouble with the guy across the street (former club president!) who complains if we make too much noise after dark....
Things are generally quite gentlemanly if we don't try to shoot during board meetings upstairs
. The only "noise" problem I ever had happened at another range - a public one - nearby. A guy in there was firing some kind of hand-cannon (I couldn't get in close enough to see, and he wasn't friendly at all) that seemed to be a full-boat 10mm. The one the FBI gave up on.... Looked like a 1911, but either he had some scary loads, or mine were kinda sickly
. I got used to it....At our club range, we generally hit the line in groups (up to seven, but we prefer smaller) and shoot a couple rounds each, in sequence. Good enough for paper punching.... If we're doing some drills, or somebody wants to see if he can empty a magazine before the gun barfs (like my KelTec likes to), we generally just tell everybody else, and wait until after the current group finishes a round.
(We sit around and BS a lot between rounds. Some nights we shoot more bull than bullets.... Beats going to a bar, but a couple of pole dancers might improve the scenery
. I'm sure the club PTB wouldn't go for it, but....)Guess the point is that you have to be a gentleman.... Since we don't get the "gangstas", that's a big help right there.
Regards,
content
Member
Hello friends and neighbors // The range owner sets the rules and enforces them.
The shooters all paid to use the range. Some are practicing with SD ammo some with target. I do both at each visit so you never know what is next. 22lr, .38 wad or .357mag. Today I am taking my .357 rifle so I have to watch out behind me or hit someone with hot brass.
I would not bring my MN even if they allowed it, now that would be loud and I'd probably burn up any targets within 15'.
I also wait until the lanes next to me stop shooting to bring back my target.
It is up to each individual to protect their hearing and yes I double up, indoors and outdoors(mostly to set an example for the children).
I do not wear any in ear protection while hunting but do have the foam ear plugs connected by a string around my neck, if conditions give me time to use them.
The shooters all paid to use the range. Some are practicing with SD ammo some with target. I do both at each visit so you never know what is next. 22lr, .38 wad or .357mag. Today I am taking my .357 rifle so I have to watch out behind me or hit someone with hot brass.
I would not bring my MN even if they allowed it, now that would be loud and I'd probably burn up any targets within 15'.
I also wait until the lanes next to me stop shooting to bring back my target.
It is up to each individual to protect their hearing and yes I double up, indoors and outdoors(mostly to set an example for the children).
I do not wear any in ear protection while hunting but do have the foam ear plugs connected by a string around my neck, if conditions give me time to use them.
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We only have the option of an indoor range near us (closest outdoor would be 1+ hour away). I don't find it rude. In fact, I have had the opposite reaction. My Garand often brings people from several lanes over to see what it is. Many are younger guys who have never seen one. It's kind of fun to see someone like that get interested in an old weapon. Don't know how many have been sold on one by the experience, but that's how I decided to buy mine. I already had an interest in military surplus, but only had an M1 Carbine. I was at the range one day and someone was shooting a Garand two lanes over. I had mine within a couple weeks...
Magichelmt
Member
I always double my hearing protection when indoors. I did this Friday. I brought my uncles S&W 44mag to the range just to try it. 2 lanes down from me a guy was teaching his wife to shoot his 9mm. I did not see her as she was inside the stall walls when I set up. She started to pop off 9mm when I opened up with the 44 mag. She screamed and scared the hell out of me. Of coarse everyone stops and looks around when a large caliber goes off. I offered to let them shoot it. She just wanted to see the bullet. So I placed the 44 mag next to the 9mm for her. Her husband responded with size doesn't matter and we all laughed. Another good day at the range. Oh yeah, now I need a 44 mag. There is just something about the thud from that round that makes me smile.
I for sure double up indoors when I go to an indoor range which is VERY rare. And, sometimes depending on what's going on at outdoor ranges.
As to is it rude. No, but since I hate indoor ranges for this very reason I VERY rarely support them with my money. To those that do, more power to you.
gordy
Member
I think it is funny
when some of the guys at the range get all bent out of shape 
when I light up the range with my 50cal. muzzelloader. 115 grains of triple 7 and a 295 hp. 
