My local indoor range is very nice. I never gave it any thought before, but now at 70 with some leg issues I noticed they have no chairs or seating at the shooting tables or any where for that matter. Also, the staging room before you enter is all tables, but no seating. Is this normal? I never even noticed before, but I need a break these days.
Indoor Range Question?
- Thread starter AC Man
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My regular range has lots of tables and chairs in the staging area, probably because that is where the CC classes are held. But in my travels I have seen what you describe.
LVSteve
Member
The staging area at one of the ranges I visit has seating. I don't think I've ever seen seats in the lanes at any indoor range here.
pasound
Member
The indoor range I used to use always kept a couple of chairs handy for those of us who are parking in the handicap section outside. I say "used to" because they had two fires in two years, have rebuilt, but I haven't been back in a while.
The outdoor club I go to has lots of benches and chairs available. Guess it's just a difference in management, and knowledge of the customer base.
The outdoor club I go to has lots of benches and chairs available. Guess it's just a difference in management, and knowledge of the customer base.
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Of the three indoor ranges that I've regularly used the last 25yrs ... one has had seating other than bar-stools for a few lanes.
After the range staff and I got to know each other, I could pack up let the RSO know I'm taking a break; usually though, just in the retail or run next door to get an energy drink. At all three, I had annual membership ... so I could always go sit in my car. At one there are businesses next door with seating. Wouldn't want to be gone for more than a few minutes at a time though: not fair to other customers. You could always bring your own seating: unfold, sit and load magazines.
chief38
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The indoor range I belong to is pretty large. Outside the actual shooting lane area, there are couches & tables, high top tables with chairs, coffee and popcorn machines (all for free) and glass windows so you can watch people shoot on the line. Once you go through the double doors to enter the actual shooting range, there are no chairs - just shooting lanes.
LVSteve
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I don't think any of the ranges I have been to in Vegas allow magazines to be loaded anywhere except at the firing line. For sure, I've never seen any customers doing it in the waiting areas.
On pistol ranges, as opposed to rifle ranges set up for shooting from a bench, the absence of seating is oftentimes a subtle safety design consideration.
Any behavior or activity not specific to the task of handling firearms at the firing line can potentially lead to unintended but hazardous actions.
Chairs that can be moved around are potential tripping hazards, particularly on ranges where there is a narrow width of space for walking to the firing points.
Chairs that are fixed in position invite range bags. Next thing you know, some guy is muzzle sweeping the line as he gets his gun(s) out (action closed, of course!), etc.
Intelligent range design takes into consideration human nature with the intent of foreseeing and eliminating distracting or non-shooting activity, regardless of how innocent it may seem. Even friendly conversation on the firing line can cause a lapse in focus or create an annoyance to others.
In other words, the firing line is for shooting only.
A lounge area is fine off of the line in a separate room.
Any behavior or activity not specific to the task of handling firearms at the firing line can potentially lead to unintended but hazardous actions.
Chairs that can be moved around are potential tripping hazards, particularly on ranges where there is a narrow width of space for walking to the firing points.
Chairs that are fixed in position invite range bags. Next thing you know, some guy is muzzle sweeping the line as he gets his gun(s) out (action closed, of course!), etc.
Intelligent range design takes into consideration human nature with the intent of foreseeing and eliminating distracting or non-shooting activity, regardless of how innocent it may seem. Even friendly conversation on the firing line can cause a lapse in focus or create an annoyance to others.
In other words, the firing line is for shooting only.
A lounge area is fine off of the line in a separate room.
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The indoor range I go to has stools for the range workers, but they'll let you/me borrow them if I ask. I solved the problem though by getting a rolling walker with a seat. It makes a great range cart, and a darned handy chair. I just keep it folded up in the back of my vehicle, so I always have it with me. I've found other uses for it too outside the range. A folding seat/cart is never a bad thing to have around. As a bonus, pretty ladies will ofttimes hold the door for me. 
Tom S.
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One range that I went to with a friend who needed one, provided a chair when he asked. So just because you don't see any, they might supply one if asked.
DWalt
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I take a folding stool to the range. No one minds it. I use that same stool a lot at home.
I've shot indoors once in 8 years. Shooter's World Orlando not only has seating they have a restaurant. Joe
Used to belong to indoor range all year, now just winter months. They will let you use a classroom chair at shooting stage , if you ask. This helps with chrono graphing loads and getting guns sighted in. They have a lounge area with windows, chairs, couches and tables looking into the shooting ranges.
