Ryder
Member
After one too many incidents I've learned to leave when a group of cops come to the range. They are inconsiderate and I don't care to experience the reason all those rules they ignore are called safety rules.
Lessons learned at the range, such as...
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JamisJockey
member
When I went to MCT (Marine Combat Training....field orientated follow up after boot camp for Marines) they did a demonstration with the M16. There were several water mellons, cinderblocks, and ammocans full of water. The lowly 5.56 FMJ made short work of all the above. The point was actually a saftey demonstration, as we were going to be doing squad rushes, etc, with live fire.
Lessons I've learned:
1) When adjusting a newbies shooting stance, they should be empty handed (had a 'student' sweep the entire firing line once!)
2) Dropping the F bomb when you take hot brass down your shirt might get a cease fire called
3) If you fumble a gun, just drop it (watched a guy fumble an 'unloaded' Glock....and when He got control it was muzzle up and his thumb was in the trigger well....:banghead: )
4) count the divets on the ceiling/floors/firing line to figure out how many people don't know rule #3
Lessons I've learned:
1) When adjusting a newbies shooting stance, they should be empty handed (had a 'student' sweep the entire firing line once!)
2) Dropping the F bomb when you take hot brass down your shirt might get a cease fire called
3) If you fumble a gun, just drop it (watched a guy fumble an 'unloaded' Glock....and when He got control it was muzzle up and his thumb was in the trigger well....:banghead: )
4) count the divets on the ceiling/floors/firing line to figure out how many people don't know rule #3
Aikibiker
Member
Pistol grip only shotguns should only be fired from the hip. Not held up in front of your face so you can aim. This is most especially true when shooting 3in magnum slugs.
ny32182
Member
Ouch... I almost made the "pistol grip only" shotgun aiming mistake once myself, but thought better of it at the last second.
Things I've learned:
Master Lock Co. lied. In a game of .223 vs. Master lock, the .223 will win big, every time.
Don't hang the Master Locks from the corner of your target stand and shoot at them from 100 yards. If you miss the lock and hit your target stand, it will likely be time to invest in a new target stand.
Things I've learned:
Master Lock Co. lied. In a game of .223 vs. Master lock, the .223 will win big, every time.
Don't hang the Master Locks from the corner of your target stand and shoot at them from 100 yards. If you miss the lock and hit your target stand, it will likely be time to invest in a new target stand.
NRA4LIFE
Member
Do NOT EVER fire a 10 Ga with 3 1/2" magnum turkey loads while sitting with your back up against the front of the shooting bench. Your skull is no match for a treated 4X4.
LiquidTension
Member
It is indeed possible to load one round into a Ruger MkII and shoot a crappy Samsung cell phone out of the air on your first attempt at aerial shooting...in front of witnesses, no less.
"Help me shoot up some of this ammo I loaded when I was drunk," is an invitation you should decline.
Bump firing will draw the attention of everyone at the outdoor range.
Bump firing will draw the attention of the LEO driving down the road next to the range.
Don't take pictures at the indoor range even though there is NO rule posted about it.
The muzzle blast from any firearm will make flying insects instantly and permanently disappear.
Other people like your FAL and want to shoot it.
The guy with the Class III stuff is cool.
Unless you want to frighten your girlfriend, refrain from cackling madly while firing the full auto MP5.
"Help me shoot up some of this ammo I loaded when I was drunk," is an invitation you should decline.
Bump firing will draw the attention of everyone at the outdoor range.
Bump firing will draw the attention of the LEO driving down the road next to the range.
Don't take pictures at the indoor range even though there is NO rule posted about it.
The muzzle blast from any firearm will make flying insects instantly and permanently disappear.
Other people like your FAL and want to shoot it.
The guy with the Class III stuff is cool.
Unless you want to frighten your girlfriend, refrain from cackling madly while firing the full auto MP5.
