Hey guys, I've just been wondering....I'll probably be going to the range a lot more within the next year or so, and as I've discovered from other sports, there's a certain etiquette that is to be learned. So, my question is, could you guys give me some ideas of what not and what to do while at the range? I understand the range rules and club rules, etc., but there are also the unwritten rules and regulations that I'm sure are present when at the range. I would hate to make an embarassment of myself, so if you all could be so kind, I'd appreciate it.
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Club/Range Etiquette
- Thread starter Kalahari
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Just some random thoughts:
- Don't talk when on the range if other people are there, it distracts and annoys them.
- Pick up your brass and targets after you are done, even the brass that went flying into other shooting stations/bays.
- ALWAYS carry guns to the bench unloaded with action open and keep muzzle pointed away from people.
More if/when I think of them.
Good post.
- Don't talk when on the range if other people are there, it distracts and annoys them.
- Pick up your brass and targets after you are done, even the brass that went flying into other shooting stations/bays.
- ALWAYS carry guns to the bench unloaded with action open and keep muzzle pointed away from people.
More if/when I think of them.
Good post.
This just casual talk or all talking? Last few times I've gone to the range (besides 200 yd offhand) I went to learn or when I was at Hanson getting range time for my LTC.
I'm not trying to be picky, just curious. I tend to not get the talking get to me if a person is learning things, especially range safety and how to shoot properly.
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If you have a question that is related to the range, safety, gun, etc. then ask it.
General conversation should be done off the range, out of earshot of the shooters.
People who are shooting postal matches, practicing for an upcoming match, etc. need to be able to concentrate on what they are doing and other distractions will annoy them.
General conversation should be done off the range, out of earshot of the shooters.
People who are shooting postal matches, practicing for an upcoming match, etc. need to be able to concentrate on what they are doing and other distractions will annoy them.
Things like not touching ANYTHING when the range is safe. I've seen people that are back from the tables, and their guns are there, unloaded and actions open.
But they are standing back and loading mags and what not. Just because you don't have your firearms in your hands, don't really do anything except stand there and nows your time to talk to the other shooters.
And I think that the no talking thing depends on who's at the range.
I can't tell you how many times I've been to the range, and was shooting, someone says something during cold, and you guys will sit there and talk for some time without shooting. But that's when you guys are the only few people there.
While I agree with Len that talking should be down to a min, it also depends on who's at the range. I've gone to the range and ended up talking the whole time and not shooting much when I get there. But, there also wasn't many people around.
One thing that I find that new shooters to a range or club don't do...tell people if something is making them uncomfy. Safety is EVERYONE's responsibility. If you see something that you don't like, walk over to that person and tell them. If they are rude and refuse to comply. Step off the range, and take their license plate number if you can't get their name, and tell someone at the club. Most clubs have the officers names hung somewhere in the clubhouse.
But they are standing back and loading mags and what not. Just because you don't have your firearms in your hands, don't really do anything except stand there and nows your time to talk to the other shooters.
And I think that the no talking thing depends on who's at the range.
I can't tell you how many times I've been to the range, and was shooting, someone says something during cold, and you guys will sit there and talk for some time without shooting. But that's when you guys are the only few people there.
While I agree with Len that talking should be down to a min, it also depends on who's at the range. I've gone to the range and ended up talking the whole time and not shooting much when I get there. But, there also wasn't many people around.
One thing that I find that new shooters to a range or club don't do...tell people if something is making them uncomfy. Safety is EVERYONE's responsibility. If you see something that you don't like, walk over to that person and tell them. If they are rude and refuse to comply. Step off the range, and take their license plate number if you can't get their name, and tell someone at the club. Most clubs have the officers names hung somewhere in the clubhouse.
Yeah when I'm at MRA and Siamese Rat, 007, or Wherewolf happen to be there too, Ammo suddenly becomes about as endangered as a Cow in the Hindu Kush ![[laugh]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/012.gif "Laugh [laugh]")
We'd shoot the shit and maybe run a few mags. I don't talk when somebody is shooting because that whole **BANG BANG** thing makes it a little difficult.
Also my personal rule: if somebody is looking at one of your guns, offer to let them try it out. Remember that COULD be you looking at a neat gun you've never shot before. Ammo is easy to come by, having somebody let you run a few rounds through a gun you've never shot before is much more rare.
Plus it's always good experience to become more familiar with the wide variety of firarms and equipment out there!
Arrrr
-Weer'd Beard
We'd shoot the shit and maybe run a few mags. I don't talk when somebody is shooting because that whole **BANG BANG** thing makes it a little difficult.
