vikinggirl
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I hear you, Oldbear. I'm all for encouraging youngsters to learn about guns, but I also think that manners should be taught first!
Range Courtesy Question
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JT-AR-MG42
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I would never allow someone I did not know to use their ammunition of any kind in one of my guns. Period. I do let others try them with my ammo if they are polite and courteous.
Note I said courteous. My pet peeve at a range is the guy who will walk up and stand RIGHT behind you at the bench while you are trying to shoot groups or whatever. He is obviously waiting to ask you about the gun and will stand there until you acknowledge him, or worse, he will just start asking questions as you are shooting.
I know this may come off as selfish, but like one of the above postings, my range time is my own. If you wait until a break in the shooting or a target change to ask me questions the same as I do with others, you will stand a better chance of getting complete sentences for answers.
JT
Note I said courteous. My pet peeve at a range is the guy who will walk up and stand RIGHT behind you at the bench while you are trying to shoot groups or whatever. He is obviously waiting to ask you about the gun and will stand there until you acknowledge him, or worse, he will just start asking questions as you are shooting.
I know this may come off as selfish, but like one of the above postings, my range time is my own. If you wait until a break in the shooting or a target change to ask me questions the same as I do with others, you will stand a better chance of getting complete sentences for answers.
JT
Sav .250
Member
You can look all you want but you can`t touch. If that up-sets you ,so be it.
My wife and I were at the indoor range a few months ago shooting single actions and there was a man shooting a 500 S&W 2 stalls away from us.
My wife loves revolvers so she was going through my bag shooting a few cylinders out of everything we had with us.
I was standing next to her working on her grip when this old timer was suddenly less than 6 inches behind her. (Ok yes, I did marry a fit redhead, but come on!)
I asked if he needed something and he just stood there and said "Nope, doin' good"
After a minute he walked away and came back with the 500. He offered it to my wife to shoot because it was "fun", which I am sure was code for "I don't think you have any idea how hard this beast is going to kick" . I declined for the two of us and he and his buddies had a good chuckle because apparently I was "Scared of the recoil", and something about it "being a real gun, not like that little .44".
I would much prefer people to just leave me to do my thing at the range, unfortunately between my wife getting asked to shoot guys guns, and people having questions about oddball stuff I bring with me, I rarely get that space at that range.
My wife loves revolvers so she was going through my bag shooting a few cylinders out of everything we had with us.
I was standing next to her working on her grip when this old timer was suddenly less than 6 inches behind her. (Ok yes, I did marry a fit redhead, but come on!)
I asked if he needed something and he just stood there and said "Nope, doin' good"
After a minute he walked away and came back with the 500. He offered it to my wife to shoot because it was "fun", which I am sure was code for "I don't think you have any idea how hard this beast is going to kick" . I declined for the two of us and he and his buddies had a good chuckle because apparently I was "Scared of the recoil", and something about it "being a real gun, not like that little .44".
I would much prefer people to just leave me to do my thing at the range, unfortunately between my wife getting asked to shoot guys guns, and people having questions about oddball stuff I bring with me, I rarely get that space at that range.
Russ Jackson
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I let others shoot my guns at the range all the time. You know if the person knows how to handle themselves at the range by watching them. I immagine if the guy didn't look safe I might try to teach him how to handle himself at the same time. Gun Ranges can be intimidating to people. Those of you who are comfortable and are capable of handling yourselves properly can spread the knowledge. When I pull out my Saiga 12 with a drum mag next to a Father and Son and they look over and stare I would never dream of not letting them try it. I will usually ask them if they want to shoot it. People need to lighten up a little. Have some fun...Russ
Russ Jackson
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Creade,
I read it different but I was not there. The Guy walks down and see's her shooting several different guns and see's that she can handle herself. He then walks down with the ultimate revolver in size and caliber and asks her if she would like to shoot it. This is an opportunity she may never get again and this guy was nice enough to offer. He would have prepared Her for the recoil....Russ
You also said she loves revolvers. I doubt the guy wanted to hurt, embarrass, or pick up your Wife. Why did you decline the offer?
