• This Forum is for adults 18 years of age or over. By continuing to use this Forum you are confirming that you are 18 or older. No content shall be viewed by any person under 18 in California.

Can I Share Something -- Avoiding Crowds at Range

AccelR8

Today will be a beautiful day. 65 degrees, winds 8-10 mph from about the 4-5 o'clock relative to the shooting benches. I get off work at 2 pm. I have some load development work to do. So today would be the perfect day.

Except I don't want to go because I'm sure there will be other people there given the nice weather. I want to start at 50 yards and the 50 range is by far the most used range.

I am really getting to the point that I will modify my plans to avoid being around people. As I get older, this becomes more so. Problem is there's more and more people around here and the area is growing. I mostly like people on a one-on-one basis but crowds, even small ones...people I don't know...different story. It's not fear, it's just some kind of almost subconscious "get out of here."

This weekend I was in Lowe's for some items and I was going to price check some other things while I was there. Of course it was packed. Nice weather and spring on the way. I had a nearly overwhelming feeling of there's too many people in here, I've got to get out. I've got to get away from here.

It was not a panic attack, I don't ever experience that. No physical stress or anxiety at all, just a very pervasive feeling of “this is not good, I want to leave and leave right now.” It was not an unmanageable thing, I could rationally tell myself “doesn't matter, just do what you came for” but it was probably the nearest thing to claustrophobia I have ever experienced.

Ever experience that?
 
I don't worry about the China virus period. Were all going to get it or we ain't. Do most of my rifle and pistol shooting weekday mornings. Could shoot by myself, but it is more fun with friends. Like you I don't like crowds and practiced social distancing before it was a term. Live your life on your own terms.
 
I can kind of relate to what you're saying. In my case I'd describe it as a feeling similar to what I experience at the latter stages of the Christmas shopping season or the grocery store on the day before Thanksgiving: A feeling that most everyone else in the store is so focused on their mission they seem rude: cut in front of you, grab an item off the shelf as you're reaching for it, etc.

I'm retired so I've had the luxury of (for both shooting and shopping) being able to adjust my schedule quite easily so I do things when it's less crowded. I'm quite confident this has lowered my frustration threshold. Just the other day I told my wife my view of weekdays vs weekends has flipped: I now see weekends (and holidays) as days to deliberately hunker down and stay home. I make conscious efforts to be sure on Thur or Fri to do any necessary shopping so I don't have to go out over the weekend.

When I go to the range I'll often bring more with me to shoot than I'll have time for - so I can be flexible depending on what ranges are least crowded. In that scenario it's not so much about not wanting to be around others - but more about not feeling guilty about walking down range whenever I want and not having to interrupt someone else's shooting.
 
I feel like you. I hate driving down the road with too much traffic. There’s always one at the range that thinks he is the only one there and wants to check his target after every shot. Could have brought a spotting scope and no problems but hey, it’s his world and we just live in it.
 
I have very little regard for the ‘shooting public’. Terrible manners. Slobs. And in general just posturing idiots.

I also think, and COVID has borne this out, that humanity in general is without any redeeming qualities.
I tend to prefer my own company and I keep my own counsel.
 
If I need/want to do something, I'll go early and get it done. Love walking down the isles and NOT seeing anybody else in the store.
As far as range shooting? WAY off to one side, by myself.
If anybody comes around, they usually want a show and tell for what I'am shooting. I can deal with that on a one to one basis.
Like driving? Too many IDIOTS on the road? (and I DO MEAN idiots) Time to go home where it's safe.
 
AccelR8 said:
Today will be a beautiful day. 65 degrees, winds 8-10 mph from about the 4-5 o'clock relative to the shooting benches. I get off work at 2 pm. I have some load development work to do. So today would be the perfect day.

Except I don't want to go because I'm sure there will be other people there given the nice weather. I want to start at 50 yards and the 50 range is by far the most used range.

