[fischgreg]

New to ranges. Need some advice.

When exiting my vehicle and entering the range building, what is the proper etiquette for carrying it into the facility?

I've seen some who carry it in a sports bag. Louisiana is open carry but did not know if I could just holster it. Is that was looked down upon?

[golls17]

Probably depends on the range. Why not call them and ask?

I know around here most won't let you draw from a holster while on the range, but will allow you to carry while shooting a different firearm.

I've always carried whatever I'm shooting in a bag or my ammo box. Magazines full but out of the gun.

[Green Dragoon]

Originally Posted by golls17

I know around here most won't let you draw from a holster while on the range, but will allow you to carry while shooting a different firearm.

I've always carried whatever I'm shooting in a bag or my ammo box. Magazines full but out of the gun.

I belong to a private club and we have the same rule.

[russoj429]

at my local range (shoot straight) they allow you to conceal carry just like normal. but if you want to shoot it it has to be unholstered while on the fire line.

[RPVG]

Originally Posted by russoj429

at my local range (shoot straight) they allow you to conceal carry just like normal. but if you want to shoot it it has to be unholstered while on the fire line.

I shot at Shoot Straight (in Apopka) yesterday. Gonna try their Casselberry range next week.

[jthrelf]

I live in Pennsylvania. My range allows concealed carry with a license, but does not allow open carry [even though it is not illegal in PA]. Draw from holster is not allowed [too much of a chance of an accident].

Usually I'll have my LCR IWB (which is my normal carry setup). Glock (cased), ammo, mags, etc. in a gym bag and then carry my rifle case with rifle and/or 12 gauge. Once there's a cease fire i'll set up shop.

[TheExplorer]

Are you talking public or private?

For public, check your states game site for range rules. They will also be posted at the range. Rules can range from gun must be unloaded to a max of x rounds.

For private, my range rules state a gun lock must be used unless you are carrying, open or concealed, or in a case. Main thing is always keep the muzzle pointed away from other shooters. Sometimes people get too casual and forget that important point.

Shooting courtesy would be to shoot at the same time. Always announce clear before you check your target and always shoot at the same distance as others. Once again, common sense, but you'd be surprised.

[Gallium]

Originally Posted by TheExplorer

Shooting courtesy would be to shoot at the same time. Always announce clear before you check your target and always shoot at the same distance as others. Once again, common sense, but you'd be surprised.

None of these things particularly apply to ranges with motorized target carriers.

[calviroman]

Man reading this thread makes me thank god I live somewhere where i can drive 20 minutes out to the wilderness (BLM land) and do whatever I want without any bedwetter policies like no drawing from a holster.

[NEOH212]

Originally Posted by calviroman

Man reading this thread makes me thank god I live somewhere where i can drive 20 minutes out to the wilderness (BLM land) and do whatever I want without any bedwetter policies like no drawing from a holster.

[ADK_40GLKr]

At my small local outdoor range, we shoot from under a pavilion with concrete floor,maybe 75' long or so. The longer range target stands are out on the left (for rifle) and handgun backstop at 25 yards on the right. I usually take a small target stand, and place it out to the right of that for closer pistol work.

If there's someone else there shooting, and I'm ready to change my target, I wait for a lull in the gunfire, yell over to the others, "Are we all clear?" and wait for consensus. "Got yer ears on?" is another good line before shooting.

No need to hurry, my ammo's all gone too fast anyway!

Carry? AFAIK anything goes.

Indoor range is the opposite extreme: organized IDPA practice with rather strict safety rules. All pistols on a bench facing the wall when owner is not taking his turn at the targets.

When someone finishes a stage, SO calls out "Range is clear!"

Carry here? Cased and unloaded, until time to shoot your stage. Drawing is part of IDPA game, so that's allowed.

[KenMac]

Originally Posted by calviroman

Man reading this thread makes me thank god I live somewhere where i can drive 20 minutes out to the wilderness (BLM land) and do whatever I want without any bedwetter policies like no drawing from a holster.

.......is my back yard. I couldn't stand having to find another place to shoot. Country boy and intend to keep it that way!

[Gallium]

Originally Posted by KenMac

.......is my back yard. I couldn't stand having to find another place to shoot. Country boy and intend to keep it that way!

What rules would you implement if you had folks over to shoot. A man living in isolation is great. As soon as the # of shooters at the same time >1 you need some sort of set of protocols to deal with everything, or anything.

That is the question here, not how cool it is to have a backyard range.

[SCmasterblaster]

Originally Posted by calviroman

Man reading this thread makes me thank god I live somewhere where i can drive 20 minutes out to the wilderness (BLM land) and do whatever I want without any bedwetter policies like no drawing from a holster.

That's good for you, sir.

[calviroman]

Mediconi....I live close to the Ojito Wilderness. In general, there are no firearm related restrictions on BLM land except for specific designated no shooting areas. If they ever change that
...I'll leave.

[vafish]

Our club does not allow open or concealed carry on the ranges except during classes or other special circumstances.

[robhic]

Originally Posted by fischgreg

New to ranges. Need some advice.

When exiting my vehicle and entering the range building, what is the proper etiquette for carrying it into the facility?

I use the "Shooters' Club" in River Ridge and they don't allow loaded weapons other than in the range. But ...... if you have a CHP you are good to go. I am not clear about drawing a weapon on the line.

I do it and have seen others do it, too. So I guess it's OK.

[mnhogrider]

Depending on the range, I bet they have a web site and they'll have all the rules listed.

At the range I use:

Anybody with a MN permit to carry a pistol can carry into the range, but it must be holstered. We can't draw from a holster.

All guns brought in must be cased and can only be uncased at the firing line.

All ammo gets checked with a magnet. No steel core/jacketed bullets allowed.

One range that I go to doesn't allow alluminum case ammo.
Weird.

[barres]

Originally Posted by mnhogrider

One range that I go to doesn't allow alluminum case ammo.
Weird.

That's because they collect any brass left behind to sell to reloaders, and they don't want to have to cull out aluminum cases which would be worthless.

As to the OP, I belong to a private range where the owner knows all of the members personally. If you're not an established member or a guest accompanied by such a member, he's watching over you like a hawk to make sure you don't do anything stupid. Once you've earned his trust, you can draw from concealment, rapid fire, whatever, as long as you stay safe and in control of your firearm. Don't ever lose his trust once you've gained it, though.

[DaneA]

At the one I go to I can carry with no problem. If I want to use that firearm I take it out of my holster when I get to my lane and set it on the bench pointing downrange. They are pretty easy to get along with as long as you aren't doing anything stupid.

[H&K 4 LIFE]

Rules are going to vary greatly from one range facility to another. I would ask your particular local range what their rules are.

Personally, I would never patronize a range where I couldn't practice drawing from the holster. YMMV.

[TheExplorer]

Originally Posted by H&K 4 LIFE

Personally, I would never patronize a range where I couldn't practice drawing from the holster. YMMV.

Agreed. I had never heard of that rule until now.

[NEOH212]

Originally Posted by H&K 4 LIFE

Rules are going to vary greatly from one range facility to another. I would ask your particular local range what their rules are.

Personally, I would never patronize a range where I couldn't practice drawing from the holster. YMMV.

+1

[FireForged]

I dont "holster carry" into the range... I just put my unloaded weapons into their carrying cases and walk into the facility with my ammo/gear bag. My car gun stays in the car.

[jamaicanj]

Call to confirm...some ranges have tons of policies re bringing the weapon on the premises unloaded and in a case etc