What on EARTH?!?!?!

[rwsmith]

Of course not.....

Legal or not, the guy working at the range has absolutely no authority to confiscate anything from anyone.

...but anything is possible in a police state. How do we know where this trajectory is going to end up? A more likely scenerio would be that they would report you to the BAFT who would raid your home and while confiscating your 'illegal' gun, tell the press that they uncovered multiple semi-auto assault rifles and thousand of rounds of ammunition.

This is off topic but that's what peed me off about that Long Island killer/rapist. They raided his house and unconvered his gun collection. I think that being a monstrous killer/rapist doesn't have a lot to do with having a gun collection, even a large one, especially since the victims were strangled.

 

[3S16]

For a second there, I thought the OP was surely in Kalifornistan. Yet he's in SC. Huh. Who'd a thunk it!

 

[rwsmith]

EXACTLY!

For a second there, I thought the OP was surely in Kalifornistan. Yet he's in SC. Huh. Who'd a thunk it!

This is a 'gun friendly' state. I was floored by this 'incident'. That's why I'm so adamant about getting word out. I think we are just seeing the beginning. The feds don't care about the attitudes, culture or laws in any state. They've got a heavy hammer and they intend to use it.

 

[A10]

Did they show you their stinking badges?

 

[vipermd]

It just hit me.


"We think your gun is illegal so we are going to confiscate it and contact the BATF. Expect a visit from them."

. They would not confiscate my weapon based on the gibberish they are spouting. I could have a SBR with a CAN, with 2 tax stamps, not illegal in my state. I could understand if it was a " pistol" only range because of the backstop. They do not appear to know the laws and who gave them the right to question your stock. It is BS, ATF is not going to have ranges looking for imaginary violations. If they "found" something what would or could they do about it? Next you will not be able to shoot your revolver because it does not have a manual safety! Be Safe.

 

[Ethang]

It just hit me.


"We think your gun is illegal so we are going to confiscate it and contact the BAFT. Expect a visit from them."

I can totally see that happening.

And no, I would not be cutting them any slack and stand by my original statement.

 

[cmj8591]

...but anything is possible in a police state. How do we know where this trajectory is going to end up? A more likely scenerio would be that they would report you to the BAFT who would raid your home and while confiscating your 'illegal' gun, tell the press that they uncovered multiple semi-auto assault rifles and thousand of rounds of ammunition.

This is off topic but that's what peed me off about that Long Island killer/rapist. They raided his house and unconvered his gun collection. I think that being a monstrous killer/rapist doesn't have a lot to do with having a gun collection, even a large one, especially since the victims were strangled.

A world where a half wit working the desk at a range can confiscate my gun is a world where I can reach over, grab him by the throat and choke him until he gives it back or passes out.

Two things that the press loves more than anything else is stories about sex and a stories about guns.

 

[venomballistics]

You have really got me on that one. I guess the scenario would be that BATF would raid the place and find a customer using something that 'kinda looked a little like it MIGHT be' a pistol brace and fined them and myself heavily and took us all to the slammer, where maybe we could be bailed out pending court dates.

Do you see the little rail under the stock tube?? THAT'S what the guy was pointing at.

If the buffer tube is the issue for them, they need to reevaluate their staff.
The BATF, at this time, does not give a rip about use of an M4 style, or fully rounded pistol style.
What does matter is IF barrel is sub 16" AND there's something attached to either style of buffer tube that could be shouldered, THAN it's an SBR.
If registered accordingly, it's still not a problem.
You need a new range

 

[Borderboss]

Moral of the story: join a private club with a range. Public ranges are too dangerous anyway.

 

[T44spl]

A range has absolutely No authority to detain anyone nor can he confiscate or hold your gun until the proper authorities arrive. All he can do is refuse to admit you to the range. Besides the fact that Elmer Fudd works the front desk, the only compliance that he can check is to verify if that firearm is listed on your license. That's assuming your state has the info stated for each and every firearm on your license.
Some states do not have this system. So what transpired at this range is just outrageous, more so shocking that op is a resident of SC.
I could expect these actions in NY, NJ or CA. This is a prime case of the lunatics are running the asylum...

 

[LostintheOzone]

Probably just the local characters messing with your mind.

Sounds like they had you going there for a few minutes.

 

[Gamecock]

I am deeply troubled this happened in South Carolina. I thought our people were better.

 

[hkcavalier]

Not allowing illegal firearms at your shooting range is perfectly understandable, no matter our thoughts on the ATF and their brace regulations. Arguing their authority to make what are, in fact, laws will not keep you out of trouble.

