Range Etiquette

[BytorJr]

Yes, I know, that's an oxymoron, right?

Simple question or maybe it's an observation. Let's pretend you are at your range all by your lonesome, nobody around. Now, somebody drives up, pops out of their car, gets 1 station between you (without introducing themselves at a private range mind you), lets off 2 ULTRA-loud 30 cal loads. Packs up, goes down to other end of the range and I assume he starts shooting long range (I left as I don't like people around me anyway). I guess he was "confirming zero and cold shot on a 10" steel plate at 120 yards. Consider me unimpressed. Heck, I went out at the same place a few days ago, cold shot with absolute SHIT PMC ammo with a M18 that I'm not even really zero'd to and rang same size plate @ 400; not some super expensive "precision rifle." Not that that would be impressive to most of you all. I guess that was my confirm zero shot. Hold up 2 mils, engage, listen.

My question is, if you know your gun is loud, and the guy you pull up on is shooting a 22LR for shits/giggles at 100 yard steel in wind, do you at least let them know you're firing something that's a bit loud to make sure they are double up, or have the plugs in good? He could only see my muffs. Personally, due to my hearing loss as a direct result of shooting, I'm very conscious of this when people are around me and especially if they are the only person on the range. Not that he's 100% to blame mind you; and fortunately I was doubled up, but had I known what he was shooting I'd have let him do his thing and moved behind him, not been right to the side of his muzzle brake. Fast forward. Ears are ringing despite being doubled up (tinnitus is a bitch).

As much as I hate to say it; this lack of common courtesy (in my opinion) when the range has ONE person on it (much different if the range is really active IMO), is exactly the kind of crap that gives gun owners a bad image. Hell, I've noticed this guy before myself and it's always just about him. Always a very much a "I pay here, I can do what I want, fuck you" type attitude. Hell, my gut instinct when he drove through the gate was to pack up and leave. Honestly, the yahoos that go to my range are about enough to make me find another outdoor range. If I could find another place with outdoor pistol bays I could shoot steel, I'd be gone.

 

[...]

If I was shooting anything belted magnum and stronger.....ide probably give the guy a heads up

Same with something like a 7" AR


But you are on a shooting range at the end of the day....loud noises are to be expected.


That being said, I wouldn't expect it or be particularly upset of someone didn't give me a heads up.

 

[WDN-K-9]

So....yes I agree and I do make sure of where I set up in respect for others but we are shooting and hearing protection is pretty much a rule. I really enjoy shooting off of a tripod these days for the most part, so I always try to set up on the right hand end of the range (if I am at our little ranges) so as to have a little room for those on benches and to keep brass from raining on anyone if I decide to shoot AR. Waiting on suppressors so it’s even more pleasant. My 300wm is a loud sucker for some reason, with or without the brake. I usually try to set up away from others for that reason. Common courtesy goes a long way these days.

 

[Maggot]

Ears are ringing despite being doubled up (tinnitus is a bitch).

Barrett M107, forgot the ears. All I heard for two days was the actions cycling. Now its a strong squeal.

Thats too bad about your range. Where I shoot everyone is super courteous.

 

[diverdon]

Ide say he was courteous enough not to bother you with unnecessary chit chat.

 

[Bradu]

Maybe I'm just an asshole but I don't see the problem. He seen you had ears on and went on to do his thing. Not sure why you're so judgmental about him shooting the plate. Ever consider he just wanted to confirm turrets were zeroed if he doesn't have zero stop instead of being dialed wrong and launching bullets over a berm?

 

[Ranger007]

I always take up a position as far away as I can from anyone on the line at my range regardless of what I am shooting. That’s just me though.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

It's a shooting range not a urinal. Not sure how this gives gun owners a bad image either. I agree with that he didn't bother you with any questions or chit chat. That's an actual rule at my range. Don't talk to the other shooters.

