Can I Share Something -- Avoiding Crowds at Range

[Evan]

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've experienced that at crowded stadiums and such - an unease. Not a panic or a real concern, just not calm like I might be in a diner or store that I frequent. I think that is our natural preservation response to a new situation.

I think it's important to be honest with ourselves about just how far our feelings and instincts go. If our feeling is controlling our actions and preventing us from living or doing things we want to do, then it's time to get help. That is the start of a real phobia, which is more than just disliking spiders or close spaces or heights. It's a real and serious mental illness that controls a person's actions. I know a guy who won't cross tall bridges. He'll plan his trips and drive any distance necessary to avoid it. That fear of heights, a rational preservation instinct normally, has escalated to irrational levels and is controlling his life.

 

[sandhillshunter]

I do not like shooting with lots of people either. Well, let me rephrase. I don't like shooting with the general public. Knowledgeable and safe shooters are fine and I enjoy that kind of group. I'm like this, because so many these days don't follow simple firearm safety! I try to go to ranges that have grumpy old ROs that take the role seriously or shoot mid week when most people are working. Like today at 2:00pm.

 

[XTR]

Crowds... I’m kind of like the LEO post above with a split personality....only different.

don’t particularly like them, honestly prefer to be left alone, but I was a submariner, I have a zero boundary personal space.

 

[Just Say Moe]

I had the President of our Gun Club start down range while it was STILL HOT!!
Called him on it just in time. He is a REAL NICE Guy, just wasn't thinking at the time.

Our range was shut down for needed work one day so myself and a friend headed up on the hill to a public shooting range to pop a few rounds.
New shooting bench was still burning after some $&!@* had set it on fire.
The new toilets that were just finished had been run over by another DUMB *#&%@ with a 4X4 POS and the down range area was COVERED with shot up TVs and empty Propane containers. Brass and shot gun hulls about 3" deep.
As you might guess, that's the LAST TIME we went there.
We have has a few IDIOTS tossed off our range. The wannebees with the 3 shot mods to their ARs are usually the first ones to go. We direct them to the Public shooting area up on the hill.

Our local forest service range is always full of trash also. I was told they would close it but they would have to treat the area as a hazardous waste site and clean it up which is cost prohibitive.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Made a quick run to Wally World early this AM. Was back home before 8:00 AM.
Reminded me of State Highway workers.
8 bosses standing around and 2 people actually doing the work.

And the highway workers are pissed at the Japanese. Why?
Cause the Japanese designed a shovel that would stand up by itself.

 

[Ccrider]

Sure, this happens on occasion. And my reply is always "No". But if a stranger approaches respectfully, doesn't interrupt my shooting, and seems like a good sort, I just might offer to let him or her shoot my rifle. If they ask to shoot it, nope. And if they touch my gear without my permission in advance, then it's time to channel Francis Sawyer, not to lighten up.

That was funny. Did he kill the guy?

 

[wa11abee]

Its not like certain people or types of people get on my nerves......I just hate eveyone the same.

 

[Ccrider]

I will pass on pubic ranges period. An open invitation to waaaayyy too many idiots.

 

[Texas10]

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 abhor crowds. The more crowded it gets, the sooner I get going, so yea, I know how you feel. I will not go to concerts or anyplace that doesn't have a quick, easy exit.

I remember a line from the movie Men In Black.

"A person is smart. But people are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals and you know it."

 

[Leo Smith]

I used to be a people person. But people ruined that for me.

 

[RLinNH]

I am also one that doesn't worry about the China Virus one bit. I will say though, I was at the range yesterday. At the 25 yard Utility. I was sighting in a scoped S&W Model 625 JM. Anywho, I got that feeling when a strange car pulled up. I didn't want my back to the gentleman that was unloading. Just got the creeps. Bear in mind, as an Iraqi war vet, I don't put my back to anyone. But like previously mentioned. Sometimes, some people just give off a bad vibe. And even more so when firearms are involved...

 

[alintx]

I thank God everyday for being able to live in the middle of the ranch, a mile and a half from pavement. Not off the grid, but self sufficient when needed. Power is a nice option, but can produce my own when needed. Can shoot out of any door of the house, or walk 75 yds to my reloading building and shoot off the bench sitting in the ac. I truly am blessed!

 

[Guewithane]

Our beautiful range is usually empty. Especially in the morning during week days. Sure do like retirement.
I am about as far as you can get from being a people person. I get along with everybody, but if nobody’s around, then that’s better yet. I once spent a week just south of Labrador in central Quebec living out of my canoe. I never saw another person. Someone asked me when I got back “weren’t you lonely“? l got to use the great line from Bearclaw Chris Lapp “lonely fer what”?

 

[NorCalMikie]

Some folks will NEVER understand the meaning of the term "Quiet Time".

 

[truman]

my problem with my range is when i drive in someone always puts out an "idiots welcome" sign at the entrance. problem is they show up!

 

[NorCalMikie]

EARLY morning at the grocery store. One that we don't usually don't frequent.
Wife wanted to go so, went in and headed down one of the the "arrowed" isles. I'am looking UP not DOWN at the floor.
Got maybe 20 feet (going the wrong way) and some gal maybe 50+ feet away at the far end of the isle started screaming at me to "turn around, you're going the wrong way". ??
I was stunned for a few seconds. THEN, she screamed at me again. Same thing!!
Picked up what I was after, yelled at her, I HEARD YOU!!" Headed around the corner, found the wife and told her "we need to leave NOW before I get in big trouble".
I was seriously thinking about going down, getting in her face and coughing a few times.
Must have been something related to the "Plague" thing and if she was THAT paranoid, stay home and get your groceries shipped in so you never have to leave your house. Some people.
We do have friends that havn't been out of their homes in almost a year. Everything is shipped in. They stay in and play video games. "He" goes out and starts the car once a week. They seem to be quite happy living that way. Whatever. To each his own.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I would have reported it to the Sheriff, sounds like a felony offense to me.

^^^^^^

 

[Trashy]

Don't even try to go to my range on a weekend.

Slip off during the week and mostly have a range to myself

This. And if a draco comes out I immediately pack up.

 

[Urv]

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?

being a hermit in my old age works for me i like solitude

 

[284winner]

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've never been a crowd guy. Don't like big gatherings. Don't like packed ranges AT ALL. I belong to a 60 person private range. I'd say if those 60, maybe 15 are hard core shooters. Hard core meaning they shoot other than just before hunting season opens. Of that 15, maybe 5 of them are retired which allows them to shoot 7 days a week during early morning hours (which is when I shoot). When I go to my range, I think maybe 2 times I had one other guy shooting at the same time. This is my kind of crowd. If this is a Covid issue, I'm over this Covid thing. I've been hearing too many lies and misinformation about it that I'm living my life as I once and always have. Something has to be printed on my death certificate. I found suddenly I'm sheltering from an invisible enemy that seems to have changed the entire world. I've raced motocross, chased dangerous game animals, lived in Detroit, worked 34+ years in LE and suddenly afraid in an invisible virus that we've similarly had in the flu virus. I wish we all could just let this go, be smart and live free without fear. Unfortunately many won't ever do that. I hope this isn't your fear of crowds but if it is, good luck. It's gonna be a long unhappy future for you. If it's not the case, I feel you in many circumstances. I just do not like big crowds in almost all scenarios.