Theft at Outdoor Public Range - Deep Thoughts by Jack Handy

[M8541Reaper]

For those of you that shoot alone at a public [outdoor] range... (ewww I know)

Have you ever had an issue or concern with an item getting stolen while you were in the pisser?

I’m bored at work and the thought popped in my head. I usually only leave my kit if it’s a cold range because it’s all “forward of the line” and no one should be finger fucking shit up there. Obviously we know how that goes, but it would be noticed if a dude walks down the line, grabs a rifle that’s forward of the line, walks to his Prius, and drives off.

I hate public ranges but the thread on firearms insurance got me pondering such horribleness while spinning in my chair and contemplating death by a trillion paper cuts.

Me:

Those of you with private ranges/land reading the “public range” part:

***Edit: I’m referring to those of you that go to outdoor ranges, not those disgusting death trap sad excuses for a range that’s indoors.***

 

[theLBC]

it is a concern if i need to take a piss, especially since i go alone.

/and even more since "liberals" are showing up at the range now.

 

[MtnCreek]

I left a bag with two glocks, a sig and a bunch of mags sitting on a bench at a range, drove off. By the time I figured it out they were closed. I called the guy next morning. He said he was expecting my call. Someone had carried it in to the shop and handed it to them. I'm stupid and most folks aren't thieves.

 

[rjacobs]

I used to shoot at a public range in Missouri. I heard a story about some guys down range changing a target when a guy drove up, picked up one of their guns, fired it at them, then scooped up a bunch more and ran off.

Still shot at that range, but I always slung an AR when heading down to change targets after hearing that story.

 

[M8541Reaper]

it is a concern if i need to take a piss, especially since i go alone.

Yea I always go alone. Never had an issue but talk about what a shitty day that would be. I wonder how it would play out on the insurance company side, seeing as how it was left unattended/unsecured.

 

[M8541Reaper]

I left a bag with two glocks, a sig and a bunch of mags sitting on a bench at a range, drove off. By the time I figured it out they were closed. I called the guy next morning. He said he was expecting my call. Someone had carried it in to the shop and handed it to them. I'm stupid and most folks aren't thieves.

True. Glad to hear that didn’t turn out the other way.

 

[M8541Reaper]

I used to shoot at a public range in Missouri. I heard a story about some guys down range changing a target when a guy drove up, picked up one of their guns, fired it at them, then scooped up a bunch more and ran off.

Still shot at that range, but I always slung an AR when heading down to change targets after hearing that story.

Jesus. So I’m assuming it was a public range but not the kind that’s regulated with an RSO.

 

[Maggot]

Dont mean to be insulting but if you leave a firearm unattended then youre a dumbass and deserve what you get. I never leave one unattended. Its weapon not a dildo.

 

[rjacobs]

Jesus. So I’m assuming it was a public range but not the kind that’s regulated with an RSO.

yes free public range with no RSO. Basically a big pit in the ground with berms cut at 25, 50, and 100 yards. Pretty common around Missouri in the various state parks.

Same range my buddy was out shooting machine guns, park ranger shows up and try's to confiscate all their machine guns(all legal with papers in a book) by stacking them in his arms like cord wood(couldnt quickly grab his pistol if he needed to). My buddy(who has a slung M16 with a full mag in it) explains to the ranger he is holding like 200k worth of legal machine guns, is completely defenseless due to how he is holding the guns, and would he kindly set them down on the padded cases while they chatted. Apparently it's "illegal" to shoot legal machine guns on state land, yet it wasnt posted and no law could ever be found. Next time we went to that range there was a big sign that said "no full auto" or something like that. My buddy said his "$200 disturbing the peace ticket bought that sign"... LOL

Dont mean to be insulting but if you leave a firearm unattended then youre a dumbass and deserve what you get. I never leave one unattended. Its weapon not a dildo.

So you have never gone to a range with RSO's where when they call the range cold you exit the shooting line/booth and you dont enter until the range goes hot? Do you pack your shit up every time they call cold range, put it in your car, run down to change targets, then go back to your car and get your shit out again? I dont. But I usually go to those types of ranges with a friend or two and one guy ALWAYS stays back to watch our shit. We also always shoot next to each other or in the same "booth". We all shoot rifles for a bit then we all pack up and head over to the pistol range, etc... There is always somebody watching the stuff.

 

[Powder_Burns]

I had a rear bag stolen once.

