Pocket carry at the range.

[nachogrande]

ONLY PERSON AROUND, NOT A CHANCE.

Not a chance of that here. I'm talking about a supervised range at a club that is also open to the public where 10-12 people would be a very slow day and up to 100 shooting/waiting to shoot/watching, on a busy day. That is just the general public/member 10, 25, 50, 100 yard area. Trap/skeet/ 200 yard/ sass/ bullseye/ bowling pin/ steel challenge/ archery, with the occasional gun show or event competition it can get busy & that level of supervision is essential. They run a tight ship for a very good reason. NOBODY can come or go during a ceasefire so as to (help) keep guns from being stolen. The 4 + armed RO's (in that area alone) will keep things under control, & make for a better overall shooting experience. Sure there are more remote unsupervised areas where shooting is allowed. I don't think I'd call that a "range" exactly??? No roof or any kind of facilities, more like BLM land type of deal. They have many of the same problems you have mentioned.

 

[TomkinsSP]

... I mean, I wouldn't trust a Gun-Free Zone elsewhere, right? Why the hell should I trust "No Trespassing" signs at the club, then?

I so agree.

 

[nachogrande]

NOBODY SAID ANYTHING ABOUT TRUST.

You can obey the rules, leave on your own, or get 86'd. Just the way it is. I didn't make the rules, but am glad they exist. Indoor public ranges are the worst IMO for getting swept.

 

[Richard Simmons]

Here in the Gunshine state, I go with the universal precaution that EVERYONE is armed. If you don't have a few bullet holes where they don't belong at your range, I'd say to look closer. Sooner or later odds are you will have some. I can't recall EVER being to a range in multiple states that didn't. It's the first thing I look for when at a new (to me) range.

So if I understand you correctly you think those holes aren't from negligent discharges on the firing line but rather folks snatching their CCW pieces from their hiding places and blasting away like Cowboys in a B western?

 

[one eye joe]

This is at the very entrance to *MY* club/range. NO CCL's/OTJ's, NO EXCEPTIONS! The only loaded guns NOT at the firing line are for ON DUTY police & range officers ONLY, & VERY strictly enforced. "But I have a concealed carry license", or "I'm on the job off duty","Good, now unload your gun at the bench and you and your CCL/OTJ go home, you won't be shooting here today".

IF THOSE ARE THE RANGE RULES, THEY MUST BE OBEYED ! ! !

IF THIS IS YOUR CLUB'S RANGE, YOU MIGHT WANT TO RAISE ANY QUESTION YOU MIGHT HAVE ABOUT THE NECESSITY FOR THIS RULE, AT A CLUB MEETING, THEREBY EDUCATING YOURSELF.....

 

[TomkinsSP]

There seems to be two separate discussions going on here. (1) Use a pocket holster to keep any foreign objects off your trigger. (2) Follow the rules.

To a degree I agree with both, but neither is a substitute for just plain comon sense. So I can also agree that the fellow who occasionally slips the M640 out of his OWB holster and into the otherwise empty pocket of his London Fog is being prudent. (Raincoat blocks access to holster.) And I can agree that different ranges can have different rules, and those rules should be followed by the patrons, and then visit the one I prefer taking any restrictions into account. (I know of a rod-and-gun-club adjacent to a small airport, a cold range is called for landings and takeoffs that overfly the range. Pretty sure no puddle jumpers have ever been hit.)

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Errant cases can wind up anywhere, pants pockets, shirt pockets, any opening. Since you should never carry a pocket pistol without a pocket holster you are correct - the risk of an errant case interfering with your pocket gun is markedly reduced if it is in a holster.

As for the thread hijack- folks, you go everywhere with concealed handguns, right? So, you're going to go into a range without one? That doesn't make sense to me. Also, it doesn't make sense to me that you would touch that gun for any reason unless there is a threat. if it is loaded and in your pocket it is not a range gun that day. Period.

 

[Smoke]

My point, before it devolved into all the speculation, comparison of range rules, etc. was the importance of using a holster for pocket carry, regardless of firearm type. While unlikely, the possibility exists of foreign objects finding their way into the pocket and then into the trigger guard unless a holster is used. I've found plenty of empties in shirt pockets and pants cuffs, but I'd have to say in 55 years of shooting that's the first one I recall making it into a front jeans pocket.

