It has been at least 15 years since I discussed the subject of not allowing carbines, with the silhouette range. I was told it is a city and county parks dept. decision to not allow carbines. If this is true then it has to be changed at the parks dept. level.

All users of the silhouette range should consider the following:
Higher velocity cartridges result in a lot higher steel target damage. More target damage results in more frequent steel target repair/replacement, which can also lead to higher range fees and/or fewer targets to shoot at.   

It has been at least 15 years since I discussed the subject of not allowing carbines, with the silhouette range. I was told it is a city and county parks dept. decision to not allow carbines. If this is true then it has to be changed at the parks dept. level.

All users of the silhouette range should consider the following:
Higher velocity cartridges result in a lot higher steel target damage. More target damage results in more frequent steel target repair/replacement, which can also lead to higher range fees and/or fewer targets to shoot at.   

That's really a silly line. First off, the velocities of pistol calibers from carbines aren't THAT much more impressive than those from handguns. Second, they allow rifle-caliber handguns, which pack MUCH larger wallows than pistol caliber. No, the "it damages the steel" line is an excuse, not a reason.

The thing is, the club is a handgun club. They get to make the rules, and they have made the rules. Their facility is overused as is: were they to allow pistol caliber carbines as well, can you imagine the increased usage? 

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to shoot pistol caliber carbines at those steel targets. Just don't give me some bs reason why I can't; tell me "No, we don't want that" and own it!

Tom I think you are misunderstanding my post. I too would like to shoot my carbine at the silhouette range but it is NOT up to the silhouette club, the RO's, or any body connected to the range. As stated in my post the decision  was made by the parks dept. and NOT the silhouette club. I was an active member of the club and I know what I am talking about. I am NOT giving anyone BS. If you still do not believe me you can go check it out for yourself.

Now as far as target damage is concerned, it absolutely does occur. The high velocity damage is a real concern regardless of the type of firearm used. Whether the damage is from a pistol or a rifle makes no difference. The important thing is that people who use the silhouette range are aware of this fact. As a club member I did my share of target repair. I got to see first hand the damage and the amount of resources it takes to repair some of the targets.     

Tom I think you are misunderstanding my post. I too would like to shoot my carbine at the silhouette range but it is NOT up to the silhouette club, the RO's, or any body connected to the range. As stated in my post the decision  was made by the parks dept. and NOT the silhouette club. I was an active member of the club and I know what I am talking about. I am NOT giving anyone BS. If you still do not believe me you can go check it out for yourself.

Now as far as target damage is concerned, it absolutely does occur. The high velocity damage is a real concern regardless of the type of firearm used. Whether the damage is from a pistol or a rifle makes no difference. The important thing is that people who use the silhouette range are aware of this fact. As a club member I did my share of target repair. I got to see first hand the damage and the amount of resources it takes to repair some of the targets.     

Didn't mean to upset you! I wasn't calling bs on you, but on the premise that increased damage from carbines was a legitimate reason for their exclusion.

However, since you bring it up...

I've been shooting there for nearly 2 decades, and have had this conversation with several "active members, who know what they are talking about." No need to drop names, but they're the ones you see repeatedly if you frequent that range. You are the first to try and pass the buck to Parks. Every other one of these long-time active members has asserted that the club made the decision. Now, they are in total disagreement as to the reason... bullet velocities, availability for handgun shooters, safety concerns, guidelines of the national parent organization...

I'm sure you believe that you know what you're talking about. But I'm equally sure that each of them, in turn, believed that they knew what they were talking about. Who do I believe? And are the others simply misinformed, or deliberately spreading misinformation?

In the end, it isn't important. What matters, at least as far as this post is concerned, is that pistol caliber carbines are not allowed.

The silhouette club leadership made an effort to change the rim fire rifles only rule to also allow pistol caliber carbines. This was done at the request of silhouette club members and some of the cowboy action shooters. The parks dept. rejected this change. The people you talked to who are supposedly long time club members were probably not around or involved when this effort took place back in the day. If they were, then shame on them for forgetting to tell you the whole story. The club is obligated to follow parks dept. directives. I can understand how people can misinterpret this action as the club creating their own set of rules. Blaming the club for the carbine ban accomplishes absolutely nothing. Those who do this are barking up the wrong tree and I will call this out . 

I do not like the decision made by the parks dept. but I can appreciate the troubles that can be created by attempting to please everyone. There will always be people who try to bend or break the rules. I recall stopping people from firing their 556/223 ars at the silhouette range. One person weakly told me: "But,.. but  it is a 22 caliber". I can also see how some one may try to fire a carbine in 45/70 or something even larger while claiming that there is a handgun in this caliber so it can also be a pistol cartridge. Human beings can be very resourceful creatures.

I forgot to mention the repair work to be done at the silhouette range buildings in my earlier post. Electrical power will not be restored until after the repair work has started. With out electrical power the silhouette club welding equipment cannot be used. Target repair work cannot be done with out this equipment. I hope every one understands this.       

Are slugs allowed or not shotgun at all ?

Only if you are shooting a .410 pistol.