Not true, as I unfortunately re-learned yesterday. There were approx. 1k mosquitos that showed absolutely no respect for my .22 and .38 pistols. Lesson one: on a warm, calm, early summer night at the range, always wear a cap and a long-sleeved shirt, and BRING SOME INSECT REPELLENT!
Lesson two: if you take bystanders to the range, please tell them beforehand how to behave. It is quite nerve-racking to see someone with a video camera wandering before the firing line, while the range is hot
Yeah, I'd hate to have a sudden, loud noise on the range...
Dude, you need to take up golf.Things other people might learn at the range:
- Slapping an armed man who you don't know isn't a good way to ensure your physical safety.
Anyway, here are some things I learned myself:
- When practicing trigger reset drills with live ammo, it's a good thing to be pointing the gun in a safe direction.
- After 150K rounds, it's a good idea to replace the firing pin retractor spring on your MarkII. Slamfires suck.
- Buy the right gear the first time. Buying it twice is more expensive.
- Typical range shooting has little to do with real-life shooting.
- Some cops can shoot, some can't.
- Making friends with people at the range can help you experience new firearms.
- Making friends with people who work at the range can help you afford buying those firearms.
- Wear good eyepro. When that ricochet hits you in the eye, it's much better to have an interesting story to tell people about the pair of $50 glasses with the gouge out of them than to have an interesting story to tell them about why you wear an eyepatch.
Things I learned from other people:
- Don't put your hand over the muzzle of a pistol when trying to clear a misfeed. Shooting yourself in the hand sucks.
- When shooting down the bank of a creek, make sure your 12ga is firmly planted on your shoulder, not lined up with your eye. If you insist on giving yourself a black eye that way, make sure it's not the day before you are speaking in public.
- Don't cross your supporting thumb behind the slide of a pistol.
- If you catch hot brass somewhere uncomfortable, tough it out. Don't jump up and down like a ninny while sweeping the entire firing line with your loaded gun.
- Make sure your holster covers the trigger.
- When doing holster drills, start slow. After finding the rare range that will let you do holster drills, shooting their floor with a .45 won't get you invited back.
- When shooting IDPA-style matches, you should not be in such a hurry to get to the next stage that you turn and run while sweeping the crowd behind you.
- Paddle holsters still need a belt.
Zach S
Member
One girl actually told me she thought I had more fun with the MP5 at the range than I did with her in the bedroom. My reply was "No, but its close." Her reply was "Well, I suggest you buy another box of ammo." D'OH!!!
- Guys normally get mad when you offer their spouse shooting tips.
- they also get mad if you hand their gun back to them and say "It aint the gun."
- Women learn easier than men. Of course, women actually listen.
- Always keep an extra shirt. One of these days, a lady at the range will be thankful.
- My G17 tends to throw brass directly at the forehead.
- High thumb + extended slide stop = bad.
- Just becasue handgun brass doesnt bother you doesnt mean .223 wont...
- the wrong safety glasses can render earmuffs useless.
- Earplugs are cheaper at work than at the range
- When you hang out there enough, folks will think you work there.
- Hang out a little longer and you may be considered a Volenteer.
W Turner
Member
Never shoot at bowling pins with #7 birdshot while standing 15 yards away......tends to feel like bee stings
When the amateur "gunsmith" starts telling you about all the improvements he made to his 1911, he will ask you of you want him to do the same to yours.....watch him shoot his first.
There are $200 shooters with $1500 pistols.
Whenever possible, take your best friend shooting and get groups half the size of his with HIS gun. They love that.
You see that guy standing over there by himself with the revolver that looks worn out? See the tiny groups he's getting? Learn from him.
At your first IDPA match, expect to get out shot by guys that look like they would have a hard time getting out of their car, much less shooting a stage that fast and that smooth. They will not get any worse, you have to get better.
W
When the amateur "gunsmith" starts telling you about all the improvements he made to his 1911, he will ask you of you want him to do the same to yours.....watch him shoot his first.