I read it different but I was not there. The Guy walks down and see's her shooting several different guns and see's that she can handle herself. He then walks down with the ultimate revolver in size and caliber and asks her if she would like to shoot it. This is an opportunity she may never get again and this guy was nice enough to offer. He would have prepared Her for the recoil....Russ
You also said she loves revolvers. I doubt the guy wanted to hurt, embarrass, or pick up your Wife. Why did you decline the offer?
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deadin
Member
I agree, my gun, my ammo. However, your gun, your ammo isn't something I could be completely comfortable with unless I knew for sure that your ammo was factory. Years ago I bought a "last ditch" K98 Mauser from a friend. He threw in a couple of boxes of surplus 8x57. In passing he mentioned that he had "souped up" one of the boxes. When I asked how, he said he had pulled the bullets and poured in some more powder that he had found at a garage sale.
My point being that I don't know that I want to be snuggled around your rifle when it decides to let go with one of somebodies "souped up" load.
My point being that I don't know that I want to be snuggled around your rifle when it decides to let go with one of somebodies "souped up" load.
philpost
Member
I've always been willing to let someone shoot some rounds through one of my rifles or revolvers, and I've been lucky enough to have some folks with interesting stuff offer me a few rounds through theirs. Not too often, though; most of the time I just want to do my thing and practice. Everyone (so far) has been safe, respectful and not pushy in the least; otherwise I'd refuse.
Excellent point, well-said.
That being said, I do my shooting either in my yard or in the yard of a relative/friend, so the invitation stands.
In that environment, anyone who becomes interested in trying out a weapon is MORE than welcome to do so, following a brief tutorial on the basic operation of the weapon and a demonstration of general safety awareness/common sense.
Guess it all depends on the circumstances.
A guy was shooting a .50 caliber sniper rifle at the range and I had stopped shooting and moved a tad bit back behind him kinda out of the concussion zone.... He was friendly and asked me if I could do some spotting for him. Pretty good shooting and after the 5th round he asked me if I had ever shot a .50 cal. I said yes many years ago but not the bolt action type he was shooting. He got up and placed five rounds on the table and asked if I wanted to shoot the gun. I just smiled and thanked him for the offer and made an off cuff comment that I have enough trouble hitting what I aim at with my own guns...I might jinx his gun? He laughed (guess u had to be there).
I was lucky that day and had my long range scoped AR with me so I shot at a 300 yard iron plate and actually made it dance 3 out of 3 times (figured I better quit before my luck ran out). He just shook his head and said I could shoot his gun anytime.
5 rounds of .50 is what $25.00 maybe less, all for just spotting for him a few rounds. I made a friend who always goes out of his way to say hello. Seems like all my true friends do not mooch from me nor I from them. There are a few who always want to shoot whatever I have that day and usually I leave 3 rounds in my mag and let shoot. All of life is filled with Givers and Takers.
A guy was shooting a .50 caliber sniper rifle at the range and I had stopped shooting and moved a tad bit back behind him kinda out of the concussion zone.... He was friendly and asked me if I could do some spotting for him. Pretty good shooting and after the 5th round he asked me if I had ever shot a .50 cal. I said yes many years ago but not the bolt action type he was shooting. He got up and placed five rounds on the table and asked if I wanted to shoot the gun. I just smiled and thanked him for the offer and made an off cuff comment that I have enough trouble hitting what I aim at with my own guns...I might jinx his gun? He laughed (guess u had to be there).
I was lucky that day and had my long range scoped AR with me so I shot at a 300 yard iron plate and actually made it dance 3 out of 3 times (figured I better quit before my luck ran out). He just shook his head and said I could shoot his gun anytime.
