Manteca gun range?

[Trevolution]

I haven't been to Manteca for about 4 years. Had a very bad experience with a RO that I beleive still works there.

You are absolutely correct, ranges have/enforce rules for a reason, they should and I support that. I went all the time when Angie was there, god bless that women, she was the nicest person you would want to meet. I would show up hungry and leave stuffed! After she passed another RO took over, which I mention no names(most know whom I'm referring too).
If they flushed that RO out, I would be more than happy to support them again. If the board members are to dense to listen to the feedback of countless customers and potential customers, I will not be going back. I will never refer another person either.

If you're a paying customer and follow said rules, issues should not occur. If they are, on the other hand, treating you poorly, then I agree it's time to look elsewhere to shoot. There's no reason to harp on someone on here, and that's respectable, I was just looking for some insight. That being said, where do you shoot besides Linden? Are there basically only 2 options for the Modesto-area?

[louscamaro91]

I very rarely bad talk anybody. Every person I referred has had nothing but negative feedback, making me look like an idiot. You DO run into a lot of low life idiots with guns and I understand why ranges are strict. This is the main reason I don't go to public ranges anymore. Not the rules, the other participants.

I shoot occasionally at Barnwood when its empty. Most of the time I do my shooting on private property or BLM land, not far from Modesto, about an hour towards yosemite.

[Trevolution]

I very rarely bad talk anybody. Every person I referred has had nothing but negative feedback, making me look like an idiot. You DO run into a lot of low life idiots with guns and I understand why ranges are strict. This is the main reason I don't go to public ranges anymore. Not the rules, the other participants.

I shoot occasionally at Barnwood when its empty. Most of the time I do my shooting on private property or BLM land, not far from Modesto, about an hour towards yosemite.

See, if I could go and shoot legally somewhere on public land, or somewhere comparable, I would. I just don't know the legalities that come with that and would hate for my hands cuffed and firearms confiscated. There are many idiots on ranges, which keeps me hesitant and understanding of range rules. I don't mind the range fee, it's not terribly steep, and it's legal. In the end, to me, it comes down to a) deal with range rules and rangemasters or b) shoot somewhere in the open that isn't a range and possibly land in hot water, since C) not shooting, is NOT an option lol.

[AngelDecoys]

Thank you for the insightful information.

Your welcome. I'm certainly not an expert about the range but there was a thread here a few years ago with a number of people voicing 'issues' they had with the range at that time.

I also have heard of San Joaquin Range, how has your personal experience been? I understand it's a YMMV when it comes to ranges, so I will have to go out and try.

The San Joaquin range much like the range in Linden can also be excellent experiences depending on what you're looking for. You may find them to be less clean, less established, and less strict on range methodology then the Manteca Sportsmen, but its your personal preference. Some people like the rules to be looser so it may meld better with your preferences.

I don't mind following the rules. Heck, it's better to be shooting at all than the other option of not shooting.

Certainly rules are set for reasons; much of the time for liability reasons. Liability is a huge reason the rules are strict at the Manteca Sportsmen. And indeed, the Manteca Sportsmen has been there since 1937. It would like to continue being there well into the future.

[AngelDecoys]

I haven't been to Manteca for about 4 years. Had a very bad experience with the only RO that I beleive still works there everyday.

No, I hear you. While there are several ROs, I'm sure I know which one you mean. He's not allowed to give 'impromptu' lessons anymore. He does do some teaching when customers ask and explain the range rules, but he generally only goes outside to either slow people down or stop a safety violation. I understand how some of the public has had 'issues' with him (and he can be perceived as zealous). However, he does an excellent job enforcing safety issues which is why he remains. He's proactive which the board and club members appreciate. As example, on occasion a customer will insist they didn't do anything unsafe. That is, until we show them the range rules they supposedly read and signed. Or roll back the video and show them what they were doing (pistol and rifle ranges have a live feed and are taped). Then they storm off unhappy because we called them on it. We all learn range etiquette differently. Sometimes its obvious and sometimes not.

I went all the time when Angie was there, god bless that women, she was the nicest person you would want to meet.

She was fantastic. We all miss her. May she rest in peace.

It's the Internet, everyone entitled to an opinion. Not going to argue, just giving the OP some real world insight.

Yup. I'm also not looking to argue either. People are free to find the range that best suits their needs and enjoy the shooting sports as much as possible.

[Trevolution]

So does anyone know the legalities of shooting on public property? Somewhere like louscamaro91 said?

[louscamaro91]

Call the BLM office or DFG.

[wilit]

I haven't been to Manteca for about 4 years. Had a very bad experience with the only RO that I beleive still works there everyday.

No, I hear you. While there are several ROs, I'm sure I know which one you mean. He's not allowed to give 'impromptu' lessons anymore. He does do some teaching when customers ask and explain the range rules, but he generally only goes outside to either slow people down or stop a safety violation. I understand how some of the public has had 'issues' with him (and he can be perceived as zealous). However, he does an excellent job enforcing safety issues which is why he remains. He's proactive which the board and club members appreciate. As example, on occasion a customer will insist they didn't do anything unsafe. That is, until we show them the range rules they supposedly read and signed. Or roll back the video and show them what they were doing (pistol and rifle ranges have a live feed and are taped). Then they storm off unhappy because we called them on it. We all learn range etiquette differently. Sometimes its obvious and sometimes not.

Several years ago there was a thread about Manteca Sportsman and I said the same thing as louscamaro91. I'm pretty sure that was one of Angeldecoys' first posts and he said something similar to this response here. If "The Guy" has indeed stopped his impromptu "lessons" that's awesome, but honestly he is the sole reason me and several friends do not shoot there any more even though it's the closest range to our houses.