There are $200 shooters with $1500 pistols.
Whenever possible, take your best friend shooting and get groups half the size of his with HIS gun. They love that.
You see that guy standing over there by himself with the revolver that looks worn out? See the tiny groups he's getting? Learn from him.
At your first IDPA match, expect to get out shot by guys that look like they would have a hard time getting out of their car, much less shooting a stage that fast and that smooth. They will not get any worse, you have to get better.
W
JamisJockey
member
Come try it.
ctdonath
Member
A pumpkin hit a 25yds with a 30.06 is truly a sight to behold.
A watermellon hit at 2yds with #8 12ga from a 14" AOW is also truly a sight to behold.
Time stops for a moment as you realize you are inside a 40-ft ball of pink spray.
A watermellon hit at 2yds with #8 12ga from a 14" AOW is also truly a sight to behold.
Time stops for a moment as you realize you are inside a 40-ft ball of pink spray.
1) that flourescent lightbulb your girlfriend just shot costs $25.
2) the roll of masking tape in your range bag has probably turned to a gluey, rocklike substance.
3) the guy shooting the enormous Weatherby mag without ear protection who can't seem to stop singing and talking to himself? Yes, there's a connection between these two seemingly crazy behaviors. It's hard to say which came first, but it's what you call "A cautionary tale."
4) If you smell burning rubber, take your mini-14's barrel off of the rifle rest.
5) Some people like to dress up all tactical, go to the range, and just hang out smoking cigaretts and watching. Don't make eye contact.
6) The more guns, ammo, and gear you bring, the further your assigned firing point will be from where you parked.
7) Occasionally various pieces of a firearm will fly off while you're shooting and never be seen or heard from again. This is just one of life's little treats.
2) the roll of masking tape in your range bag has probably turned to a gluey, rocklike substance.
3) the guy shooting the enormous Weatherby mag without ear protection who can't seem to stop singing and talking to himself? Yes, there's a connection between these two seemingly crazy behaviors. It's hard to say which came first, but it's what you call "A cautionary tale."
4) If you smell burning rubber, take your mini-14's barrel off of the rifle rest.
5) Some people like to dress up all tactical, go to the range, and just hang out smoking cigaretts and watching. Don't make eye contact.
6) The more guns, ammo, and gear you bring, the further your assigned firing point will be from where you parked.
7) Occasionally various pieces of a firearm will fly off while you're shooting and never be seen or heard from again. This is just one of life's little treats.
mack69
Member
Re:
I don't know about the rest of ya'll but these things are great....nice way to spend the last 15 minutes of a very hectic week. Nice to see that these things happen to others too and to realize that you are not the only sane shooter at the range!!! LOL thanks...enjoy your weekend all.....mack
I don't know about the rest of ya'll but these things are great....nice way to spend the last 15 minutes of a very hectic week. Nice to see that these things happen to others too and to realize that you are not the only sane shooter at the range!!! LOL
thanks...enjoy your weekend all.....mackPoodleshooter
Member
Never set a hot AK's barrel down on a plastic "shooting" mat. You may end up with a "fiber coated barrel".
Never test reloads at the IDPA classifier.
Even steel target stands are no match for 8x57 steel core.
M16 stripper clips are not very useful without the stripper clip guide.
Chronographs attract bullets.
Prone + rainy day at highpower match= smelly shooting mat
A few hours, a brick of .22's, and your favorite rifle or pistol, is like therapy for the soul.
Never test reloads at the IDPA classifier.
Even steel target stands are no match for 8x57 steel core.
M16 stripper clips are not very useful without the stripper clip guide.
Chronographs attract bullets.
Prone + rainy day at highpower match= smelly shooting mat
A few hours, a brick of .22's, and your favorite rifle or pistol, is like therapy for the soul.