Odds are a million to one but there's always that one

 

[nachogrande]

YOU ARE CORRECT UNFORTUNATELY

So if I understand you correctly you think those holes aren't from negligent discharges on the firing line but rather folks snatching their CCW pieces from their hiding places and blasting away like Cowboys in a B western?

Those holes are made from people at the firing line while being highly supervised. Even with 4 -6 RO's stuff still happens. They can't be everywhere & see every idiotic thing being done. How many more holes & where do you suppose they might be without any supervision? Thanks for the back up RO's. Now where's my London fog coat? I'm late to go see Harry Houdini live.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Odds are a million to one but there's always that one

I once got a hot shell trapped on my chest beneath my collarbone, under my body armor and under the t shirt under the body armor. My wife still doesn't believe it wasn't a hickey . . .

 

[zeke]

Over the decades have likely learned more from the drift, than the original topic. Can understand the safety concerns over a busy range, especially if it is a commercial enterprise. Unfortunately a policy of no loaded firearms may transfer the safety risk else where.
1-don't bring your concealed carry at all when visiting the range
2-Stop before getting to range, unholster, unload. Then reload and re holster after leaving the range. Some believe this significantly increases the possibility of accidents, while unduly upsetting some that see you doing it.

When a new commercial indoor range opened up close by, they started with a no loaded gun policy. It quickly turned into a keep it in your holster policy, unless they passed several classes on concealed carry.

It would seem that having a range where you can practice presentation from a holster would be useful for gaining any proficiency/safety with a firearm. Hard to do safely do this with busy range.

 

[PPS1980]

Over the decades have likely learned more from the drift, than the original topic. Can understand the safety concerns over a busy range, especially if it is a commercial enterprise. Unfortunately a policy of no loaded firearms may transfer the safety risk else where.
1-don't bring your concealed carry at all when visiting the range
2-Stop before getting to range, unholster, unload. Then reload and re holster after leaving the range. Some believe this significantly increases the possibility of accidents, while unduly upsetting some that see you doing it.

When a new commercial indoor range opened up close by, they started with a no loaded gun policy. It quickly turned into a keep it in your holster policy, unless they passed several classes on concealed carry.

It would seem that having a range where you can practice presentation from a holster would be useful for gaining any proficiency/safety with a firearm. Hard to do safely do this with busy range.

We have a new range opening north of me. They have a longer indoor range than anyone else within 30 miles of me and that looked great....at first. They have some of the most restrictive, and frankly poorly thought out, rules I have ever encountered. It doesn't help that their membership is 2x what it is at ranges that are more realistic while still safe.

Some examples:
No slings because they are an advanced tactical aid for a rifle?

No loaded weapons in the store (how am I going to use the range?).

"tactical" positions with rifles are out of bounds, like sitting, prone, and kneeling.

I know its a) their range, and b) a private business but why would you take such radical positions?

 

[.455_Hunter]

You are sorely mistaken if you think I am walking out of an indoor range after dark, range bag in hand, in a not so hot part of town without a loaded carry gun. I could care less what the policy says.

 

[nachogrande]

YES!

It would seem that having a range where you can practice presentation from a holster would be useful for gaining any proficiency/safety with a firearm. Hard to do safely do this with busy range.[/QUOTE]

THERE ARE smaller areas for different disciplines with more RO's to shooters where you can shoot from SOME type of holsters IF the RO's deem them safe. NO shoulder holsters or cross draws in the 2 I frequent. Plus you can't be a stranger, walk up to the line & shoot from the holster your first day out until they know you & witness your skill level. It seems to work pretty well. YES you will be watched closely & DQ'd/sent home for dropping gun/sweeping/ repeated finger on trigger, at the wrong times/breaking established shooting plane type infractions. If this is too much of an invasion on your freedoms, don't play. No arms are twisted. I find it more comfortable/relaxing to have more than my eyes watching what some knucklehead behind/around me may or may not be doing. I am by NO MEANS perfect and have been one of those knuckleheads that an RO had to tell me to do, or not do something, & I was thankful. It didn't ruin my day. AS ALWAYS you are free to do as you wish OFF CLUB PROPERTY.

