Safety at gun ranges?

[JTROKS]

The wrong elements will visit gun ranges, but if they know their ruckus and attitude will not be tolerated they will behave accordingly. Visit any range or gunshop in the Bay Area. It's not often but you'll see individuals (usually group) with area code tats and corresponding number of dots. Those are the ones I look out for in case another group they dont agree with shows up.

I think people might be missing what he is asking about.

The anti's are implying gun ranges attract the 'wrong element' (I think).

[dfletcher]

Hey guys, I hope this is the right forum for this topic. In my town (Placerville), we are currently debating a proposed gun range. A lot of us are very excited at the prospect, but of course the main opposition to the range is from people who have never shot at a range before. They keep arguing that gun ranges don't "seem" like safe places, what with all the big, evil guns around. They seem to think gun ranges attract the same clientele as shady dive bars, liquor marts in bad parts of town, etc.

Now, as we all know, gun ranges are extremely safe places because 99% of gun owners are responsible adults. Can anyone point me in the direction of any statistics or articles demonstrating just how safe ranges are? I'd like to have some harder evidence to cite than my own personal anecdotes when I talk to people who have concerns. I've searched a few times on Google, but to no real avail.

Thanks in advance!

Is this an outdoor range or an indoor range?

Regarding outdoor range, I've been on two distinct types. The "self policing" with no rangemaster and those with a rangemaster. I've twice been "downrange" only to hear "ready on the rifle range, you may commence - oh, wait ...." and each time it was at a controlled range. 6'4' and wearing a red shirt is hard to miss, I think someone was out to get me.

I presume insurance is required and wonder which costs more, a self policing range or controlled range? With self policing, what are the range's responsibilities and liabilities as compared to controlled where the range has a duty to provide that control? On a self policing range so long as the "red light" and beeper work has the range met it's responsibilities, shooters have assumed a certain risk being on their own? At a controlled range there's a whole collection of employees who can make a mistake, slip up enforcing a rule like staying behind a line, making sure a gun is unloaded, not handling guns when folks are downrange, etc.

[Midtown]

The only time I have seen a policy similar to this is a prohibition on single shooters renting from the range. I think the logic is if the person already owns a gun, going to the range to commit suicide is likely not their first choice. On the other hand, for someone who doesn't own a gun and has decided they want to take their own life with a gun, a gun range rental might be a fit.

I can't believe I didn't realize the purpose of that rule but it makes perfect sense. Suicide by gun is one of most frightening elements of gun ownership. It's just too easy, doesn't leave any room for changing your mind. I can't even imagine working at a range and having that happen.

[Bill Steele]

I can't believe I didn't realize the purpose of that rule but it makes perfect sense. Suicide by gun is one of most frightening elements of gun ownership. It's just too easy, doesn't leave any room for changing your mind. I can't even imagine working at a range and having that happen.

One thing to add, that is just what was explained to me regarding the policy at a few local ranges that rent guns. I am pretty sure another "unsaid" part of the policy is to try and avoid the lone wolf nut case, who also happens not to own a gun, going to the range and proceeding to turn it on everyone around them. If you have a friend, other than say the neighbors dog, maybe you are less liable to fit the profile, hard to say though.

[Chewy65]

Many ranges are not allowing any solo shooters because the suicides at ranges are usually solo shooters. Most ranges won't allow you to shoot solo unless you are a member. This makes sense, especially from a liability standpoint for the range.

If you point this out and propose this as a safety measure for the new range this could help.

Just the other day I visited a range with that very policy, but I knew about it and only wanted to check the facilities, costs, and what was available for rental and sale. It was a very well ran and well stocked operation and now I plan on going there to shoot (with the boss my first time).

[Midtown]

One thing to add, that is just what was explained to me regarding the policy at a few local ranges that rent guns. I am pretty sure another "unsaid" part of the policy is to try and avoid the lone wolf nut case, who also happens not to own a gun, going to the range and proceeding to turn it on everyone around them. If you have a friend, other than say the neighbors dog, maybe you are less liable to fit the profile, hard to say though.

Yeah, you would have to be pretty crazy. Every RSO at my gun range open carries and I would presume at other places they are carrying concealed.

