The-Reaver
Member
Used to have to link up with friends to go to the range for that reason.
Now, I go to private range.
No friends needed.
Peace, quite & gunfire. ;-)
Now, I go to private range.
No friends needed.
Peace, quite & gunfire. ;-)
range paranoia
- Thread starter Pacsd
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evan price
Member
If I'm shooting at a public range and some joker starts trying to take pictures of my car, my gear, or me- there's going to be a problem.
Some of you guys need to relax a little bit. Not everyone is out to get you.
Some of you guys need to relax a little bit. Not everyone is out to get you.
bannockburn
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When shooting at an outdoor range I always went with a friend of mine. After the initial set-up of targets, we would take turns replacing them, that way our gear was never left unattended and you most definitely had someone watching your back.
Coupla things...
1. If you're shooting at a public range, the odds are extremely good that the range has video monitoring, so you, your car and your gear have probably always been photographed every time you shoot.
2. If you're in public, there is no right to not be photographed. You can ask them to stop, and if they're polite, they should do so, but they have no legal responsibility to comply. If you make it into a problem, you're going to be the one in trouble if it escalates.
http://photorights.org/faq/is-it-legal-to-take-photos-of-people-without-asking
This from a guy who threatens to make problems if someone photographs him in public? If that's not the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what is.
Pretty good use, if you practice at those ranges.
At 100 yards, a reasonably accurate handgun with a decent shooter behind the trigger should be able to account for several hits on a human sized targets per magazine/cylinder.
Of course, it gets much harder to be effective as the range stretches, but I'll wager that even at ranges beyond 200 yards, lobbing lead in their direction will get their attention in a big way.
Alot of states have those public ranges run by the state's fish and game commission. I've been to a few over the years but stop going because they freak me out. It's nice shooting for free, but there is no supervision or enforcement at this type of places (other than the occasional CO driving by). I have seen my fair share of idiotic behavior at these ranges...like people walking from their cars across the parking lot with loaded guns already in their hands, rapid fire and other assorted horseplay, and morons with no muzzle awareness who obviously have had insufficient gun safety training.
Taking all that into account, plus the risk of getting robbed as described by the OP, I avoid these type of ranges like the plague now. The ranges I frequent now have overzealous range safety officers, and i like it that way. I gladly pay the range fee for this service. Not going to put my life in some stranger's hands. Just not worth it.
Taking all that into account, plus the risk of getting robbed as described by the OP, I avoid these type of ranges like the plague now. The ranges I frequent now have overzealous range safety officers, and i like it that way. I gladly pay the range fee for this service. Not going to put my life in some stranger's hands. Just not worth it.
kimbershot
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my "public" range is about 40miles from the house and about 3 miles down a service road in a wildlife management area-the boonies. been there 2x and by myself. had a couple of people and families show up both times. my car is parked close enough to secure any guns while i walk downrange and i always open carry my 45. i don't think i am being paranoid--just prepared.
As john mentionrd we get photographed hudreds of times per day, but you would never know, these new phone cameras just look like you are making a call, and can bang out a 10 shot burst in 2 seconds while looking like making a call..They also need almost no light. but having a glock 17b long barrell 9mm with a laser would solve most problems, as it could easily reach out to 100 yards, pluds all they see is the green laser, not the weapon. Any long barrelled " 6 inch or more revolver" would also be adequate, a 44 blackhawk, or a 357 Tracker with 6 inch or better barrels, would easily do the job, or whatever you have is better than a sharp stick.I just got an extension for my shotgun, which is an 18 1/2 inh Benelli with 7 +1, I run slugs and buck in it alternatelly for such a situation.
But a quick call to the local police works best, it's their pleasure to accomidate you and possiblly catch a gun theif, "or worse"
They just employed something called "shot spot" here near me, if a gun is fired, they can pinpoint where the sound came from, it's being tested in FL now, I don't know what the range is but they made a big deal on the news about it.
But a quick call to the local police works best, it's their pleasure to accomidate you and possiblly catch a gun theif, "or worse"
They just employed something called "shot spot" here near me, if a gun is fired, they can pinpoint where the sound came from, it's being tested in FL now, I don't know what the range is but they made a big deal on the news about it.
coloradokevin
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Whether someone considers this concern to be prudence or paranoia probably has a lot to do with where they typically shoot. At the gun club I belong to, I don't worry about my guns on the bench when the gate is locked behind me, even if I'm changing targets at 600 yards (I could get back to the bench before a non-member thief could walk from the gate to the bench himself). But, the story is different on some of the public/wildlife management ranges I've been to over the years.