 

[forrestinmathews]

Shells can go anywhere upon ejection. I have had them in my pockets before. No.big deal. I don't like the scratches either.

Range Safety Officer! Freeze! Unload and Show Clear! Respect mAh Uhtharitye! Yeah! That's right! I'm the boss! Range's going hot!
RSO's are some of the biggest idiots and power tripping fools I have ever seen on a range. I'd never let half of those monkeys fondle my guns. When they go to touch they are instantly barked at and their paws removed from the vicinity with the promise of loss should they contemplate return. I like the quiet and observant ones that don't talk unless necessary and don't touch. I'm there to shoot, not show and tell.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I once got a hot shell trapped on my chest beneath my collarbone, under my body armor and under the t shirt under the body armor. My wife still doesn't believe it wasn't a hickey . . .

That would be incredibly funny if it wasn't so incredibly true!!!

When I go to the range I wear shoes and socks, long sleeves, a closable collar or at least one that is not wide open, and a T-shirt under that. I have had hot brass fall inside a shoe when I didn't have socks on, I have had brass go down my shirt, etc. It can be very dangerous to be distracted by hot brass.

When I take a woman shooting I require the same things. Long sleeves, no shoes without socks, and high collars - there is no place for seductive clothing at a shooting range.

With apologies for continuing this interesting thread hijack!

 

[686-380]

Very sage

Range day yesterday. Monthly refresher and function session for my EDC Shield and another attempt to get flawless function from my R51 (close but no cigar), both 9mm.

Since I was shooting my EDC, I was carrying something else from my selection, specifically a 642 in a Galco Horsehide holster in my right front pants pocket.

After a couple of boxes I had to cut the session short. About 8 hours later I had cleaned the Shield and removed the 642 to return the Shield (in a DeSantis Nemesis) to its usual spot. As I pushed the pocket fabric back in I noticed a 9mm empty.

The pants were Carhart jeans. The Shield is a snug fit when holstered and I don't mind. I can grip and draw the gun, but there is no extra room. The 642 sits lower in the pocket. I couldn't make a bank shot like that if my life depended on it.

If I had not been using a pocket holster, where do you suppose that empty might have landed?

I have pocket carried without a holster in the distant past, but after this, I will never again trust in "I just will make it a point not to put anything else in that pocket".

It just so happens, I had a couple of moments to briefly pull my BG380 from its Blackhawk pocket holster this morning.

I am happy to report, no foreign objects were found...well, lint.

I need to get to my range and get some practice in soon. My ammo is starting to tarnish!

 

[nachogrande]

OH BOY. WORDS FROM AN RO'S BEST CUSTOMER. LOL

Shells can go anywhere upon ejection. I have had them in my pockets before. No.big deal. I don't like the scratches either.

Range Safety Officer! Freeze! Unload and Show Clear! Respect mAh Uhtharitye! Yeah! That's right! I'm the boss! Range's going hot!
RSO's are some of the biggest idiots and power tripping fools I have ever seen on a range. I'd never let half of those monkeys fondle my guns. When they go to touch they are instantly barked at and their paws removed from the vicinity with the promise of loss should they contemplate return. I like the quiet and observant ones that don't talk unless necessary and don't touch. I'm there to shoot, not show and tell.

A double hijack, what's the record? ROTFL. Part A: I love a good hot brass in well endowed cleavage polka. Part B: Thanks RO's for all you do & have to put up with. PART C: I would love to witness you insulting an RO & making a physical threat, to their face. Big talk from behind a keyboard.

 

[Walkingwolf]

I don't like public ranges, much prefer the backwoods. But do we trust gun owners or not? If we don't we go backwards, and lose gun rights.

I carry a loaded gun everywhere but where prohibited by law, including a public range. Loaded guns for carry should remain in the holster, no matter what. And that includes idiot RO's that like to pull their guns to show off.

Sometimes the RO's bother me more than the clientele. No it all's usually do not know it all, and think their status allows them to be stupid.

 

[Old cop]

Going to the indoor range tomorrrow and will be pocket carrying b/c they have no silly rule about loaded guns. If they did I'd likely ignore it b/c it does not have the authoirty of law here.