 

[Threadcutter308]

When I was doing a build recently, I thought having a Spuhr QD mount for my ZCO would be really cool. Then I got to thinking about it growing legs while I was in the pisser. The build was finished with a non-QD mount.

 

[Franko]

I shoot alone at a public range and have thought about it a bit. I always say good morning to the RSO's in the hopes that they will remember me and where I am shooting. I also try to be sociable with the guys shooting around me. It's not a great solution but BLM land is a much further drive and I don't have an off road capable vehicle.

So at the moment I am living with it.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Alone on the range and going forward...

All my targets are set up on sheets that match up to the backer, 6 staples and target change is done. I provide my own target stands and backers. I gnerally do my zeroing and practice at 100yd, and with BDC reticles on all my scopes, that generally means other zeroes are as good enough as the 100yd zero; I'm not going for utter precision these days. Nine such scopes on nine of my rifles

My hearing protection is off when I'm alone on a cold range.

I carry, condition one.

Best I can do, but mainly I bring shooting buddies.

Greg

 

[shoobe01]

I never really do public ranges, but both those I do shoot at regularly are unattended (no staff) and out of town a bit. Sometimes full of people, sometimes not. Only really paranoid thing I do is always be armed. Especially when downrange. If I am doing pistol work, always keep a spare mag on me somewhere, so not empty.

2-3 times I have lost something at one of these ranges. Leave a mag behind, get home and realize the WML has launched off. NEVER get them back. Yes, I put my name on everything. Yes, there's a clubhouse with a nice lost-and-found shelf, which I pretty regularly put stuff on. Nope, people at vetted membership ranges are thieves still.

Don't trust anyone.

 

[Kamerad]

Dont mean to be insulting but if you leave a firearm unattended then youre a dumbass and deserve what you get. I never leave one unattended. Its weapon not a dildo.

View attachment 7420577

If you’re intent on insulting, just do so without the weasel-worded preamble.

 

[Do-nothing]

Don't shoot at a public range but do frequently shoot at a private range by myself. I read an article some months back about range safety and started packing condition one as a result. One of the issues discussed was how defenseless one can be while changing targets. Not really theft related but I think the precaution still applies. I've never crossed paths with anyone I had an issue with at the range I shoot at. The owner runs a tight ship and does not suffer fools.

 

[chevy_man]

Our range requires a membership, but has zero employees. We volunteer RO for matches but never to just stand around.

I've taken quite a few things down to the LGS because I found them laying around. Next time they're in the store bitching about losing whatever it was the counter guy pulls it out and hands it to them.

There is a sign up stating the lost and found is located at the gun counter, so it's not like they don't know where to look.

 

[NCHillbilly]

I know it's not an option for everybody for various reasons, but when someone complains about the cost of membership to a range, understand that when the flow of people into said range is controlled and everyone has skin in the game, the likelyhood of getting ripped off is greatly diminished, not to mention, often the dues you pay are often used for improvements.

It wouldn't surprise me if some folks "shop" public ranges looking for five finger discounts. Happens everywhere else.

 

[Fret]

I go to the nearby state run public range about 3x/week. I take my nephew once a week so I go alone the other times. I'm usually the first one there when the range opens so there aren't any others when I walk out to set up a target and not very many people there when I finish so I haven't had any problems. I use fans to cool the barrel so I can finish shooting before it gets crowded. I usually take donuts to the range office when I go there and know most of the RSOs. I'm pretty sure if I ever forget and leave some stuff there they would hold it for me. Most of the people coming to the range are locals and pretty friendly so that probably helps.

 

[diggler1833]

I used to be a part-time range nazi back when I was in. I spent my entire time looking down the line after calling it cold, not because of theft but because of the idiots wanting to handle guns with shooters downrange.

If your range has an RSO, there is nothing wrong with setting up close to them and striking up a conversation. It may just be a tad bit of mental insurance to have someone else know exactly which guns you brought out should somebody try to ease one of yours off the line.

If your on your own, perhaps it's not a bad idea to carry a slung/holstered one downrange with you.

 

[Maggot]

If you’re intent on insulting, just do so without the weasel-worded preamble.

Alright, Fuck you.

