When I was 12 my Dad gave me a Model 37 Ithaca pump 20 gauge...When I could not find a grouse or rabbit I would shoot a poplar tree and count the shells till I yelled "timber"...because I could .Sometimes it would take a whole box of shells,but they were my shells. That was 44 years ago and I still shoot to this day . That might not be the case if I had dictators telling me how much ammo I was allowed to shoot or what kind of gun I was Supposed to be using. No wonder the sport is dieing...
What has happened to the rifle ranges? All ARs now, no chronographs.
- Thread starter Colt Kodiak
- Start date
I am the guy who volunteers to do maintenance on two local private clubs. My reward -I get to set the rules. I saw how the target supports got shot up, the clubhouse kept getting shot ( bored with targets I suppose) and the bench areas looked like a garbage dump, and a group from a neighboring state would camp in the parking lot and re-enact the run and gun olympics they watched on TV that week. . So my first rule was "no rapid fire." The club members (who meet at the club daily are now diligent at enforcing the rules) and surveillance cameras were installed and now magically the target frames last about a year vs. a week. Both clubs have a waiting list. We don't get any more visits from the state police about neighbors claiming our bullets going through their roofs.
"I am the only one"
whose willing to do the range work, so I get to lay down the rules.
"I am the only one"
whose willing to do the range work, so I get to lay down the rules.
Some days I don't like non suppressed guns, other days if we start out with braked guns, all is fine. Timing is everything, I'm getting older and crankier. We bang LR steel, and if a group of us are enjoying the day, shooting, then listening for impacts during certain conditions when spotting becomes hard, the constant bap, bap, bap gets to be real annoying. I guess when they are done and you try gauge their accomplishment for their blasting efforts, it can make it even harder to take.
We're all different, but doing a mag dump on a paper target at 50 or 100 yards never has did much for me.
To me it's more the courtesy aspect.
We're all different, but doing a mag dump on a paper target at 50 or 100 yards never has did much for me.
To me it's more the courtesy aspect.
\
One of our clubs range rules is no extended rapid fire. Rule also states no more than ten rounds per minute as a rule of thumb. That stops a lot of the problems before they get started. Members are required to wear picture ID's when on club grounds. Breaking of the rules can result in loss of membership.
Seems to work for our club.
Danny
I live in the SE and I retired about ten years ago and joined a nice outdoor range I have noted a marked increase in LR activity and F class in particular. Rimfire and rimfire bench activity has decreased as well and 100 - 300 centerfire benchrest may have dropped off a bit but there are two ranges in my area that do 100 - 300 benchrest. The F class matches have seen a doubling in size and our long range classes and precision shooting classes have a waiting list. Being retired I prefer early mornings on the weekdays but each time I go I see one or two other people doing load development, not only the F class shooters but hunters and the occasional benchrest shooter well
I usually go to a public range at a local park monitored a few times by park rangers, but it's been overrun by wannabe Rambos. There were 6 of them, all with AR's at the 25yrd (normally a handgun range) doing tactical drills. Firing from the hip while walking etc.....didn't see any of them rolling around on the ground firing. If a few had, they'd have a hard time getting up carrying a bad 50#.
I was at the 100 testing some rounds before going to the 300m. Some guy shows up with what I think was a mini-Ruger....with a fixed bayonet. I left.
Another time I was once again at the 100 before heading to the 300....2 guys doing what I call synchronized shooting...as fast as they could pull the trigger. I left and went to the 300, and was followed by 2 other shooters who didn't feel safe.
I've complained to the rangers, and they won't do anything thing about it.
There's another range that's monitored, but a lot further away....maybe the longer drive would be worth going....but in todays climate, I doubt it.
I was at the 100 testing some rounds before going to the 300m. Some guy shows up with what I think was a mini-Ruger....with a fixed bayonet. I left.
Another time I was once again at the 100 before heading to the 300....2 guys doing what I call synchronized shooting...as fast as they could pull the trigger. I left and went to the 300, and was followed by 2 other shooters who didn't feel safe.
I've complained to the rangers, and they won't do anything thing about it.
There's another range that's monitored, but a lot further away....maybe the longer drive would be worth going....but in todays climate, I doubt it.
Movies and t.v. affect everyone. The newer generations were raised on the "spray and pray" so that is what attracts them. Don't get me wrong, it is fun to OCCASIONALLY go rapid fire. Even more fun with a real full auto. A good stress reliever. But it gets expensive and boring after awhile. There is a safe way to do everything. That's my concern. A person can be unsafe with a bolt action too.