Also my personal rule: if somebody is looking at one of your guns, offer to let them try it out. Remember that COULD be you looking at a neat gun you've never shot before. Ammo is easy to come by, having somebody let you run a few rounds through a gun you've never shot before is much more rare.
Plus it's always good experience to become more familiar with the wide variety of firarms and equipment out there!
Arrrr
-Weer'd Beard
FalArAk
NES Member
You can never be too safe.If someone wants to check out your weapon,clear it first,then hand it to him/her with the action open.When handing the weapon back,do the same thing,check, clear, action open.
If someone lets you fire their weapon,return the favor.
As far as talking,they must be referring to an indoor range.I never shoot indoors,so I guess this is indoor range etiquette.Outdoor ranges are differant and you can talk as much as you want.
Basically be really really safe and know your weapon.
If someone lets you fire their weapon,return the favor.
As far as talking,they must be referring to an indoor range.I never shoot indoors,so I guess this is indoor range etiquette.Outdoor ranges are differant and you can talk as much as you want.
Basically be really really safe and know your weapon.
Kalahari-
I remember you from the Fun Shoot. You seemed like a smart, respectful person with good hand-eye coordination![[wink]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/002.gif "Wink [wink]")
I wouldn't worry too much about etiquette.
Just be yourself and ALWAYS follow the range safety rules and I don't think you'll tick anyone off.
(As a side note- there are enough people out there that really do need the advice of how to act on a range. I think that the fact alone that he's asking means that he'll be just fine...)
I remember you from the Fun Shoot. You seemed like a smart, respectful person with good hand-eye coordination
I wouldn't worry too much about etiquette. Just be yourself and ALWAYS follow the range safety rules and I don't think you'll tick anyone off.
(As a side note- there are enough people out there that really do need the advice of how to act on a range. I think that the fact alone that he's asking means that he'll be just fine...)
Weer'd Beard said:
A-men!
I can't tell you how many cool guns I've been able to shoot because of this...and I always let someone run a few rounds down range if I have something that they want to try.
That's one of the best things about gun owners. They almost ALL will share.
Agreed, WB and C-Pher. One of our customers was at the Mem Day Green Mountain Boys MG shoot last year and offered me his MP-40 to shoot. Of course, I had to offer to let him shoot some of my stuff. Well, he had never shot a Dragunov before. He did then.
And of course, I always provide the ammo when offering somebody one of my guns to shoot.
And of course, I always provide the ammo when offering somebody one of my guns to shoot.
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One thing, especially with serious target shooters, is if you call a cease fire because you want to change a target, to try and wait until others have finished their string of shots. Not everyone is sync'ed up of course, but you can indicate that they can finish their shots, or wait until they have put the gun down to call the cease fire.
Similar to what Hminsky was saying, if someone wants to change out a target it isn't a bad idea to change yours as well. Even if you really are'nt ready it will keep things moving along. Especially if you are at 100 or 200 yards. paper is cheap.
Right, and with what both jshooter and hminsky is saying. If they call the range cold after everyone is done, and you finish a mag, don't load up another one if everyone is ready and you're the only person up shooting.
You're more than welcome to finish your shots, but don't start up another one while everyone is waiting.
You're more than welcome to finish your shots, but don't start up another one while everyone is waiting.
I hate when people don't keep weapons pointed down range. Makes me nervous as hell.
When I'm sweeping up my brass at the range, I take a little extra time to sweep up the other people's brass too ( ask them if they reload, if so I just leave them a little pile)
Always nice to finish shooting and look behind you to see all your brass in a neat pile (or compleatly gone).
Another good thing, on ranges when members will go forward to sweep brass up, go with them, not only will it make them feel safer (if you are beside him he doesn't have to worry about you fiddling with a gun) but also it gets the range ready for more shooting faster.
A neat thing I learned about "A Polite Society" at gun clubs is that while an Armed Society is a polite one....it turns out that most people, since they're going to all that trouble to to be polite, the go the extra yards to be damn nice too!
I don't Know ANY place where you'll find people more friendly than a gun club.
Hell I think my Street in Belmont is the most friendly urban area I've EVER been in since the Neighbors will actully say hello, and make conversation if you stop. (rural areas tend to be a little more social to an average joe walking down the street).
Now a gun range, I might talk for 2 hours straight to a total stranger, just because he wanted to know the history on the gun I'm shooting![[smile]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/001.gif "Smile [smile]")
Can't beat it! Nope Nope!
Arrrr
-Weer'd Beard
Always nice to finish shooting and look behind you to see all your brass in a neat pile (or compleatly gone).
Another good thing, on ranges when members will go forward to sweep brass up, go with them, not only will it make them feel safer (if you are beside him he doesn't have to worry about you fiddling with a gun) but also it gets the range ready for more shooting faster.