Some of the places I've felt most vulnerable are at the undeveloped/informal shooting areas that have been used for years on the national forest areas near major cities. I live near Denver, and there used to be quite a few of these spots within an hour drive of my house (there are far less today, thanks to morons who abused the privilege, but still some). These areas often involved little more than an open gravel pit, or field with a hill at the end to use as a backstop. These areas aren't supervised, are often quite secluded, and yet still frequently visited by shooters, brass scroungers, and unsavory types. One such area that is fairly close to my home recently had boulders covered in gang graffiti that I could identify as belonging to an east-Denver area gang. Think someone might be able to have problems there, if they were to leave their firearms/ammo unattended while going down range? I do.
Another range I used to shoot at was the Rampart Range shooting area near Colorado Springs. I believe this area was finally shuttered forever after some dimwit shot his friend there a few years ago. Anyway, this was a formal public shooting range, with absolutely no public supervision. The range was well-used and abused during its time there, and its close proximity to Colorado Springs seemed to attract the criminal element on occasion. I personally saw dressed-out gang members there on at least three occasions, and I was alone at the range near sunset during two of those incidents. One time the subjects kept to themselves and acted reasonably safe on the line, though obviously "gangsta". The other time the subjects were drinking and handling their firearms in an unsafe manner.
At a range that is sometimes frequented by active gang members, is someone really paranoid if they keep their AR-15 slung over the shoulder while heading downrange? I don't think so.
(EDITED TO ADD: It does look like that one range I used to use is gone: http://www.gazette.com/articles/range-58832-shooting-forest.html)
Some of the places I've felt most vulnerable are at the undeveloped/informal shooting areas that have been used for years on the national forest areas near major cities. I live near Denver, and there used to be quite a few of these spots within an hour drive of my house (there are far less today, thanks to morons who abused the privilege, but still some). These areas often involved little more than an open gravel pit, or field with a hill at the end to use as a backstop. These areas aren't supervised, are often quite secluded, and yet still frequently visited by shooters, brass scroungers, and unsavory types. One such area that is fairly close to my home recently had boulders covered in gang graffiti that I could identify as belonging to an east-Denver area gang. Think someone might be able to have problems there, if they were to leave their firearms/ammo unattended while going down range? I do.
Another range I used to shoot at was the Rampart Range shooting area near Colorado Springs. I believe this area was finally shuttered forever after some dimwit shot his friend there a few years ago. Anyway, this was a formal public shooting range, with absolutely no public supervision. The range was well-used and abused during its time there, and its close proximity to Colorado Springs seemed to attract the criminal element on occasion. I personally saw dressed-out gang members there on at least three occasions, and I was alone at the range near sunset during two of those incidents. One time the subjects kept to themselves and acted reasonably safe on the line, though obviously "gangsta". The other time the subjects were drinking and handling their firearms in an unsafe manner.
At a range that is sometimes frequented by active gang members, is someone really paranoid if they keep their AR-15 slung over the shoulder while heading downrange? I don't think so.
(EDITED TO ADD: It does look like that one range I used to use is gone: http://www.gazette.com/articles/range-58832-shooting-forest.html)
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Nanook
Member
I've thought of these things too. I do most of my shooting at a members only range with an electronic gate. There is usually a range officer on hand, too.
I've never heard of anything happening at this range, but in today's world one can't be too sure. So to be safe, when shooting alone, before I go downrange to pull my targets, I put the guns and gear in the truck and lock it.
Then I walk down during the cease fire and pull down my targets and backers. I do the reverse when just getting there. First thing I do is put up the targets, before taking any guns out. I feel safer that way.
It may be a little paranoid, but I do live in IL. Parts of this state are free range zones for criminals. And of course, being IL, if I were to carry a loaded gun while going downrange I'd be violating the law and range rules.
I've never heard of anything happening at this range, but in today's world one can't be too sure. So to be safe, when shooting alone, before I go downrange to pull my targets, I put the guns and gear in the truck and lock it.
Then I walk down during the cease fire and pull down my targets and backers. I do the reverse when just getting there. First thing I do is put up the targets, before taking any guns out. I feel safer that way.
