Are ranges in the US not available to foreign nationals?

[mikaelo]

Hi all

I have been reading this forum ever since I purchased my first S&W M&P 9c but have never registered and posted before. However I have a question I like to hear some of you guys opinion on.

I'm a naturalized citizen born in Sweden. I have for some time enjoyed hitting the range 1-2 times a week and shoot my guns (also have a M&P 22 and a ruger 10/22).

My brother, still Swedish citizen and living over there is planning to visit in about a month and living in a country with fairly tight weapons laws, he have not shot any live ammo since his military service 20+ years ago and wanted to visit a range with me.

Even thou we plan to meet down in Orlando(he's taking the family to disney etc) I thought I'd ask at my local range in north Atlanta area and they said they couldn't let him shoot due to the patriot act.

I this correct? He was looking forward to do this with me and I thought what would be more American experience than shooting some

Anyways I'd like to know what others think about this and if you would know of any range in the Orlando area that would allow him to shoot?

//mikaelo

 

[29aholic]

Never heard of that before. I do remember I had to sign a liability waiver at the last indoor range I went to, but I dont remember if they asked for an ID. I would just take him and not bring the subject up.

 

[arjay]

I agree with the above.I tried googling it and came up with nothing.I suspect another gun store commando sharing his "knowledge".

 

[mikaelo]

At my local range we have to leave ID with the waiver until we leave the ranger (indoor range)

 

[H Richard]

I believe that to be a range specific rule. Check out the ranges when you get there, or call ahead.

 

[johnsonl]

I am not aware of any such provision of the Patriot Act. Of course, local ranges are private businesses and can refuse service as they see fit. I am unaware of any prohibitions on renting a handgun for shooting purposes. I don't see any reason that your brother can't go to a range and use your firearms.
Perhaps some of our legal eagle members can be of assistance on this.

 

[nawilson]

I hadn't heard that either... and I haven't ever been asked to show proof of citizenship ...

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

I think you're good on the range, but I wouldn't sign him up for flying lessons though.

 

[Rule3]

I do not know about the "Patriot Act" but I do believe one must be a US citizen or LPRA to possess ammunition and to fire a weapon, range or no range.

 

[mikaelo]

I think you're good on the range, but I wouldn't sign him up for flying lessons though.

Lol. He actually did his military service in the Swedish air force. He was a signal/radio operator. Sometimes he'd be in their radar/radio facility, other times ha was laying on a mountain in the archepalagio(sp?) with binoculars confirming radar signatures. He used to say that was the best part on sunny summer days to just lay in the sun by the ocean with no officers close by

 

[Rule3]

I think you're good on the range, but I wouldn't sign him up for flying lessons though.

That's how Florida earns it's tourist dollars and we now have the whole ID Drivers License nonsense.

 

[kraigwy]

Never heard of this, I know our range wont turn you away.

As a side note, I had a Japanese citizen contact me about maybe attending a CMP GSM Clinic/Match while in the US on vacation.

I contacted Orest (COO of the Civilian Marksmanship Unit) about whether a Non Citizen, here legally can attend a CMP Clinic, he told me they could.

I wouldn't have any problems with people from other countries attending my CSM Clinics, Matches. or our club range.

 

[mikaelo]

Thanks for all your input. I have gone from disappointed to hope full and will try to find and contact any ranges I may find I the area(Orlando) we will stay at.

If anyone know of any to add to my list I would appreciate any input as these places can vary quite a bit, but you never know until you see them.

Thanks again for raising my hopes again.

//mikaelo

 

[deadin]

Must be some sort of a local rule. Nevada has a booming business in renting range time to Japanese tourists. (Most popular are "Dirty Harry" .44 mags and full auto stuff.)
I even seem to remember that one indoor range in Honolulu also did well by the tourist trade. (But that was a number of years ago. Don't know if it's still the same.)

 

[Rule3]

It's "buried" under the Brady Act and Federal Firearms statutes.

I have seen many "tourists" her in Florida be denied shooting at a local indoor range.

NRA-ILA ::

Most ranges here will require a photo ID and paperwork to be completed.

 

[dougb1946]

I do not know about the "Patriot Act" but I do believe one must be a US citizen or LPRA to possess ammunition and to fire a weapon, range or no range.

Doesn't this refer specifically to who gets a cc permit?. I have never heard of legal visitors being denied the privilege of missing a flushing pheasant or trying to catch up with a passing duck.

Call the states AG office and get an opinion from a professional.
In MN, we even allow Iowa and N. Dak residents to hunt and fish.

 

[Rule3]

There is some provision for those with a hunting license but it's a lawyer thing.

I didn't think MN allowed anything with more than one shotgun shell on opening day

Still wouldn't let those neighbors in.

(lived up there for a while) MN and WI are they only Northern States I visit that I can't carry a gun.

 

[Rule3]

It seems it is dependent on the type of Visa. If it is a Non immigrant Visa as in a tourist, then no.

Q (5)

ATF Online - Firearms - Frequently Asked Questions - Unlicensed Persons

Types of Visas for Temporary Visitors

 

[true_shooter]

i THINK your ok. i say this because when i was in honolulu last may there where people on the street handing out flyers to shoot at a local indoor range (for obscene prices i might add) and a whole lot of japanese folks where taking the flyers. i went to the range for a t-shirt and their where a bunch of japanese folks shooting.... before i get jumped on. yes they might of been us citizens yes i am judging a book by its cover and no i dont know for fact that they were japanese citizens

 

[Nico Testosteros]

I'm not a citizen and no range here in Texas has ever required any sort of citizenship verification or immigration status verification to shoot.
Now, to buy a gun is a completely different matter. Don't confuse buying a gun with merely shooting one at a range.
I took my aunt and uncle (a RAF retiree) to the local range and no one batted an eye.