 

[UKDslayer]

I think if someone says "going hot" , thats an announcement that means eyes and ears. Regardless of caliber. Failure to do that is bad etiquette. But I don't think its anyone's responsibility to announce the caliber they are shooting or if his/her gun is especially loud.

 

[KZP]

Even though you doubled up, maybe your earpro isn't setup too well. What brand muffs and plugs are you using?

 

[J McGriddle]

You had this nice range all to yourself and he came over and fucked it up. There's nothing wrong with what he did, but I get why you're ticked.

 

[BytorJr]

Frankly these are the answers I expected. Not asking for a conversation - generally I dislike people. If I'm the acting RSO (farthest to left), then he needs to check in with me before shooting as well. Those are the rules...period. So that isn't just a courtesy thing, that's a rule violation as well.

Not that it matters the caliber; but seriously, when you're the only one at the range plinking a 22, some fuckstick pulls up, jumps out, sets up right next to you when there are FORTY other bays empty, blasts a braked 300 WM or maybe 338 then what part of that is being remotely courteous?

I know I'll get flamed, and that's fine; but the person shooting a very loud weapon does have some responsibility as well if they set up right next to you with a completely empty range. That doesn't mean a conversation, that means a courtesy check of "got enough on your ears?" That's also not a conversation starter..that's a yes/no answer. I would NOT expect that on a filled firing line; but with the place is empty it's a vastly different story in my opinion.

I'll add a final thing. When I go to the range, and if there is somebody else there and they are the only ones there or if they are the left-most person (both cases acting RSO), I ALWAYS check in with them; ask a few things...1) how long has range been hot, 2) how often are you making range cold. If they ask what I'm shooting, I tell them. Then I walk away. Not hard folks..not hard.

Heck, I'd love to see a suppressor only range.

 

[BytorJr]

Even though you doubled up, maybe your earpro isn't setup too well. What brand muffs and plugs are you using?

No ear pro. Decibel Defense 33dB muffs and 3M Skull Screws (32dB).

 

[Baron23]

You just answered the question....”generally I dislike people” so this guy is supposed to give a shit about that and maybe just stay the fuck home if you are out there?

Rifle range...it’s loud....it’s your responsibility to protect your hearing and no one else’s

I don’t see an issue other than your general dislike of people which is no one’s concern but yours.

just how I see it.

 

[Highbrass]

I always try to keep as much space as possible between myself and any other shooters. If another shooter is close enough and I am shooting anything bigger than a 22 I always warn before sending. I was shooting 2 spaces away from a guy and his dad shooting a Garand. I gave them a heads up that I was getting ready to light off a 300RUM. They thanked me and said it wouldnt bother them. I proceeded to send 3 after the 1st one they moved to the back benches and sat until i had sent the third one. I waved them back aver and said I would be about 15 minutes til it cooled off. They finished in about 10 minutes and started packing. The old man came by and thanked me for letting them finish up. He said my RUM was possibly the loudest rifle he had ever been exposed to.

 

[Jefe's Dope]

What else isn't hard is letting us in on ALL your range rules. That would be helpful.

Maybe it was his favorite lane. Maybe he wanted to piss you off so you'd leave. Who knows. But the telling you he's shooting a large caliber is just stupid. You're at the gun range. I'm assuming the rules require eyes and ears on the range too?

 

[candyx]

I like surprising people at the indoor pistol range, I usually start with 22LR maybe jump to the 9mm then pull out the model 29 S&W 44 mag 8-3/8" barrel . Usually most stick their heads out of the ports to see wtf your shooting, pretty nice concussion in the port for a revolver.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Waiting ‘til Everyone is downrange checking their targets and throwing a cherry bomb would be... poor etiquette. Right?

 

[Carlos Danger]

When I open the door of my truck at my range I know its my hearing and my responsibility to protect it. If I forget and get my bell rung, it's my own fault.

