What's the difference between a private and public range?

[jaep]

My understanding is a private range is not open to the public and does not have to have permits or the cities permission to allow shooting as long as local laws permit and is treated as private land.

A public range is open to the public and has to go through the permitting process to allow shooting.

If I go and buy a few acres of land can I call it a private range and shoot on it without having to go through the permitting process?

[BKinzey]

Depends on where you buy the land and who becomes aware of you shooting there.

[cannon]

In L.A. County private members only ranges still require permits etc. The only real difference I know of is insurance levels and cost.

[BigPimping]

I belong to a private club. It is regulated like crazy.

[Untamed1972]

Private would most likely be considered for YOUR personal use and non-paying guests....assuming its legal to shoot on your property in the first place. Much will also highly depend on what the ordinances for your county are as well.

Kinda like how you can have a BBQ at your place and serve alcohol to your non-paying guests.....but if you charge admission, or charge for food and booze you're now a business and would need a restaurant and liquor license.

[CSACANNONEER]

Many, if not all, counties have regulations involving any "range". So, if you are buying property where it is legal to shoot, be careful about how much "range" development you do and, I would suggest not referring to it as a "range". Code Enforcement can be real DBs.

[Jimi Jah]

Socialism vs communism.

[jyo]

Private ranges are still regulated---insurance is less because it's not open to the general public (and therefore, hordes of idiots).
Private ranges are also "looser" and tend to be friendlier without ROs screaming "Stand behind the yellow line!" and often allow carrying pistols in holsters whereas public ranges just don't do that (see hordes of idiots).
I've been a member of a private range for the last 20-30 years---a true privilege---come and go as you please---lots of knowledgeable folks to hang with---BBQs, etc.

[Bansh88]

I'd imagine it's like your home. You allow in only whom you want and more or less make up your own rules. Still have to be within the law though.

You can have a much different party at your house as compared to a public park.

[Steve_In_29]

My understanding is a private range is not open to the public and does not have to have permits or the cities permission to allow shooting as long as local laws permit and is treated as private land.

A public range is open to the public and has to go through the permitting process to allow shooting.

If I go and buy a few acres of land can I call it a private range and shoot on it without having to go through the permitting process?

That would be called your backyard and as long as there are no State/County/City ordinances against shooting you are good to go. You would NOT want to refer to it as a range when talking to other people.

If you are charging anybody for shooting on the property THEN it becomes a business and "private" (restricted membership) or "public" (anyone that shows up and pays) makes no difference and is subject to all the laws concerning such