I am really getting to the point that I will modify my plans to avoid being around people. As I get older, this becomes more so. Problem is there's more and more people around here and the area is growing. I mostly like people on a one-on-one basis but crowds, even small ones...people I don't know...different story. It's not fear, it's just some kind of almost subconscious "get out of here."

This weekend I was in Lowe's for some items and I was going to price check some other things while I was there. Of course it was packed. Nice weather and spring on the way. I had a nearly overwhelming feeling of there's too many people in here, I've got to get out. I've got to get away from here.

It was not a panic attack, I don't ever experience that. No physical stress or anxiety at all, just a very pervasive feeling of “this is not good, I want to leave and leave right now.” It was not an unmanageable thing, I could rationally tell myself “doesn't matter, just do what you came for” but it was probably the nearest thing to claustrophobia I have ever experienced.

Ever experience that?
Click to expand...
There is a simple solution: Move somewhere else with less people.
 
AccelR8 said:
Today will be a beautiful day. 65 degrees, winds 8-10 mph from about the 4-5 o'clock relative to the shooting benches. I get off work at 2 pm. I have some load development work to do. So today would be the perfect day.

Except I don't want to go because I'm sure there will be other people there given the nice weather. I want to start at 50 yards and the 50 range is by far the most used range.

I am really getting to the point that I will modify my plans to avoid being around people. As I get older, this becomes more so. Problem is there's more and more people around here and the area is growing. I mostly like people on a one-on-one basis but crowds, even small ones...people I don't know...different story. It's not fear, it's just some kind of almost subconscious "get out of here."

This weekend I was in Lowe's for some items and I was going to price check some other things while I was there. Of course it was packed. Nice weather and spring on the way. I had a nearly overwhelming feeling of there's too many people in here, I've got to get out. I've got to get away from here.

It was not a panic attack, I don't ever experience that. No physical stress or anxiety at all, just a very pervasive feeling of “this is not good, I want to leave and leave right now.” It was not an unmanageable thing, I could rationally tell myself “doesn't matter, just do what you came for” but it was probably the nearest thing to claustrophobia I have ever experienced.

Ever experience that?
Click to expand...
Yes. Every day.

I'm a retired cop. Probably a split personality too...
On one hand I like people a lot. I like to talk with people, to have real fellowship, even to meet in small groups. i like to teach, to give back, to mentor. Willing to go to large church, sit with big crowds.

On the other hand I can't stand stores, lines, places where general public gather. Hate traffic, can't abide rush, rush to everything, wish I really did live where I could shoot my rifle off my porch. Can't even shoot my air rifle anymore in my own yard. I have that gotta get outta here feeling often. I used to be what I considered a "top line sheepdog", sorta have a high drive for protection and a certain amount of siccum in me. When someone bad runs, I find myself in full pursuit without a thought. Now I have a huge aversion to conflict, don't want to listen to whining, unless its me, and lose patience quickly with entitltement. Could be I just don't like the new ethos vibe and figure most people can just go on the merry way to the destruction they have chosen without me getting in the way.
 
I avoid weekends which cures a significant part of the "crowded range/range idiot" problem. Interestingly enough, it seems an unintended consequence of the ammo shortage is fewer casual shooters out on weekdays as well. What I do run into are others that understand gun safety and are generally reloaders doing the same as me. So the quality of the crowd, at least from my perspective, has (at times though not always) somewhat improved.
 
I am only 20 - 25 minutes away from my clubs range, If I go out after 5 PM, I am either alone or meeting someone on their way out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Just want to share something.
Replies
15
Views
1,204
YEW PLUCKER
I want a 7mm something.
2 3
Replies
43
Views
4,490
jbone405
Wanted to share a story.
Replies
4
Views
751
Downhill
Downhill

Upgrades & Donations

This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.


Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.

You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.


To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.

Classified Ads

Forum statistics

Threads
166,280
Messages
2,215,486
Members
79,508
Latest member
Jsm4425

Share This Page

Back
Top