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After shooting, I loaded a clip, holstered my weapon and put my jacket on (weapon could not be seen) but was told at the front desk "Sir, next time you must unload and secure your weapon all the way out the store". Assume I was spotted on the range cameras.

I did not mention I had a CHL, but looking back I don't think this would have changed the situation. I believe the gun clerk was simply not a happy camper (having a bad day).

Think about this scenario, undesirable person watches what you shoot, observes you put your weapon in your gun case - waits for you outside the store. Worst case, I would rather Mr./Mrs. Evil know that I am armed and I am not an easy target.. I should also point out the trap is not in the best area of Plano and the parking lot lighting is limited.

I'm going to play by the rules at the trap as I have a paid membership. Question: do they have to be like this? Assume Insurance issue?? Perhaps a simple waiver might solve this?. Also should I talk to the manager and plead my case or just let it go and chalk it up as someone in charge having a bad day?

Sounds like a touchy situation. I've re-holstered at many ranges and walked out, but not the one time I went to the Bullet Trap.

I would prefer to be able to re-holster before leaving, but that is just me.

Having worked as a range officer in the past, I can understand the range employees point of view. It is a safety issue. Accidents can and do happen when holstering a loaded firearm. That's just one more chance for someone to get hurt under their roof.

My .02

Greetings--

Curious-- Are the range's rules that no loaded firearms be off the line ?

Some ranges' rules state somthing to efect of no handling of firearms off the line-- thus implying loaded firearm holstered or in a case is OK.

So-- under these guidelines, if you reholstered on the line and then walked out-- all ok eh ?

Would it not have been possible to do this using your vehicle for cover?

I think it's only the last year or so that 'hot' carry firearms were allowed at PSC.

I always clear and reload in my truck.

At Red's here in South Austin, I wasn't sure what was allowed so I asked if I anybody would freak or bother me if I reloaded in the parking lot. hey said that was OK, but that I could do it right on the range if I wanted to. As long as I was holstered and concealed when I left the range, and didn't do anything unsafe in the process, it was fine with them.

My advice would be to have a chat with the manager. Ask him exactly what their rules are, and if not favorable, if he would consider taking another look at them.

If done in a non-confrontational manner, you have nothing to lose.

frankie_the_yankee wrote:At Red's here in South Austin, I wasn't sure what was allowed so I asked if I anybody would freak or bother me if I reloaded in the parking lot. hey said that was OK, but that I could do it right on the range if I wanted to. As long as I was holstered and concealed when I left the range, and didn't do anything unsafe in the process, it was fine with them.

My advice would be to have a chat with the manager. Ask him exactly what their rules are, and if not favorable, if he would consider taking another look at them.

If done in a non-confrontational manner, you have nothing to lose.

South Austin? Your thingy to the left there says Smithville! We should go shooting!

ejector wrote:After shooting, I loaded a clip, holstered my weapon and put my jacket on (weapon could not be seen) but was told at the front desk "Sir, next time you must unload and secure your weapon all the way out the store". Assume I was spotted on the range cameras.

Where did you do this? On the shooting line, facing downrange or behind the line?

Not sure about how they are worded at BT, but DCSA range rules are and always have been "No gun handling behind the firing line!". CHL people are allowed to carry "hot" into and out of the two shooting stalls, but all loading and unloading is to be done in one of those two positions only.

As I remember, BT just has a bright yellow sign near the entrance that states all firearms brought into the store must be unloaded and in a case...something to that effect. It's not a regulation 30.06 sign. I haven't been in since I've gotten my CHL. Reading this, I'll be sure to unholster before my next visit.

I'll ask next time I visit.

If they have a problem with me carrying concealed, I'll find another place to shoot.

nitrogen wrote:I'll ask next time I visit.

If they have a problem with me carrying concealed, I'll find another place to shoot.

This is your first post as "Nitrogen" in this thread, yet you post as though you are responding to something you already saids; someting like "Ejector" said. Do you use two screen names here?

Big Calhoun wrote:As I remember, BT just has a bright yellow sign near the entrance that states all firearms brought into the store must be unloaded and in a case...something to that effect. It's not a regulation 30.06 sign. I haven't been in since I've gotten my CHL. Reading this, I'll be sure to unholster before my next visit.

I have the same concerns about the range I go to. They have a sign with similar wording, adding that the fee for unloading your gun for you is $20. I'm going to ask them about it next time I go shooting.

frankie_the_yankee wrote:At Red's here in South Austin . . . .

When I've wanted to fire a few rounds from my usual carry gun at Red's, I've just gone ahead and carried concealed into the range, drawn facing downrange in the shooting lane, and proceeded to fire. When finished, I've reloaded, reholstered, and left the range. Since I'm always careful about doing all this in the shooting lane facing downrange, I've never heard a comment of any type from the rangemaster or the guy at the cash register.

If they wanted me to leave the shop "cold" . . . well, there IS a restroom there, right?

txinvestigator wrote:

nitrogen wrote:I'll ask next time I visit.

If they have a problem with me carrying concealed, I'll find another place to shoot.

This is your first post as "Nitrogen" in this thread, yet you post as though you are responding to something you already saids; someting like "Ejector" said. Do you use two screen names here?

Nope. I've reholstered behind the line there before, but never asked. If they have a problem with reholstering behind the line (with CHL) then I'll take my business elsewhere, is all I was saying.