Rules at the range

[Troystat]

At my local shooting range everybody had to take a range rules class (to many chuckle heads) and from now on everybody who wants to shot will have to take the class (one time and free) one of the rules I thought was very funny was no holding the hand gun sideways like the movies or shooting two pistols at the same time. Pretty amazing that they actually need to have these rules in writing

 

[Faulkner]

Bummer . . . I was shooting two guns at the same time just yesterday at my range.

 

[rwsmith]

Not just in writing...

At my local shooting range everybody had to take a range rules class (to many chuckle heads) and from now on everybody who wants to shot will have to take the class (one time and free) one of the rules I thought was very funny was no holding the hand gun sideways like the movies or shooting two pistols at the same time. Pretty amazing that they actually need to have these rules in writing

It's good to have it in a class where somebody TELLS you the rules because most people don't pay attention to anything in writing.

 

[jem450r]

Prolly a good rule... But shooting with dual pistols is fun sometimes...

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

Think that is bad?? In PA., I found out you need a permit to use a range if you don't have a PA hunting license. Cost is $30.00 a year, 7/1 to 6/31 -- Ok, but one of their rules? No more than 3 shot in a gun at a time. Hmmmmm????????????? You have to wonder just who writes this stuff.

 

[CordWood]

If I remember correctly, using two guns was called Gunfighter when shooting stages at SASS matches. It is quite a lot of fun.
I understand having rules, but often it seems that they go to the extreme and take the enjoyment out of the range time.
Butch

 

[timn8er]

The range I frequent has a rule(among several)against shooting from a draw. I don't mean just fast cowboy style draw, but any kind including defensive draw. I guess I kind of understand this as a liability concern, but I really don't think that practicing at home is as effective as being able to follow through completely to the shot. Is this a common rule?

 

[JJEH]

Sometimes when we had range duty in the Military and there was ammo left at the end of the day we used it to have some fun. We also did shoot two UZI at the same time, it was a blast. G3 not so much

The "no more than 3 rounds loaded" rule is stupid.

 

[GaryS]

I've been scouting out other ranges for a possible change and one of them has about 73 pages of rules. OK, not that many but they rules for handguns, rifles, shotguns, indoor, outdoor, and on and on. No rules for using the rest rooms that I could find.

They have "no draw" rule. They also have a "recommendation" that you don't load more than ten rounds. They have a mandatory orientation class. They have an application process that includes filing an application on line to get an application.

I understand that some rules are needed. If for no other reason that if someone is doing something stupid, there needs to be a way to make them stop or toss them out of the club.

As nice as this club is, I just don't think I want to belong to a club where I have to bring the rule book and a lawyer to interpret it with me whenever I want to shoot.

The range I frequent has a rule(among several)against shooting from a draw. I don't mean just fast cowboy style draw, but any kind including defensive draw. I guess I kind of understand this as a liability concern, but I really don't think that practicing at home is as effective as being able to follow through completely to the shot. Is this a common rule?

 

[H Richard]

My club has rules posted, not too many, the normal Eyes & Ears rule, and Shoot Only 22 RF on these targets , etc. It is a shame how they are not observed, and how inconsiderate people leave trash scattered around, (trash barrels are provided). I can understand the "need" for mandatory rules classes, but it should not be necessary. One club I heard of put in a electronic gate, with swipe card that records your name and date & time us use. The member that told me about it did claim it reduced the violations considerably.

 

[Grayfox]

The 'No Draw" rule is quite common. Mainly becuase you get rookies trying to play and people get hurt. In the last few years we have had two incidents at our club caused by untrained people on the open ranges trying to fast draw. One was fatal.
We have a seperate "Action Pistol" range used for IDPA, IPSC and such. Here you can draw and shoot. This range is not open to the general membership and you must qualify before you are allowed access. However, the qualification process isn't difficult. One only has to shoot a sanctioned match, read and sign the rules specific to this range and the competitions run on it and be signed off by the designated Safety Officer.

 

[Tom Beavert]

Range rules

We are going thru some big changes at our range. We use basic NRA rules, but have no supervision. This was OK when we were all shooters, and the range got little use, but with a large number of new shooters, 1st time shooters, and folks who had been shooting out in the desert, we find the need for more 1)training 2)rules 3) RSO supervision.
The old timers think this hampers their fun, the newcomers think they know how to be safe, and none want to be 'range cops', but we have to do something.
the world is getting smaller
tb

 

[Arik]

Think that is bad?? In PA., I found out you need a permit to use a range if you don't have a PA hunting license. Cost is $30.00 a year, 7/1 to 6/31 -- Ok, but one of their rules? No more than 3 shot in a gun at a time. Hmmmmm????????????? You have to wonder just who writes this stuff.

I dont understand what the huge deal is. It used to be free but people leave all their trash behind, destroy tables and stands. Someone has to be paid to repair and clean it all. So now you need to pay $30 a year to use. This is what happens when people abuse stuff. Or you can go to a regular private range and pay $15 or whatever every time you go.