NRA4LIFE
Member
Do not put camo tape for an upcoming coyote hunt on the barrel of your stainless Mini-14 for the range trip where you pretend to be a member of the A-Team with a full 30 rounder.
At the same remote range (no RO, etc.), when 3 guys that appear to have been drinking come and set up next to you and one of them is standing down range next to their target stand while another of them is shooting, leave.
When you run a drill bit clean through the fleshy part of your hand between your thumb and forefinger, wait 'til that heals up a bit before shooting your brand new .300 Win Mag.
At the same remote range (no RO, etc.), when 3 guys that appear to have been drinking come and set up next to you and one of them is standing down range next to their target stand while another of them is shooting, leave.
When you run a drill bit clean through the fleshy part of your hand between your thumb and forefinger, wait 'til that heals up a bit before shooting your brand new .300 Win Mag.
Average Guy
Member
Putting a shotgun shell downrange and then shooting the primer is fun.
Until you catch a primer in the knee.
(Don't ask.)
Until you catch a primer in the knee.
(Don't ask.)
Tom Servo
Member
I should work on making my sense of humor more obvious
Actually, all those things happened to me at the same range over a two-week period, and it's why I won't shoot there anymore. I once had a guy answer his cellphone, and he kept shooting while talking on it. When I turned around to grab another box of rounds, he had the phone wedged between his shoulder and ear and was drawing the slide of a USP40 with the muzzle pointed directly at me. I just stood there and stared, not knowing what else to do. His response was, "What?" After a second, he realized that he had his pistol pointed at me, said "Oh," and turned away.
When I told the guy at the counter, his response was that he couldn't be held accountable for what people did, and that hey, I had signed a form absolving the range of responsibility in case of an accident. True, but he could have said something to the guy. (This is the same guy who told me the reason that Atlanta Arms ammo tended to jam was because "Sigs have all kinds of feeding problems.") He then sent three 18-ish kids back to the lanes with a rental-gun without carding any of them. Scary place. Luckily, word gets around.
So yeah, I tend to get a bit steamed over things like this. People have all kinds of foibles at the range, and most of the time, nobody's hurt, but sometimes you get folks who make a bad name for all of us.
So your real problem is not with the cell phone, it's with the morons that let the phone distract them and become a safety hazard. THAT, I can get on board with. I've had cell phone calls plenty of times at the range, and I'm not stupid enough to answer it on the line. I take it outside where I can remove my hearingpro.
Those same people can't be trusted to use a phone while driving, either, but as a gunowner, I'm inherently against villanizing inanimate objects. I prefer to run them off the road with my pickup, instead.
Dionysusigma
Member
Once, a friend called me up while I was at the range. I had just finished reloading all the mags for the AK and popped one into the gun. Leaving the phone sitting on the table, I hit "Answer."
I caught some hell from the guy when I went over to his house later. Seems like my bump-firing and "hysterical laughter" scared the crap outta him and caused a small panic at his apartment. Only when he hung up the phone and got a hold of his roomate did he realize where I was.
I caught some hell from the guy when I went over to his house later. Seems like my bump-firing and "hysterical laughter" scared the crap outta him and caused a small panic at his apartment. Only when he hung up the phone and got a hold of his roomate did he realize where I was.
Greg L
Member
I was testing out some Colibri's through a lever gun once when a friend (similar gunny) called. I answered the phone & proceded to shoot off the tube with both the rifle & the phone up to my cheek/ear. When asked if he heard anything, my friend went
. After explaining what I was up to he screamed into my driveway 5 minutes later .The_Antibubba
Member
The really nice brass you want to save flies down the lane out of reach.
The Wolf and Blazer cases drop to your feet in a neat pile.
The Wolf and Blazer cases drop to your feet in a neat pile.
cracked butt
Member
Just learned this one this week- holster your pistol before picking up your brass.
I'll never be smart enough that I can stop learning.
I'll never be smart enough that I can stop learning.
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