 

[Bradu]

Frankly these are the answers I expected. Not asking for a conversation - generally I dislike people. If I'm the acting RSO (farthest to left), then he needs to check in with me before shooting as well. Those are the rules...period. So that isn't just a courtesy thing, that's a rule violation as well.

Not that it matters the caliber; but seriously, when you're the only one at the range plinking a 22, some fuckstick pulls up, jumps out, sets up right next to you when there are FORTY other bays empty, blasts a braked 300 WM or maybe 338 then what part of that is being remotely courteous?

I know I'll get flamed, and that's fine; but the person shooting a very loud weapon does have some responsibility as well if they set up right next to you with a completely empty range. That doesn't mean a conversation, that means a courtesy check of "got enough on your ears?" That's also not a conversation starter..that's a yes/no answer. I would NOT expect that on a filled firing line; but with the place is empty it's a vastly different story in my opinion.

I'll add a final thing. When I go to the range, and if there is somebody else there and they are the only ones there or if they are the left-most person (both cases acting RSO), I ALWAYS check in with them; ask a few things...1) how long has range been hot, 2) how often are you making range cold. If they ask what I'm shooting, I tell them. Then I walk away. Not hard folks..not hard.

Heck, I'd love to see a suppressor only range.

Sounds like you are a Karen and need to buy your own property to shoot on.

 

[candyx]

Waiting ‘til Everyone is downrange checking their targets and throwing a cherry bomb would be... poor etiquette. Right?

Not always........

 

[KZP]

Waiting ‘til Everyone is downrange checking their targets and throwing a cherry bomb would be... poor etiquette. Right?

Since I am capable of shooting 1/1,024 MOA all day long, I like to send one down range towards someone inspecting their poorly shot target, put one right in the center. Show them what accuracy really looks like.

 

[candyx]

Since I am capable of shooting 1/1,024 MOA all day long, I like to send one down range towards someone inspecting their poorly shot target, put one right in the center. Show them what accuracy really looks like.

Similar method but I pick out a good shooter and add a flyer to his target .

 

[BigTex]

Sounds like the poor needs a can, maybe offer to buy him one.

I don't see a problem.

 

[JuniperEyes]

Frankly these are the answers I expected. Not asking for a conversation - generally I dislike people. If I'm the acting RSO (farthest to left), then he needs to check in with me before shooting as well. Those are the rules...period. So that isn't just a courtesy thing, that's a rule violation as well.

Not that it matters the caliber; but seriously, when you're the only one at the range plinking a 22, some fuckstick pulls up, jumps out, sets up right next to you when there are FORTY other bays empty, blasts a braked 300 WM or maybe 338 then what part of that is being remotely courteous?

I know I'll get flamed, and that's fine; but the person shooting a very loud weapon does have some responsibility as well if they set up right next to you with a completely empty range. That doesn't mean a conversation, that means a courtesy check of "got enough on your ears?" That's also not a conversation starter..that's a yes/no answer. I would NOT expect that on a filled firing line; but with the place is empty it's a vastly different story in my opinion.

I'll add a final thing. When I go to the range, and if there is somebody else there and they are the only ones there or if they are the left-most person (both cases acting RSO), I ALWAYS check in with them; ask a few things...1) how long has range been hot, 2) how often are you making range cold. If they ask what I'm shooting, I tell them. Then I walk away. Not hard folks..not hard.

Heck, I'd love to see a suppressor only range.

Sounds like you need your own private range. Any reason you dont have one?

 

[Doc68]

I'm glad you will think BG will give you warning......

It's a fucking range......

Suck it up buttercup.....

Flame on.....

Doc

 

[Bullfrog08]

Did you say golf range or gun range?

I tend to be as courteous as possible with people, but Id never expect a person to warn me they are preparing to shoot at a SHOOTING range. Nor would I expect the guy in the next stall to warn me he is about to drop his intestines.

 

[chevy_man]

No ear pro. Decibel Defense 33dB muffs and 3M Skull Screws (32dB).