It may be a little paranoid, but I do live in IL. Parts of this state are free range zones for criminals. And of course, being IL, if I were to carry a loaded gun while going downrange I'd be violating the law and range rules.
evan price
Member
Johnksa, our range has a strict no pictures policy. Its one of the terms you agree to in order to use the range. Like I said...some joker starts snapping pix there WILL be problems. We don't have gravel pits or desert out here to shoot...its all someone's land.
Arkansas Paul
Member
I shoot at a private club. We're required to lock ourselves in every time so if someone comes up, you know they have a key and are supposed to be there.
I still don't leave my keys in my truck. It's a cold range meaning you can't have a loaded weapon unless you're about to fire it, but I admit that my Sig is usually holstered and loaded.
I still don't leave my keys in my truck. It's a cold range meaning you can't have a loaded weapon unless you're about to fire it, but I admit that my Sig is usually holstered and loaded.
Sav .250
Member
Unless you drive a Ford F-150,4-door....................you have nothing to worry about.
22-rimfire
Member
Evan, that would not deter me from taking pictures if I felt it important to my safety and perhaps nabbing a thief. Most of the discussions here are where there is a real concern are on public ranges that are often fairly secluded not the public range that is well attended.
If you were at a public range, you could stomp your feet all you want to, but I would still take the pictures. I would probably take a special picture of you if you hassled me.
I will tell you that I have never taken pictures and thought it a pretty reasonable idea. Nothing like having a potential list of suspects ready for law enforcement if my property was stolen.
If you were at a public range, you could stomp your feet all you want to, but I would still take the pictures. I would probably take a special picture of you if you hassled me.
I will tell you that I have never taken pictures and thought it a pretty reasonable idea. Nothing like having a potential list of suspects ready for law enforcement if my property was stolen.
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Tinpig
Member
True, but it only takes one. That's why most of us carry a pistol even though we know the chances of ever having to use it are very small.
Tinpig
Man, reading this thread makes me wonder. To be completely honest I had never given it a second thought when I go 200 yards downrange with my AR/Galil/Sig 556 and assorted pistols are on the line.
However, I only go to the range when it's a weekday morning and am usually alone. The only people that I have ever seen there are middle-aged or older so I suppose I've just never felt threatened.
My range does have a police range attached to it, so that might make people think twice about doing anything crazy, but like almost all outdoor ranges, there's very little cell reception and police response time would be lengthy at best.
I generally carry a Glock or 1911 on my hip because it's what I'm shooting, now I may just make sure I keep one mag loaded and with me.
However, I only go to the range when it's a weekday morning and am usually alone. The only people that I have ever seen there are middle-aged or older so I suppose I've just never felt threatened.
My range does have a police range attached to it, so that might make people think twice about doing anything crazy, but like almost all outdoor ranges, there's very little cell reception and police response time would be lengthy at best.
I generally carry a Glock or 1911 on my hip because it's what I'm shooting, now I may just make sure I keep one mag loaded and with me.
22-rimfire
Member
I didn't either until some people arrived that I didn't see while I was walking up to my targets. It occurred to me at that point that I was very exposed to something happening and I had no way to affect any real defense as I seldom carried a gun down range and had a whole assortment of guns probably $3-4,000 just lying there for anyone to pick up and skoot out of there with.
The range is out in the woods. I had no problem with them, and we talked a bit. But it made me aware that my interests weren't well protected. Now I only bring one gun out to shoot and return it to my vehicle when I am ready for another. If there are people there, I usually have not problem leaving my guns.... but it only takes once as was mentioned above.
I really enjoy chatting and shooting at this public range casually which is part of the reason I go back when I am a member of a club within 20 minutes of my house. Going to the public range also gives me an excuse to visit at least one gun shop along the way and see what's new. The secret is out... the gun shop.
Right, because no one has ever stolen from the police before either.