5 rounds of .50 is what $25.00 maybe less, all for just spotting for him a few rounds. I made a friend who always goes out of his way to say hello. Seems like all my true friends do not mooch from me nor I from them. There are a few who always want to shoot whatever I have that day and usually I leave 3 rounds in my mag and let shoot. All of life is filled with Givers and Takers.
Russ Jackson
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People just need to be more friendly. Stop being so serious. The minute someone tries to be nice others think they are playing an angle. Too many people are just looking for an exucse to be angry. The guy was suppling the gun the ammo and his time and you told him no. Personally I think you should have said yes. Your Wife would still be talking about it instead of us...Russ
BLACKHAWKNJ
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In public places the expectations of privacy are greatly reduced. If you set up at a public range people WILL come over to look, especially if you have something very new or exotic. If I see someone engaging in unsafe practices I WILL say something, if I see someone fumbling and bumbling I WILL stop to help. One time I saw a shooter struggling with his Winchester M-77 clip mode, his was jamming regularly-just like mine. I explained that I owned one, it was cranky and unreliable-until I got out my trusty Leatherman tool and very GENTLY adjusted the lips of his magazine, then it worked fine-like mine.
I regularly lend screwdrivers, etc., help people with adjustments, etc., let them use my spotting scope, etc.
Regarding lending of firearms, I have been offered chances to shoot other people's firearms and I offer mine. My gun, my ammo, their gun, their ammo.
I regularly lend screwdrivers, etc., help people with adjustments, etc., let them use my spotting scope, etc.
Regarding lending of firearms, I have been offered chances to shoot other people's firearms and I offer mine. My gun, my ammo, their gun, their ammo.
JT-AR-MG42
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I do agree with you Russ and Blackhawk,
I am one of the friendly ones out there.
Had the opportunity to help a young lady who had very little trigger time with her .40 XD. She was missing badly at 12 yds. As I passed by, she asked for help with it and asked me to try it. I did and it shot to the sights. I could see she was not getting the part about squeezing the trigger although she was completely familiar with the gun and its workings.
So I had her hold the pistol on target and line it up. I placed my finger over hers and we shot a pretty good group with it that way. She 'got it' and continued on shooting much better.
I enjoy helping others and am always open to it as well as answering their questions about something I drug out that day. Those questions usually lead to an offer on my part to try it if they would like to. If they decline, no problem.
However, I do not interupt or impose myself on folks who seem to be getting by or minding their own business with unsolicited offers to 'here, shoot this gun'.
To me, that is pushy not friendly.
JMO, JT
I am one of the friendly ones out there.
Had the opportunity to help a young lady who had very little trigger time with her .40 XD. She was missing badly at 12 yds. As I passed by, she asked for help with it and asked me to try it. I did and it shot to the sights. I could see she was not getting the part about squeezing the trigger although she was completely familiar with the gun and its workings.
So I had her hold the pistol on target and line it up. I placed my finger over hers and we shot a pretty good group with it that way. She 'got it' and continued on shooting much better.
I enjoy helping others and am always open to it as well as answering their questions about something I drug out that day. Those questions usually lead to an offer on my part to try it if they would like to. If they decline, no problem.
However, I do not interupt or impose myself on folks who seem to be getting by or minding their own business with unsolicited offers to 'here, shoot this gun'.
To me, that is pushy not friendly.
JMO, JT
Russ Jackson
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Maybe I just miss the times when people were friendly most of the time. A simple hello at the range and a question of what are you shooting today really is not imposing. Someone struggling to hit the target and and you see the obvious error by the shooter. You try to help and they look at you like you want something. People don't even talk at the Barber Shop anymore. What is the inconvience? Why would it bother them? Over the last two decades people have gotten angry and forget how to treat others and handle kindness. Young adults are rude and callous to older people and have no idea how to interact with anyone over the age of 60. So now the range is private time and don't bother me while I am shooting. He must want to make a move on my hot wife. His reloads might blow up in my face. Don't ask to try someones gun.
Using someone else's gun is like going over to someone's house...
