Indoor Ranges - Please help me out!

[Owen Meany]

Dear friends,

Greetings to all who didn’t see my intro in the sticky. I need some information/advice and I’m hoping some of you will kindly help me out. Incidentally, the search function was not working for me - I'll try it again later, but in the meantime...

Here's my dilemma:

Believe it or not, though I have been involved in the shooting sports for a fair while, I have never yet used an indoor range.

Up until now, I have been fortunate to have had access to a very large tract of land – owned by a friend - that permitted me to safely (and privately) practice shooting on what amounted to my personal firing range.

Unfortunately, things have recently changed and circumstances now oblige me to use an indoor range if I wish to continue to practice. So, this week I’ll be driving to an indoor range that has 75’ lanes (both handguns and rifles permitted).

Now, though I religiously practice gun safety whenever I shoot, I am unfamiliar with the details of indoor range protocol. I am sure that when I go for the first time, the good people staffing the range will be more than willing to help someone who appears to be a serious, safe shooter.

Despite this, I’d still like to avoid looking like a fool by flagrantly, though innocently, breaching etiquette in some way that I could have avoided by doing a little research beforehand.

So, can anybody tell me:

1) What are the rules regarding entering and exiting the row of firing lanes? I.e., is there a presiding range officer who declares the range “hot” at certain times, during which movement is restricted or forbidden?

2) At what times is it imperative that the firearm be unloaded on the bench, with the action open?

3) What about picking up brass? Are the lanes usually sufficiently contained so as to ensure that all the brass will fall where I can get it later?

4) Detailed instructions on how the target hangers work. Specifically, how do targets typically attach (clips, probably?), and what kind(s) of controls are used to send the targets out and bring them back in?

5) Please relate any other advice/experiences that you think would be useful for my first time shooting in a controlled, indoor environment.

I realize it may sound as though I’m being too picky or anxious about this whole thing, but I like being prepared and want to know what to expect when I get in there.

Hopefully, my transition from vast expanses of outdoor land to the cramped quarters of a 75’ range will be a smooth one.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[TexasRifleman]

Unfortunately you will find little consistency between ranges you may have occasion to visit. Some are a free for all, you're lucky if you survive the trip types of places, others are as strict as anything you can imagine.

Some allow brass shagging, some insist that the brass is theirs. Some allow shagging brass that falls behind the line, some actually call the range cold now and then to allow for picking up the empties that go forward of the firing line, though that is pretty rare around my part of the world.

Target hangers and movers also vary wildly, from fancy affairs that turn and have movement to simple toggle switches that run the hangers out and back. Hangars can go from fancy things to wire paper clips duct taped to the runout cable (no, not kidding).

My advice would be to call and find out when the range is least busy and try to go then. Just tell the folks you've never been and ask them how they prefer things.

 

[mekender]

all of your questions are going to be a big "it depends"

1) ive never been to an indoor range with a range officer... the ones i have been to were all small... movement is typically restricted in that you never go past the benches... moving behind the other people shooting is typically not restricted... the range is always hot

2) only time the firearm needs to be secured and unloaded is when there is a emergency reason... ie, someone crosses into the front of the stalls...

3) picking up brass is a big depends case... every range ive been to had no problem with me picking up my brass... i have heard of ranges that do not let you pick up any brass at all... you should expect that some casings will eject into a stall wall and bounce forward of the firing line... DO NOT PICK THOSE UP!!!

4) target hangers are usually either clips or tape.. if you cant figure out how to do that, you probably cant figure out the gun... as for moving the target, its usually some sort of rocker switch or a series of buttons... i have seen really high tech computer controlled systems advertised online, but i would imagine those are fairly rare because of cost...

5) wear both foam and over the ear hearing protection... the sounds will be MUCH louder inside... bring along thick jacket if the outside air is cold... most ranges circulate outside air into the range to clear the smoke... the closest one to me can get downright cold... dont be afraid to ask for assistance from the range operator... they are almost always really helpful...

 

[Bruce333]

Best thing to do is explain when you go that you have never shot indoor before, and ask all these questions at the range.

All my answers are for the range I use.

1. Not at the one I go to. Enter and exit as you please. You can't go in front of the firing line (physical barrier) so the range is always HOT. They have double doors (think of it as an airlock) make sure the door you just used is closed before opening the other door. Have your eyes and ears on before you go in.

