Shooting Range Etiquette

[Jason73]

If this happened to you how would you handle the situation?

Picture this: You are in a lane at your favorite shooting range, happily sending lead downrange. Someone comes in and gets on the lane to your right. This individual begins to complain about brass coming over the partition. You apologize and state that you have no control over this and you continue shooting. Your neighbor stops you and again complains about flying brass. You again apologize and state your lack of control over the ejected cases at which point the person tells you that you are a "mean dude" The whole time this person is shooting in an uncontrolled/unsafe manner, firing as rapidly as possible (against range rules), missing the target 90% of the time in the process, all the while yelling like a lunatic and acting like an ignorant fool that has no business being in posession of a firearm let alone discharging one.

[O6nop]

If it's against the rules the way he was shooting, the range officer should have put a stop to it As far as the brass hitting him, there's nothing you can do about it, unless you offer to switch lanes with him. Your explanation and apology was more than sufficient. It's something that they have to get used to if they are going to shoot at a range.

Yesterday, I got pelted by a guy shooting a full automatic 9mm at the range I was at. Open table, no partitions. I just waited 'til he emptied his mag and then I started shooting. I was wondering, can just any range allow full auto or is there a special license that needs to be possesed?

[seamusTX]

... can just any range allow full auto or is there a special license that needs to be possesed?

I don't know of any such requirement in Texas. Other states may limit what can be shot at a range.

In the Jason73's situation, I would have talked to the range master, then left if the situation were not resolved to my satisfaction. However, I'm way too easy-going and put up with a lot of [stuff].

- Jim

[RKirby]

If this happened to you how would you handle the situation?

Picture this: You are in a lane at your favorite shooting range, happily sending lead downrange. Someone comes in and gets on the lane to your right. This individual begins to complain about brass coming over the partition. .......

Well, since he arrived after you did, he should be obligated to move to another lane if the falling brass was bothering him. I would have had a talk with the range officer if he was giving me a hard time. If the range officer couldn't resolve the situation, I'd leave and never return to that particular range.

Incidents like this are among the reasons why I quit going to one of the local outdoor ranges. Wackos and guns don't mix.

[JLaw]

Well, since he arrived after you did, he should be obligated to move to another lane if the falling brass was bothering him.

My thoughts exactly. This is one thing that erks me. It you're going to a public range, expect to get a little brass flung in your direction. Don't complain about it.

Errrrr...

JLaw

[Venus Pax]

Brass will fly. That's why we wear safety glasses. Was he wearing them?

I would also notify the range officer. If this is a private club, this guy needs a discussion about range safety. If he can't fly by the safety regulations, then he needs his membership revoked.

At my range, the first person there acts as range officer, and passes the vest on to the person there after him when he leaves. (I say he, since I mostly see men there, but we ladies also act as the range gestapo.) I was suspicious at first that this wouldn't be too safe, but since everyone is required to know the safety rules and enforce them, it helps keep everyone accountable.

[nitrogen]

I'd have offered to switch places with him, or moved.

I've just left when I've seen unsafe range manners, and notified whoever was in charge.

Lately though, i'd have gotten a lot more upset as my range time has greatly diminished due to work constraints.

[rgoldy]

On a similar subject. Yesterday afternoon we were shooting at a public outdoor range west of Houston. All the points were full and there were a few folks waiting for an opening. At one of the points, a guy had been shooting one target and had put his gun bag and other stuff on the adjacent point. It looked like someone was shooting there as well. I suggested to one of the folks waiting that he ask the guy to move his stuff to open up the point for use. He did so, but then the guy got huffy with me for "telling on him".
I restrained my temper, but did give him a few words on consideration for others. It did aggravate me a little that the range officers had not straightened it out before, but they had a VERY busy afternoon. Did I do wrong????

[RKirby]

Did I do wrong????

Nope...I'd have done the same thing. In fact I might have been a little more vocal had he gotten huffy with me.

Give yourself a big pat on the back!

[JohnTheHead]

I often occupy the adjacent lane with my gear at the range, but never when the range is crowded. But as a rule, I try not to get huffy with people who have live rounds, at any rate ;)

So, I'd say that you certainly didn't do wrong at all... Especially the part about maintaining your temper. Inconsiderate people tend to irritate me greatly, so I can appreciate the challenge :)

Cheers
-Head

[HankB]

Picture this: You are in a lane at your favorite shooting range, happily sending lead downrange. Someone comes in and gets on the lane to your right. This individual begins to complain about brass coming over the partition.

Was the lane on your right the ONLY lane that was open?

If not, politely inviting him to move would have been in order, since he didn't HAVE to set up next to you.

[chewy555]

To me getting hit with brass is part of a full range. Its just something that you have to live with. If someone can not see this, then they need to find another range where they can be all alone.
Now with the rapid fire. I have been at the range and had someone walk up to the lane to my left, frist mag was rapid fire in less the 2 sec. I packed up my stuff and left as the range officer was talking to the guy.

[John]

This individual begins to complain about brass coming over the partition. You apologize and state that you have no control over this and you continue shooting.

My response would have, been "cool, gotta love flying brass". That's just part of a range trip though. But then again, maybe you should have held the gun sideways and let it the brass flow down. Kidding of course.

Like someone else said, if the range isn't busy, I try to take up two lanes if they are that close.

[KBCraig]

I have been at the range and had someone walk up to the lane to my left, frist mag was rapid fire in less the 2 sec. I packed up my stuff and left as the range officer was talking to the guy.

Were you leaving because of the rapid fire? Why? Were the shots on target?

[AV8R]

The ability to work in the presence of distractions is a useful skill to acquire.