As for the 3 round rule.....in 5 years of going to state game lands i only once saw a park ranger. I load 5 in my bolt guns, 6 in my revolvers, 10 in my semi autos (too lazy to load all 15-17). For AR & AKs i load 4-5 mags with 5 rounds or 2-3 mags with 10 rounds. Now.....some state game lands arnt too far from civilization. So some noob loads a full mag and proceeds to blast away blindly while not controlling his muzzle flip. Or guy with a slide fire or guy with a real full auto. At least this way after 3 rounds the weapon stops. Go to an indoor range and count all the holes in the ceiling. No ceilings at the state game lands to stop that bullet. Its gonna land somewhere

And finally ITS NOT PA law!!!! Its the game commission rule.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[tomf52]

Think that is bad?? In PA., I found out you need a permit to use a range if you don't have a PA hunting license. Cost is $30.00 a year, 7/1 to 6/31 -- Ok, but one of their rules? No more than 3 shot in a gun at a time. Hmmmmm????????????? You have to wonder just who writes this stuff.

Three shots in a rifle on the rifle range, six shots on the handgun range.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

Self made rules for me at the range (with others present):

Situational awareness setting at 10.
Remain paranoid at all times.
Everyone else with a gun in their possession is a potential idiot.
Expect someone to do something stupid at any moment.
Leave if anyone is/has been drinking.

 

[1bdvet]

One range I don't go to anymore has 14 rules written on the wall before entering the range, they need #15 cause they took my money and I was shooting the range officer stops me and tells me I need to leave after shooting two 10 round magazine telling my shoes don't comply to range rules. They escorting me out, and asked for the manager cause I don't see any rule of all 14 posted anywhere that says footwear. I left, and never returned, and since we have three other ranges here, there loss.

 

[GaryS]

My club has rules posted, not too many, the normal Eyes & Ears rule, and Shoot Only 22 RF on these targets , etc. It is a shame how they are not observed, and how inconsiderate people leave trash scattered around, (trash barrels are provided). I can understand the "need" for mandatory rules classes, but it should not be necessary. One club I heard of put in a electronic gate, with swipe card that records your name and date & time us use. The member that told me about it did claim it reduced the violations considerably.

The club I belong to now has a gate. It does record who comes in and out and when. I don't much care about that, I like it because I don't have to get out of my truck to unlock the gate, I don't have to get a new key every year, and it actually discourages people who aren't members from trying to get in. At least it seems to do that part.

Last week I was there and there was one other member with his daughter. Yesterday there was another member, but he was cleaning the club house kitchen. That's one of the things I like about the club, it's hardly ever crowded.

 

[Gyrene6891]

We all have rules tofollow in life. If you don't like the rules you have two choices, change the rules or go somewhere that doesnot have the objectionable rules. The reality is the new place probzbly have other rules that will be objectionable. Without rules we would all probably robbanks for a living.

 

[Rintimtin]

Rules are important, but to many people think they are to important for the rules.

 

[Rastoff]

The main range I shoot at is unsupervised. You would be amazed at what I've seen. Let's take the 3 round thing for example. I would actually understand it better if it were two. Here's why...

I was at the range and a couple starts setting up next to me. The wife/girlfriend looks as though she has never shot before. The guy loads up a magazine, inserts it in the gun, chambers a round and hands her the gun. She points it down range and yanks the trigger. The first shot went down range. The second shot went through the covering. The third shot went behind her and up at about a 45° angle. Yes, that's right, three shots and two were unintentional.

When he set her up again I left.

It's idiots like that that cause rules like what you guys are complaining about.

On another note, what shoes could possibly violate a range rule? Were you wearing flip flops?

 

[Taurus627]

At my local shooting range everybody had to take a range rules class (to many chuckle heads) and from now on everybody who wants to shot will have to take the class (one time and free) one of the rules I thought was very funny was no holding the hand gun sideways like the movies or shooting two pistols at the same time. Pretty amazing that they actually need to have these rules in writing

I wonder if it really helped. Because after about 10 years working with the general public in a retail setting I discovered that there are 2 things most people can not do,
that's read or follow directions!!!

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

The club I belong to has 1k members, electronic gate that requires your membership card to enter and exit, six separate ranges and surveillance cameras. We have no on duty range officers other than at organized events. New membership is typically through sponsorship via club member of three years or more. Our rules are basic safety, which allows pretty much anything with a trigger including machine guns, though you have to first be checked out by an officer before you can bring machine guns to the club. We police ourselves and it works out wonderfully. Anyone who demonstrates that they are exempt from the rules due to their long standing with the club or superior knowledge and abilities, find themselves with a permanently deactivated gate card.

 

[mjr]

... the range officer stops me and tells me I need to leave after shooting two 10 round magazine telling my shoes don't comply to range rules.