2. During a cease fire. Never had one called at an indoor range.

3. If your brass goes in front of the firing line it is gone, forget about it.

4. I've seen all kinds. Cheap ones with clips and tape to hold the targets, and hand cranks to move the holder downrange, to expensive ones with electric controlled holders with preset distances.

5. Double up on the hearing protection, plugs and muffs. Expect to be either too hot or too cold on the firing line. My range only allows one caliber at a time on your lane, other guns/ammo you bring to shoot need to be cased or bagged on the bench behind the line.

 

[jaholder1971]

Best thing to do is visit the one(s) you wish to use and ask questions. Every one will have different rules based on the type of backstop, management rules and insurance liability.

Some ranges are very picky on what they'll let you shoot. Most traditional handguns are okay but I know of a couple where heavy duty pistol (hopped up .44 Mag, .45 LC "Ruger" loads, .454 Casull,etc.) were banned because they beat the steel to hell.

Most every range will let you shoot .22 RF, however I know of one that banned .17HMR because it zipped through the steel. Centerfire pistol in a rifle, like a levergun in .357 or .45LC may or may not be allowed.

I know of only one range that allows highpower rifles in my area and it's 130 miles away, is a 100 yard indoor range with 2 lanes.

 

[larry_minn]

Here are some general "you can't go wrong" ideas.
First Call the range/look them up online and read the rules.
ALWAYS have all guns unloaded and cased. I have been known to leave guns in car first trip and go in to read rules/check out range BEFORE I bring any gun inside. (then I feel less obligated to shoot if I don't think its safe.)
Go early and take your time. There WILL be a rules sheet. Read it and ask questions about it. (actually I wait to ask about "No rapid fire" until I have fired some slow fire first) Often if range is not busy/they have seen you are safe and on target they will allow you to shoot "double taps" where if you start shooting "dts" they will yell at you.
Follow rules to begin with then ask to (grey area) them after they see you know what you are doing. (or at least are safe and not going to damage yourself/others/range equipment)
Check ammo restrictions (if possible before you go) Some indoor ranges are "NO exposed lead" (in attempt to reduce lead levels) I am told.
Others no jacketed ammo (backstop may not be as good)
Some may be NO magnum loads (or have a FPS rule) Such as nothing over 1300fps. Go to enough ranges and you will find many rules that make no sense to you.
I just read about a range where person claims the staff have to remove your gun from your car/carry it to shooting area, load weapon and then LETS you shoot at THEIR paper targets and then they clear it/put it back in your car. NO WAY I would shoot there. On my walk thru (without gun) I would have very hard time not saying anything.

 

[2nd 41]

Go to a range and talk to the people in charge before you shoot there. They will explain the range policies. See how you like the facility. There are a lot of nice places to shoot at....and some I couldn't get out of fast enough. Be selective.

Also...some ranges require you to shoot their ammo. Bring your check book if that's the case.

 

[SGW42]

Others have answered most of your questions, mine is similar...

...but the one thing about the indoor range that I frequent that "irks" me - they have (or at least used to have) a requirement for leadless centerfire ammo.

This would be fine and all, except that I can't find leadless ammo at any stores - except of course - at the range! It's a captive audience, like selling popcorn at a movie theatre! They charge what they want. And you better hope that particular ammo (Remington UMC is the only brand I've seen) shoots well in your gun, otherwise, tough luck.

They do however permit any type of rimfire ammunition, so that's all I ever bring there. I brave the elements and hit the outdoor range when I'm in the mood to shoot .38s now.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Excellent questions!

Ranges vary greatly on their rules and regulations. Some of what goes on at the range I go to may not apply to yours.

1) What are the rules regarding entering and exiting the row of firing lanes? I.e., is there a presiding range officer who declares the range “hot” at certain times, during which movement is restricted or forbidden?

Each section does have a range officer to observe for safety violations and provide other help as needed. "Cease-fires" are not called unless for some reason a range employee needs to go downrange, e.g., a target board falling on the floor. If the range is holding a CCW class or a match, then there are "hot and cold" rules, but not otherwise.

2) At what times is it imperative that the firearm be unloaded on the bench, with the action open?

Only if the RO calls a "cease-fire."

Each lane has a little dais that you can set your guns and ammo on for loading/unloading, with clear bullet-resistant partitions between the lanes. There is to be no handling of your firearm(s) - period - except at your lane.

3) What about picking up brass? Are the lanes usually sufficiently contained so as to ensure that all the brass will fall where I can get it later?

