Why no Shotguns at the range?

[Ibefuz]

what the reasoning behind some ranges not allowing shotguns, yet they allow rifles up to 30-06 or larger. Ive seen people sheer a target hanger clean off the rails with a rifle yet have only seen a shotgun with 00buck knock down a hanger with no real damage done to it.

can anyone explain this to me?

[Donkeypunch0420]

Just guessing here, but maybe they want to avoid tiny #8 shot holes all over everyone's targets? Imagine the spread at 25 yards with a 18in bbl. The spread would probably cover several lanes.

[stix213]

Yeah I'd agree, probably the spread on some shotguns. They might not have their backstop high enough to deal with them.

[ham]

the only two ranges i know in SD that allow shotguns are P2k & ASC. but no pistol grip only shotguns.

[Ibefuz]

the only two ranges i know in SD that allow shotguns are P2k & ASC. but no pistol grip only shotguns.

ive been to both, this question came up because the BLM near me is now sht down atm, and the nearest range is DGM, and i was hoping with the opening of there rilfe range they would allow shotguns now, but alas they dont, and i know other ranges throughout CA dont allow shot guns as well

[ChopperX]

It's due to the spread of some of the types of shot. You will be hitting the target frame and you will be busting target clips. My range charges $2 for broken clips. Happens with normal guns.

When indoor ranges do allow shotguns they will mostly only allow slugs.

[shy 7th]

I've seen some pretty interesting "fireworks" from someone shooting steel birdshot at the concrete floor... Or I assume that's what it was because I was on the other end of the firing line. The best way for me to describe it was an instantaneous, 15-yard, "torrent" of sparks on the floor.

I think they got kicked out.

[RazzB7]

I know that one of the reasons South Bay Rod & Gun Club (San Diego)
only allows shotguns on the trap range is because they don't want the target frames to be shot up.

[Brandon04GT]

Both of the indoor ranges near me allow you to bring your own shotgun but you have to purchase their ammo only. They sell Fiocchi low recoil 00 buck for $10.99/10 rounds.

I asked them about this and they told me it's because shotguns make a mess so for them to allow it they want to be able to make it worth their while by having you use only their shells.

[ouch1]

I know that one of the reasons South Bay Rod & Gun Club (San Diego)
only allows shotguns on the trap range is because they don't want the target frames to be shot up.

That is very similar to the rules at the Los Altos Rod and Gun Club range. The only time they allow shotguns on the 50 or 100 yard ranges is with slugs or 00-buck. But they do have a 25yard patterning board setup in the area between the 50 and 100 yards ranges, and they allow shotguns to fire all Cal legal ammo on the 40 yard tin can range too (which is alot of fun).

-ouch1

[ChopperX]

I can see 00 buck being allowed. Not much of a spread to worry about as compared to others types haha.

[CSACANNONEER]

When I worked at an indoor range, we did not allow anything smaller than 00 buckshot because, idiots would end up shooting too high or not paying attention to the angle they were shooting and what was beyond their targets. This would lead to damaging the expensive braided steel cored rope which was the heart of the target trolly system.

[Army]

Not only rough on the target frames, but after 50yds you are spraying other people's targets too. Not much fun when you've strained every muscle to get that tiny cloverleaf shot group, only to go downrange and find 20 extra holes in your target.

[Merc1138]

Not only rough on the target frames, but after 50yds you are spraying other people's targets too. Not much fun when you've strained every muscle to get that tiny cloverleaf shot group, only to go downrange and find 20 extra holes in your target.

Had someone spraying bird shot next to me at the 100 yard line at metcalf once, I think he got as much on my target as his. Fortunately, as annoying as it was, it's not like the holes were easy to confuse with the .22lr I was shooting at the time but I can see how someone would get irritated by it real fast.

Of course it also tears up target stands. Depending on how the stands are setup at the range, bringing one down can take a few others with it(some idiot shot out a board on a stand at chabot and took out 4 lanes for the rest of the day).

[CK_32]

Like everyone said above I'd assume it's because of spread.. Your looking at a few feet of spread after 20 yards or more.

Just head out to BLM near you..