TexasCHLforum.com

I learned as an adolescent shooter to always be respectful of range rules and policies. Being a new CHL holder, I am wondering if it is best when carrying now to go ahead and remove my pistol and place it (unloaded of course) in my range bag prior to entering the range? Or, is it not a big deal to go ahead and handle the weapon once I am at the bench, bringing it out pointed in a safe direction or down range as I place the pistol on the bench preparing to begin my firing, following all established rules, as I would if I had removed the pistol from my range bag?

No one likes to upset the Rangemaster, another lesson I learned young. Incidentally, I shoot at Eagle Peak in Leander.

Thanks.

I've seen at least one range with "CHL holders welcome" at the entrance, other than that, it doesn't hurt to ask. I doubt there would be any trouble if you took the gun out and placed it on the bench for shooting and only reconcealed when you were finished shooting. Practicing CCW drawing at the range might be against the rules.

Personally we always unholster in the parking lot and reverse when done. It is not hard, and keeps everyone happy.

I went to The Arms Room for the first time the other day. I carried in and un-concealed it while at the line. They had a sign saying that only LEOs and CHLs could holster there. When I was done, I re-concealed it and left. I did not run into any problems, no one approached me or asked to see my CHL. By the way, I had a pleasant experience there. Not the best deals on guns, but the range was nice and reasonably priced.

Most of the time I keep my EDC loaded and concealed and shoot something else.

I don't get why some ranges won't allow CHL holders to unholster and reholster to shoot their own guns. The guys that work at most ranges I've been to are walking around with guns on their hips.

Ask the range how they want you to handle that. They should be happy to explain it to you.

Ask the range what their policy is. Garland Shooting Range allows it. The Bullet Trap in Plano has a sign in the window stating that all firearms must be unloaded before entering. Having said that, it's not illegal to carry concealed into/onto a gun range. The worst that could happen is that they ask you not to return, which might be a tipoff that they shouldn't get your business anyway.

Early on after getting my CHL whenever I would go to the range I would not have it on my hip. I would usually unload it and put in the bag, my range bag is an ammo can, and then reload and reholster it afterward. The last few years I have taken to leaving my G27 concealed and shooting the G22. However, more recently when I go to BassPro I might also unholster and shoot it and reload and reholster it before leaving. I do not draw and shoot when I do this and I do not tell them about the G27 at the door. A few times ago someone was asking about their CHL classes and I mentioned something about when I took my class. Then, the next couple of times since then, after shooting, I have waited to have the guy place the lock back on my G22 and he said he didn't need to do that for me since I had a CHL.

Now, at the Quail Run or Creek range out off FM1171 and I-35W I wouldn't even think about unholstering a gun to shoot there. Every time I've been there the range master always seemed to be on some sort of ego trip. I have kept it concealed a few times when there, though, and just shot the G22. I haven't been back there in a few years. BassPro is so much easier for me because it is indoors and one can vary the distance and change targets without waiting for everyone else.

I usually try to carry a gun different from the gun(s) I'll be shooting at the range. That way it stays concealed and never an issue. But If not, I MUCH PREFER to unholster at the firing line than in my car. Second best option would be unholstering in a bathroom or something.

As for ranges with signs saying "all guns must be unloaded and bagged before entering" etc ... well, that's not a properly worded 30.06 sign so I just ignore it and carry away. After reading instances at least once or twice a year of some nutjob offing himself in a range, I'm always wondering when one of them will decide to try to take a few of us with them so I AT LEAST want a BUG in my pocket or something in case my range guns are cold in the unlikely event I need a self-defense gun at the range.

At IDPA events I shoot in Austin/San Antonio areas, all the ranges claim to be "cold ranges" (actually its the clubs that have "cold rules" most often - I carry hot at Best of the West every time I shoot there, but NOT during IDPA ). I respect this as part of the safety rules of the game, and consult a safety officer to "help me" make my gun cold when I arrive carrying concealed. I keep my game gun holstered and unloaded during the match and again let the safety officer observe me make it hot and conceal it again before I leave. But the two mags in my belt pouches and the one in my pocket are always loaded to division capacity, so I could make my gun hot very quickly in the extremely unlikely event I ever needed to (as could most of the other competitors, many of whom could do so much faster than me ... take away, don't try to rob people at a shooting match )

As an aside to the OP, give Best of the West range in Liberty Hill a try. I think you'll enjoy it much more than Eagle Peak ... 8 tactical shooting bays, draw from holster, shoot while moving, reactive targets, multiple targets etc. http://texasshootingrange.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

baldeagle wrote:Ask the range what their policy is. Garland Shooting Range allows it. The Bullet Trap in Plano has a sign in the window stating that all firearms must be unloaded before entering. Having said that, it's not illegal to carry concealed into/onto a gun range. The worst that could happen is that they ask you not to return, which might be a tipoff that they shouldn't get your business anyway.

As noted, the sign at Bullet Trap is not 30.06, and they don't expect it to apply to CHL holders. They have stated that if you want to shoot your carry gun, you may unholster at the firing line, change ammo, and shoot. When done, reload with HP ammo and re-conceal at the line. I have done this multiple times without issue. They probably wouldn't appreciate drawing and shooting, however...

pcgizzmo wrote:I don't get why some ranges won't allow CHL holders to unholster and reholster to shoot their own guns. The guys that work at most ranges I've been to are walking around with guns on their hips.

from working at a range myself, the majority of the population dont know how to draw from the holster SAFELY. we have seen people try and they flag themselves or point the gun directly at themselves or other or straight back towards the shop. i wish there was a way to allow people to do so, but with some many people not knowing we lean towards the side of safety.

also we carry guns on us, as a deterrent for stupid people doing stupid things. also when dealing with people with guns all day, one can never be to careful.

to address the OP, most ranges that i have been to dont care of you CC in the range or unholster at the bench, just dont start to draw from it, and when you are done, feel free to reholster, as we work at a gun range, we support the right for CHLs, so go for it, we wont stop you, unless you are a major danger to yourself or others

I always carry a different gun than I intend to shoot.

I frequently visit Eagle Peak, as well as Red's. Many times, I'll have EDC & BUG on my person. Neither range has an issue with safely unconcealing and reconcealing at firing line. Be sure to keep weapon pointed in safe direction and immediately clear w/action staying open - then, lay weapon on bench and proceed with normal range operations.

For Eagle Peak, make sure you only do this during a "Range is Hot" time - and I always make sure to reholster right before I leave - while range is hot. I believe I've only missed my exit once (where I didn't have time to pack other stuff in time of cease fire calling) - still no issue with concealed carry at that point... From that point on, I make it standard procedure to pack everything in bag before reholstering.

I personally intend to shoot my EDC weapons as frequently as possible and thus it would be rare that I visit any pistol range and not at least fire off 25-50 rounds through them! I've toned down the frequency on my LCP though - no more than 25 each session now!

Divided Attention wrote:Personally we always unholster in the parking lot and reverse when done. It is not hard, and keeps everyone happy.

That's what I tend to do...although carry into the Garland range from time to time.