Funny range policy

[dolomite_supafly]

So my wife and I went to a range on Saturday so she could shooter her 45 acp bolt gun a little farther than our 50 yard range we have at home. Everything went well with no problems until I went to leave.

As I was getting checked out I was asked by a range worker "Is that gun loaded?", pointing to the holstered pistol under my shirt. I replied "yes it is".

The range worker said, "You are not allowed to have loaded guns on the range". I responded with "I have a valid permit" he said "it doesn't matter because it is policy that there is to be no loaded firearms on the range". I told him I would clear it when I got in my truck.

I just don't understand the reasoning behind the no loaded firearms on a range policy. I never took the pistol out or did anything with it so it wasn't a safety issue, even if I did take it out there wouldn't have been a safety issue.

Dolomite

[Dirk]

Just chalk it up to their ignorance and move on. You didn't clear it when you got to your truck, did you.?

[dolomite_supafly]

Just chalk it up to their ignorance and move on. You didn't clear it when you got to your truck, did you.?

Nope, I am not going to clear it based on their rules. If they don't like it they can ask me to leave but they can't make me clear it.

Dolomite

[1Shot]

..Wanabe somebody's are everywhere...You know that old saying..You can'nt fix Stupid... ..

[Eric in NC]

I don't have a problem with that policy.  While you are safe and careful, there is no way to tell by looks whether someone is a dangerous idiot or not so best to keep guns unloaded and actions open and flagged (or bolts removed) untill pointed down range and ready to fire.

Sorry - just seen too many idiots at ranges doing stupid things with loaded guns easier to keep all guns unloaded except when ready to fire than to tell idiots from safe folks.

[Dirk]

I disagree with you. The range employee has no business asking such a question in the first place. I would have told him..."Naw, I just have it on for looks."

[dolomite_supafly]

I don't have a problem with that policy.  While you are safe and careful, there is no way to tell by looks whether someone is a dangerous idiot or not so best to keep guns unloaded and actions open and flagged (or bolts removed) untill pointed down range and ready to fire.

I agree with this and the range guys do check the actions very good to make sure they are clear before making the line cold. They are pretty strict as far as enforcing the rules.

He was asking about a holstered handgun that was under a shirt. It never came out from under my shirt and was never fired. He just happened to notice it as we were packing up to leave.

The range I went to is a pretty decent range, everybody gets checked in and out by LE as well as pays by the hour so it keeps the idiots out.

Dolomite

[Bad Water Bill]

If they enforce it with ALL CCW personell including the local County sheriff it would be OK but I bet they don't.

[TechHunter]

Yep, am familiar with the silly policy.  My range enforces a "no holstered gun" policy (can't recall if it exempts law enforcement officers at this point - years ago it used to) and they make no distinction between concealed or unconcealed. If you do not have a case for your weapon, either handgun or rifle, you can not even bring it up to the firing line yourself, it must be handled by a range officer and placed on your station.

[ctrout]

I wonder how much of this policy is dictated by insurance companies.

[Hammer]

"You are not allowed to have loaded guns on the range".

What would someone do with an unloaded gun on a range ?

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[Bad Water Bill]

Look at it and say      BANG

[dcloco]

I am going against the grain on this one.

I DO believe there should be no loaded weapons unless YOU are the one AT the firing line and ready to shoot the weapon.

WHY?  Think of ALL the times that you have seen people with BAD gun handling habits.  Some of these people would even be considered "experienced" shooters.

Unfortunately, if they allow you to have a loaded/holstered weapon, even with a CC permit, then some other yahoo will want to carry their weapon.  The difference being, YOU have been trained, continue to practice, know how to actually draw the weapon without shooting your leg or the ground, etc, etc.

Sorry.....but the range is correct on this one.

If you doubt me, volunteer to shadow a range officer for a weekend.  You will never want to shoot at a range again after seeing some of the unbelievable things that occur.

[Dirk]

Again I disagree. I am still a fill in RO at our club range (used to be full time). We don't keep any one from carrying a loaded HOLSTERED handgun anywhere on the property. If you are not on the firing line during a hot line period though, that handgun better stay in the holster, or I'm going to reprimand you for a first offense, and eject you if your actions continue!

[Hammer]

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I learned to shoot on a hot range.  Every gun was understood by all parties to be always loaded.  Every person was supposed to go everywhere with their gun on them.  Everyone understood the four basic rules of gun safety as it was pounded into them from hour one upon their first arrival.  That range has operated with tens of thousands of participants for thirty years without an onsite incident.

Locally, my range is hot also.  No incidents to report.

On the other hand, when I visit ranges which fear loaded guns, I see all kinds of negligent behavior.

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