I say go over to your neighbor that you dont know and say hello. Heck ask Him to the range.
Why can't you ask someone if you can shoot there gun? Are you so broke you can't afford the 5 or 6 shells?
"Sure, we would love to shoot your gun! Oh, by the way, my dermatologist says we both have a contagious skin rash."
This statement is exactly what I am talking about. Just looking for a reason to be mad.
WHY ARE PEOPLE SO ANGRY?
The range used to be a place where boys spent time with Men and learned to act like Men. Men talked about Guns,Hunting, the Times, and swapped War Stories. Created lasting bonds with there Children and Friends. Met new people and shared a common bond. Learned new things about this sport and shared years of experience. People don't even talk to each other at the Gun Counter. Thats private time also. Between the age of 18 and 25 I worked at a Gun Store and it was totally different then. Used to be a place to hang out and shoot the breeze. I would have used the other word but I would have gotten a violation.
Now it is private time killing a paper target and don't bother me.
I miss the old days and people who cared about others. The range was one of the last places to fall to the new way of life.
These old guys at the range are a great look into the history of guns. They bridge the gap between old and new. Don't let them slip away without letting them share there irreplaceable knowlege and insight. They want you to ask for there help and opinions because they miss the times when things were different and want them back. They still have hope. You owe it to them to listen and you will be better for it....Russ
Using someone else's gun is like going over to someone's house...
I say go over to your neighbor that you dont know and say hello. Heck ask Him to the range.
Why can't you ask someone if you can shoot there gun? Are you so broke you can't afford the 5 or 6 shells?
"Sure, we would love to shoot your gun! Oh, by the way, my dermatologist says we both have a contagious skin rash."
This statement is exactly what I am talking about. Just looking for a reason to be mad.
WHY ARE PEOPLE SO ANGRY?
The range used to be a place where boys spent time with Men and learned to act like Men. Men talked about Guns,Hunting, the Times, and swapped War Stories. Created lasting bonds with there Children and Friends. Met new people and shared a common bond. Learned new things about this sport and shared years of experience. People don't even talk to each other at the Gun Counter. Thats private time also. Between the age of 18 and 25 I worked at a Gun Store and it was totally different then. Used to be a place to hang out and shoot the breeze. I would have used the other word but I would have gotten a violation.
Now it is private time killing a paper target and don't bother me.
I miss the old days and people who cared about others. The range was one of the last places to fall to the new way of life.
These old guys at the range are a great look into the history of guns. They bridge the gap between old and new. Don't let them slip away without letting them share there irreplaceable knowlege and insight. They want you to ask for there help and opinions because they miss the times when things were different and want them back. They still have hope. You owe it to them to listen and you will be better for it....Russ
"Sure, we would love to shoot your gun! Oh, by the way, my dermatologist says we both have a contagious skin rash."
"This statement is exactly what I am talking about. Just looking for a reason to be mad.
WHY ARE PEOPLE SO ANGRY?"
Russ-
I appreciate your response and sentiments. I am sorry that I failed to make the humour in my statement more obvious.
Creade stated, "I would much prefer people to just leave me to do my thing at the range, unfortunately between my wife getting asked to shoot guys guns, and people having questions about oddball stuff I bring with me, I rarely get that space at that range."
I would hope that anyone who appreciated the manners and consideration of bygone times would respect the fact that this man and his wife preferred to keep their own company.
gd
"This statement is exactly what I am talking about. Just looking for a reason to be mad.
WHY ARE PEOPLE SO ANGRY?"
Russ-
I appreciate your response and sentiments. I am sorry that I failed to make the humour in my statement more obvious.
Creade stated, "I would much prefer people to just leave me to do my thing at the range, unfortunately between my wife getting asked to shoot guys guns, and people having questions about oddball stuff I bring with me, I rarely get that space at that range."
