Quick Range Etiquette Question.

[jdewolf]

Long story short is that I got stuck in a lane next to a couple. I guess the female had never been shooting before. I guess the sound of me firing off .308 was scary/intimidating.

I was doing my thing and didn't notice until after I was done with a very rough zero'ing of my scope. I overheard him say something in regards to me being done or reloading. I waited until she finished off a mag and then I apologized to her. They were both cool about it so I felt a little less like a "Richard".

I don't really know what else I could have done. I stay alert to what's going on around me, but I don't exactly go "hmm she isn't shooting because she's scared less because of my rifle." At the same time I don't want someone to get all scared or intimidated of guns simply because they had a traumatic 1st time. If either had popped over and asked me not to shoot while she was doing her thing, I wouldn't have minded at all.

Am I missing something? Or is it just one of those situations that are unavoidable?

[RandyD]

It is irritating to me when someone is shooting a highpower rifle next to me in an indoor range, but that goes with the territory. I think you did the right thing by talking to them after you became aware that they were affected by you shooting a .308. You created a positive experience for them.

[Boltz]

I think you did just fine. It was pretty cool of you to apologize for your shooting and that in itself probably gave her a good impression of people who like to shoot. You could've ignored them, which wouldn't be wrong considering that they are at a shooting range, but you did the nice thing

[AAShooter]

If possible, the range should be assigning lanes to avoid that problem.

[Mac]

I don't get it? They were not wearing Ear protection? The again I never shoot at an indoor range.

[jdewolf]

It is irritating to me when someone is shooting a highpower rifle next to me in an indoor range, but that goes with the territory. I think you did the right thing by talking to them after you became aware that they were affected by you shooting a .308. You created a positive experience for them.

He didn't mind at all. He had a few rifles with him... I forgot what/what calibers. I was so tired at that point I just wanted to finish and get home. Hopefully I left both [mainly her] with a positive vibe.

I think you did just fine. It was pretty cool of you to apologize for your shooting and that in itself probably gave her a good impression of people who like to shoot. You could've ignored them, which wouldn't be wrong considering that they are at a shooting range, but you did the nice thing

I mainly felt bad because they were in the lane right next to me. I heard this one group say something... but they were a few lanes down from me. It didn't seem to effect their shooting at all... because I heard them continue to pop off rounds.

If possible, the range should be assigning lanes to avoid that problem.

True. There's a rifle and pistol side. The gentleman had a few rifles with him however, so they were on the rifle side. Also it was filling up at that point. It wasn't shoulder to shoulder, but there were very few empty booths when I had left. I gave one of the workers some as I left... jokingly of course.

[Kodemonkey]

I don't get it? They were not wearing Ear protection? The again I never shoot at an indoor range.

Yeah it's a different experience indoors. A 357 scares the bejesus out of people sometimes.

I think the OP did the right thing. I might have told them; "I didn't realize I was making you uncomfortable. Let me find have them assign me another lane.

It sounds like she was a new shooter. Anytime we can show we are considerate and nice human beings we bring more into the sport. Correction, we bring more voters into the sport...

[jdewolf]

I don't get it? They were not wearing Ear protection? The again I never shoot at an indoor range.

She was a new shooter and got stuck right next to some dude shooting .308. Indoors is definitely louder than outdoors. I don't understand what's not to get

[Mac]

She was a new shooter and got stuck right next to some dude shooting .308. Indoors is definitely louder than outdoors. I don't understand what's not to get

Well I guess i will have to go and discover how loud it is indoors one of these days. (with ear protection on). Just seemed odd they are at a shooting range and getting pissy about the noise is all. He had rifles also. Guess it worked out ok though.

[50BMGBOB]

You did right. While you didn't do anything wrong, you didn't get rude with them. That goes a long way. I shoot a 50BMG and I always try to give other shooters around me a heads up. I carry extra hearing protection both plugs and muffs in case anyone wants to double up, and I bring extra ammo so they can shoot a round or two themself if they like. None of which is required. I am at a shooting range after all. But just because you have the right, like you said, don't be a "Richard". You wheren't, you did the right thing. You where aware of those around you and did what you could to make sure everyone had a good time.

[mycrstuff]

It's no so much the noise but the shock wave you feel. There are gaps in the dividers between the stalls which line up right about where the other guys muzzle would be. When you are standing next to shelf at the front of the lane loading mags you really feel it.

The noise sometimes will bother me if it has been quiet and there haven't been any shots for a minute or so. You don't expect the extra loud boom and it makes you jump. If there is constant firing you don't notice it because you are used to the roar of multiple guns shots.

[BNuge]

You could recommend that she wear plugs and muffs.

[2nd_Amendment_Patriot]

Maybe I am just harsh. I believe that the establishment has a sign that says gun range on the door or out front. You shouldnt have to apologize because your rifle was too loud. Really. Are we at that point where at a ROCK concert a person can be bothered by the ROCK music. I believe that you were very polite and what you did was alright but at the same time I dont believe you should have to stop shooting the gun you brought to the range to zero because someone is scared. It isnt like you were shooting .50 Cal.
Just my opinion. No disrespect.

[JeffM]

This thread reeks of chauvinism.

If women want to wear pants, work outside the home, and vote, then I feel no need to open doors or apologize for making loud noises.

[five.five-six]

it's good practice to be around loud guns, BGs don't always carry silenced .22s