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I’ve been a member of a large indoor range with two city locations for the past 6 years.
The lane sections have benches right behind the lanes to sit on and we can reload mags, but no firearms can be handled or touched outside of the lanes. There is no seating at the lanes. The showroom and lobby have couches and chairs. Although I’ve not been in that location, I believe there are lanes and shooting areas for the physically challenged.
It would be nice to have a lane with a table and chair for using a shooting rest for sighting in.
After standing in the lobby for about 30 minutes, and then for about 1 hour at the lanes, the chairs at the restaurant, immediately following the range time, feel REALLY nice on older bodies.
Oldsalt66
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At the Shoot Straight indoor range I shoot at in Florida, if you ask for a chair to sit in while shooting either rifle or pistol, the staff will provide one.
There are stools and tables in the waiting area.
The range is frequented by folks of all ages, and some with disabilities, who prefer to shoot seated.
There are stools and tables in the waiting area.
The range is frequented by folks of all ages, and some with disabilities, who prefer to shoot seated.
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At the firing line is what I had in mind; soas not to be away from the lane.
dockmurgw
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I often thought this would be a winning combination.
Jerry in SC
Member
The range I frequent has a couple of folding chairs in the lane area, but I can take my breaks in the lobby area with the TV if I want, even leave the range/store, eat lunch and come back….all day for $25.
As others have stated, I also believe it may be done to error on the side of safety. The Indoor range I go to does not have chairs at range, but a large classroom with tables and chairs readily available. They also are very strict on how you place your range bag. Each lane has a table surface, with a shelf below. nothing allowed on the floor. And Range Master is very quick to sweep brass, so no slip hazard. I am Ok with it.
SGT ROCK 11B
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The Indoor Ranges I have been to charge on the clock. So if you seat for three hours that will cost you. Most people shoot for 30 or 45 minutes and leave. The Indoor Ranges in my area has a Waiting Line to get in.
Now Outdoor Ranges you can linger all day. Every hour on the hour they call a cease fire to patch targets or move them.
Now Outdoor Ranges you can linger all day. Every hour on the hour they call a cease fire to patch targets or move them.
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I should have mentioned that I've got a bad back, so standing to shoot is not only painful, but tiring. It doesn't take long before I start to shaking and my shooting starts to get even worse than it normally is. Being able to take a seat lets me rest my back, and I've learned to shoot while seated. If it wasn't for that silly walker, I believe I'd have quit a while back.
Reading the posts here, it is really sad to read that the majority of people do their shooting at indoor commercial range/stores.
Doesn’t anybody belong to gun clubs?
I strongly believe well organized gun clubs better serve the needs of shooters and the long term interests of gun ownership and marksmanship proficiency.
Good gun clubs vet potential members, encouraging responsible individuals and weeding out troublemakers. And, virtually every good gun club has either a probationary period and/or a safety class requirement for membership.
Good gun clubs, particularly those with NRA, CMP, or USAShooting affiliation usually offer registered matches. In fact, some clubs require regular participation in matches for membership.
Clubs are run by members whose motivation is based on the best interests of gun ownership.
These are all good things! In the long run, it makes for a better community of gun owners and more stable long term prospects for our sport and our rights.
Gun store ranges, on the other hand, have no meaningful requirements, or interests, other than taking your money. Instead of requiring safety training before unknown people access the range, they attempt to compensate with overbearing staff that treat customers like children. PSA ranges in SC will usually run people’s DL with law enforcement while they’re on the range. (Isn’t it a little late then?). At best, staff are merely condescending, at worst they act like jerks. Most have an inflated self opinion of their qualifications. Marksmanship and proficiency matter naught, so long as you pay your money for time, targets and ammo.
In other words, they’re in it for themselves and their bottom line.
The result is an entire generation of shooters who have attained virtually no meaningful marksmanship achievements, choosing instead to view their shooting interests through the accumulation of more guns (much to the pleasure of the gun store/ranges!!)
Sorry for the digression. But, I really feel that people have no idea what they’re being cheated out of.
Doesn’t anybody belong to gun clubs?
I strongly believe well organized gun clubs better serve the needs of shooters and the long term interests of gun ownership and marksmanship proficiency.
Good gun clubs vet potential members, encouraging responsible individuals and weeding out troublemakers. And, virtually every good gun club has either a probationary period and/or a safety class requirement for membership.