I would hope that anyone who appreciated the manners and consideration of bygone times would respect the fact that this man and his wife preferred to keep their own company.
gd
9MMare
Member
I ask about other people's guns sometimes....never when they're shooting, but while reloading back at the table or other....but would never ask to shoot it.
That said, I'd LOVE to shoot just about anything if offered. I'm still new to shooting and tried almost every rental gun they had before buying. If someone has watched me shoot at all (and I try to scope out other shooters nearby at the range, just for safety's sake) they would see that I am pretty well-trained in safety and handling.
(Srlsy, off-topic, but one example is that now at home, I even carry my power drill with my finger off the trigger....unconsciously!)
That said, I'd LOVE to shoot just about anything if offered. I'm still new to shooting and tried almost every rental gun they had before buying. If someone has watched me shoot at all (and I try to scope out other shooters nearby at the range, just for safety's sake) they would see that I am pretty well-trained in safety and handling.
(Srlsy, off-topic, but one example is that now at home, I even carry my power drill with my finger off the trigger....unconsciously!)
9MMare
Member
Sounds like Junior isnt mature enough for guns yet.
And I almost wrote the same as Old Bear...no good deed goes unpunished.
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9MMare
Member
Ha, that is one of the guns that has been offered to me to shoot. I was standing next to her (a woman was shooting it) at an outdoor range and it nearly blew me off my feet every time she shot.
We laughed about it and she offered to let me shoot it. I said "of course!"
It was the short-barrel version too. All she kept saying was..."got a good grip on it? Hold on really tight, get a good grip...."
LOL I had a good grip and made a decent shot...but it wasnt pleasant. I only took one shot and handed it back because I know the ammo is expensive.
22-rimfire
Member
I generally don't encourage someone to shoot my guns at the range, but if they seem nice and interesting, I will let them shoot my guns a few times. I have offered to pay some folks for shooting things like 500 S&W because I know how much the ammo is, but in most cases, they decline. So I take a couple shots and hand it back to them with thanks.
parsimonious_instead
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I appreciate all of the well thought out responses to my posting. I totally respect all points of view here!
FYI, I never "hover" over someone that is shooting, and when I do ask someone about their guns, it's either as we're walking out to set up/retrieve targets, or when they've paused their firing for some reason (other than malfunction clearance).
I also refrain from saying anything to the "grumps" - there are those whose demeanor suggests "don't say anything other than hello to me" and I totally respect that, too.
That said, one of the neat things about this sport is the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and yes, firearms and ammunition, too. I don't walk away with new lifelong friends every time I pause and chat with a fellow shooter, but I feel like I've gotten a richer experience than if I just simply punched holes in paper.
One thing I'd like to point out is that in my state (NY) there's a big time gap between purchasing a firearm and being able to possess it, because it must be tied to your license to own. It's technically unlawful to fire or even handle a handgun if you're not a permit/license holder. There are no private sales permitted with handguns. There are no "rental" ranges that feature handguns. It's a longer, more difficult process than in just about any other state, and being able to live-fire a pistol you've thought about getting is extra helpful here.
FYI, I never "hover" over someone that is shooting, and when I do ask someone about their guns, it's either as we're walking out to set up/retrieve targets, or when they've paused their firing for some reason (other than malfunction clearance).
I also refrain from saying anything to the "grumps" - there are those whose demeanor suggests "don't say anything other than hello to me" and I totally respect that, too.
That said, one of the neat things about this sport is the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and yes, firearms and ammunition, too. I don't walk away with new lifelong friends every time I pause and chat with a fellow shooter, but I feel like I've gotten a richer experience than if I just simply punched holes in paper.
One thing I'd like to point out is that in my state (NY) there's a big time gap between purchasing a firearm and being able to possess it, because it must be tied to your license to own. It's technically unlawful to fire or even handle a handgun if you're not a permit/license holder. There are no private sales permitted with handguns. There are no "rental" ranges that feature handguns. It's a longer, more difficult process than in just about any other state, and being able to live-fire a pistol you've thought about getting is extra helpful here.
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