Made a trip to the range today

bionic knees · Sep 25, 2024

So, I broke down and took a rifle to a public sight in at a local range. It was only the second time I have ever been to a "range". The first time was Douglas Ridge, I went with a member and we nearly had the whole place to our selves. Today was a smaller range and was fairly busy. While I found the staff and everybody there to be plenty friendly and helpful I just couldn't get comfortable, and my shooting reflected that. There was just something that I didn't like about strangers hovering around, looking over my shoulder. I got frustrated and left before getting my rifle dialed in. So I guess I am just not a "range" guy, back to the woods for me.

Alexx1401 · Sep 25, 2024

bionic knees said:
So, I broke down and took a rifle to a public sight in at a local range. It was only the second time I have ever been to a "range". The first time was Douglas Ridge, I went with a member and we nearly had the whole place to our selves. Today was a smaller range and was fairly busy. While I found the staff and everybody there to be plenty friendly and helpful I just couldn't get comfortable, and my shooting reflected that. There was just something that I didn't like about strangers hovering around, looking over my shoulder. I got frustrated and left before getting my rifle dialed in. So I guess I am just not a "range" guy, back to the woods for me.

It takes most a while to get comfortable in a situation like that. If you are lucky enough to have an easy place to go and be alone that is GREAT. Sadly a LOT of us no longer have that unless we want to make a day trip out of it. I have long said if I ever hit the lotto I would buy property where I could step out my back door and shoot.

DB is Here · Sep 25, 2024

I found the same thing the first time I went to an actual range. That said the places I used to go got crowded with folks that had no concept of safe shooting practices, so back to the range I went...got used to it over time and now actually enjoy it and fine folks I've met over the years.

Alexx1401 · Sep 25, 2024

DB is Here said:
I found the same thing the first time I went to an actual range. That said the places I used to go got crowded with folks that had no concept of safe shooting practices, so back to the range I went...got used to it over time and now actually enjoy it and fine folks I've met over the years.

THAT! That is the one BIG downside to a public place where just anyone can go and no controls. It can be amazing some of the crap you will see people do.

Koda · Sep 25, 2024

Ranges can be uncomfortable when super busy, but we are fortunate here with public land.
Imagine target shooting in a state with virtually no public land.

bionic knees · Sep 25, 2024

I may give it another go, after thinking about my visit I had several things working against me. I recently had a muzzle brake installed so the scope and mounts were off the gun. The mount and scope is new too. I was also shooting reloads that I hadn't shot yet. ( Probably not the brightest move) Don't know why I did that, I had some factory ammo that shoots well with me. I will most likely give it another try, I also picked up a membership application while I was there, the range is only about 20 minutes from home.

Koda · Sep 25, 2024

bionic knees said:
I will most likely give it another try, I also picked up a membership application while I was there, the range is only about 20 minutes from home.

Good, I think it would work out for you. I definitely wouldn't judge a range by its public day visit when its unusually crowded. I enjoy shooting in the woods too but a range with facilities is nice on the rainy days here we get more of than less.

bionic knees · Sep 25, 2024

Koda said:
Ranges can be uncomfortable when super busy, but we are fortunate here with public land.
Imagine target shooting in a state with virtually no public land.

Public land where it is legal to shoot any where near the metro area is increasingly hard to find. I live between Oregon City and Estacada, I am looking at a drive of at least an hour to get out to where I might be able to shoot. Then ya never know what yayhoos may pull in on you

bionic knees · Sep 25, 2024

Koda said:
Good, I think it would work out for you. I definitely wouldn't judge a range by its public day visit when its unusually crowded. I enjoy shooting in the woods too but a range with facilities is nice on the rainy days here we get more of than less.

There were things that I did like for sure, being a member could be o good thing. A couple more visits and my comfort level would probably improve.

Koda · Sep 25, 2024

bionic knees said:
Public land where it is legal to shoot any where near the metro area is increasingly hard to find. I live between Oregon City and Estacada, I am looking at a drive of at least an hour to get out to where I might be able to shoot. Then ya never know what yayhoos may pull in on you

Agree, thats a much more difficult area to find a safe spot to shoot on public lands, a long drive would be in order and thats not always practice. On the west side of Portland, the coast range is close to town and virtually endless. Its true, you never know who may pull in on you.... though Ive only had one uncomfortable incident in over 20 years its still concerning.

CabbageMan · Sep 25, 2024

I'm not trying to get Chris Kyle'd either. Jk.

I make it a point to travel far and on weekdays to go shoot on public land. Would rather pay for gas over a range fee and not have to deal with range cliques and RSOs that play favorites.

gmerkt · Sep 25, 2024

Like anything else, you get used to the range experience, I try to anticipate days when the range is apt to be less busy. I take different firearms in case one area or another is busy. That way I can pick less crowded areas. I've been a member of the range where I shoot for 20 years. I go to the meetings and put in work hours.

Here's the thing, eventually there will be no shooting on public land. So if you establish a relationship with a range, you will continue to have a place to shoot. Hopefully. Unless they are successful in closing down ranges as well.

orygun · Sep 26, 2024

bionic knees said:
I may give it another go, after thinking about my visit I had several things working against me. I recently had a muzzle brake installed so the scope and mounts were off the gun. The mount and scope is new too. I was also shooting reloads that I hadn't shot yet. ( Probably not the brightest move) Don't know why I did that, I had some factory ammo that shoots well with me. I will most likely give it another try, I also picked up a membership application while I was there, the range is only about 20 minutes from home.

Estacada?