So no ear pro? Muffs and plugs aren't ear pro?


If your hearing is that bad, maybe you shouldn't be at the range anymore? I don't appreciate braked rifles, but it's a shared range.

Or maybe he tried to talk to you and you didn't hear him?

 

[acudaowner]

I always thought that was a public range problem till I saw a group of people peppering a member at a private range with their hot AR brass though to the ranges credit the member in question just informed the owner and they asked the people in question not to return refunding them there money and that problem was solved that day . I have even seen people shoot others targets whether out of an honest mistake or shear stupidity and the argument almost come to blows all over a paper target , and even after they guy who shot it apologized and offered to pay for said target . Shit happens and often will take a page from the boys scouts and always be prepared for the unexpected or at least try to .

 

[Aftermath]

Here is my take...shooting alone, someone else shows up and lets loose a few rounds but does nothing unsafe...BFD.
Here is my gripe... at the local range, max yardage is 550 which is only visible from far right 5 positions (only 16 total). Some dipshits go down there and shoot at 100 yards all fucking day.

 

[Jgunner]

Its people in general. No etiquette. Just cause they own a gun it doesn’t mean they own a brain or common sense.

 

[seanh]

Etiquette? Guns are loud okay mmmmk.

Bytor, maybe the dude thought you were attractive and just wanted to sit next to you.

In all seriousness, I get it on certain muzzle brake in cartridge combinations. I would say etiquette would be if there's several open benches, don't go set up right next to somebody if you don't have to

 

[Snuby642]

How about people that think they are in charge when clearly they are not.

Nobody gives one little fuck about where you work. Shoot your target, mind your own buisiness.

 

[Supersubes]

Ide say he was courteous enough not to bother you with unnecessary chit chat.

+100. So glad i never have to go to a range again.

 

[lonegunman762x51]

If you go to a range, bring hearing protection. Who gives a crap what they are shooting, if it has a muzzle brake a little warning is nice. As long as they follow range rules and safety practices I really do not care. If there are open spaces, I do prefer they get farther away because I fucking hate people.

I have been a member of the Elmer Fudd Gun club for 35 years. These assholes killed the pistol league, Thursday evening Bullseye pistol practice, across the course rifle was driven off for a few years, F-class was abused for a few years and pretty much any competitive shooting was poo-poo'd by the Fudds. The Fudds and pecker-packers with their muzzle loaders bitched constantly. I brought a semi-1919 belt fed rifle on a tripod down and their fucking heads exploded, they literally screamed and yelled and threatened to call the police if I shot it. Hell, the range officer was waiting his turn to shoot it. We shot it and they all started calling board members. When they got slapped back into place it was nice. Every club has issues and it is not surprising to see how anti-gun most Jim Zumbo losers really are in person. Most gun owning democrats do not think you should own any gun but the ones they like to shoot.

I'm still a member of this club, it is too close to the house to not use. But, I fixed the problem by buying a 120 acres and building my own range. 900yds of steel gongs, a clay thrower on a wobble base and targets at 25,50,100 and 200 yds. No neighbors for two miles in any direction.

 

[M8541Reaper]

You know how you solve issues with people setting up next to you? You go standing tripod with your braked 308 and shoot until they move or leave.

It’s a public range, this means you have to deal with the public.

At least he didn’t set up next to you and talk nonstop.

 

[db2000]

You sound like the old, grumpy men at the range. Wear 2 sets of protection if you’re that sensitive. I have a good friend, actually got me into reloading, but he bitches about everything louder than 22lr it seems. When it’s everyone else and not you...it’s you.
Hope this doesn’t seem impolite but I figured since you asked.

 

[HeavyAssault]

Reading thru the thread @Bradu beat me to it so I'll just post this anyway.

Listen Karen....live with it or buy your own land where you can have your own range.

 

[Mr.Kirk]

I shoot at a private club. Some guys won’t talk and some guys seem to be there to talk. What upsets me is when they just wonder down-range while I’m shooting.

