2aHawaii

General Topics => General Discussion => Topic started by: Cheeehooo on December 15, 2020, 07:13:06 AM

Title: What to expect at the range
Post by: Cheeehooo on December 15, 2020, 07:13:06 AM
Hey guys new gun owner here. Looking to get some handgun range time in at koko head, and would appreciate any guidance that goes along with that. I.E. do I need to bring my own target, loading 5 rounds, etc? This might be useful to other new owners as well. Mahalo..all the knowledge here is much appreciated.  :shaka:

Any other range options on Oahu if you guys recommend any as well
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: Drakiir84 on December 15, 2020, 07:17:04 AM
http://www.honolulu.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38579:koko-head-shooting-complex&catid=182:site-dpr-cat
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: macsak on December 15, 2020, 07:28:23 AM
Hey guys new gun owner here. Looking to get some handgun range time in at koko head, and would appreciate any guidance that goes along with that. I.E. do I need to bring my own target, loading 5 rounds, etc? This might be useful to other new owners as well. Mahalo..all the knowledge here is much appreciated.  :shaka:

Any other range options on Oahu if you guys recommend any as well

there's a thread on the forum somewhere about this
don't have time to search right now, sorry
someone will post soon, i hope
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: oldfart on December 15, 2020, 07:31:56 AM
Hey guys new gun owner here. Looking to get some handgun range time in at koko head, and would appreciate any guidance that goes along with that. I.E. do I need to bring my own target, loading 5 rounds, etc? This might be useful to other new owners as well. Mahalo..all the knowledge here is much appreciated.  :shaka:

Any other range options on Oahu if you guys recommend any as well
==============
The best thing would be to go to the range with somebody who is already familiar with the SOP.
But a good start would be to watch these videos from my friend Kimo...
https://youtu.be/RtfY8K2Ftv0
https://youtu.be/J6YhIILw66w
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: changemyoil66 on December 15, 2020, 09:18:21 AM
Here is some important info:

1) Case and uncase firearm at the firing line only. 
2) When casing and uncasing, make sure the barrel is pointed at the target (downrange).  Do not point toward direction of others, even if not touching it.
3) When not using the firearm, keep the pistol resting and pointing at the target, see above for direction of pistol
4) When a cease fire is called, do not go pass the yellow line, EVEN TO GRAB SOMETHING.  Grab all items needed before cease fire.  You will get scoldings from range officers (RO)
5) Load 5 rds max in mags
6) No rapid fire allowed, so about 1 second between shots is OK
7) Main rule is KEEP THE BARREL POINTED DOWN RANGE.  Even when reloading, I've seen so many guys flagging people while reloading.
8) When pistol is not in use, keep slide locked backed
9) No holstering at all


Have fun and listen to the RO's if commands given, don't argue.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: drck1000 on December 15, 2020, 09:31:58 AM
Echo recommendation to go with someone who is familiar.  There are many on this board who have offered in the past to host folks and show them the ropes.  Beyond that, be familiar with the rules and when in doubt, stop and ask.  Most folks at the range are happy to help.  Can't stress the firearm safety rules enough, particularly muzzle in a safe direction. 

Understand that going to the range for the first time can be intimidating, but we've all been there.  Be open minded, listen to Range Officers and pay attention to SAFETY at ALL times.  Of course, have fun!  Shooting is fun!
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: changemyoil66 on December 15, 2020, 09:38:27 AM
To update the top 10 reasons, it's OK to leave loaded mags on the table during a cease fire.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: stangzilla on December 15, 2020, 09:59:00 AM
a spotting scope is a good thing to have to see how you are shooting.  on pistol side I just use small binoculars bc its not that far
sucks to be shooting and you don't know where you are hitting
after you load firearm, shoot all that's in the mag or cylinder.  don't shoot some and then set it down on the bench loaded to look at your target
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: oldfart on December 15, 2020, 10:05:20 AM
a spotting scope is a good thing to have to see how you are shooting.  on pistol side I just use small binoculars bc its not that far
sucks to be shooting and you don't know where you are hitting
after you load firearm, shoot all that's in the mag or cylinder.  don't shoot some and then set it down on the bench loaded to look at your target
===========
I practice zen shooting.
Zen shooters can see every shot hitting the center of the target. They don't need a spotting scope.
 :rofl:
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: omnigun on December 15, 2020, 10:53:41 AM
Wear a mask and have ear and eye protection.  Don't forget any of those else you can't shoot!
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: ren on December 15, 2020, 10:57:55 AM
To update the top 10 reasons, it's OK to leave loaded mags on the table during a cease fire.

