First time at an actual shooting range…..what to expect.

[zip]

Hey All,
I am not new to shooting but have always done it on family property not an actual range. My family has recently sold the property. So I need to find a new place to shoot.

I am thinking about heading down to Wilbur Wright soon, but I have no idea what to expect. So I have a few questions.
I assume I will need to bring my own targets and other shooting gear.
Do ranges have limitations on what ammo I can use ( I will be shooting a pistol)
I have heard some people mention no holsters. What does this mean?
Ball park range of the cost of a day at the range?
Is there any unwritten range etiquette?
Any other helpful advice would be awesome,



Thanks in advance
-Zip

 

[Lock n Load]

I cannot comment on specifics at the WW range, I belong to a private club and its at times as casual as shooting in my backyard but....

Read or if you have to ask, check out their range rules and abide by them.

See if its slow fire only or if rapid fire is allowed.

Im sure they will use the cease fire and range clear commands, even when its just individuals and no range officers are present.

Never pick up any firearm when others are down range, they should stay unloaded, actions open and left in the appropriate position (on shooting mat, bench or in the rack).

Use your safety equipment: eyewear, earwear and stay alert.

I know these sound like common sense but at the public ranges many do not know or follow the rules and often look for examples from others.... and then others dont care.

If someone is doing something unsafe, call them out.... I do it pleasantly at first if its not something life threatening. If its immenent danger then a yell to taking the firearm out of their hands has and will take place!!! Its your life, protect it when they do not.

Ammo is range directed, but I imagine most handgun ammo is ok... usually tracers, steel core etc... are not allowed. Bring your own targets, backers, spotters, tape, staplegun etc....

Enjoy and shoot straight.

 

[Jack Ryan]

Hey All,
I am not new to shooting but have always done it on family property not an actual range. My family has recently sold the property. So I need to find a new place to shoot.

I am thinking about heading down to Wilbur Wright soon, but I have no idea what to expect. So I have a few questions.
I assume I will need to bring my own targets and other shooting gear.
Do ranges have limitations on what ammo I can use ( I will be shooting a pistol)
I have heard some people mention no holsters. What does this mean?
Ball park range of the cost of a day at the range?
Is there any unwritten range etiquette?
Any other helpful advice would be awesome,



Thanks in advance
-Zip

Best thing you could do is call ahead and ask them these questions.

 

[Pale Rider]

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/general_firearms_discussion/55659-eagle_creek_range_some_notes_to_customers_future_and_present.html

 

[zip]

Thanks for the info Lock and Load. I will admit tho that the terms Backers and Spotters are foreign to me.

also thanks to jack and Airborne for the info and link

 

[Lock n Load]

Backers are larger pieces of cardboard to attach targets to and spotters are either store bought or political stickers that can be used to cover the holes to reuse the targets.

Even if the range supplies backer boards, many times they are shot up and will not hold a target.... I bring more than required because its a shame and frustrating to drive to the range and not be able to set up properly.

 

[tenring]

Pick up "all" your spent cases, be they steel or brass, and take your trash home with you.

 

[Archbishop]

Wilbur wright is free and you can pretty much shoot whatever you want. Just do it in the correct area. They have a spot setup for trap. (Bring your own pigeon thrower.) They have a 25 range for pistols. (I think you can shoot 22 rifles and the like, but not sure.) Last they have a 50 yard range for rifles. Anything goes. No rapid fire, and I think no .50 cals. I personally like shooting at WW. Range Masters set the tone for how strict or laid back your day may be. Usually it's pretty laid back. By that I mean no one will say anything to you if you choose to have a gun on your hip. But the other day I was there they had a volunteer range master up from attabury and he got on to someone for moving ammo while the line was cold. (Not his gun his ammo.)
Hope this helps.

 

[rambone]

Cost of the day at the range will be pretty much determined before you go. As someone pointed out, that range doesn't charge a fee. But you will have to figure out how many rounds you are going to bring and that is your main cost.

Shooting handgun ammo adds up $$ quick. Might want to take a buddy and shoot some clay pigeons as well. Shotguns are cheaper to shoot. Also buy/make targets beforehand.