 

[Texasflyer]

This kinda thing doesnt piss me off, its a shooting range. If i did get mad, i woulda went and set the 338 lm up next to him while he shot the longer ranges. The only way to win the loud pissing contest is to piss the loudest.

 

[Clearlight]

If I’m shooting anything with a brake, I always check who is around me. Public ranges
have all types of interesting personalities there.... The Terminator brake on my 338 is
awful to sit next to, neighbour’s always get a heads up from me. If possible, I’ll set up
away from other shooters, or shoot something else until there is more ‘elbow room’.

My local often has guys bringing their kids for their first experience of shooting. Last
thing I want to do is give a kid, or anyone hearing damage or a bad experience of
shooting. Brake use at my local has gone from about 10% to 50% of patrons there.
Wonder how many on here got skilled on an unbraked 308?

 

[roostercogburn98]

I heard a loud noise once

 

[BoltRunner]

I really hate to tell all you guys that have a problem with this if your thinking you'll find a range with people that follow all the range etiquette rules and everyone is really courteous your going to be looking for a really really long time. There are a lot of Jackoffs in the world and unfortunately there still being produced daily.

 

[Texasflyer]

If I’m shooting anything with a brake, I always check who is around me. Public ranges
have all types of interesting personalities there.... The Terminator brake on my 338 is
awful to sit next to, neighbour’s always get a heads up from me. If possible, I’ll set up
away from other shooters, or shoot something else until there is more ‘elbow room’.

My local often has guys bringing their kids for their first experience of shooting. Last
thing I want to do is give a kid, or anyone hearing damage or a bad experience of
shooting. Brake use at my local has gone from about 10% to 50% of patrons there.
Wonder how many on here got skilled on an unbraked 308?

I still prefer an 11 degree crown...

 

[SBRSarge]

I pretty much am always shooting a suppressed gun. And I always let others know when I’m about to start touching off rounds.

Seems a simple courtesy.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Somewhere around, is that sketch of the guy standing at one of a row of urinals. Then this other guy enters the room, and chooses the urinal 'right beside' the guy that was already there.

The rest goes downhill from there.

A- sure, it IS a public range,,,,,,, but
B- there seems to be a LOT of people whom are like the one described in that sketch above.
C- there's a lot more HERE on this site now, like the one described in that sketch above.... than there used to be.

 

[Rerun7]

Fudd’s gonna Fudd...

I don’t see the problem here. Sounds like you saw and knew what he was about to shoot. If you didn’t then you need to keep better eyes out at the range because there are a lot of sketch people out there.

I personally try to stay away from people at the range but people pull up and do this. I usually give them a friendly nod and keep an eye on what they are doing because I don’t trust anyone. If they pull out a braked howitzer then brace yourself...

 

[Moose]

I shoot at a private club. Some guys won’t talk and some guys seem to be there to talk. What upsets me is when they just wonder down-range while I’m shooting.

Same thing happened to me and I asked the guy WTF and he had no clue.

 

[LeftyJason]

I think it is a good idea to give a heads up with something braked.

One time I took my wife to try out handguns at a local indoor range. They have private booths on the 25 yard range.

They also rent out guns. A person 2 doors down from us rented a braked Barrett m82 with a holographic on it. A range employee was with them. There was no warning at all.

My wife was about to take the last shot in a zev Glock when the Barrett fired. Her flight response kicked in. She flagged me for sure but I was able to get her to hand it to me before she completely fled.

I complained then and have been talking about it to employees of the place whenever I go there. Sad thing is that they have the widest selection of good handguns to rent.

I mostly shoot outdoors these days since we bought our house. That range is now 27 miles away vs the 2.5 it was. Now I've got a 100 yd outdoor for $60 a year.

 

[impactaddict]

You're saying a guy at a private club left you alone and didn't chew your fucking ear off? I call that a win.

Carry on.