What were you wearing? Those boots gangbangers were wearing two or three years ago? Some restaurants and bars in my area refused entry to people wearing those.

 

[LTC]

It's unbelievable to me the actions of some shooters who frequent our club. We have electronic gate and club house access only. We also installed video cameras both indoor and outdoors. We have posted range rules. New members are required to submit their application in person. A NJ firearms Id card or similar proof of being a non-felon is required. We have trained RSO's observe the new shooters first session. Muzzle discipline is enforced at times.

Even with all this some person or persons can't seem to keep all their shots in the confines of a 7' x 35' indoor steel backstop.

We find hundreds of holes in the wooden faced steel roof baffles. entire sections of 2x6's shot to splinters. We have been unsuccessful catching the offending person or persons in the past 2-3 years.

Our rules are common sense safety. First offense is a discussion with the RSO. Second offense and you go home for the day. Third offense and you are at risk of losing your membership.

There is always a percentage of the group who, without rules, would be a danger to all.

LTC

 

[Capt Steve]

I don't need no stinking rules!

Rules are a necessary evil but the problem I encounter all to often and not just on the range are the idiots that think rules do not apply to them... to everyone else, but not to them. From parking in Handicapped slots to drinking and driving they simply just can't be bothered. Now arm these chuckleheads and the fun really begins.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

WHOA THERE

I dont understand what the huge deal is. It used to be free but people leave all their trash behind, destroy tables and stands. Someone has to be paid to repair and clean it all. So now you need to pay $30 a year to use. This is what happens when people abuse stuff. Or you can go to a regular private range and pay $15 or whatever every time you go.

As for the 3 round rule.....in 5 years of going to state game lands i only once saw a park ranger. I load 5 in my bolt guns, 6 in my revolvers, 10 in my semi autos (too lazy to load all 15-17). For AR & AKs i load 4-5 mags with 5 rounds or 2-3 mags with 10 rounds. Now.....some state game lands arnt too far from civilization. So some noob loads a full mag and proceeds to blast away blindly while not controlling his muzzle flip. Or guy with a slide fire or guy with a real full auto. At least this way after 3 rounds the weapon stops. Go to an indoor range and count all the holes in the ceiling. No ceilings at the state game lands to stop that bullet. Its gonna land somewhere

And finally ITS NOT PA law!!!! Its the game commission rule.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

Arik- you seem to have taken offense -- none meant-- I have no problem with the permit thing, but the 3 shot rule, or 6 shot rule as I read here above, I DO have a problem with. I am 69 years old and have MORE than my share of range time. Wont even go into the training etc. I don't care much about the rifle rule of three shots, unless it includes .22LR, which I have no reason to believe it doesn't. My 250 SIG holds 13 shots, so what? Yes, I know we ALL have to pay for the ignorance of others. So find someplace else to shoot-- in this case we have. My Son is a former Army officer, and I really doubt any of those writing such rules could show Him anything. As far as not seeing a ranger, just because you do see one doesn't mean they are not around. I have see more than one game warden sit and watch with glass. There was one guy who got busted up there for the 'over the shot rule' and he presented a fake permit-- they stuck it to him but good-- JMHO

 

[rwsmith]

Many people could....

The range I frequent has a rule(among several)against shooting from a draw. I don't mean just fast cowboy style draw, but any kind including defensive draw. I guess I kind of understand this as a liability concern, but I really don't think that practicing at home is as effective as being able to follow through completely to the shot. Is this a common rule?

Many people probably could practice this safely, the hard part being to follow the rule that says the gun should be pointed safely downrange and not 'covering' or 'sweeping' anyone else with your muzzle. I'd think the safest way to do this would be to draw by picking up from the table, but fumble fingers might spell a bad day for somebody. It's surely best that the rule is there as safety is foremost.

 

[S&WIowegan]

I belong to a private club with annual dues of $140. That's peanuts compared to the local state-owned range of $8/half hour, but it does discourage some who live with no cash.

We recently did major improvements(4 new pistol bays) to go with our 100 yd rifle range and 4 trap houses. All firing positions are covered and have concrete floors. In order to pay for all this, we are taking every member we can get and are up to nearly 700 members.

The range is fenced but so low a 71 yr. old could crawl over and a electric gate with key pad combination. We are getting some vandalism(what range doesn't). No one wants to talk about full-time RSOs or limited hours. We have security cameras but the pix are so bad you can't identify anyone.

I worry about the idiots.

 

[Grayfox]

No matter how stupid a rule is, bear in mind that in most cases it was something that someone did that caused this rule to be writtten in the first place.
We are victims of our own stupidity.

 

[GaryS]

No matter how stupid a rule is, bear in mind that in most cases it was something that someone did that caused this rule to be writtten in the first place.
We are victims of our own stupidity.

This is what I call the Second Rule of EMS.

"You don't want a rule named after you, because the bosses don't make rules when someone does something smart."