CHL and gun range question

[THE ENGINEER]

Only one gun, that you carry, in a backpack???

Cool...

No, I have only one gun and it is my carry weapon. I would always disarm (in the car), unload the weapon, put it back in its holster, and place it in a backpack with my other shooting supplies upon arrival at the range. Then reload and re-arm in the car before leaving.

[CHLSteve]

I could see a problem with this. If someone catches you loading or unloading in the car, you are not concealed.

Concealed? In the parking lot of the GUN RANGE? Come on, now...

If there were ever ever ever a time when it's OK not to be concealed, it's in the parking lot of the gun range. People walk back and forth to their cars all day long with guns in hand. Openly. People expect other people to have guns at the gun range. No one is going to give you a second look if you have a gun at a gun range.

[seamusTX]

No one is going to give you a second look if you have a gun at a gun range.

I agree, unless it's a really eye-catching barbecue gun.

Just to clarify, PC §46.15 makes you completely exempt from PC §46.02 when you are traveling between your home and a shooting range, or hunting, "if the weapon is a type commonly used in the activity."

You read it right: You can carry openly on your way to and from the range. I don't recommend it, but it's legal.

- Jim

[Renegade]

Am I missing something here? Why not just unholster your weapon when you get to the parking lot, empty it, and bring it in like you normally would--unloaded and open.

When you are finished, leave with your weapon empty and load it in the car before you leave.

I could see a problem with this. If someone catches you loading or unloading in the car, you are not concealed.

If you are on your way to/from a gun range to shoot, you can open carry, as you are not carrying under CHL law, but under N/A of 46.15.

[OnTexasTime]

When I go to the indoor gun range I have always just taken the loaded concealed gun and holster off and placed them in my gun bag with my other pistols. While I keep my pistols empty while transporting I always reload my concealed weapon and place in back in the bag.

Once outside while placing the bag into the car/truck I remove the carry gun and put it back on. So far so good.

I have seen several folks take their concealed gun out at the range shoot it, reload it and put it back on. Never seen a anyone question that practice.

[Dwight K. Schrute]

This seems like a lot of thought going into this process. I walk in with my range bag, step into the men's room, and simply draw my pistol from my IWB holster and lay it inside my bag. Then I just check in, shoot, and reverse the process on the way out. Am I doing something wrong...?

[seamusTX]

It depends on the range. If you did that at the Texas City range, you would receive a severe talking to.

- Jim

[stevie_d_64]

It depends on the range. If you did that at the Texas City range, you would receive a severe talking to.

- Jim

At the least...

[propellerhead]

After reading all the other posts, the method my favorite range uses seems the simplest. Come inside. As you check in, let the desk know you plan to shoot your carry pistol. Go to the firing line and unload. When you're done, load up at the firing line. Can't be any simpler.

[Venus Pax]

If you can find a range that doesn't have this rule, it may be best for you.
I'm a member of a range down the road that doesn't have any rule (of which I'm aware) that you must be unarmed until you approach the firing line.

I would rather handle my gun on the firing line than in my vehicle. If my finger were to slip onto the trigger, I would rather the bullet go downrange than down-engine, (or hit a person).

[RKirby]

After reading all the other posts, the method my favorite range uses seems the simplest. Come inside. As you check in, let the desk know you plan to shoot your carry pistol. Go to the firing line and unload. When you're done, load up at the firing line. Can't be any simpler.

That wouldn't be On Target would it?