Your thoughts on the .50 BMG at a public range...

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The solution is simple: Vote with your feet.

THE POST WAS IN THE CONTEXT OF USE AT A PUBLIC RANGE...and most of them, ban .50 cals in my vicinity, this one does not.
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Go to one where the thing that you don't like is banned.

Just don't go compaining that they don't allow things you want, when you get there.

Can't find a range that is run like you want? Start your own.

It's the free market. Love it, because it is much better system than a mob of Progressives setting up a screetching chorus of "There Oughta Be a LAW!" every five minutes.
 
Having never experienced a .50 I'd like to ask if the sound is muffled to a safe level by good cans+plugs? If it is not, I feel like it should be the range officers responsibility to provide a safe environment for all users.

Users of a public range should expect to need (and therefore bring) reasonable hearing protection (Cans+Plugs). If the .50 exceeds the capabilities of this level of protection then I would expect some kind of considerations made for safety.

Safety is the only issue I would have with the situation. If it was annoyingly loud instead of dangerously loud, I would remove myself from the area before I infringed upon someone else's rights.
 
I don't agree. I think if it's not against the rules its ok by me. I myself would probably stop what I was doing and watch, as I've never seen one being shot up close.
 
When I am at the range shooting my .50 S&W which is not that often. I can tell you that sitting 10 ft to the side of somebody shooting a .50 BMG with plugs and muffs does little against the noise, and the blast is pretty bad even at 10 ft. But I am aware before I go that they will be there shooting them and I choose to go ( if I could shoot the S&W any other time I would and not have to endure the BMG's) but they are there at their alotted time and are breaking no rules, so I just deal untill I have had enough, then I leave. Because according to the rules ,they have just as much right as I do to be there. But I have a feeling that is fixing to change. And myself with my .50 S&W as well as them with their .50 BMG's will all be hunting somewhere else to shoot, because I don't think it will be long and It will have the same rules as the rest of the ranges. After that I will have realy NO reason to keep the Smith, cause I don't much care for it anyway. Whish I had what I paid for it back and the gun shop owner had a feather up his, well you know, and we would both be tickled!
 
Public range=public access. If the noise from the muzzle break is an issue, then consideration for others is in order, perhaps announcing "Ready to Fire"
so others can ready themselves.
 
I spent all day at the local hospital, what with some surgery for my wife. Ergo, I am not in a good mood.

I really don't like to see insults such as showed up on the first page. My reflexive notion is somewhere between infractions and banstick. But, I might be over-reacting because of my mood.

But y'all don't have to act like handgun forum creatures squabbling over Glock vs. 1911.

As usual, "If the shoe don't fit, don't wear it."
 
I'd have given the guy $10-$20 for ammo and asked if me and my son could put a few rounds through it.

I understand the frustration, but it is a public range. I get to my range most mornings before sunup to have it by myself. By the time it is light enough to shoot I've already got all my targets set up, chronograph and other gear set up and just waiting on enough light to shoot. I'm usually gone by 11, 12 at most and rarely see another shooter.

If more than 2 others show up, or if the type of shooting is too distracting for me to accomplish my goals, I just pack up and leave. I'll come back another day.
 
Wow, tobnr never said anything about banning guns, or banning BIG guns. He asked a simple question.

I asked if I was alone in that opinion....a simple yes, or no, is all that's needed. If it gets insulting, I'll just ask the mod to shut it down. It's a fair question.
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Sorry, man, there is no such thing as a simple question on this forum. Many members are just waiting to jump all over another person's post, berate them for lack of knowledge and generally be total jackwagons every chance they get. I have no problems with your original post. You asked for other's options, and instead got 20+ post of guys complaining like a bunch of old women, calling you names, insulting your heritage, etc.
Too bad we can't make a simple post, and nothave to wade thru all the asshats to get a decent answer

Jez guys, lighten up a little. This forum is supposed to be relaxing and fun, remember:rolleyes:
 
I could understand, maybe, if the guy parked himself next to you... But he didn't. You chose to sit next to him. You chose to put yourself and son there, instead of waiting for open seats further away. Why should I have to stop shooting because you come up? I don't like those AR guys slinging their brass all over me...so I move away. If there's no spots open, I wait. I have said something to two guys who parked themselves next to me on an open range... But they sat next to me, and the range was just about empty. This was after I had to show them that just because a 30 rnd mag holds 32, doesn't mean it should. Should've let them puzzle it out.

If thats the only range that allows .50's, why further restrict them? Why not join another range if you don't like .50's shooting. What if that guy has to drive a long way to shoot his gun? As far as certain days/times...what if his schedule conflicts with those times? Not only is that the only range, he still can't use it because he works.
 
Thanks to those of you- and there are more than a few- that took my question in the spirit it was intended.

As far as the "why don't you just go somewhere else where they're not allowed" comments, be advised that this is the only 1000 yard public range in the state of Florida. If you shoot long range, and you're from Florida, you know the place...

So, there IS no place else to shoot, and we drive two hours each way to get there.

So for a final time, my question was ONLY whether the .50 BMG exceeds the "civility" standard for a crowded public range on a Sunday afternoon- nothing more. It is NOT a knock on the .50- I already stated it would be a cool toy to own, but waay down on my list for practical reasons..if you own one, good for you- seriously...

If you haven't sat next to one directly in the blast wake, don't bother commenting- because you have no clue.
 
Lighten up, pal- and re-read my post...

I NEVER said the guy wasn't a serious shooter...
I did question as to why anyone would select a .50 BMG over the .338 LM for TARGET shooting at 1000 and less.