About a third to half of the ejected cases from my pistols will hit the lane partitions and bounce into the shooting area ahead of the dais. You can't go in there. This is picked up by the range personnel and eventually sold for scrap. Any brass that lands behind the lane on the floor, you can pick up. Pick up only your own as those of other shooters can get mixed in. If you want to pick up other brass, ask the shooter if you can have it.

4) Detailed instructions on how the target hangers work. Specifically, how do targets typically attach (clips, probably?), and what kind(s) of controls are used to send the targets out and bring them back in?

A system of overhead wires and reels, to which a fixture with a clamp is attached. A cardboard target backer (provided by the range) is held by and suspended from this clamp. Use masking tape (also provided) to affix the target of your choice (you can buy theirs or bring your own) to the backer. There is an overhead control keypad on which you set the distance for the target to be sent out, and you can adjust this distance and retrieve the target at will, as well as (with a helper to operate the control) turn sideways and advance toward you as you shoot. Because there is no need to go downrange to set up the targets, there is no need for regular "cease-fires" as with outdoor ranges.

5) Please relate any other advice/experiences that you think would be useful for my first time shooting in a controlled, indoor environment.

Wear the highest noise reduction rating ear muffs you can find. My range allows machine guns (on my last outing someone was shooting a M240 right next to me) and rifle cartridges up to 8100 ft. lbs. of energy to be fired. Even pistol fire can be noisy when it is right next to you. Muffs will also help keep you from getting a headache, as they cushion your skull bones from the concussion. I found the racket a little disorienting my first time in, but have learned to "tune it out," so to speak.

 

[TexasRifleman]

There is an overhead control keypad on which you set the distance for the target to be sent out, and you can adjust this distance and retrieve the target at will, as well as (with a helper to operate the control) turn sideways and advance toward you as you shoot.

Wow, that's pretty fancy there in Scottsdale!

I'd like the Titanium $10,000 membership please

Looks like a very nice place.
There may come a day when a $10,000 membership fee to have the run of a range will seem like a bargain

 

[dcal]

I have a question, that I suppose applies to indoor/outdoor. As I've only been with a friend so one of us was always there to watch the guns. What is the general consensus on when you have to go get some more paper, or visit the men's room, or whatever may require you to leave the bench? What do you do with your gun? I wouldn't be comfortable just leaving it on the bench.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

What is the general consensus on when you have to go get some more paper, or visit the men's room, or whatever may require you to leave the bench?

At the indoor range, I suppose I could just ask the RO to keep an eye on them. But I've always packed them up and taken them with me. I keep the lane assignment tag (on a cloth strap worn around my neck) while doing my business, so no one can take my lane when I return.

Wow, that's pretty fancy there in Scottsdale!

I'd like the Titanium $10,000 membership please

I wish. I'm only of average means, so I just have a regular membership. I don't even know what the Titanium section looks like, as the door is always closed and you have to give it a retinal scan to open it.

 

[RioShooter]

Quote:
There is an overhead control keypad on which you set the distance for the target to be sent out, and you can adjust this distance and retrieve the target at will, as well as (with a helper to operate the control) turn sideways and advance toward you as you shoot.
Wow, that's pretty fancy there in Scottsdale!

I'd like the Titanium $10,000 membership please

Looks like a very nice place.
There may come a day when a $10,000 membership fee to have the run of a range will seem like a bargain

I belong to a range with similar controls and the membership is only $200.

 

[Notch]

The best day at an indoor range will never get close to a mediocre day at the outdoor. But they do have their merits.

A prayer for Owen Meany.... Great book. Have you read Geek Love?

 

[MechAg94]

+1 on doubling up hearing protection. You will need it.

It isn't so bad when only a couple people are there, but when you have 2 or 3 other people shooting within 15 feet of you, the noise can be pretty hard on your ears and uncomfortable.

At a crowded range, the air quality can get pretty bad also. After shooting, wash your hands, blow your nose, and hack and spit as much as possible afterward. It is almost like you are smoking sometimes.

I have only shot at a few of the indoor ranges around Houston. All were pretty good about going through all the rules with you. Just tell them you haven't been there before and they will walk you through it all.