 

[10ring'r]

When I first started using Public Ranges, I didn't worry much, but now, I would worry. We're in critical times now, just look at ammo, so, the chances of something coming up missing, are a real possibility. Tried to have someone with me at the time and went during the week.
Ended my PR shit, when that particular range, started getting "bangers" there, shooting $500+ worth of ammo in about 20 min. time. Said enough of that and got a membership at a closer local range. Don't worry much too much, because, it's locked and with membership, you get a key. Keeps the Riff-Raff out. If I know I'm going to be "taking care of business", I will, at a minimum, lock my weapon(s) up in my truck. Still worry about going downrange tho, so, when I know I'm going to be headed down to the 200-300 yard backers, I'm wearing the florescent yellow/orange hi-way worker shirts. Always worry about the person that shows up, even seeing another set-up on a bench/pad, just blasting a few rounds at the steel targets.
Mac

 

[Kamerad]

Alright, Fuck you.

Lol. No sweat.

 

[kenny1773]

I never really thought about it much until recently, someone on another gun forum I am on said that some guns had been stolen from a public range that I had been to while the owner was changing targets. I have only ever been to that range once, and don't plan to return, its too far away from me.

While 100 yards is easy as hell to shoot, it is not so easy to run in short enough time to catch someone if you happen to see them walking off with your guns and gear.

I don't think I would leave anything unattended at a public range anymore. The one I speak of above, you can back your car up to the shooting bench, so not a big deal to bring guns out one at a time and put back in the trunk for target changes/nature calls. At ranges where that is not as easy to do, need to rethink it.

For now I am mostly shooting at a local private range, never had an issue or concern there so far (3 years), but that can change in an instant. The few times I head out to the CMP, I feel the ROs there have enough control of everything (as long as they are not super busy) that no one is going to make off with anyone else's stuff, especially if you ask them to keep an eye on it while you piss.

 

[candyx]

I usually buy everyone water and soda at the range if they have high end shit and then just wait ........

 

[LawnMM]

'Public' range?!

 

[MtnCreek]

I usually buy everyone water and soda at the range if they have high end shit and then just wait ........

Somewhere out there there's a guy that leaves some high end stuff on a bench. It's a game. It's his little game.

 

[M8541Reaper]

Dont mean to be insulting but if you leave a firearm unattended then youre a dumbass and deserve what you get. I never leave one unattended. Its weapon not a dildo.

View attachment 7420577

Cool. Also, anything can be a dildo if you’re brave enough.
I’m assuming you never shoot alone on a public range. Because if you do, I’m pretty sure you’re going downrange to change/tape up/paint targets and leaving your dildos unattended. #DildosCantBeTrusted

 

[LaraCroft]

I agree with others about not creating the opportunity for your stuff to be messed with. It's one thing I'm always paranoid about and always have been. We've never had anything be messed with at a public or private range and we've not been to a public range in I don't even know how long.

 

[EddieNFL]

Over the years I've found guns left behind twice. Once was three 1911s worth about 10K combined. Another time was a Glock. Almost left it there as I didn't really want to touch it.

 

[M8541Reaper]

I shoot alone at a public range and have thought about it a bit. I always say good morning to the RSO's in the hopes that they will remember me and where I am shooting. I also try to be sociable with the guys shooting around me. It's not a great solution but BLM land is a much further drive and I don't have an off road capable vehicle.

So at the moment I am living with it.

Yea I’ve always been friendly to the RSO’s and would go often enough that they recognized me. I usually try to keep to myself at the far end of the line but am friendly to those should they setup next to me. Never had an issue with anything growing legs but go enough and it’s bound to happen.

 

[krw]

I hav never shot at a public range . Livn in Arkansas does hav its advantages

 

[M8541Reaper]

'Public' range?!

I knew it

 

[DairyDictator]

When I was doing a build recently, I thought having a Spuhr QD mount for my ZCO would be really cool. Then I got to thinking about it growing legs while I was in the pisser. The build was finished with a non-QD mount.

I don't see what you'd get out of the QD anyways. Added cost, weight, and if you really need to swap scopes, torquing bolts to spec is more consistent anyway. On an ar15, at least the case could be made that if the optic goes down, you'll wanna dump it for irons, but if you got a ZCO to go down chances are you've got bigger problems.

The range I use all the time is just some little place in a valley that's almost always 100% empty other than archery shoots and the week before deer season, so I've never had a problem

 

[Mudburner]

I found a Glock pistol in a holster on top of the commode in the men's room of my local public library. Obviously some guy went in to take a dump and had an "Oh Shit!" moment several hours later.

