how was your first time at the range alone?

[beaucoup ammo]

My First "Range" Was A Dump As Well

It was the summer of '65 at the RockPort-Fulton city dump adjacent to Goose Island State Park in Texas.

We were fresh out of high school, loaded with an assortment of our Dad's guns..and half of us headed for Nam.

We blasted away with a variety of rifles and handguns til the city crew ran us off right at dark!

It was one of my best days ever!

Take Care

 

[Andrew S]

I listened carefully and followed all rules. I only wish all rookies did the same thing. I get freightened at public ranges.

Me too. I just went to this range for the first time and they have you fill out a paper saying you wont do certain things. You read through and write the actual word that is under the line into the sentance. When I started the person who worked their said "Finally someone who can follow instructions." Made me pretty worried going into a new range and hearing that. However, the place was real nice and aside from being pretty busy I enjoyed the visit. Just as we were leaving though there was someone next to us rapid firing. It is clearly written on the paper you fill out, mentioned by the range attendant, and written on each piece of cardboard that you staple your targets to that you must pause 2 seconds between each. I was glad he showed up as we were leaving.

 

[Cousin Mike]

I grew up (and live in) Columbus - decent sized city of about 800,000 or so. We never had guns in my house growing up, no one in my family had guns that they ever spoke of, and my mom wouldn't buy me toy guns. When I was 12, a family friend took me out to the country to go shooting with his new .38 snubbie and a couple of old scatterguns, and that was it. I couldn't wait to turn 21

My first time at an indoor range was shortly after I bought my first pistol, a Hi-Point .380, soon after my 21st birthday. I had heard about a local range that my friends at work liked to frequent and decided to check it out. I was sort of intimidated at the thought of going shooting by myself there for quite a few reasons, first being that this particular range wasn't in the city. I just knew that my baggy jeans and whatnot were going to earn me quite a few dirty looks. Imagine my surprise when that turned out not to be the case. Nobody gave me a second glance unless it was to smile and say hello.

I had a lot of fun. I got some great advice from people I thought would never even speak to me. At first I did the same thing I thought everyone did. I put my target out to the maximum 50 feet, and just dumped my whole magazine at the target. I cringe now at the thought of actually having done that, but that's what happened.

2 older shooters came over and introduced themselves, and seemed intrigued by my "big little pistol" and shooting technique They were really friendly, and gave me lots of advice on sighting, target acquisition, shooting, flinching, the whole nine. The whole experience was great, and a wonderful introduction to the sport IMO. Now I go to a different range with more rules, but I like lots of safety rules. I didn't learn until later (and still can't understand) how careless some people can be with guns, which is the only thing that's made me uncomfortable in future trips. I wish I had more opportunities to do some shooting outdoors, but indoor pistol ranges are okay.

 

[Bobo]

WONDERFUL!!!
It was last month.
Outdoor range.
Overcast day.
I was all alone all day. Just as I was cleaning up another shooter arrived.
I was able to shoot how and when I wanted with no waiting, and without having to worry about safety issues concerning others.

 

[spacemanspiff]

trying to remember...i was such a noob with guns. knew the rules from lurking on TFL, and i paid very very close attention to how other shooters behaved. i figured i didnt want to do anything they didnt do.


over the years now, i am surprised how many shooters dont go to the range because they have no one to go with. it doesnt have to be a group event. i can spend a day at the range all by myself and have fun. course, now that everyone who works and shoots at the range knows me, its kinda tough to get a few minutes of solitude.

 

[svtruth]

Funny you should ask,

it was yesterday. The hunters were not out and I had the range to my self. Shot the S&W M-19 for the first time. Lots of fun, and the echoes of the .377s coming back from across the pond were cool. I shot the Para 13/45 better. and enjoyed chasing a tennis ball with the High Standard .22.
Very nice not having to wait for others to check target, no prohibitions about rapid fire. Even hit the target from 50 yds wo a rest.
I would load mags or .357, but not insert mags, or close cylinder until I was at firing line. If a target fell off, I would drop mag, rack, retrieve cartidge and go fix it in slide lock.
Looking forward to a repeat.

 

[f4t9r]

I felt very lonely
But had a blast lettin em fly !!!!!!!!!!!
enjoy more to go with someone but will do it alone if thats all there is

 

[Chrontius]

Florida.
Summer.
No air-conditioning.

It was hot.

I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn until I learned how the sights lined up, and by that time I was outta ammo and the recoil left my hand sore for the next two days. If I wasn't so nervous, I'd have loved it. The second time was just like that, but with more heat and less recoil (WWB) and I got used to the sights quicker.

Third time's a charm SP-101, Ruger Mk.2 and 10/22. It was winter, and it was air-conditioned, and I was double-plugged. I had a blast.

 

[No_Brakes23]

I went the first time on my own right after I got out of the Corps about a year ago. It wasn't bad at all, I went to a friendly range (Where they -gasp- let you rapid fire,) and had a good time. I go there almost exclusively now, (For indoor anyway.) I go during the day, because it is less crowded.

Prior to that I always had a buddy or family member to go with.

 

[Herself]

First time by myself at the range? A couple of years ago. I was in Texas to see a dermatologist and had an afternoon to use up, so I found a range not too far away, drove over and shot. Miserably! Could hardly put 'em on the paper. I don't know why, maybe I needed my hubby?

With his encoragement, I've gotten better. Even when shooting by myself. (It's still more fun to go shooting with him).

The range itself[1] was nice, indoor but a lot bigger than the one I usually shoot at[2]. Different (stricter) rules, too. Until that experience, I had not realized that some "cold" ranges were colder than others.

--Herself

1. The Bullet Trap, in Plano, Texas
2. Pop Guns, Indianapolis. Tell Mike and Terry I said to say Hi!

 

[Lebben-B]

Similar TexasSIGman and grimjaw, the only two rules I had at the "range" were, "Don't shoot at people and don't shoot at the livestock - and that includes the chickens. You hear me, boy?"

That was more years ago than I care to remember. Nowadays, going to the range is usually a family affair. I love teaching my son how to shoot and hunt...but I miss those high lonesome Blue Ridge days by myself.

Mike

 

[armoredman]

I can't remember that far back....but I know it was fun!

 

[DevLcL]

I hate shooting ranges, too many idiots out there. If you've ever been to a range anywhere in kali you'll know what I mean when I say I can see how accidents happen with firearms. I try to stay on my own as much as possible.
My first time alone at a real range was similar to the original posters. I was young, wanted to shoot quick, and worried entirely too much about what others were thinking. I had previously gotten yelled at plenty of times regarding safe firearms handling, so it saved me from the rangemaster.


-Dev


A side note about the rapid fire thing. At the local indoor range one of the rules in FINE print says no rapid fire. One day I saw an emplyoee shooting very quickly so what the heck right? I tried it myself... nothing happened. Tried it agian... nothing. Everytime I go there I usally empty a few pistol mags rapid fire, I've yet to hear a word about it from the employees or owners of the range. Is this one of those things where they have to say its a "rule" but they really dont feel the need to enforce it? or what...? Is this one of those "depends on the user" rules?

 

[gt3944]

Well, a bit scared, didnt want to embarrase myself...but it didnt make a difference...the guy next to me was shooting a modified mauser. this thing was so loud that it made me forget I was a newbie and it also made my freaken stomach hurt..

 

[gbran]

My 1st time ALONE at the range was great. I learned a good lesson. If you want to go to the range to have fun, go with friends.

If you want to go to the range to sight in, chrono or test guns, go alone. You get more done.