pistol side too?
I don't recommend any of the indoor private ranges ... too buku..even if you did write a letter of support to local officials.....
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: rpoL98 on December 15, 2020, 11:57:00 AM
Any other range options on Oahu if you guys recommend any as well
if you're a active duty mil, retired mil, or DOD Govt employee/retired, you may be able to access some of the islands' on-base military ranges.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: Cheeehooo on December 15, 2020, 05:45:18 PM
Right on thanks for all the good info!!
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: changemyoil66 on December 15, 2020, 08:29:48 PM
pistol side too?
I don't recommend any of the indoor private ranges ... too buku..even if you did write a letter of support to local officials.....
Ive been doing it since 2016 and no one said anything. And nothing written on the rule board either.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on December 15, 2020, 10:28:57 PM
To update the top 10 reasons, it's OK to leave loaded mags on the table during a cease fire.

RSO told me that's a no-no.  Scolded us when my friend forgot.

I only leave unloaded mags on the table during ceasefires.  Loaded go either in my pockets or in my range bag.

I can see some bad things being avoided by not leaving a gun and loaded mag next to each other.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: dogman on December 16, 2020, 05:55:06 AM
My experience is rifle side okay to have loaded magazines on bench during cease fire, pistol side no loaded magazines on bench during cease fire.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: oldfart on December 16, 2020, 06:28:44 AM
My experience is rifle side okay to have loaded magazines on bench during cease fire, pistol side no loaded magazines on bench during cease fire.
...
Now I'm confused. I thought they did away with the loaded mag rule on the pistol side.

Regardless, I personally won't leave a loaded mag on the bench uncovered.
You never know when some nut case might go berserk.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on December 16, 2020, 11:59:03 AM
...
Now I'm confused. I thought they did away with the loaded mag rule on the pistol side.

Regardless, I personally won't leave a loaded mag on the bench uncovered.
You never know when some nut case might go berserk.

This issue is one reason I still think there needs to be a range "orientation" process.  They can easily produce a video with all the rules and examples of what to do and not do.  They don't even have to make everyone watch it live.  Post it online.  If they issue everyone a Range card with the dates, and keep a database of when people watch (easy enough if online), they can then require annual refreshers, for any rule changes they might not be aware of.

It would also be simple to let people request reminders when the annual refresher is due.

How strictly they enforce the training is not important.  What's important is making the information available to everyone so these discussions about range rules aren't as frequent.  Should not have to go to a 2A forum to have questions about range safety rules answered. 

An active range  isn't the easiest environment for asking an RSO (while distracting him from watching the line).
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: zippz on December 16, 2020, 12:35:56 PM
To update the top 10 reasons, it's OK to leave loaded mags on the table during a cease fire.

Seemed like it was an RSO making up their own rule than an official rule.  I wonder if has to do with suicides, a person comes up to the bench during ceasefire, loads, and pops a round off.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: ren on December 16, 2020, 12:53:06 PM
Seemed like it was an RSO making up their own rule than an official rule.  I wonder if has to do with suicides, a person comes up to the bench during ceasefire, loads, and pops a round off.

If I remember that happened a few years ago.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: drck1000 on December 16, 2020, 12:54:03 PM
I don't keep loaded mags on bench if I'm going downrange. 

That said, I've been there where RSOs have advised me both ways.  Ok to leave loaded mags and not allowed.  Their intentions are to keep everyone safe, so all good.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: changemyoil66 on December 16, 2020, 01:26:14 PM
This issue is one reason I still think there needs to be a range "orientation" process.  They can easily produce a video with all the rules and examples of what to do and not do.  They don't even have to make everyone watch it live.  Post it online.  If they issue everyone a Range card with the dates, and keep a database of when people watch (easy enough if online), they can then require annual refreshers, for any rule changes they might not be aware of.

It would also be simple to let people request reminders when the annual refresher is due.

How strictly they enforce the training is not important.  What's important is making the information available to everyone so these discussions about range rules aren't as frequent.  Should not have to go to a 2A forum to have questions about range safety rules answered. 

An active range  isn't the easiest environment for asking an RSO (while distracting him from watching the line).