A neat thing I learned about "A Polite Society" at gun clubs is that while an Armed Society is a polite one....it turns out that most people, since they're going to all that trouble to to be polite, the go the extra yards to be damn nice too!
I don't Know ANY place where you'll find people more friendly than a gun club.
Hell I think my Street in Belmont is the most friendly urban area I've EVER been in since the Neighbors will actully say hello, and make conversation if you stop. (rural areas tend to be a little more social to an average joe walking down the street).
Now a gun range, I might talk for 2 hours straight to a total stranger, just because he wanted to know the history on the gun I'm shooting
Can't beat it! Nope Nope!
Arrrr
-Weer'd Beard
Yeh, might not be wild about letting someone BORROW a gun, but so long as I have the ammo I am always willing to let someone shoot what I have. Reciprocity in this respect is great as I like to try everything once! Never shot a Glock, but someday. Shot a Browning 9mm pistol a while back. Knew they were good quality, but now know I don't want one cause they don't fit my hand.
LenS said:
Can't really say I agree with no talking, come one Len that was a joke right?
![[rofl]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/013.gif "ROFL [rofl]")
I mean...if they find back ground talking to be distracting and annoying...how will they possibly be able to shoot peacefully with someone else shooting, or god forbid someone like me send a burst of MG fire down range...talking...come on...you can't imagine the stream of expletives that would come out of my mouth if someone asked me to stop talking AT THE GUN RANGE Its not "f'n" golf its shooting...
But seriously some general rules, all are really common sense:
Don't touch any guns when people are down range.
Pay attention to your muzzle when bringing gun to/from your shooting possition.
Ask before you touch some one else's stuff.
Don't be a pain in the ass about resetting targets, if it involves going down range. For example if you are sighting something in bring a spotting scope rather than having to walk down range every 5 shots, etc...
You have lots of good suggestions here. I would add one that may be obvious: make sure you have read and understand the range rules. The kinds of things you should make sure you know are what kind of targets you can and cannot shoot, what hours the outdoor ranges are open, and which guns and ammo are permitted on your range.
This will get you started in the right direction, as will remembering to wear eye and ear protection at all times while on the range.
Finally, keep your eyes on the other guy. Even if you are safe, he may not be!
This will get you started in the right direction, as will remembering to wear eye and ear protection at all times while on the range.
Finally, keep your eyes on the other guy. Even if you are safe, he may not be!
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The talking issue has become a major issue at BR&P indoor range due to the following:
- Our resident PITA member/RO making a stink about it! He raised it at the ROs meeting last week and general membership meeting this week. It was really aimed at me, since 2 months ago I got talking with a forum member and another club member inside the range for >1 hour. We weren't yelling, but others definitely could hear us. It was a general BS session and we really should have taken it outside.
- Many of us wear electronic muffs and yes, we can hear the soft-moderate talk from the other end of the indoor range.
- Some folks there are doing "focused shooting" practice for matches, or shooting postal matches and detest the distractions.
- Even outdoors it is appropriate to either move away from other shooters and/or keep it down if you are chatting while others are shooting.
- Our resident PITA member/RO making a stink about it! He raised it at the ROs meeting last week and general membership meeting this week. It was really aimed at me, since 2 months ago I got talking with a forum member and another club member inside the range for >1 hour. We weren't yelling, but others definitely could hear us. It was a general BS session and we really should have taken it outside.
- Many of us wear electronic muffs and yes, we can hear the soft-moderate talk from the other end of the indoor range.
- Some folks there are doing "focused shooting" practice for matches, or shooting postal matches and detest the distractions.
- Even outdoors it is appropriate to either move away from other shooters and/or keep it down if you are chatting while others are shooting.
reinbeau
NES Member
I always share my guns at the SAS meetings. Most bring revolvers, I've always got a couple two three semi-autos that someone wants to try. The S&W 1911 is popular, so's the PPK-S. It's fun to share!Weer'd Beard said:
"The talking issue has become a major issue at BR&P indoor range due to the following..."
Len first don't take this personal I guess it is more directed at your problem RO, and while I understand everything you are saying. It is all BS to me. If soft/moderate talking heard through electronic ear protection is too distracting for them, seriosly how do they deal with other people shooting? I know thier practice/matches are very important to them, but unless they have rented/shut down the range just for them to practice have thier match, every other club member should have the ability to do as they want at that time. I really don't care if it is the Pope training with Jesus for the olympics, if I paid my dues just like them and I have to "put up" with them they are going to have to "put up" with my talking and shooting.
