I am wondering, is anyone fully comfortable at indoor ranges? I ask because I am not. Now I’ve never had anything happen to me to give me concerns, I just don’t like that I don’t know the people on either side of me. When I was at a range in Cali, an instructor was shooting his target, my target to the left and the guy to the right. He (instructor) was teaching a student. The guy next to me put up a new one and the instructor shot it. All of a sudden, both exit doors opened and four RO’s came in with hands at high ready. 3 of the guys I knew to be sweethearts, were not playing around. They kicked the guy out above his protests. After that incident two years ago, I’ve become uncomfortable shooting indoors. Now outdoors, I love it and can relax.
Just curious to know if anyone else feels the same? Or am I being hypersensitive? I can admit that I very well could be!
I can only remember being at an indoor range a couple of times. I didn’t have any negative experiences. But I do prefer outdoor ranges. Then again I prefer being outdoors in general.
I sometimes feel like that also if it’s a range that I’m going for the first time. The range I go to the people are familiar to me so I’m comfortable there. But I definitely feel more comfortable outdoors.
@JayK Three words… the exact same. Though the A/C in the summer does make it more bearable. My Glocks polywhatever grips melt in the summer sun down here. So I just live dangerously.
I just posted on my fb that I’m thinking of moving to either Cali, Colorado or Texas. Gun wise, I’d feel more safer in Texas since, well, Texas is known for guns lol. I hate heat and I hear y’all got a lot of it down there. My family, both sides, are from Texas (Houston/Dallas/Midlothan) so it may be nice to go see my family origins. And I’m sure there’s a lot of outdoor ranges there!
Any range is the product of its visitors. The two indoor ranges (very liberal area) I frequent I’ve never had an issue like described. One is very strict and the RSOs will step in with the quickness when people look like they are doing anything even remotely un-safe. The other one is a little more lenient, but the overall crowd is maybe more knowledgable (less first-timers).
Safety is a combination of the shooters skill/knowledge level and the RSOs ability to keep un-safe people in check and leave the knowledgeable ones alone
I don’t do indoor ranges anymore but that is primarily to protect what is left of my hearing. Over many years I have taught and shot in a lot of them both military and civilian. I have seen some atrocious gun handling and have offered to help when it looked like I could, I have been rebuffed only a few times and usually it was by a know it all BF / Hubby attempting to teach a GF/wife. Stupid people happen everywhere and a range is no different. I’d like to say that because of what they are they are monitored more closely. Sadly sometimes they are not. If I HAVE to go to a public range I’ll take half a day off work and go first thing in the morning on a weekday.
I avoided indoor ranges for most of my life until about 3 years ago. I reconnected with an old friend and started meeting him and his “shooting group” at 10:00 on Wednesday mornings. Once I joined, that made 6 regulars that I could trust and go out to lunch with after shooting. Unfortunately that range has gone down hill, so we have changed to a new range losing several of our group due to driving distance to the new range.
I noted the covers on the power target trolleys show bullet dings on every single lane. I asked the RO about it. He explained too many shooters that come on the weekend chamber a round with their finger on the trigger and it hits the ceiling or the cover. He recommended my friends and I should continue to shoot during the week and avoid the weekend if at all possible.
So I admit, I would be on the alert, cautious side if going to an indoor range alone.
This is where I am a member… the Frisco Gun Club… an indoor range. Plenty of 25 yard pistol stalls, four 100 yard rifle lanes, latte bar, guns, ammo, gear, training rooms, restaurant, lounge, blah, blah, and blah.
What makes it unique (to me) is there is a freakin’ bar. Yes in the range. And not just beer, but booze. The rules are you must take your firearms out to your vehicle in order to drink alcohol. Gee… wonder why?
Is this typical lately… a full bar in a gun range? Or is this a Texas thang?
We live in the country and have our own outdoor range. Yes we are lucky. Sometimes we will visit an indoor range. We keep eyes open for signs of potential negligent discharges, or uncomfortable, or violations of safety. Other loud, high caliber, bangs, make us nervous, as the noise is unbearable. We either wait, or leave.
That’s awesome! Nothing even close to that here in Ohio that I’ve found. I’d be thrilled to have a 100 yard rifle lane, let alone all the other amenities that place has. Once things are back to normal…or the new normal…I may be in Plano, TX for business and will have to check it out. It looks like it’s near there.
I was going to say we probably went to the same range (the instructor story-on a side note…my pet peeve with that is your trying to practice and you have someone barking commands behind you…but I digress), I don’t feel comfortable with people I do not know or haven’t seen around at the range before. I’m no Jerry Miculek, but I like to have some idea of the skill level next to me. Indoor range or outdoor range, we ALL know this story, guy brings girl (who has never shot before) and gives her a cannon to play with. I agree with @Craig6 its a hearing and health thing, the last two places had very poor ventilation.
We’ve had a full bar (members only can purchase) at my club for at least the last 25 years.
Same rules as yours I expect. NO booze before, or with, firearms. PERIOD.
I’ve never shot at an indoor range. Been to a few and didn’t like the atmosphere. I prefer my outdoor range, not least of all because it’s free. There’s probably a greater possibility of yahoos, but we’re not so crammed together and there’s more directions to run…I mean retreat. I usually go on weekday mornings if I want the place to myself. Sunday mornings sees a small group of regulars and we have a good time until about noon when the rabble begins to arrive.
My experience with indoor and outdoor ranges here in Florida (I have shot at about 10 of them in various parts of the state), is that the quality of shooter is entirely dependent on the quality and quantity of the range officers. I have not seen anyone escorted out, but there is one outdoor range (that nearest to me) where I won’t return because of the lax application of safety rules.
The indoor ranges I have visited have all been very professionally run. I would - and do - return to each indoor range I have visited.
“Luxury gun club” Here is that argumentive term “gun”! LOL LOL… Luxury? Our outdoor range is luxurious as well!!!
a few weeds here and there, we offer no charge sprayers with chemical for those who want to attack some noxious weeds
air conditioned house, however, we offer umbrellas and sun screen
feel free to mark your territory
water in the canal if one needs to freshen up
super sonic has a cool ring off the “doctors house” closest neighbor maybe 300 yards? he is a good neighbor!
BBQ on house patio if one wants to cook their own burger
mud when it rains, bring your own boots
for “wax on, wax off” exercises, we offer stain for the fence
We offer music…Almost forgot…bring the mrs pickup near the range, and turn up “thunder struck”!!!
No, you cant shoot the pheasants! Only the skunks, but please shoot them on the “docs” property, smell causes cancer
the brass is ours. we provide picker uppers
bring your own can of white target paint, we are budgeting for more reloading supplies
1 free complimentary egg as we have chickens
best tasting well water, bring your own container
if you would like a garden tractor experience, we provide gas for the mower, for those that would prefer exercise, we have the push type as well
internet service available when it works, code is “we don’t dial 911”
snows? winter time? please bring your own shovel, if one gets cold, build a fire. Bring red target paint. We offer no charge towing and tow ropes if one gets stuck
I sooo thought that was just me! Yesterday there was a guy who had a semi auto shotgun next to me, he fired off about 7 slugs in about 3 seconds. I was super nervous but know I have to get over my discomfort. Just last year I purchased an AR. I was afraid of them but they are all my brother has and I shot his and fell in love with the platform. Large bangs still make me uncomfortable. I have to work through it still.