Now if you have never been next to on of those, they are loud. I find that using two ear protections at once is hard for me. Hard to hear the RO and you need to hear him.
when some of the guys at the range get all bent out of shape when I light up the range with my 50cal. muzzelloader. 115 grains of triple 7 and a 295 hp. Now if you have never been next to on of those, they are loud. I find that using two ear protections at once is hard for me. Hard to hear the RO and you need to hear him.Zach S
Member
Nope. If its allowed, I deal with it or leave. If I'm shooting a centerfire rifle, they deal with it or leave.
The range I frequent is pistol caliber only, shotguns on a case by case basis - depending on how many people are in the range.
About the only time I've decided to put the loud one away in favor of a quieter one was when I had a child in the next lane. The range was crowded, so they didnt really have a choice but to get the lane next to mine. I didnt realize the boy was there until I got the look from his dad.
The boy didnt care too much for my shotgun and I in the next lane, but he was all grins when I let him shoot my rimfire AR15 and 1911. And although his dad didnt care to much for me at first, he argued with me when I refused to let him pay me for the ammo.
Depends. I mostly wear plugs, as muffs dont seal too well with glasses on.
Occasionally, I wear muffs over plugs. This is what I refer to as "dealing with it or leaving."
xcgates
Member
I've never been to an indoor range, but when someone shoots a loud gun, my natural instinct is to wander over during a break and find out what it is.
Then there is the times that I've been inside the car on the phone, and I didn't realize someone had hauled out a cannon, and even the person I'm talking to asked what was going on!
Of course I'm in the middle of nowhere, and the most number of people there at one time has been <10. Usually only 4 vehicles, maybe with a couple people per.
Then there is the times that I've been inside the car on the phone, and I didn't realize someone had hauled out a cannon, and even the person I'm talking to asked what was going on!
Of course I'm in the middle of nowhere, and the most number of people there at one time has been <10. Usually only 4 vehicles, maybe with a couple people per.
Rude? No, it's a firing range for cryin out loud. Where else are the big guns supposed to shoot?
The indoor range I use has separate walled off areas for long gun shooters and handgunners. When it's real busy the handgun guys like me are apt to get put in with the rifles, shotguns, full auto submachineguns, guys tuning up their .375 H&H, you name it. The big boomers bother me not in the least. In fact I like it, stress tests my ear muffs. Every so often I bring my .12 guage just to join in the fun.
The indoor range I use has separate walled off areas for long gun shooters and handgunners. When it's real busy the handgun guys like me are apt to get put in with the rifles, shotguns, full auto submachineguns, guys tuning up their .375 H&H, you name it. The big boomers bother me not in the least. In fact I like it, stress tests my ear muffs. Every so often I bring my .12 guage just to join in the fun.
For under $60 delivered you can get a pair of the Howard Leight Impact electronic muffs.
For $30 you can get a pair of Radians electronic muffs at WalMart.
While my buddies have the HLs, my family got the Peltors, and they appear to be great quality, the Radians are an excellent budget electronic ear muff that will allow you to hear commands on the range while protecting your hearing well when coupled with plugs.
For $30 you can get a pair of Radians electronic muffs at WalMart.
While my buddies have the HLs, my family got the Peltors, and they appear to be great quality, the Radians are an excellent budget electronic ear muff that will allow you to hear commands on the range while protecting your hearing well when coupled with plugs.
mcdonl
Member
I hate sticking anything in my ears. I wear my $20 winchester ear protection from wally world. Although, someone in the range bag thread mentioned a product they use (Some electronic ear protection...) and it was only about $75... THAT seems like a price I would actually consider.
HAHA... or the ones that HSO posted when I was posting...
HAHA... or the ones that HSO posted when I was posting...
Double Naught Spy
Sus Venator
Why would you think it rude if the person is following the rules? Your problem isn't with the shooter of the loud gun. It is with the established rules.
I have to admit I hate being next to some guy blasting a really loud gun. Just drives me crazy, and I have in fact left the range early because my request to be moved to a less noisy lane away from Mr Magnum .357
I too pay my dues, but sometimes the range doesn't always show flexibility, so I pick my fights and just go home early.
I too pay my dues, but sometimes the range doesn't always show flexibility, so I pick my fights and just go home early.
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