[cmichini]

Hey guys, I hope this is the right forum for this topic. In my town (Placerville), we are currently debating a proposed gun range. A lot of us are very excited at the prospect, but of course the main opposition to the range is from people who have never shot at a range before. They keep arguing that gun ranges don't "seem" like safe places, what with all the big, evil guns around. They seem to think gun ranges attract the same clientele as shady dive bars, liquor marts in bad parts of town, etc.

Now, as we all know, gun ranges are extremely safe places because 99% of gun owners are responsible adults. Can anyone point me in the direction of any statistics or articles demonstrating just how safe ranges are? I'd like to have some harder evidence to cite than my own personal anecdotes when I talk to people who have concerns. I've searched a few times on Google, but to no real avail.

Thanks in advance!

I challenge your assumption that 99% of shooters at a public range are safe but good luck getting the range approved. The more ranges available the more "normal" they will appear to the handwringing bedwetters.

[Steve_In_29]

Sacramento gun club is a good example of Safety taken seriously. Maybe check it out and bring back some ideas. Lot's of rules but essentially, there is an RSO for every 6 lanes or so, they are constantly watching to make sure people are shooting safely and are always ready to help with jams, misfires, etc.

They only allow 2 guns on the bench at a time to make it easier to keep track of, all other guns are to be kept in locked cases in the back of the room.

New shooters are required to watch a short safety video. If a new shooter wants to rent a gun, they won't let them shoot unless an RSO is free to assist them. They have cameras in all the range rooms and you can see everything that is going on in the ranges from the lobby.

Guns are required to be unloaded in locked cases between the car and the range. All unloading of cases is done on the bench and then cases are returned to the table in the back. (legal CCW excepted, although they require it to remain concealed until you reach the firing line).

This system makes for a much safer atmosphere and they are tough on the rules. It can be a little off putting at first to feel like someone is constantly watching you, but most of the guys and gals that work the ranges are pretty friendly and eager to help.

With so many rules I am SOOOO glad I don't live in an urban cesspool if shooting is that regulated.

Most people are missing the point that the OP is asking for help WITH SAFETY STATS that he can present at a meeting and not about how a range works. OP the advice to contact the NRA is good and you should also try getting a hold of the CRPA (CA Rifle and Pistol Assoc) as well.

[Mitch]

They seem to think gun ranges attract the same clientele as shady dive bars, liquor marts in bad parts of town, etc.

And what do the upstanding burghers of Placerville have against shady dive bars and their clientele?

[ProLibertate]

Have you thought about seeing if the LEOs in the area might be interested in a "home range"? My club's range is also the local LEOs range. Sure, sometimes I can't shoot because they're training but it isn't that often and it makes it harder for the antis to object to its existence.

[Pardini]

I wouldn't dig for too many stats on safety. May not work in your favor in the end. Several people have been shot at Sac Valley shooting center alone and I have heard of people being shot over the years at other local ranges. I got shot, (birdshot)myself out at the Sac Valley skeet range.

I would only point out that gun owners backgrounds are checked extensively and then cite all the databases that are checked in order to purchase a firearm. Then list all of the offenses that gun owners have not committed and hoops they have to jump through in order to be eligible to own a firearm.

[Steve_In_29]

Have you thought about seeing if the LEOs in the area might be interested in a "home range"? My club's range is also the local LEOs range. Sure, sometimes I can't shoot because they're training but it isn't that often and it makes it harder for the antis to object to its existence.

This is EXCELLENT advice. Our members only range hosts EVERY local agency. CHP, Sheriff, NCIS, ATF, Calif Cadets, etc.

[EspoMan]

I wouldn't dig for too many stats on safety. May not work in your favor in the end. Several people have been shot at Sac Valley shooting center alone and I have heard of people being shot over the years at other local ranges. I got shot, (birdshot)myself out at the Sac Valley skeet range.

I would only point out that gun owners backgrounds are checked extensively and then cite all the databases that are checked in order to purchase a firearm. Then list all of the offenses that gun owners have not committed and hoops they have to jump through in order to be eligible to own a firearm.

Wow how did you get shot? ?

[redmarble]

I'd be more afraid to have a high school in my neighborhood than an organized, supervised gun range. Far fewer incidents of crime and violence...

I second this. And don't forget drugs!

[Joseph Lee]

It's tribal land so the range is going to open no matter what the public may think.

Yep. The concerned neighbors can debate it all they want.