Proper Range Etiquette

[Roinex]

Hello,

I recently turned 21 and am about to buy my first handgun. I used to go to the range during the weekday when it was empty and I was able to have most of the range to myself except for one or two people who were at different parts of the range, but now due to school and work, I am only able to go on the weekends when it is much more busy. Since my only range experience has been pretty much solo, what are some of the basics I should know about shooting in a lane with people nearby, besides the four rules?

 

[captain awesome]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=614503

there is some arguing back and forth on this thread but it would be a good read for you. Flying brass seems to really bother some and not others. Being polite, courteous and thoughtful of others will never steer you wrong. And a general rule of thumb, if it would bother you, it would probably bother others as well. those are the rules I live buy, the only restriction on that being, I paids my moneys, I shoots my guns. My 500 magnum is to loud? Thats what hearing protection is for.

 

[Dr Dave]

I had a really embarrassing event at the Alpine shooting range in Fort Worth, TX. I was shooting my .357s by myself and a guy came up and made a motion I interpreted as 'are you ok?'. I thought he was a range officer. I motioned I was ok, he sat down and I kept shooting. A while later he motioned again and I said I was ok. This went on for some time until another guy exasperately said, 'C'mon man, let him shoot!'

He wasn't a range officer, he was asking permission to shoot. On that range I had to quit shooting to let him on the line. Really really embarrassing. That's one rule besides the most common ones you might need...

 

[Ducman69]

I wouldn't feel embarrassed under those circumstances, as you aren't a mind reader and it isn't common practice to have to stop shooting to allow someone onto the line. None of the ranges I have ever gone to have had such a requirement.

I do my best with brass, but if I'm there first and you pick a lane right next to me where you saw the brass flying... well, sorry, but I paid to shoot and there isn't anything that can be reasonably done about that.

Last time I was out shooting my DEagle, a woman had also complained that I take a break shooting it as it was hurting her ears. I complied as everyone is just out there to have a good time and get some practice in, but her inadequate hearing protection is not a fault on my part and the "first come first serve" common decency would indicate that she should have moved lanes further away. So I considered that improper etiquette on her part.

Personally, just use common sense and be friendly IMO, and obey the instructions of the range officer. If you're doing something wrong, they will let you know. Regarding brass, when you go to a firing range, it should be expected that most of the firearms are semi-auto and will be spitting out casings. If someone is worried about brass hitting their guns, they should keep them in the bag or put a small towel over them, and its common sense that you dress for the occasion and don't have clothing where hot brass can fly in and get trapped.

 

[Sav .250]

The Range Officer will keep you straight. Pay attention to what`s going on around you, keep "it" pointed down range and enjoy your shoot.
The "hand-gun " range is usually more crowded on week-ends. At least the range I go to is. Lots of new shooters as well. Your never sure what they`ll do. Strange things happen . A good Range -Officer keeps things running smoothly and safely.

 

[ATBackPackin]

The two best pieces of advice I can give you besides the basic safety things are these.

1) When the range is cold do not touch your gun in any manner, this includes magazines. People almost always put their guns down with them pointing down range, but then some start loading their magazines which is a big no no at all the ranges I have been to.

2) If someone at the range is doing something that is annoying you or do not assume that they know they are doing it. Approach them at a safe time and treat them as you would wish to be treated.

They seem pretty basic but I see people do it all the time or in reference to number two you can see them getting all steamed up instead of just nicely explaining to the person what they are doing.

Have a blast and be safe.

Shawn

 

[kimbershot]

don't shoot other people's targets!!

i was at a club range last year with my son. we had set out 6 inch 3/8 mild metal disks that i had fabricated. they were set at 100yds and we were shooting them with our 22's. the guy next to us decided to use his 270 to show us how good a shot he was--and used my target--shooting cross lanes. you should see what a 270 can do to a 22lr target.

 

[Geckgo]

know what "hot" and "cold" mean, and leave your gun alone if the range is cold. I try to leave the action open also. There is no RO where I shoot, so people need to cooperate with eachother and play nice. If you are a brass whore make sure you talk to others before you commence scooping. Most will thank you for cleaning up, but some ranges/people don't want you picking up brass.

Stay behind the firing line when people are shooting, make sure everyone agrees that the range is cold before walking out to play with targets.

A lot depends on the range, I would think that most have signs posted, mine does.

 

[X-Rap]

Hot and cold, keeping the muzzle down range and clearing and not handling the gun on a cold range are universal. If you get those right you should avoid any major a$$ chewings. There will be many other rules on individual ranges but the safety rule should be universal.
Clean up when your done, check and see what the rules are on targets ie(caliber restrictions on steel or bullet construction). There is no stupid question to ask.

 

[Inebriated]

i was at a club range last year with my son. we had set out 6 inch 3/8 mild metal disks that i had fabricated. they were set at 100yds and we were shooting them with our 22's. the guy next to us decided to use his 270 to show us how good a shot he was--and used my target--shooting cross lanes. you should see what a 270 can do to a 22lr target.

I came in this thread last night to post this exact thing, but forgot to.

Some <deleted> at one of my ranges came up with his Glock 17, and him and his father (I guess) switched off shooting at my target at the 100 yard mark. I wasn't too angry. They were missing by a margin of 15-20 feet in either direction (one hit the top of the berm). But yeah, shoot your own targets.

 

[wooldl]

Lots of good suggestions here.

I'd take a good look around for posted rules. The range I shoot at has a LARGE board painted with all of the range rules.

 

[DogLegArms]

Don't pick up another's brass without asking.

 

[kludge]

1. DO NOT TOUCH or handle a firearm in any way when the line is "cold".
1a. Don't adjust your scope either. (If I had a nickel...)
2. While "hot" keep you gun pointed downrange at AT ALL TIMES, including while loading and unloading.
3. If there is not an RSO at your range, COMMUNICATE make sure everyone is on the same page as to whether the line is hot or cold. Everyone DOUBLE CHECK downrange to make sure that everyone has returned to the line and the line is safe before going hot.
4. When someone new arrives (depends somewhat on the layout of the range) they should know better and don hearing protection. Occasionally they will not know if the line is hot or cold and walk up to the range. I err on the side of caution on our range, the layout means they park right behind the firing line, and so I always let them know that the range is hot and that they should get the ears on first before unloading their gear.
6. Call out "ready on the line" or some such verbiage before going "hot" to allow people time to get their eyes and ears on. It's just nice.
5. Ranges differ, but on our range you may only case or uncase your gun at the firing line and only when the range is hot. See #1.

 

[Roinex]

Thank you all very much, I'll keep all this in mind the next time I get to go.