10 seconds on google;
AR-15 stolen from marked cruiser.
http://www.koat.com/news/new-mexico...car/-/9153728/17478892/-/kttw00z/-/index.html
Several guns stolen from police vehicle
http://www2.wspa.com/news/2012/sep/17/6/guns-stolen-greenwood-police-vehicle-ar-4566325/
Officer's firearm stolen from police vehicle
http://azstarnet.com/news/local/cri...cle_a445a8e5-e36d-5820-8e2a-853ea9217534.html
On to the RELEVANT subject
5 days ago, man robbed, another shot, leaving shooting range:
http://santacruz.patch.com/articles/men-robbed-one-shot-leaving-gun-range-6c4224fc
Shooting range robbed, guns stolen
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/08/1...ing-range-robbery-arrested-wild-police-chase/
Gun range robbed, 33 firearms stolen
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/...cle_34412edf-2e03-59da-a59d-6cd8b42fd79b.html
"Rare" Shooting range robbery caught on video (not so "rare", is it?)
http://www.upnorthlive.com/news/story.aspx?id=755120
TWO MEN followed home from shooting range, robbed of their firearms
http://www.wftv.com/news/10963235/detail.html
Man robbed of cash and guns after leaving shooting range
http://articles.philly.com/2011-12-29/news/30569151_1_knife-wielding-man-guns-shooting-range
This was just a few minutes of searching.. I never made it past page #1 on two separate searches. There's a LOT of robberies out there at or after going to a gun range.
The ones where the person(s) are followed home are particularly frightening.
Right, because no one has ever stolen from the police before either.
Of course it happens...but most criminals, most of the time, will not choose to commit crimes at or adjacent to a police shooting range.
"Do you guys remember reading about a firefight at a rifle range parking lot? Maybe within the last few years."
Yes, it happened in Crestview, FL (in the panhandle) about 2 or 3 years ago.
I can't remember why, but two officers went to the range to either talk with or arrest a guy and, if I remember correctly, he shot and killed both of the officers. They approached him in the parking lot as he was leaving.
Yes, it happened in Crestview, FL (in the panhandle) about 2 or 3 years ago.
I can't remember why, but two officers went to the range to either talk with or arrest a guy and, if I remember correctly, he shot and killed both of the officers. They approached him in the parking lot as he was leaving.
medalguy
Member
most criminals, most of the time, will not choose to commit crimes at or adjacent to a police shooting range
True, but as already said, it only takes one.
Personally, where I shoot is open BLM land, and there's usually no one within several miles that I can tell. It would be difficult to sneak up on me, but someone could easily drive up in a car or truck while I'm downrange, so I always carry a 1911 or M9 with me with at least one full mag on me, at all times.
While I might or might not actually be able to hit someone at 100+ yards engaged in stealing my guns or endangering me, I'll wager that a few rounds impacting close to them would give them second thoughts about trying to steal anything or shoot at me. Also points up the need for a little more long-range practice with my carry guns.
True, but as already said, it only takes one.
Personally, where I shoot is open BLM land, and there's usually no one within several miles that I can tell. It would be difficult to sneak up on me, but someone could easily drive up in a car or truck while I'm downrange, so I always carry a 1911 or M9 with me with at least one full mag on me, at all times.
While I might or might not actually be able to hit someone at 100+ yards engaged in stealing my guns or endangering me, I'll wager that a few rounds impacting close to them would give them second thoughts about trying to steal anything or shoot at me. Also points up the need for a little more long-range practice with my carry guns.
22-rimfire
Member
The practice will help give you confidence if something ever happened and you had to shoot (to protect yourself).
Onward Allusion
Member
Not necessary to have a shootout.
At our club where gates are locked behind us (usually), it would be difficult to get away with a grab and run or some other nefarious method of stealing someone's rifles - even at the 200 yard range. At a public range or a club that doesn't have a locked gate, it would be pretty easy, I'd say. One just has to be patient and visit during quiet times when the lone guy is changing targets at 200 or even 100 yards.
Heck, I have even thought about it when at the archery range. 50 yards is a good distance to cover, especially when you're walking down looking at your target. A well configured quality bow can easily run $1,000 and up - as much as most guns, if not a little more. When it is complete dead at the archery range, I have seriously thought about taking mine downrange with me.
Think about it, what the heck is a person gonna do? Shoot the guy *running away* with your bow or gun as he is jumping into an awaiting car? I guess it's just good that most criminals don't think to steal expensive bows or guns from the range 'cause it would take a little work.
BigBoreFan
Member
I can attest that I've had a few incidents at federal forest ranges in SC and after the first one I carried a .357 that I could hit targets at distance as a result. Incident number one was some good ole boys that drove up in a hurry after we went down range to check targets and they made a dash towards some high dollar stuff on the bench. Being fit at the time we ran back and met them before they got to the bench. Number two I was by my self and someone was shooting at the target next to me as I was putting up new targets. Since I've moved back north there hasn't been a problem. Membership fees seem to keep out the riff raff.
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