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Question Concerning Signs @ Indoor Ranges

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 5:43 pm
by martywj
At the indoor ranges I go to it will have a sign that says "All Firearms Must be Unloaded & cased" or "all guns must be checked" or "No Loaded Weapons".

Do these apply to me as a CHL holder for my carry weapon? What about if I plan on shooting that weapon at that particular range visit? I see no 30.06 signs anywhere. As far as I know this is not covered by state law. Most of these ranges in fact all have adjacent gun shop & you don't have to disarm to go in there.

Re: Question Concerning Signs @ Indoor Ranges

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 5:46 pm
by bdickens
It is covered by state law. The same state law that applies everywhere else.

Re: Question Concerning Signs @ Indoor Ranges

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 5:47 pm
by martywj
bdickens wrote:It is covered by state law. The same state law that applies everywhere else.
And what law would that be??

Re: Question Concerning Signs @ Indoor Ranges

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:07 pm
by A-R
http://www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic. ... lit=+range" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Question Concerning Signs @ Indoor Ranges

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:07 pm
by Keith B
martywj wrote:
bdickens wrote:It is covered by state law. The same state law that applies everywhere else.
And what law would that be??
You stated that 30.06 is state law. So, that is what bdickens was referencing.

As for the range; every range has different rules. The sign(s) you mention usually are not meant for CHL'ers if they are not removing their gun from their holster.

As for shooting your gun a the range, you need to check with each location as for their rules. Some ranges do not want you to unholster at all. others allow you to unholster once you are at the firing line, take it out, shoot it, and only rehoslter once you are ready to leave the line. if a range allows drawing from your holster to shoot, then they usually are OK with you using your CCW to shoot with. Again, check with the range and get their word on how you should do this.

Re: Question Concerning Signs @ Indoor Ranges

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:10 pm
by A-R
martywj wrote:
bdickens wrote:It is covered by state law. The same state law that applies everywhere else.
And what law would that be??
Texas Penal Code 30.06. IANAL, but in a nutshell if they post the proper sign with proper wording OR hand you a document with proper wording OR orally tell you that you cannot carry concealed on the premises then you have been given sufficient notice under PC 30.06 and you would be trespassing if you carried concealed into that premises.

IANAL So a sign that says all guns must be unloaded doesn't count IANAL

IANAL But if they tell you "all guns must be unloaded - no concealed carry allowed" then you're probably on very thin ice if you do so IANAL

Of course if they told me that verbally, I would leave and never return.

Re: Question Concerning Signs @ Indoor Ranges

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 12:48 am
by nonameisgood
DFW Gun Range in Dallas has a sign prohibiting entry with loaded guns, but it specifically says that the prohibition does not apply to CHL holders carrying concealed.

Either it is the legally required 30.06, or it is just like a sign that says "bad guys with guns not allowed to enter", and not really prohibiting carry by CHL holders. It is a surreptitious means of telling CHL holders who know the laws that carry by them is acceptable, while excluding others.

I previously concerned myself with abiding by incorrect signage, until I realized that people really do post slightly incorrect signs to keep out those who aren't as familiar with the law from carrying. If concealed means concealed, the sign is not 30.06, and you are not asked to leave or disarm, then do your thing.
On the other hand, while it is possible that "gunbuster" signs are intended to deter carry by all, I hope a gun-related business owner would know the rules.

I would also say that it is less safe to unholster and clear your weapon in the car than on a range, and not really in the spirit of CHL to hope that you don't need your weapon on the drive over. Leave you weapon in the holster. Once on the range, wait until the range is running, then unholster, point downrange and unload, one way or the other. Obviously, you do not handle a loaded weapon during cease fires.

Re: Question Concerning Signs @ Indoor Ranges

Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 8:03 am
by C-dub
I think they mostly apply to those guns that people are bringing in to shoot at the range or to have work done on them. Besides, if it's not a 30.06 sign, my weapon is concealed, and remains that way I'm just fine.