Good gun clubs, particularly those with NRA, CMP, or USAShooting affiliation usually offer registered matches. In fact, some clubs require regular participation in matches for membership.
Clubs are run by members whose motivation is based on the best interests of gun ownership.
These are all good things! In the long run, it makes for a better community of gun owners and more stable long term prospects for our sport and our rights.
Gun store ranges, on the other hand, have no meaningful requirements, or interests, other than taking your money. Instead of requiring safety training before unknown people access the range, they attempt to compensate with overbearing staff that treat customers like children. PSA ranges in SC will usually run people’s DL with law enforcement while they’re on the range. (Isn’t it a little late then?). At best, staff are merely condescending, at worst they act like jerks. Most have an inflated self opinion of their qualifications. Marksmanship and proficiency matter naught, so long as you pay your money for time, targets and ammo.
In other words, they’re in it for themselves and their bottom line.
The result is an entire generation of shooters who have attained virtually no meaningful marksmanship achievements, choosing instead to view their shooting interests through the accumulation of more guns (much to the pleasure of the gun store/ranges!!)
Sorry for the digression. But, I really feel that people have no idea what they’re being cheated out of.
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cmj8591
Member
I belong to a gun club that has 4000 members. I also serve on it's board. One of our indoor ranges has two positions that are low enough for wheel chair access. We keep a few folding chairs handy on the range for anyone who needs to sit while they shoot. There are risers that we use at the handicap positions when a match is taking place and they are not needed for someone with a handicap. Everything in our place is handicap accessible and there is a special door for people with disabilities to enter and exit the range. As long as all of our safety rules are followed, it's pretty much whatever gets the job done. The ready room only has seating for the range officer and a couple of observers. No one really hangs out there. It's really just a place to pass through on the way to the firing line. Other than ADA compliance when getting building permits, it's never been an issue for us. We try to accommodate everyone. I agree that the club experience is much better than what you get at the commercial places. The problem is that there are a limited amount of gun clubs to join and a huge number of new shooters. Most clubs around me have closed their memberships. Even with our size there is about a year and a half wait for new members. It's a difficult situation for sure.
besshoudini
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You should ask the place if you can bring a chair in .
My indoor range has a very spacious area behind the shooting lanes. The safety line is about eight feet behind the lanes, an there is another 12-15 feet behind that to the wall. There are tables and chairs against the wall, but tables are only used for scoring targets. Magazines must be loaded on the line. Chairs, however, can be moved into the lane for those who need to sit for whatever reason. Rests are available for sighting in. A nice lounge is located outside of the shooting bays. Add to that friendly RSOs, a good selection of guns, FFL services, and a state-of-the-art air-handling system, and it adds up to a pretty good range.
Out door ranges are really great.....However in my area every outdoor range within a two hour drive has several years of new member list. Unless you can tag along as a guest one is limited to indoor facilities. There are several very nice indoor ranges within a reasonable distance.
Thanks for all the replies. I really appreciate it. I don't need a chair to shoot, just need one near by to take a break. I will ask if this is available. Sucks getting old. I would never imagine this issue even 5 years ago. I'm still good to go.
cmj8591
Member
I hate to tell you, it's only going to get worse! Just keep going and don't give up.
Mine has a handful of stools in the range, and chairs at their pub-height tables in the waiting area. You need to tell them they are running off all the old guys (which are the ones with the money).
I have some issues but going to the gym five times a week seems to be keeping them in check.
I have some issues but going to the gym five times a week seems to be keeping them in check.
Huh, if I had written this it would have almost been reversed. I've been to quite a few of both over the decades, and I've found a lot gun clubs to be full of a bunch of arrogant elitists that think their philosophy and way of doing things is the only "right" way. That's why they do so much vetting and make you jump through hoops to get in, to be sure you are a "good fit". Not to mention the wait-list. I can tell just by looking at their website. There was one that had horrible supervision and vetting and was more dangerous than the public ranges.
But I have belonged to a couple that were not like that at all and were great. But they were more the exception. The public indoor ranges I've gone to have been well run for the most part. I don't go back if they aren't. If they act like you say, then they should be out of business in short order. There were a couple around here that closed because of that kind of reputation. I shoot at Big Corporate Range Chain and it's modern, inexpensive, and well-staffed. Granted some of their people lack experience but they demonstrate a desire to learn and are not like your description at all.
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