I started shooting there back in '95 when Angie and her husband were the only two running the range. I loved it and Angie was awesome. She was certainly a great person, very warm and welcoming... The complete opposite of "The Guy" unfortunately.

[Trevolution]

Several years ago there was a thread about Manteca Sportsman and I said the same thing as louscamaro91. I'm pretty sure that was one of Angeldecoys' first posts and he said something similar to this response here. If "The Guy" has indeed stopped his impromptu "lessons" that's awesome, but honestly he is the sole reason me and several friends do not shoot there any more even though it's the closest range to our houses.

I started shooting there back in '95 when Angie and her husband were the only two running the range. I loved it and Angie was awesome. She was certainly a great person, very warm and welcoming... The complete opposite of "The Guy" unfortunately.

It seems like there are quite a few negative responses from numerous people. To me, I could try it out and if it's a bad experience, I'm only out $15. Is there anything I should do that I wouldn't normally do there while shooting? Meaning, are there more odd rules that normal?

[awall919]

I shoot occasionally at Barnwood when its empty.

you speak of worrying about other shooters as one of your reasons you dont shoot at Manteca, have you seen all the bullet holes on the tables and partitions at barnwood? bullets fly everywhere in there even had rounds come back at me. But they are finally building a new range on sight.

[wilit]

It seems like there are quite a few negative responses from numerous people. To me, I could try it out and if it's a bad experience, I'm only out $15. Is there anything I should do that I wouldn't normally do there while shooting? Meaning, are there more odd rules that normal?

Nah, there's no weird rules or anything. Really it is a nice range. Most times I've been there in the past, there's never been a big crowd. Really my ONLY complaint about it is "The Guy." Who knows, maybe the guy has cooled out a bit. I was thinking of going back first of the year to try it out again.

[jmust1991]

Went shooting at Manteca today. I stayed on the pistol range, it was fairly busy, not a crazy RO in sight. I didn't see a RO, had a couple of cease fires, and everyone complied. Overall was a good trip.
Rifle range appeared to be fairly busy with at least 10 shooters, pistol range had at least 10 shooters at all times. Once a few left there were several more to take their place.

[louscamaro91]

you speak of worrying about other shooters as one of your reasons you dont shoot at Manteca, have you seen all the bullet holes on the tables and partitions at barnwood? bullets fly everywhere in there even had rounds come back at me. But they are finally building a new range on sight.

I know this.
If you reread my post, I stated I only shoot when its empty.

[echo1]

I went there Monday with my nephew's son. It was the first time since they started charging $15. The last time I was there it was $8, and the time before that $5, so I don't get out there much. The main reason I went this time, was that it was my nephews first range trip, and I wanted to expose him to proper range protocol and a known, recognizable distance. But I too have had less than enjoyable encounters with an RO. This time a club member, a youngster with poor people skills, took it upon hisself to vocalize the rules, and threaten the shooting group with expulsion or banishment if not adheared too. A little over the top for me, but it's a public range and they get their share of careless types I'm sure. I don't like ranges in general because I'm cheap and have a half a dozen places to plink in the country. If I take my 3 boys, that's 60 bucks. From Ripon I can get to the National forest or BLM land and back for that (if gas stays under $3.50). PAX

[crazy]

The range has rules. Some people like to rapid fire on the rifle range or double tap when pistol shooting. Some try to shoot their pistols on the rifle range. Some like to muzzle others at the pistol range. Some rapid fire sending rounds over the berm. Some don't like it when an RO is there to make sure an action is left open during a cease fire. Some don't like it when a RO tells they they are doing something unsafe. Some don't like the ability to touch their gear on the bench during a cease fire. Some want to wear a holster while at the range. Some think they are entitled to use the cowboy range shooting steel with steel core ammo (one can shoot steel on the main pistol/rifle ranges).

Basically, some people don't like rules, can't get along with others, act like they are entitled, resent $15 for a day of shooting, and/or are the types who would be better off shooting on public land then at a private range open to the public (too structured for their needs).

louscamaro91 has an opinion and that is fine. You ought to judge for yourself. I've found the Manteca Sportsmen over the last 15 years to be a fantastic place to shoot. Is it perfect? No. I'd like to wear a holster when on site. I'd like to shoot spinners when on the rifle range. I'd like to pattern my shotguns. I'd like to rapid fire and double tap when on the pistol range. Even as a member their are rules one accepts if one wants to use a facility. I accept them and go elsewhere when i want to shoot beyond what is allowable.

Bottom line, there are a plethora of reasons why people don't like a particular range, ranges in general, certain range masters, etc. You're always better off going to a variety of ranges, talking to the people, and finding one which best suits you and your family's needs. I hope that helps

Well said. "The Guy" is not the only range officer. Members put in time pulling RO duty. The guy is or can be a PITA. He is an employee. If you plan to shoot there and he is working, just obey the range rules and don't talk to him. Shooting there is no different than shooting at Richmond or Chabot. They yell at shooters through the PA system.

I have put in my time as RO there. If you saw some of the things that happen, your hair would turn white. It is a private club that is open to the public. They have their rules (some that I don't agree with). Obey the rules and you don't have anything to worry about. If you don't like your experience, shop with your feet, don't give them your money.

One thing not mentioned yet is the things they do to promote the shooting sports. They do a kids class every month for free. They have women's classes. Some of them for free. They have various youth groups that shoot for free.