Some rules I can think of that are good practice:
1. The range is always hot. The 3 I used had motors to run your target down.
2. Don't load your gun until you are standing at the firing line ready to shoot with the pistol pointed down range. One range had a bench behind to set your bag and load magazines. The other two you just had to set your bag at the shooting station and do it all right there.
3. You will be shooting in a walled booth. The hot brass will bounce back at you and get behind your glasses and down your shirt. Make up your mind now that you WILL set your gun down before going for the hot brass.
4. You normally have to have your safety glasses and ear plugs on before entering the shooting area.
5. Wear pants or jeans. People shoot the target holders or ricochet and you will get bits of stuff hit you in the legs and such. It never drew blood, but it can be uncomfortable.
6. Some ranges don't like rapid fire. Those are normally the ranges that are not fully enclosed where you can shoot over the target berm. The indoor ranges I visited had no problem with it.
7. One range I used often restricted ammo. They wouldn't allow magnum ammo. Something about their backstop. It didn't affect me, but that is a question you should ask. Another range I never actually shot at would allow anything short of 50 cal.
7. Read and understand their rules before shooting and just plan on following them.

I am a member of an outdoor range where I live now. I prefer it. The only problem is one of the pistol ranges has a tin roof that resonates a little with each shot.

 

[Desk Jockey]

The indoor range where I shoot has the rules posted here.

This range is top notch!

 

[Owen Meany]

Wow, many thanks to all who responded. In a few short hours, I've gotten a ton of thoughtful and useful input. Talk about the power of the Internet.

dcal said:

What is the general consensus on when you have to go get some more paper, or visit the men's room, or whatever may require you to leave the bench? What do you do with your gun? I wouldn't be comfortable just leaving it on the bench.

I didn't think of that, and am glad you brought it up. I'm going to ask the staff about that before shooting.

Notch said:

A prayer for Owen Meany.... Great book.

One of my all-time favorites. You know, when I chose my username, a thought crossed my mind, "I wonder how many people here are going to recognize that name and know where it comes from ."

I only recently had an opportunity to see the movie Simon Birch, which is a partial adaptation of A Prayer for Owen Meany. It was a touching movie, but I was very disappointed that the film didn't stick to the book more faithfully. For me, the poingnancy of the tale is fully experienced only once Owen reaches young adulthood, something that doesn't happen in Simon Birch.

I thought that the story as told in the book had the potential to make a truly great film, notwithstanding the casting difficulties that would be posed by the time lapse in the original, something that is common in Irving's novels.

Have you read Geek Love?

No, I actually haven't read anything by Katherine Dunn. I'll put it on the list.

Sorry for getting so far off topic , everybody, and thanks again for your helpful input. I appreciate it.

 

[CountGlockula]

My response as an RSO

1) What are the rules regarding entering and exiting the row of firing lanes? I.e., is there a presiding range officer who declares the range “hot” at certain times, during which movement is restricted or forbidden?

Just make sure you are aware of your environment-look at the area of the shooting booth to see what you can work with. Also, keep an eye for other shooters directly next to you. Ranges should not allow at least more than two people at each booth (if one isn't shooting, non-shooter should be behind shooter a few feet to allow traffic to pass by. Most booths have side walls to prevent some brass to fly to the next booth. All loading SHOULD be done on the bench inside the booth.

2) At what times is it imperative that the firearm be unloaded on the bench, with the action open?

During a "cease fire", when taking a break from shooting or ending shooting session. Everything MUST be left on the bench of your booth. NEVER load live ammo away from your booth.

3) What about picking up brass? Are the lanes usually sufficiently contained so as to ensure that all the brass will fall where I can get it later?

Ask permission to pick up brass at your range. Ranges have different rules regarding picking up brass. If you're allowed, just pick up the ones around you. NEVER step into the Firing Line, unless permitted by the RSO. Be aware of your environment.

4) Detailed instructions on how the target hangers work. Specifically, how do targets typically attach (clips, probably?), and what kind(s) of controls are used to send the targets out and bring them back in?

Your booth should have a forward or return lever/button. Most ranges should have clips to hang your paper targets on. As a tip, most of the clips are cheap therefore your paper targets may drop. To solve this, fold the top of the paper and clip on for security. Your booth may also have a light switch for better vision while working in your booth.

5) Please relate any other advice/experiences that you think would be useful for my first time shooting in a controlled, indoor environment.

Follow EVERYTHING that the RSO says. Their house, their rules.

By the way, RSO=Range Safety Officer.

 

[ZeSpectre]

I've had the full spectrum. The NRA headquarters range is strict, Strict, STRICT!

On the other hand the range I shoot at now is typically empty when I go and the range masters know me well so I can do just about anything I please as long as I don't put holes in the walls or ceiling.

 

[Owen Meany]

CountGlockula and ZeSpectre, thanks for your input. Much appreciated.

Count, thanks for the tip re the target clips. Will do.