I'm probably not the one to chime in on this. I am fortunate that I have my own isolated land, and have never had to go to a range. Moreover, I have been a business owner. So, I have a certain perspective on that.
Before I say a thing, I'll say this... I am sensitive to the fact that there are limited choices of ranges for some people, and they feel a resentment in basically HAVING to operate within the constraints of the rules of their local ranges.
At the same time, we are a free-enterprise society. Market forces theoretically dictate many things (of course, we know that insurance companies, etc. have more say). In principle, if you don't agree with the rules, seek another establishment-- which may or may not be an easy task.
But here's my comments on the initial rules posted:
five rounds max per mag
Obviously, this is an effort to prevent negligent discharges. It seems to be a round-about way to do it, but OK.
no picking up brass
Am I do assume this means your own brass as well???
I could see a range wishing to suppliment its income with scavaging brass, and attempting to halt the brass "vultures." But I'd have SERIOUS issues with a range that wouldn't let me pick up my OWN brass.
On the supportive side, I've read the accounts on this forum and others about scavengers basically ruining a shooting experience by picking up your brass as you are shooting. I would have SERIOUS issues with someone picking up around me as I am shooting.
As long as a range would not limit my retrieving my OWN brass, I'd be OK with this. Afterall, if a person leaves something in MY building willingly, its MINE-- not YOURS.
The range as a first right of refusal to anything willingly discarded in their business.
no guests allowed (private clubs)
I can completely understand this. Most likely, it wasn't always like this at the ranges. I've found that many things like this are quickly taken advantage of.
The instant I realized I was being taken advantage of, I'd put a stop to it.
However, I WOULD want to encourage new shooters (new business). It doesn't seem like it would be all that difficult to keep an Excel spreadsheet of guest information. If I saw a guest come in more that "X" amount of times based upon his ID, I'd refuse them access without purchasing time or membership.
Seems simple to me.
no FMJ rounds
I can see this. Replacing anything can get expensive.
no HP rounds
Dunno about this one.
no reloads (liability issue i know, but a release would suffice)
I agree on the Waiver.
no rapid fire / 5 or 10 seconds between shots required
Again, probably a measure to attempt to keep equipment from being destroyed. I can see this. Five to Ten seconds seems excessive, however.
trap guns may only be loaded with the number of rounds needed for each pull (one shell for singles etc...)
Measure to attempt to prevent negligent discharges. I can see the rationale on this in shooting trap or skeet.
guns must be unloaded when entering (kinda rules out practicing with your carry gun)
Again, attempting to prevent carelessness or negligent discharges in an uncontrolled environment. I don't necessarily agree with CCW holders with carry firearm.
guns may only be loaded on the firing line (same as above)
Same as above.
-- John
"No Rapid Fire" is silently waived for carefully practicing double-taps, however.
