Are ranges in the US not available to foreign nationals?

[mikaelo]

update

In case someone is interested:

After some research and having contacted a few ranges in FL, that caters towards tourist, I have found out that it is indeed illegal for a non-resident alien to possess fire arms and amunition in the US. There is however a few exceptions and the one used by ranges in large seem to be that you are exempt if you possess a valid hunting license.

So these ranges sell you a hunting license with your range time.

 

[LVSteve]

In case someone is interested:

After some research and having contacted a few ranges in FL, that caters towards tourist, I have found out that it is indeed illegal for a non-resident alien to possess fire arms and amunition in the US. There is however a few exceptions and the one used by ranges in large seem to be that you are exempt if you possess a valid hunting license.

So these ranges sell you a hunting license with your range time.

I don't entirely buy that. I suspect that is the local opinion of either the ranges you asked or maybe from the local ATF rep. It all comes down to the definition of "possession". When a tourist in Las Vegas rents a gun and it never leaves the range, is it in their possession? I did the non-immigrant alien thing for a few years and not only do you need a hunting licence but you also have to have proof of residence in the US covering the previous six months. Yes, you can be a non-resident alien with proof of residence, I am not making this up. The only way you can do the hunting licence bit in less time is if you can prove you are visiting the US to hunt. How many people really do that?

I suspect that the ATF are not bothered about the tourist thing because it is not worth getting into it with the number of gunstores/ranges that do rent to tourists and their representatives in Congress.

 

[bushmaster1313]

So these ranges sell you a hunting license with your range time.

Love it.

Other examples.

The Bank of New York was started as a water company because there was no legal mechanism at the time to start up a bank.

The Oregon Coast was appropriated by the State of Oregon as land appurtanent to a highway because there was no provision to acquire land as a state park.

 

[bitstream]

If you are in Georgia, there are a number of WMA ranges around. They are free, open to the public, and I was never ID checked once. As long as you mind your manners, the RO just sits and watches. Here is the link:

WMA Firearms Ranges | Georgia DNR - Wildlife Resources Division

 

[Cyrano]

I never had any trouble taking various French friends to the Ft Bliss Rod & Gun Club ranges, and they're on federal property. Of course they didn't sign in as Frenchmen, although for part of the time we were speaking French. Also, many German soldiers here as part of the Luftwaffe Air Defense School are members of the club.