The fact that the range staff can't determine what is or isn't a brace when seeing the firearm in question after about half a second is troubling though. I've gotten into spirited debates with range staff before but never over something so basic. And yes, while shooting out in the woods I have seen sawn off shotguns, SBRs, and oil can suppressors and have wisely kept my thoughts to myself. Don't start arguments with a lawbreaker holding a loaded gun, that's on my short list of not-to-dos.

 

[cmj8591]

Not allowing illegal firearms at your shooting range is perfectly understandable, no matter our thoughts on the ATF and their brace regulations. Arguing their authority to make what are, in fact, laws will not keep you out of trouble.

The fact that the range staff can't determine what is or isn't a brace when seeing the firearm in question after about half a second is troubling though. I've gotten into spirited debates with range staff before but never over something so basic. And yes, while shooting out in the woods I have seen sawn off shotguns, SBRs, and oil can suppressors and have wisely kept my thoughts to myself. Don't start arguments with a lawbreaker holding a loaded gun, that's on my short list of not-to-dos.

Your right about the range being able to stop people with illegal arms from shooting there. The problem is, and what happened in this case, is when the range gets to decide what is legal and acts as a policeman. That is WAY beyond their responsibility. A simple sign that says something to the effect of, "By using this range, you agree to abide by all state, local and federal laws." would accomplish just about everything they need. If you have a specific issue, someone takes out a rocket launcher for example, then you deal with that issue. Examining every ones gun to make sure it complies with all the "rules" is a bit authoritarian by an agency that has no authority. In my view, it creates more liability issues for them than it solves. You are also absolutely right when it comes to minding your own business.

 

[rwsmith]

I gave it a 'like'...

Your right about the range being able to stop people with illegal arms from shooting there. The problem is, and what happened in this case, is when the range gets to decide what is legal and acts as a policeman. That is WAY beyond their responsibility. A simple sign that says something to the effect of, "By using this range, you agree to abide by all state, local and federal laws." would accomplish just about everything they need. If you have a specific issue, someone takes out a rocket launcher for example, then you deal with that issue. Examining every ones gun to make sure it complies with all the "rules" is a bit authoritarian by an agency that has no authority. In my view, it creates more liability issues for them than it solves. You are also absolutely right when it comes to minding your own business.

...but I think you have a REALLY good argument.

The weird part is that people in front of me passed right through. When I said I was shooting .223 the lights started flashing, sirens went off and cages fell down over the windows.
What if I had said, "25-45 Sharps"? I could just as well have an AR in my bag that was converted to a different caliber. They would probably have said, "Oh, that's ok."

 

[johngross]

Next time you go back to the range, bring a SBR like this and ask them if it's ok.

 

[Borderboss]

...but I think you have a REALLY good argument.

The weird part is that people in front of me passed right through. When I said I was shooting .223 the lights started flashing, sirens went off and cages fell down over the windows.
What if I had said, "25-45 Sharps"? I could just as well have an AR in my bag that was converted to a different caliber. They would probably have said, "Oh, that's ok."

Next time tell them you're shooting .22 caliber. That is technically correct, and it sounds like these numbskulls will let it slide right by.

 

[rwsmith]

I think I'm better now.....

It's been a couple of days and I have to say that as a very concerned 2nd A supporting citizen this rattled me badly.

Thanks for you comments, sage advice and even some laughs.

Maybe I'm paranoid but I feel that a time is coming when they will look at my very basic AR rifle and say, "That's ILLEGAL!!!"

I passed this on to friends, family and a guy that does CC training/security and works in a gun shop. Maybe the word will spread not to drop your guard in these troubled times. I don't know how many of you read about the Florida gunshop in post 28 or johngross' post 35, but they would be worth looking at if you are affiliated with gunshops or such. BE CAREFUL. Don't give the *******s a reason to come after you.

 

[LostintheOzone]

I wouldn't get too worked up over it. They have no authority over what you shoot except on their property. We have range rules at my private range. Hours and types of firearms on certain ranges, that type of stuff. So their rules. If they said tomorrow no more AR's I guess I would have to evaluate that and see if I wanted to renew my membership.

I think you may be taking this personally. If you want to continue shooting there just roll with it. If not move on.

We can't even buy an AR in this state anymore. No skin off of my back side. Lots of people still shoot semi-auto rifles at my range, including me.

 

[Muley Gil]

Posts like this make me appreciate my 20 acres and the ability to shoot on my own land more and more.