I let the library staff (the IT guy is ex-Army) take it, cuz it's a Glock... They gave it to the cops & when homey called about it later, he had to go see Barney Fife. Actually, I did what I did because it was the right thing to do. I wasn't gonna pocket some dude's pistol just because he did something dumb.

Occasionally find stuff at the ranges I shoot at, non important stuff tho, never guns. I don't shoot at public ranges any more, because been flagged too many times, dodgy characters, etc.

 

[Threadcutter308]

I don't see what you'd get out of the QD anyways. Added cost, weight, and if you really need to swap scopes, torquing bolts to spec is more consistent anyway. On an ar15, at least the case could be made that if the optic goes down, you'll wanna dump it for irons, but if you got a ZCO to go down chances are you've got bigger problems.

The range I use all the time is just some little place in a valley that's almost always 100% empty other than archery shoots and the week before deer season, so I've never had a problem

It was a bolt gun and I concluded the same things that you did about cost, weight and consistency of the QD (in addition to potentially facilitating someone's five finger discounting of my scope). Went mainstream (bolts/clamp to Pic rail) and haven't looked back. I still worry about theft, but it would have to be the entire rifle now. I have a membership in and shoot on the private side of our range now, but I still keep my eyes peeled.

 

[candyx]

Cool. Also, anything can be a dildo if you’re brave enough.
I’m assuming you never shoot alone on a public range. Because if you do, I’m pretty sure you’re going downrange to change/tape up/paint targets and leaving your dildos unattended. #DildosCantBeTrusted

I'v seen traffic cones used as dildos, big ole eggplant and a trailer hitch. People are like Gumby when it comes to their orifices .

 

[hlee]

Was just at a public range today. 4 or 5 RSOs in attendance. Range goes cold, all rifles unloaded in the rifle racks behind the line, mag out, bolt back. all pistols on the bench, mags out, locked back or cylinders open. Once the line is clear, don't touch the firearms for any reason- not even to leave. This isn't absolutely fool proof, but it does mean that anyone moving around with a firearm during the cease fire is seriously suspect. And, with several RSOs in attendance, there are at least some people watching. No one goes down range with a firearm, and no one is moving firearms behind the line during the cease fire. I've never had anything stolen at the range, though I have left my shooting glasses there. They were behind the counter when I got back to retrieve them. I do, however, try to take a leak before I get all of my gear out of the pickup.

Sometimes the circumstances dictate that you trust in the humanity of everyone else- like when you stop for a candy bar and a soda after the range trip, and your firearms have to stay in the vehicle...

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Thought about it many times... and even the private (membership) range I go to has 'strangers' that I don't know.

I never go downrange without a pistol. And something like my Sako is on the line, I take the bolt with me.

Nothing's ever happened. But I have visualizations of being 200 yards down range or setting up a pop-up behind the berm and seeing someone throw a rifle in their car (which is 20 feet from the benches) and bugger off. Stay strapped... stay safe!

Sirhr

 

[OldSalty2]

No one else just pisses where they are standing?

Keeps the guns safe and eliminates unwanted conversation.

Win/win.

 

[Hobo Hilton]

It's not just weapons / gear at the range.... It is everything and everywhere. You can start with your children, your dog and work all the way down to your newspaper and trash can sitting at the curb. America has changed...... Perhaps not so much changed as it has become "divided". An element of society simply wants to deprive of what you have worked hard for. So, are you going to just sit there .... or .... do something about it?

Hobo

 

[Huskydriver]

'Public' range?!

Stealing this like a poor stealing @M8541Reaper s shit while he's in the can at the fudds range!

 

[cgobeli]

I never think about it until my kids are with me. Then I am constantly trying to decide between taking them down range with me to keep them from being abducted, or leaving them behind in case some idiot sends one past my head; I do not think there is a correct answer there.

 

[M8541Reaper]

I never think about it until my kids are with me. Then I am constantly trying to decide between taking them down range with me to keep them from being abducted, or leaving them behind in case some idiot sends one past my head; I do not think there is a correct answer there.

Or worse...your kid sends one down at ya because he’s tired of being told he has to stay with the guns while you use a 762 ballpoint on the target ...at least this is how I see it going for me when I start bringing my son out.

 

[cgobeli]

Or worse...your kid sends one down at ya because he’s tired of being told he has to stay with the guns while you use a 762 ballpoint on the target ...at least this is how I see it going for me when I start bringing my son out.