I have no idea why they would say no holsters. That makes no sense to me. You have the right to carry if you have your License. And that should certainly apply at a shooting range.

 

[Archbishop]

Cost of the day at the range will be pretty much determined before you go. As someone pointed out, that range doesn't charge a fee. But you will have to figure out how many rounds you are going to bring and that is your main cost.

Shooting handgun ammo adds up $$ quick. Might want to take a buddy and shoot some clay pigeons as well. Shotguns are cheaper to shoot. Also buy/make targets beforehand.

I have no idea why they would say no holsters. That makes no sense to me. You have the right to carry if you have your License. And that should certainly apply at a shooting range.

Not whether or not I agree with it, but the no gun on the hip thing is a safety thing. You're carrying a live gun and the safety concern is that someone will do something stupid with there gun and someone will get hurt. You're only supposed to have a live gun when you're at the line shoot. (and of course the gun is pointed down range.)

 

[Militarypol21]

Went to WW for the first time about a month ago and going again tomorrow afternoon. When we showed up, we had to fill out a pink slip of paper and keep it on us until we were done, and then had to drop it in the box before we left. There were only 2 of us from our group and 2 others that were already there. The elderly DNR man stopped by to make sure you have something scribbled on the pink slip (used the golf course pencil that was supplied and all you could read is chicken scratch) and then told us to have fun. He did mention they are no longer allowing people to use the supplied sandbags that are next to the shed (guess people weren't taking care of them) so just leave them be and bring your own. There wasn't a range officer marking the range hot or cold... you just shot and when everyone had enough we called it cold ourselves and walked down range. Just make sure you pick up your brass and you will be good to go!

 

[redneckpastor]

anyone got any ideas for targets? i am shooting at the range comes friday morning and i am shooting my glock for most the time i am there but also have an open sight rifel i want to shoot. i want to improve my accuracy with cheap targets hope to be home made stuff easy to make?

 

[redneckpastor]

if you do post anything about target PM me or visitor post me cause i am off to bed now and not going to remember to check this post thanks.

 

[bw210]

anyone got any ideas for targets? i am shooting at the range comes friday morning and i am shooting my glock for most the time i am there but also have an open sight rifel i want to shoot. i want to improve my accuracy with cheap targets hope to be home made stuff easy to make?

Paper plates and duck tape are cheap and last and last. The bright white also helps see your shot placement. Bowling pins are just a blast to shoot - especially with a rifle

 

[eldirector]

x2 on the paper plates. I keep a bunch in the range bag. For more of a challenge, I use a red Sharpie to trace a circle using the inside of the duck tape role. Hang 3 or 4 plates on the target stand, so you don't have to swap out too often. I also mark the top of the plate, so I can check shot placement after pulling the plates down.

BTW: Walmart has those high-visibility targets - 12 for $5. The ones that show green/yellow/red for hits. My wife likes those.

 

[zip]

Thanks for all the info everyone it really helped a lot

 

[IndySKS]

ask around to others there. i went a day ahead of time and talked with the range manager and others shooting there. people were cool and got an idea what to expect

 

[Militarypol21]

just NEVER go on a Tuesday... myself and Jsharmon7 drove all the way to WW today and.... yeah they were closed!

 

[Trevorreplys]

Paper plates and duck tape are cheap and last and last. The bright white also helps see your shot placement. Bowling pins are just a blast to shoot - especially with a rifle

Post it notes, They have neon colored post it notes that are a dollar per one hundred I think. They work nicely
-And to answer your "Is there any unwritten range etiquette?" question. You can always ask the person operating the range. Most people that own or work at ranges love seeing people getting into the sport of shooting (atleast from my experience)
Also.. Don't have your gun loaded when not shooting. And keep a eye on your gun barrel. When people walk passed me at the range I hate when there barrel is pointed right at me.
Have fun!

 

[Jack Ryan]

anyone got any ideas for targets? i am shooting at the range comes friday morning and i am shooting my glock for most the time i am there but also have an open sight rifel i want to shoot. i want to improve my accuracy with cheap targets hope to be home made stuff easy to make?

Sharpie, ruler, paper, clothes pins, paper tape, real estate or political sign.