I agree that the AR has become the staple in firearms for many people today. But, every generation has had their interesting moments on the range. With the political issues today around firearms, I am glad to see that there are a lot of people out there. Yes, many don't have the discipline that we have developed over time, but it they stick with the sport they will probably develop them and be posting their own comments when they get to our ages about the new shooters.
We need shooters to keep this sport alive, there are too many out there that would like to see the Second Amendment disappear and if they can't do that, they will restrict it so much that it will be all but gone. The more shooters we have the greater the chance that we can retain our rights. So I will deal with the newbies and when possible try to help them become responsible shooters. Many, these days have not been exposed to guns as was more common in the 50's, 60's and 70's. Most have never handled a gun until they were adults.
One thing I have noticed is the increase in the number of female shooters. I like that because it creates a well rounded sport that can be enjoyed by all.
We need shooters to keep this sport alive, there are too many out there that would like to see the Second Amendment disappear and if they can't do that, they will restrict it so much that it will be all but gone. The more shooters we have the greater the chance that we can retain our rights. So I will deal with the newbies and when possible try to help them become responsible shooters. Many, these days have not been exposed to guns as was more common in the 50's, 60's and 70's. Most have never handled a gun until they were adults.
One thing I have noticed is the increase in the number of female shooters. I like that because it creates a well rounded sport that can be enjoyed by all.
I don't use public ranges anymore, so I don't see the issues most see (the brakes are a scourge to all that is good and holy - though I have a couple) BUT I see these guys as opportunities. When I have a blaster around me, I may strike up a conversation about shooting a match at 600 or 1000 yards. This used to be pretty fruitful when I shot shorter public ranges. It's not as effective at the range I frequent now, as it has steel out to 1250 yards.
For those that run,help run or are just interested in larger matches, I say go talk to them. Many people want to shoot our kind of shooting but have no idea it's even available, so they go to what is easiest, which is an AR and a paper plate. Gotta start somewhere though.
For those that run,help run or are just interested in larger matches, I say go talk to them. Many people want to shoot our kind of shooting but have no idea it's even available, so they go to what is easiest, which is an AR and a paper plate. Gotta start somewhere though.
I am the guy who volunteers to do maintenance on two local private clubs. My reward -I get to set the rules. I saw how the target supports got shot up, the clubhouse kept getting shot ( bored with targets I suppose) and the bench areas looked like a garbage dump, and a group from a neighboring state would camp in the parking lot and re-enact the run and gun olympics they watched on TV that week. . So my first rule was "no rapid fire." The club members (who meet at the club daily are now diligent at enforcing the rules) and surveillance cameras were installed and now magically the target frames last about a year vs. a week. Both clubs have a waiting list. We don't get any more visits from the state police about neighbors claiming our bullets going through their roofs.
"I am the only one"
My club had to do extensive renovations due to shot up wood barriers designed to stop stray bullets above the targets. They raised the height of the backstops and installed expensive camera systems. Stray bullets had become a problem. This is a covered range with concrete floors. AR or similar rapid fire noise noise is a legitimate problem. I am also getting older and less tolerant.
The AR shooter owners are not hunters or even casual target shooters. They just want to own a rifle and shoot it. They have no interest in accuracy. Remington just filed for bankruptsy because of the lack of interest in bolt action rifles.
AR/Auto loaders.
New gun owners = Better for us all. A gun is a gun. Single shot or full auto. All fun.
Just learn to duck the hot brass and double plug the ears for the "pistol" ARs. Lot of flash & shock waves.
Soon or later, your will own an AR 15.
Benchrest- there is a lot to be learned online, till the old guy shows up at your range with his benchrest rifle. I prefer no wind, no sun, and even light rain is ok (covered firing point). No one to bother me.
New gun owners = Better for us all. A gun is a gun. Single shot or full auto. All fun.
Just learn to duck the hot brass and double plug the ears for the "pistol" ARs. Lot of flash & shock waves.
Soon or later, your will own an AR 15.
Benchrest- there is a lot to be learned online, till the old guy shows up at your range with his benchrest rifle. I prefer no wind, no sun, and even light rain is ok (covered firing point). No one to bother me.
I don't object to it at all. As with anything, as long as it is done done safely. I am not into the AR's at all. (They gave me one years ago for no charge...or so I thought). If it is a shooting sport I support it. Some go through more rounds in one afternoon than I would shoot on a year.
I feel it is a good thing and keeps more people shooting even though their particular idea of shooting differs greatly from mine.
