Range Etiquette

[Moto4Fun]

Obviously it is different whether it is a rifle or handgun. I take my rifle out of the window gun rack, throw it over my shoulder and walk to my spot on the range. Now, if you have a modern sporting rifle, and you range is uneducated or nervous about OLL rifles, you may want to keep it in a scabard. But that's not law or ettiquete, that is specific to your range and the people that may frequent it.

[lewisracing]

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.

Not necessarily true. Search YouTube for videos of "unloaded open carry" and see what happens to people in both Cali and other states.

Yes, you may be harassed by the police, but if you know the laws, you probably won't not be charged with anything.

To the OP, still, you should carry it in a case... cases and locks are cheap enough.

[DaveFJ80]

While everyone is right, here's also my main reasons why I would leave my guns in a case/bag when going to a range....


- Keeps your gun(s) from getting dinged up if you carry them or put them down

- After you shoot, the gun(s) will be dirty, and I don't want to get that on my clothes or touch other things with them.

- I don't want to advertise to other people what I have with me. It's none of their concern.

[Will Goes Boing]

Not necessarily true. Search YouTube for videos of "unloaded open carry" and see what happens to people in both Cali and other states.

Yes, you may be harassed by the police, but if you know the laws, you probably won't not be charged with anything.

To the OP, still, you should carry it in a case... cases and locks are cheap enough.

From what I understand the OP wants to hold the pistol in his HAND while walking from his car to actually going inside the range.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

[cabinetguy]

I prefer to transport my firearms in a locked hard case, so there is no issue, but I have had no issue with soft cases or open carried firearms. just be safe. The last time i went to the range, yolo sportsmans, they had a new requirement for chamber flags, but they had them there for only 50 cents. now I plan to do the same transport, but with the chamber flags in place.

[lewisracing]

From what I understand the OP wants to hold the pistol in his HAND while walking from his car to actually going inside the range.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

It doesnt appear that he ever suggested that he intends to walk into a range with a gun in his hand, and of course, if that is what he intended to do, that would be outright dumb, knowing that most range staff have their own guns side-holstered AND LOADED...

Instead, he seems to be simply asking what he should be doing without implying anything.

[Cali-Shooter]

Be polite. Be efficient. Have a plan to GTFO of there if some low-life decides to commit suicide.

[Will Goes Boing]

It doesnt appear that he ever suggested that he intends to walk into a range with a gun in his hand, and of course, if that is what he intended to do, that would be outright dumb, knowing that most range staff have their own guns side-holstered AND LOADED...

Instead, he seems to be simply asking what he should be doing without implying anything.

I don't know of any indoor gun range that allows customers to carry a pistol in a holster. And if that's not what he's intending to do then the only other way to carry a pistol in without a case/bag is holding it in his hand.... Unless he has a sling for his pistol.

[lewisracing]

I don't know of any indoor gun range that allows customers to carry a pistol in a holster. And if that's not what he's intending to do then the only other way to carry a pistol in without a case/bag is holding it in his hand.... Unless he has a sling for his pistol.

Well, you got me there, but anything is possible...

[Excelsior]

I know at my home range has a few rules that are not common elsewhere. You cannot uncase and rack weapons in front of the gun racks. You need to carry the cased weapons to the line, uncase them and then walk back 10-15' to the racks.

It always has to be MUZZLE UP! or the RSO's get freaky. All racked firearms must have their actions open. One RSO told me to remove the followers from the tubular magazines on two of my guns. Since the action was open, the magazine was empty and I had a little flag stuffed in there I always decline.

At cease fires I always open all the actions and insert chamber flags when possible. Some RSOs still feel the need to fondle my firearms which I find offensive.

[CrossedRifles]

Eh.. I'm too broke to buy a rifle scabbard or cover anyway.

This plastic orange cane shaped thing came with my Otis cleaning system, is this by chance a chamber flag?

I'll just walk in with the rifle and the chamber flag, with my handgun in the factory case. Don't know if it has to be locked, but I'll lock it anyway.

[Bigtwin]

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.

I am not so sure of this as fact! Private property, their house, their rules! (assuming you don't mean parking across the street).

The range I use is an outdoor range and I am well beyond public area before I shoot(even the parking lot). They require guns unloaded/rifles muzzle up and bolt/chamber open and a chamber flag....simple as that!
I bring my pistols in a range bag unloaded, if they are on the firing line chamber flags as well.
Ask the range you are going to as to how the require them...they should be more than happy to explain.

[The Machine]

This plastic orange cane shaped thing came with my Otis cleaning system, is this by chance a chamber flag?

That isn't a chamber flag, it is some kind of fiber optic. It helps collect light down the bore for inspection purposes.

[pepsi2451]

417. (2) Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of any other person, draws or exhibits any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who in any manner, unlawfully uses a firearm in any fight or quarrel is punishable as follows:

I'm not saying its a good idea to carry an exposed firearm without a holster or sling, but its not brandishing.