Len first don't take this personal I guess it is more directed at your problem RO, and while I understand everything you are saying. It is all BS to me. If soft/moderate talking heard through electronic ear protection is too distracting for them, seriosly how do they deal with other people shooting? I know thier practice/matches are very important to them, but unless they have rented/shut down the range just for them to practice have thier match, every other club member should have the ability to do as they want at that time. I really don't care if it is the Pope training with Jesus for the olympics, if I paid my dues just like them and I have to "put up" with them they are going to have to "put up" with my talking and shooting.
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Everything can be done to excess.
I plead guilty that we were talking to excess and should have gone into the club room.
The PITA/RO is just that and he loves to pick on every little thing that anyone else does. He's not going to change and I suspect that he's been there ~25 years longer than I have.
I plead guilty that we were talking to excess and should have gone into the club room.
The PITA/RO is just that and he loves to pick on every little thing that anyone else does. He's not going to change and I suspect that he's been there ~25 years longer than I have.
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LenS said:
I turn mine off if I don't want to pay attention to the conversation. Not too hard...
Hears a question for you guys: I've been there an sometimes and the guy next to me might not leave the action open when going down range, or might fool with his gun (not loading) while I'm down range
![[shocked]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/007.gif "Shocked [shocked]")
. How do you handle stuff like this? Fortuanately my range is not busy and I handle it by going down range when they do, so I stay safe.
Matt
Not much I can say here that hasn't been said except watch out for the guy next to you. Some rifles like my Romak 3 have a muzzle break and send brass flying far and dead center to my right. If i'm planning on shooting a weapon that does so, i'll try and get the right side of the firing line so my shells go flying into the bushes and not in some guys field of view. I also warn about the crack of a muzzle break and try to get a little further forward than the other shooters when using such a rifle.
matt said:Hears a question for you guys: I've been there an sometimes and the guy next to me might not leave the action open when going down range, or might fool with his gun (not loading) while I'm down range
Ask him hun. Be polite, but ask. He could just be having a brain cramp and might just get all embarassed because he was having a brain cramp. But if it's uncomfortable, just smile and ask nicely. If he becomes an SOB over it, find out what (if it's not listed in clearly posted range rules) the protocall is at the next meeting. If someone's doing something they shouldn't be doing, the club members need to know about it to make sure it stops.
![[grin]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/041.gif "Grin [grin]")
matt said:I turn mine off if I don't want to pay attention to the conversation. Not too hard...
Hears a question for you guys: I've been there an sometimes and the guy next to me might not leave the action open when going down range, or might fool with his gun (not loading) while I'm down range
Fortuanately my range is not busy and I handle it by going down range when they do, so I stay safe.
Matt
Just tell him straight out and nicely "Excuse me... would you mind opening the bolt (or action) and showing clear while the weapon isn't being used?" "Its probably safe, but it just gives me peace of mind"
I'd rather someone think i'm a hardass for rules rather than take a shot in the back because some guy had a slow burning primered round that he thought was a dud.
Not sure what fooling with a gun refers to, but i'll sometimes take an oportunity while others are setting up targets to do some sight adjusting or minor repairs but always leave my gun pointing away from any fellow shooters. I'd hate to be down range stapling up a new target while some guy is whacking on his bolt trying to open it after a round didn't fire and got stuck.
![[hmmm]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/009.gif "Hmm [hmmm]")
Heres one more I thought about.... I see this all the time and it scares the hell outa me, makes me wanna dive under the bench sometimes. When a guy gets a hangfire and opens the bolt right away.
Its one thing to be using a rifle that can be cocked again with the bolt closed and try and refire that one round that just went :::click::: without opening the bolt but when a guy opens the bolt right away and sticks his face in there... oh man, what a world of hurt he could get. Not to mention the guy beside him. Plus taking out that round with a dented primer and leaving it on the bench pointing at YOU!![[angry]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/008.gif "Angry [angry]")
"Hey buddy... wanna do me and my family a favor and stick that sucker in the dirt pointing straight down?!?!?" I hate it when a range doesn't have a box for disposing of dud rounds.
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Milsurps 4 Me said:Not sure what fooling with a gun refers to, but i'll sometimes take an oportunity while others are setting up targets to do some sight adjusting or minor repairs but always leave my gun pointing away from any fellow shooters. I'd hate to be down range stapling up a new target while some guy is whacking on his bolt trying to open it after a round didn't fire and got stuck.
Not sure where on the range you're standing while others are downrange, but if I were shooting there I would ask every person at teh firing line to just put their guns down, in a visibly safe position, and out of arms reach.
I don't care if you know that your gun is unloaded. All I know is that I'm downrange and you're holding a gun...
![[thinking]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/010.gif "Thinking [thinking]")
