Range Etiquette

[CrossedRifles]

Not sure if that was the right word for it.

Transferring the rifle / handguns from the car to the range, do they need to be concealed or at least in a bag?

I'm pretty sure you're supposed to have your chamber exposed also, right?

I don't want to do anything wrong or get yelled at. Lol.

I'm not sure whether to buy a scabbard or just throw the rifle in the truck exposed and take it to the range like that also.

[The Machine]

You would be safe if you treat the walk from your car to the firing line the same way you would legally transport your weapons in the car. I keep my handguns locked up and my rifles in a case, though the rifles are not locked up.

Some ranges have signs posted in the parking lot as to their etiquette.

[Hopalong]

You can keep your guns in something to keep them from getting dinged up.

Once out of their protective wrappers, actions/chambers open.

[TMC]

Its always best to keep them bagged until you're at the firing line. Soft cases and pistol rugs are fine.

[bussda]

Call or go to the range you are going to shoot and ask them. Usually, unloaded, locked in a case, ammunition in a separate case is best. Exposed chamber can be problematic and range specific. Empty chamber and no rounds in weapon is unloaded.

[rojocorsa]

I usually keep it bagged until I am ready to shoot. But sometimes if I run out of bags, and I want to shoot one of my milsurps, I just thrown it in the car.

At the parking lot, the unbagged milsurp will be on my shoulder pointing up. I have the empty action closed and on safe. If it's my Mosin, I leave the bolt out.

[Sonic_mike]

cant go wrong with a range bag especially if its under $20 not sure what rifle you have but this fits my ar excellent.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=939239907

[oldsmoboat]

I keep mine in a locked bag till I park at the range. Remove guns, walk to range gate with eyes/ears on and actions open.

[50BMGBOB]

If you don't have a rifle case. Actions open and empty, muzzles up is a good rule. But like others have said, a cheap case helps protect a rifle in transport.

[ChopperX]

When I went to the range today I had my revolver in a small case. Unlocked and the firearm was definitely unloaded. They had no issues with how I brought my firearm. I also went in ahead to ask then went home and brought my gun. Range is super close to me so no biggie. Always ask.

[chesterthehero]

chamber flags are always nice

[iareConfusE]

Most ranges want you to keep your firearm inside of a case or a bag when you enter. I've seen people get yelled at when they entered with an open carried weapon.

Most gun stores I've been to also have employees that open/concealed carry. It's probably not wise to walk from your car into their store with an uncased pistol in your hand. If you don't have a soft/hard case with you, the least you can do is wrap your gun up in a pair of jeans, or a sweatshirt. Even better, find a racket bag to put it in. Last time I went to a Calguns shoot, I walked in with my friend's shotgun cased in a tennis racket bag, and I heard a guest asking his friend who brought him to the shoot, "Why did he bring a tennis racket?", as I uncased the shotgun inside and leaned it up on the wall with a smile

[Will Goes Boing]

If you walk around with a pistol/rifle/shotgun without carrying it in a case out in public, you can be charged with brandishing a firearm.

[twolane]

Handguns need to be in a locked case while transporting correct? How would you go about locking a soft case? Just a little padlock on the zipper?

[The Machine]

This is from the horse's mouth. It is both very clear and very vague at the same time.

HANDGUNS
California Penal Code section 12025 does not prevent a citizen of the United States over 18 years of age who is not lawfully prohibited from firearm possession, and who resides or is temporarily in California, from transporting by motor vehicle any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person provided the firearm is unloaded and stored in a locked container.

The term "locked container" means a secure container which is fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock, or similar locking device. This includes the trunk of a motor vehicle, but does not include the utility or glove compartment. For more information, refer to California Penal Code Section 12026.1.

SHOTGUNS AND RIFLES
Nonconcealable firearms (rifles and shotguns) are not generally covered within the provisions of California Penal Code section 12025 and therefore are not required to be transported in a locked container. However, as with any firearm, nonconcealable firearms must be unloaded while they are being transported. A rifle or shotgun that is defined as an assault weapon pursuant to Penal Code 12276 or 12276.1 must be transported in accordance with Penal Code section 12026.1.

I would keep your handgun in the case it came with, assuming that it came with a plastic case with a little hole for a padlock. Otherwise, buy one that is a bit larger. This way you can fit more than one handgun in it, should you become chemically dependent on shooting.