I feel it is a good thing and keeps more people shooting even though their particular idea of shooting differs greatly from mine.
I bought a brass catcher for my AR and keep it in my range bag. When a guy shows up and shoots to my left with an AR, I hand it to him. One guy said "Thanks, but I don't need it" I told him I did! With the "look". He used it. Bonus was I got the brass, too!
DR_2297
Silver $$ Contributor
Man the snobbiness and derp is deep in this one....
If turnabout is fair play then I have to say I have never seen the allure of F class or bench rest and equating it to marksmanship. Spending a metric load of cash to build a rifle and the same developing a load to shoot tiny groups is lost on me. The gun is doing most of the work and winning by and large comes down to who has spent the most $$$ and tuned stuff the best. Sure it takes some level of proficiency on the booger hook to get the most out of the platform and sometimes physical conditions are a factor but seriously. Yawn.
As a HP competitor I find it much more gratifying to develop, build and tune MYSELF To the point of utilizing my equipment to its fullest potential. I am “fairly” proficient with the AR platform. It is my main competition platform and to say I am not a real “marksman” is downright insulting. It is gratifying when you are winning in a game where most of the equipment is equally capable.
I take every opportunity to try and suck all of the “blasters” i run across into slinging up and realizing just how precise they can be.
If turnabout is fair play then I have to say I have never seen the allure of F class or bench rest and equating it to marksmanship. Spending a metric load of cash to build a rifle and the same developing a load to shoot tiny groups is lost on me. The gun is doing most of the work and winning by and large comes down to who has spent the most $$$ and tuned stuff the best. Sure it takes some level of proficiency on the booger hook to get the most out of the platform and sometimes physical conditions are a factor but seriously. Yawn.
As a HP competitor I find it much more gratifying to develop, build and tune MYSELF To the point of utilizing my equipment to its fullest potential. I am “fairly” proficient with the AR platform. It is my main competition platform and to say I am not a real “marksman” is downright insulting. It is gratifying when you are winning in a game where most of the equipment is equally capable.
I take every opportunity to try and suck all of the “blasters” i run across into slinging up and realizing just how precise they can be.
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Go to Camp Perry, or any leg match around the country. You'll see one or two High Masters shooting M1As because they've already done it all, and a few old duffers like me shooting M1s because we have no hope of legging anyway. The rest will be AR-15s. When built properly and loaded correctly, AR-15s can be capable of outstanding accuracy. Granted, a lot of ARs, and nearly all Mini-14s and AKs, are just blasters. These are fledgling gun owners, trying to figure it out. It's an opportunity for us to educate them, not in the "your rifle is crap, get a real one" sense, but basic safety and respect, and adherence to range rules. Remember, a new shooter is as proud of his equipment as you are of yours.
My first rifle was a sporterized SMLE, capable of 12" accuracy out to nearly thirty yards. I shot that one until I could afford a better rifle, learning all the way. It would have been really easy for a few rifle snobs to turn me off for life, but the guys I ran into on the range helped me learn to do the best I could with the equipment I had, and were there with advice when I was ready to upgrade. I try to be those guys for the new shooters I run into. I explain why my rifles look different from theirs, why I shoot differently, and show them a few basic techniques. Silhouette ranges are great for this, because there's an instant gratification factor. Watch a new shooter drop his first ram at 500 meters, and you'll see a lifelong shooter being born- unless someone screws it all up by snubbing his equipment. I used to have a Remington 788 in 7-08 with an old Weaver K10 for just that purpose. Low recoil, pure death on rams, and not unreachably expensive. There is no point in a new shooter owning a BAT-actioned, Krieger-barreled BR gun with a McMillan stock and March scope. It's a complete waste until he learns some shooting technique and decides what he's interested in, and that's up to us.
It's easy to forget how much time and money we have put into our equipment over the years. Sure, it doesn't cost that much more to get a decent rifle that is capable of pretty good accuracy. The problem is that a good rifle needs good optics, good reloading equipment, good components, and good skills. We've accumulated all that stuff over the years, a little at a time (at least I have), so we tend to forget the sheer cost of it. As long as blasting is all they know how to do, they won't have any need for anything but more drum magazines. Let them shoot some really good guns. Show them what their own blasters are capable of. One of the more impressive moments of my early days was when one of the silhouette guys picked up my new CMP M1 and went 7 for 10 on the rams with it, offhand. Try to make the new shooters feel involved and welcome. Invite them to range days, and put them to work alongside other shooters, fixing the damage careless shooters have done. When they have a stake in the range, they'll take care of it.
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