Maybe we just lock them in the car when we head down range?

 

[Doc68]

For those of you that shoot alone at a public range... (ewww I know)

Have you ever had an issue or concern with an item getting stolen while you were in the pisser?

I’m bored at work and the thought popped in my head. I usually only leave my kit if it’s a cold range because it’s all “forward of the line” and no one should be finger fucking shit up there. Obviously we know how that goes, but it would be noticed if a dude walks down the line, grabs a rifle that’s forward of the line, walks to his Prius, and drives off.

I hate public ranges but the thread on firearms insurance got me pondering such horribleness while spinning in my chair and contemplating death by a trillion paper cuts.

Me:
View attachment 7420563

Those of you with private ranges/land reading the “public range” part:
View attachment 7420564

I Know all the RSOs luckily, so it's not an issue with me. I'm poor and dont have a private range to shoot on.
@TheGerman . Tell me how poor I am.

 

[10ring'r]

Thought about it many times... and even the private (membership) range I go to has 'strangers' that I don't know.

I never go downrange without a pistol. And something like my Sako is on the line, I take the bolt with me.

Nothing's ever happened. But I have visualizations of being 200 yards down range or setting up a pop-up behind the berm and seeing someone throw a rifle in their car (which is 20 feet from the benches) and bugger off. Stay strapped... stay safe!

Sirhr

With you on staying strapped at the range. Always was at the public ranges and even now, I'm also strapped at my club range. Besides nowadays, you're crazy if you're not ccw'd everywhere you go nowadays. Times have changed. Mac

 

[sirhrmechanic]

With you on staying strapped at the range. Always was at the public ranges and even now, I'm also strapped at my club range. Besides nowadays, you're crazy if you're not ccw'd everywhere you go nowadays. Times have changed. Mac

Sadly...

The missus and I were laughing at a restaurant the other night. My EDC now resides in sort of a tactical man purse. Nice little molle bag about the size of a tablet computer. Little .380 Glock, sap gloves, knife, spike, brass knuckles, extendible baton, sap, etc. I carried it into the restaurant. Looks like a laptop bag. Perfect. I was also wearing a 1911 GCNM under my jacket and my auto Al Mar SERE in my pocket. Busenhalter-6 said... why do you need that bag? We're at a restaurant. I said because it has my backup Glock in it. Her answer was "Why do you need that? I have my Revolver in my purse. You can use that if you need it."

I laughed... She laughed. We laughed together. The waiter hid under the bar. We laughed some more. It was a good time.

If you can carry these days. Carry. If you can't. Carry anyway.

Sirhr

 

[10ring'r]

Sadly...

The missus and I were laughing at a restaurant the other night. My EDC now resides in sort of a tactical man purse. Nice little molle bag about the size of a tablet computer. Little .380 Glock, sap gloves, knife, spike, brass knuckles, extendible baton, sap, etc. I carried it into the restaurant. Looks like a laptop bag. Perfect. I was also wearing a 1911 GCNM under my jacket and my auto Al Mar SERE in my pocket. Busenhalter-6 said... why do you need that bag? We're at a restaurant. I said because it has my backup Glock in it. Her answer was "Why do you need that? I have my Revolver in my purse. You can use that if you need it."

I laughed... She laughed. We laughed together. The waiter hid under the bar. We laughed some more. It was a good time.

If you can carry these days. Carry. If you can't. Carry anyway.

Sirhr

When I first started carrying, about 7 years ago, my wife use to give me shit, now, not so much. She carries now also. That little "Man Bag" you speak of, I use the same type of Tact./Mollie belt bag, I think it's made by Black Hawk. I've had it for 7-8 years and it has room for mid-size handgun and a couple of mags., when I ride my D.S. m/c up in the woods. Works well and hides shit well also. Mac

 

[Maggot]

Cool. Also, anything can be a dildo if you’re brave enough.
I’m assuming you never shoot alone on a public range. Because if you do, I’m pretty sure you’re going downrange to change/tape up/paint targets and leaving your dildos unattended. #DildosCantBeTrusted

I dont shoot at public ranges and even at the club Im a member of Im really careful. If theres others around I chat with them until Im comfortable enough with someone on either side then we take turns going down range. Does it take a moment longer? Yep. Is it worth the time to be secure? Yep.