Clark County has 1 on YT.  They even use that same one for you to watch if it's your first time there.  It's like 6 minutes.  Short and sweet.  Maybe an org can make 1 that everyone can use?  Also no mention of it the last time I visited KHSC website either about the loaded mags.  But I never seen a TV at KKSC nor do they have wifi. 

Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on December 16, 2020, 03:25:07 PM
Clark County has 1 on YT.  They even use that same one for you to watch if it's your first time there.  It's like 6 minutes.  Short and sweet.  Maybe an org can make 1 that everyone can use?  Also no mention of it the last time I visited KHSC website either about the loaded mags.  But I never seen a TV at KKSC nor do they have wifi.

Don't need WiFi at KHSC.  A copy of the video would be sufficient which can be played on a tablet, TV or whatever other device they can get. 

One range I went to (Palmetto State Armory in SC) didn't even use A/V for the training.  There were maybe 3 sheets of information to sign and initial.  One had safety rules for the lanes, one had rules of the range such as ammo restrictions and age limits with or without adult supervision, etc., and the third had room to write your personal info and a liability release to sign.

Doesn't have to be overly complicated.  If they can't do video production, then an online PDF you can fill out and submit online AND forms you could optionally read and sign at the range would be valid alternatives.

Many ways to do this without the current method -- which is doing nothing. 

My first trip, I went as part of my handgun safety training group.  First trip on my own, I walked up to the RSO and said, "This is my first time.  What do I need to know?"  He pointed to a couple of signs with sparse rules, pointed out some things on the bulletin board to read, and said, "Let me know if you have any questions."  At least he knew at that point to watch how I do and correct me ("gently") when I was not doing something I should.

That level of individual attention isn't feasible on a busy day, nor should it be needed when the RSOs have a duty to watch the entire line, not just the one or two noobs.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: aieahound on December 16, 2020, 10:11:55 PM
The rules aren’t real complicated.
Firearm safety plus what everyone said.
You go your first time, get yelled at (hopefully not on the bullhorn) and then you know.
You won’t forget it, whatever it is you did wrong the first time.

Keep the muzzle down range at all times and stay behind the yellow line during cease fire if not repairing targets. Actions open and magazines out.

If you don’t get yelled at for something in your first couple trips, you haven’t experienced the range.
Just don’t be dangerous.
I miss that old guy with the gruff voice and his bullhorn.

Also those videos from Bruddah Kimo that O.F. posted are very good.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: oldfart on December 17, 2020, 06:54:20 AM
If I remember that happened a few years ago.
...
It also happened on Maui.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: oldfart on December 17, 2020, 07:04:20 AM
Hey guys new gun owner here. Looking to get some handgun range time in at koko head, and would appreciate any guidance that goes along with that. I.E. do I need to bring my own target, loading 5 rounds, etc? This might be useful to other new owners as well. Mahalo..all the knowledge here is much appreciated.  :shaka:

Any other range options on Oahu if you guys recommend any as well
...
I might go to the pistol range on Sunday afternoon if you want somebody to coach you through.
Let me know.
I just did that with my other newbie friend a few days ago.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: changemyoil66 on December 17, 2020, 09:19:38 AM
...
I might go to the pistol range on Sunday afternoon if you want somebody to coach you through.
Let me know.
I just did that with my other newbie friend a few days ago.

It's always good to go with someone who's been there before for the 1st time.  I was super intimidated the first time I went.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: aieahound on December 17, 2020, 10:16:23 AM
Definitely optimal to go with someone with experience your first time.
And O.F. Is super cool. Take him up on his offer if you can. You won’t find much more experienced.

I went with an experienced shooter my first time and was still intimidated on my first solo flight.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: drck1000 on December 17, 2020, 11:05:50 AM
Definitely optimal to go with someone with experience your first time.
And O.F. Is super cool. Take him up on his offer if you can. You won’t find much more experienced.

I went with an experienced shooter my first time and was still intimidated on my first solo flight.
I'm sure the berm was intimidated :P
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: changemyoil66 on December 17, 2020, 11:17:58 AM
I'm sure the berm was intimidated :P

Not anymore, Mrs. CMO stopped hitting it.  Thanks to Zipps instruction.
Title: Re: What to expect at the range
Post by: drck1000 on December 17, 2020, 11:33:02 AM
Not anymore, Mrs. CMO stopped hitting it.  Thanks to Zipps instruction.
:geekdanc: