Newbie question about ranges and targets (bay area)

[krby]

- I'm in Mountain View, will the local indoor ranges (Reed's, Target Masters) allow me to bring my own paper targets? I know they would prefer I buy my ammunition and targets from them, but do the require it?

- I've never been to an outdoor range, how do they work? That is, what type of targets do people take, how do we go and change out targets, etc.

[edbon9]

- I'm in Mountain View, will the local indoor ranges (Reed's, Target Masters) allow me to bring my own paper targets? I know they would prefer I buy my ammunition and targets from them, but do the require it?

- I've never been to an outdoor range, how do they work? That is, what type of targets do people take, how do we go and change out targets, etc.

most indoor ranges require you to buy their targets, what you can do is bring those shoot-n-see targets or bullseyes. outdoor ranges usually give you one target and a frame, you can bring your own targets to those BUT some will not allow 'silhoutte' targets with a recognizable face, oh bring your own tape or stapler just in case

[chickenfried]

Posted policy of most indoor ranges is their targets only. But all the indoor ranges I've been to have been very lenient with this policy or just don't notice, when I use my own targets.

[PanzerAce]

as for putting up the targets, the general way is that there is a 5 minute break for people to walk out, see how they did, and replace the target (if they want to).

[PressCheck]

I take my own targets when I go to Target Masters. Never had a problem doing so.

[chickenfried]

I just thought about it and realized I may be interpreting the rules wrong. If the rules read, "authorized targets only", that's not exactly saying their targets only.

[krby]

I was hoping for actual "I've been to Reed's and allowed to use my own targets", repsonses.
[oops, I posted the above while other's replied]

From the Reed's Rules you have to sign the first time you go in (downloaded this from their website):
"Unauthorized targets are not permitted on the range. Minimum target size is 24"x21". Shooting at anything other than your own target is prohibited"
At first the "unauthorized" part could be seen as "not bought here", but the "minimum" part seems to be a guide if you're bringing your own.


The targetmaster's website isn't working completely and I've never been so I can't find any information about their policy.

[BigAL]

For outdoor targets I like to use those really cheap paper plates you can buy at walmart in packs of 100. The ones that are so crappy any oily foods will leak right through so all they're really good for is shooting. You can opt for the larger or smaller plates. I just staple a few of them on the target every time we have a cease fire.

[krby]

More newbie questions.

BigAl, nice. That's what I'm looking for. I bought (and am currently waiting for) a Ruger 22/45 with the idea that it would be a cheaper way to learn to shoot before I bought my home defense gun. Of course, I'll practice with both, but it's much easier to learn when 1000 rounds costs only $20.

On a slightly related topic...
What's Sunnyvale Rod and Gun club like? I like the idea of a fixed membership fee for all you can shoot, and the require work hourse would be a good way to learn how a range functions. Anyone have pro/cons about them? What's the work usually like? Is it only during the inital membership phase or every year? How is it scheduled? (1 hour at a time would suck, I'd rather go over there, shoot a bit, put a few hours into the club then go home)

[NRAhighpowershooter]

At Chabot (outdoor) you get a choice of targets when you pay your range fees.. You can then tape or staple other targets on it.. BUT the targets must be set up so you don't shoot the wood holding the targets up... basically it's better add targets at the 9 and 3 O'Clock positions than the 6 or 12 O'Clock positions on the cardboard backers...

[edbon9]

On a slightly related topic...
What's Sunnyvale Rod and Gun club like? I like the idea of a fixed membership fee for all you can shoot, and the require work hourse would be a good way to learn how a range functions. Anyone have pro/cons about them? What's the work usually like? Is it only during the inital membership phase or every year? How is it scheduled? (1 hour at a time would suck, I'd rather go over there, shoot a bit, put a few hours into the club then go home)

at sunnyvale, for the first six months you have to put in at least 20hrs of work, attend at least 4 meetings to advance to associate, where you are required to do the same (at least 20hrs of work, plus the 4 meetings). Usually you do work-parties one sunday a month for four hours at least, cleaning up the ranges, doing chores for the good of the club,etc,etc.etc. you are also required to pass the range safety training for pistol/rifle and trap. and you work as an RSO once every 8-12 weeks depending on which day you pick after one year you get voted in as a full member, then you only have to do RSO duty.

[krby]

About Sunnyvale:
Cool, I like that. Does the requirement stay about 20hrs a year aftwards?

[gose]

What annoys me a bit about Sunnyvale is the "Be a citizen of the United States of America" requirement. Does anyone know why they have that (except the obvious one of keeping all of us foreigners out )?

[edbon9]

About Sunnyvale:
Cool, I like that. Does the requirement stay about 20hrs a year aftwards?

no. it's 20hrs each for probate and associate level so 40hrs minimum in the first year.. afterwards you only get assigned range duty. I'll ask about the citizen requirements and let you know gose