Range Etiquette/Rules/Laws

[rytchard]

Having recently received my CHL some questions have arisen now regarding range etiquette. The range I go to does not allow loaded firearms anywhere behind the firing range itself. So here is my dilemma or question. When I am done at the range how, when, and where can I load my handgun and conceal carry after I leave? My first thought was in the car. But aren't a I guilty of having it not concealed then?

[bmwrdr]

Having recently received my CHL some questions have arisen now regarding range etiquette. The range I go to does not allow loaded firearms anywhere behind the firing range itself. So here is my dilemma or question. When I am done at the range how, when, and where can I load my handgun and conceal carry after I leave? My first thought was in the car. But aren't a I guilty of having it not concealed then?

I would think your car is your property and that is the place where you can carry on or about you and concealed until 01/01/2016.

[Glockster]

I'm lucky in that the range that I frequent has lots of signs about not having your loaded weapon OUT while passing through the store to the range itself and makes a point of saying that legal carry is not only allowed but encouraged within the building (not sure what they will say when OC starts). But other ranges....not so much. When at those what I personally do is before I leave home I make sure that I don't have a round chambered (as I'd really really like to never have a AD or ND), and then before I leave my vehicle I remove the mag and then recover for CC. Usually it is easier to simply remove the mag and then put my gun into my range bag (and I have a nifty range bag with a side load compartment that hold three separate smaller range bags, so I can just put the gun and mag in there). And when I get back out to the car, I remove the gun and mag from the range bag and reinsert into my holster. To me, the biggie is that I would never ever leave my weapon in my car unattended as I've been in range parking lots and have heard and read about car break-ins.

[TXBO]

Ask the range officer there how to handle it. Many ranges will allow you to load and holster before you leave the firing line as long as you don't handle the gun once you back off the range. Others should have a "safe zone" that you can load and holster out front.

[Vol Texan]

I load at the firing line, and conceal right there. My actions are very open and deliberate (sort of like a blackjack dealer), so it doesn't look like I'm hiding what I'm doing.

I've never had anyone challenge me on this.

[rytchard]

Thanks! I usually have one in the chamber as well but that is a viable compromise.

[rytchard]

Will make it a point to talk to the guys at the range to see what they have to say. Am pretty sure they would be reasonable too!

[jrene]

If you own more than one gun and aren't shooting them all, concealed carry the gun you don't plan to shoot.

[gthaustex]

Having recently received my CHL some questions have arisen now regarding range etiquette. The range I go to does not allow loaded firearms anywhere behind the firing range itself. So here is my dilemma or question. When I am done at the range how, when, and where can I load my handgun and conceal carry after I leave? My first thought was in the car. But aren't a I guilty of having it not concealed then?

I would ask the range for clarification. Most ranges in my area say they don't want loaded firearms behind the firing line. What they are really talking about is people walking around with loaded firearms in range bags or especially uncased and in their hands. I agree with that line of thinking. All ranges that I know of locally however, have no issue with someone (CHL) wearing a loaded, concealed handgun right up to the firing line. Once there, you get your concealed handgun out, change ammo, etc. and practice away. Once done, you reload for the street and re-holster before leaving the firing line. At no time is the gun ever out "behind the firing line" and it is concealed with the trigger covered. Thus, it is no more dangerous than you walking around anywhere else with your concealed, loaded, firearm. IMHO, it is more dangerous for them to enforce a rule that requires CHLs to arm / disarm within their vehicle than to let them do so at the firing line. Manipulating a loaded firearm within the confines of a vehicle is something that I avoid.

As I said though, check with the range....YMMV.

[goose]

If you own more than one gun and aren't shooting them all, concealed carry the gun you don't plan to shoot.

It can occasionally be annoying, and I do not discount the fact that I am blessed enough to have more than one, but this is what I do.

If I only had one, I would likely arm at/in the car.

[rytchard]

As I said though, check with the range....YMMV.

That would solve a lot of things with the right answer. They seem cordial enough. I took my CHL Class there. I think the worse would be that they have a reasonable solution, Makes sense about the walking around with a loaded handgun in your hands and I can definitely see where they wouldn't want that. I wouldn't want that!

[Taypo]

If you own more than one gun and aren't shooting them all, concealed carry the gun you don't plan to shoot.

This is what we do as well. We're lucky in that we've got multiple guns. Ive also seen folks come to the line, unholster and go on about their shooting. When done, they reholster and move along.

All depends on range policies I'd say

[TexasJohnBoy]

I come to the range concealed, when I get to the line I will turn so that the weapon is on my hip that is pointed down range, I unholster my weapon so that it is facing down range, drop magazine while pointed down range, and lock slide back, clearing the chamber - per instructions of the range officer. When I am finished, I simply reverse the order, holster my loaded weapon, conceal and leave with all other weapons cleared and in their appropriate cases.

I agree with everyone else here, best advise is ASK YOUR RANGE OFFICER. Every range has their own sets of rules, pet peeves, etc.

[rytchard]

Thanks all for some great advice! I look forward to Monday (my day off) when I get to go to the range! I haven't been in around 3 weeks and I miss it. This will be my first time as a CHL holder (I actually received an LTC) but when I started the process it was CHL so I am sticking with that!

If I wanted to be covert I would bring both my handguns. One in my range bag unloaded with ammo separate and the other in my holster concealed locked and loaded and fire both on the firing line and as the last suggested do the reverse when leaving. For the record "their signs" are not legal outside the door anyway. LOL

It sounds like a plan, but I think I will go the honest route and talk to the guys at the range regarding my options.

I am one of the good guys after all!

[winters]

I have found ranges to vary a lot with rules.

The texas city range wants your guns out and locked back open even inside the check in area. They don't like guns in cases in your bag either.