I've sat next to .300 WM's, .338 LM's, and they're not even close to the concussion of the .50 BMG.

You ever sat directly next to one, and had the shooter run off 20 rounds?
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Yes tobnpr, I have, and in sessions over 100 rounds as a spotter and I have spotted for .338 Lapua shooters as well. Both will put a bit of wear and tear on you, no doubt, and the .50 BMG is worse. Of course, the report of some of the larger caliber full auto guns will shake your fillings loose as well. It is a gun range. Guns are loud. Bring the proper gear.

I think you should probably reread your own post as you incorrectly summarized what you said, LOL. I hope that isn't from the concussion of the .50 BMG.
 
It's a lot easier to find public ranges that don't allow .50 BMG than it is to find public ranges that do allow them so if you shoot at a range that allows them, let them shoot there. Sit back and enjoy the spectacle.
 
I don't think most shooters bring more than "conventional" hearing protection to the range, which is inadequate for the .50 BMG.

If I stuff my ear with plugs, then put on electronic muffs, I can't hear the RSO, nor converse with the people I'm shooting with.

If there were an emergency, I would never hear it over the loudspeaker. How is that OK?

I've asked the question, raised the concerns I have. Nothing further to add, so I'll let you guys have at it.
 
Yes, I own a 50. When I go to a public range with it, I always try to be the one on the end. I have even gone as far as to ask someone on the end if they would like to trade benches with me. Its just a courtesy to others. However, if you didn't bring good eye and ear protection with you, then the fault is yours. My best advice to you would to be to quit complaining and invest in the proper gear. BTW.........my 378WBY isn't that quiet either.
 
SC98: You beat me to it.... When I bring my 'fiddy' to a public range, I also set up as far to one side of the firing line as possible. Yes, I try to be a good corporate citizen but I'm not going to burn time and gas to NOT shoot it for fear of offending anyone. I have been in indoor ranges with Garands going off right next to me, and I wished it weren't so loud but 1) I just sucked it up and 2) it's their right to do so and I am thankful that I and others can still exercise that right.

There are always going to be things that annoy you, but as you said it was a public range so it comes with the territory.

Tobnpr: Never had a problem with using just my ear muffs...
 
I just can't stand the sound of a .22LR going off 8 benches away.



I can understand it can be loud but double bag the muffs, I like using my electronic muffs and little foam plugs.


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Tobnr just saw the post about electronic earmuffs and not hearing anything of you had plugs in as well. Just turn up the muffs. They don't amplify the loud sound so turning up the sensitivity won't make the bmg louder and you'll hear the RSO just fine.
 
It's called responsibility and consideration.

No, of course no guns should be banned at ANY public range. Reasonable rules, such as no rapid fire, etc are safety and consideration issues.

At my local range, there are times when its crowded and times when its empty. If you are going there with a fifty, you should be considerate and polite. Being next to a fifty isn't just loud, they produce a concussive wave that is absolutely disturbing. I love it, but my girlfriend, the novice shooter, just learning to shoot my AR might not. The dad teaching his five year old the basics might not. If you have a fifty, it is absolutely your responsibility to use it in a manner that isn't abusive to people in your general area. If you go to the range, and every lane is full, there are families with kids, put the fifty down for another day. Ask the RM what times the range is a little quieter.

It's like the guy who rides a motorcycle. If I'm eating at my quiet little restaurant and everyone is on the patio enjoying themselves, don't pull up and rev your Harley. I'll watch for motorcycles, but don't race them, drive between traffic lanes and all the other stupidity I see.

Americans sometimes forget, freedom means we CAN do something, but responsibility and morality tell us if we SHOULD do it. Be respectful, be polite, save the fifty for days when the range is a little less crowded.

I love muzzle blast. Not everyone does. Use your brain as well as your trigger finger.
 
The bottom line tobnpr is that if the guy isn't breaking any rules, he has just as much right to be there as you do even if your gun isn't as loud as his.

I don't think most shooters bring more than "conventional" hearing protection to the range, which is inadequate for the .50 BMG.
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If you don't bring adequate hearing protection for what can be fired on the range, then you don't have adequate hearing protection, do you?

If you want special circumstances, then find a range that doesn't allow .50s, show up on days when few other shooters are present, buy your own land and set up your own range where you make all the rules.

If I stuff my ear with plugs, then put on electronic muffs, I can't hear the RSO, nor converse with the people I'm shooting with.

If there were an emergency, I would never hear it over the loudspeaker. How is that OK?
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You have to turn on the electronic muffs. I wear plugs and muffs. I turn up the volume high and have normal conversations with folks. It does not create an unsafe situation where I can't hear the RSO or anyone else.

Tobnpr: Never had a problem with using just my ear muffs...
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In his defense, I would say that next to most .50 BMGs like the Barretts, McMillans, and AR15 .50 bmg uppers, even the best of muffs may not be enough when you are off to the side. The best place to be is behind the front sight and the second best place to be if not on top of the shooter is directly behind the shooter for most of them. There is a slight sound shadow that is the sweet spot to be in when it goes off. To the immediate left or right is not ideal.

Personally what I find most annoying isn't the sound, but the blast of gas and debris some a person's gun off to either side that has a muzzle brake. This is especially true when the folks are shooting bigger calibers. I find that typical safety glasses will fail to stop the dirty air from circulating over your eyes. About all that does is googles. However, the inadequacy of my shooting glasses isn't the fault of the person with the big bore and muzzle brake.
 
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