Security for equipment when downrange

[Dredly]

Originally Posted by crakkajakka15

God if that my my gun they were doing that to, I would be HEATED!!!....Just thinking aobut it gets me mad

yeah the one time the dude got pissed and started yelling from the 50 yard target, the other dude packed up quick and split.

the second time the guy was clearly pissed but decided to just ignore it and not say anything, he did pack up and leave after putting about 3 more rounds down range, didn't even check his target if I remember

Both were during the "Whitetail race to the bench"... aka the 3 - 4 weeks before rifle season where everyone that hasn't shot their gun in a year pulls out their guns and fires 10 rounds down range before getting ready to join the Orange Army

[paul]

Despite the fact that it's against PGC rules I cc my little Keltec p32 when I'm shooting, it's tiny enough that I don't really notice it, and gives me a little more sense of security since I shoot mostly at the game lands ranges and they are open to about anyone. Then again, there's people here(I'm looking at you Brown Bear) who would loudly decry my criminal ways (Is this REALLY appropriate?), but most of those guys seem to have the dough to shoot elsewhere. And yes, I carry more than the three or six round PGC limit in the Keltec.

I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

[WhiteFeather]

http://www.pafoa.org/forum/news-123/...-shooting.html (Car may provide clues in pastor's shooting)
Everyone note criminals are stealing guns when people are down range changing targets, it would be real easy to get shot by your own firearm. Might be a good idea not leave bolt in firearm or OC while at range and do not go shooting alone, especially at public ranges.
Have a very good situational awareness around at the range.

Note this is West Virginia story.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/homep...es-to-shooting

Car may provide clues in pastor's shooting

WAYNE -- The Wayne County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help in their quest to solve the shooting death of the Rev. Mark McCalla.

Investigators are asking for any information regarding a mid-sized car with a New York license plate. A witness spotted it in the area close to the time of McCalla's June 19 death at the Beech Fork State Park rifle range.

Detectives also want any information concerning the vehicle's passenger. He is described as a 6-foot white male wearing a mohawk hair style.

Sheriff David Pennington did not have a description of the vehicle's driver. Anyone with information should contact the Wayne County Sheriff's Department at 304-272-6378.

A state forestry worker found McCalla's body at the rifle range. The 48-year-old from Huntington died from a single gunshot wound to the head. Investigators believe the shooter fired in close proximity to McCalla. After the shooting, his body was dragged about 20 yards.

The shooting took place in a secluded area. Pennington does not believe anyone witnessed the attack.

Pennington said detectives are checking with rental car companies in the region to locate the vehicle with New York tags.

McCalla, an avid outdoorsman, was pastor at Highlawn Presbyterian Church in Huntington. Mourners attended his funeral Monday.

The victim's wife, the Rev. Pamela McCalla, released a prepared statement this week to The Herald-Dispatch. She expressed thanks to the community and a desire to know answers.

"I never imagined at the time that I would have to rely on that kindness and support because of the murder of my husband," she said of the community. "I would like to face the person who did this senseless act to ask for an explanation ... to explain away the void in our family, his church and this community. I cannot think of a single good excuse for this person's actions."

Pennington said the victim's outdoor hobbies included firearms. He owned several firearms, including rifles and handguns.

Two of McCalla's guns and a wallet were taken from the crime scene, Pennington said. State police divers searched a nearby lake Monday and Tuesday for the missing items to no avail.

Investigators have not said if one of the missing guns was used in McCalla's death.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is tracking the serial numbers for McCalla's guns. Pennington said the bureau already identified the number for one of the missing guns. That number was placed into a national criminal database.

Investigators also are checking pawn shops for the missing firearms.

The ATF, State Police and the sheriff's department continue working the case with other agencies. Pennington would not identify those agencies for fear it would lead to speculation about the case.

The motive for the fatal attack continues to baffle investigators. Pennington said they have several leads pointing in different directions but would not elaborate. He said no evidence connects those theories to a possible motive.

"One would assume it was a robbery without knowing anything else, but I don't know everything yet," he said. "We have a lot of work to do. The leads are coming in slow. They are positive leads, and it just takes time to do an investigation of this kind. You can't be too careful when investigating a murder."

Pennington said detectives are analyzing many pieces of evidence. He hopes that gives better direction to the investigation.

Investigators are reviewing recent reports of stolen guns at the rifle range. County and state authorities received similar reports in the past few months. They indicate guns were stolen as the victims replaced paper targets at the range. Deputies have not linked those reports to McCalla's death.

Police seek help
Anyone with information about the death of the Rev. Mark McCalla should call the Wayne County Sheriff's Office at 304-272-6378.

[crlovel]

If shooting alone, I only have one long gun out of my car at a time. When changing targets, long gun is with me, loaded and ready with a fresh mag. If shooting with a friend, one of us stays at the bench to watch the firearms, while the other goes downrange to collect all targets and put up new ones. In either situation, I ALWAYS have my XD or 1911 on my belt.

[jmiro]

all my stuff has slings and holsters. Never thought some one would jack my stuff. However in light of this thread im going to change some things.
Only take what i intend to shoot to the range. take it down range with me. I have seen a few folks with ar15s or aks sling them on their back when it is time to change targets. Never gave it much thought. Were i shoot i can count on my hands the number of times ive been their and some one else is also their. However many times atvs and dirtbikes come flying out of the woods. I do always have my p3at with me when im down range.

[cgbudde]

This is why I never go to the range alone, had too many bad experiences. used to shoot in a range by mount pocono off 940, can't remember the name. they had a deal with the local resort were their guest can use the range and use range firearms, but these morons would walk past the tables picking up any gun they wanted and then get an attitude when you tell them hands off. Now who knows what they were going to do, maybe steal the handgun. When I moved to the hazleton area I would shoot at the state range on broad mountain, and last year people were telling me that a few shooters went down range to change targets and have a rifle stolen. So were ever I go to shoot I have my older son with me and he may only be 13 but he can shoot, and he will.

[ham385]

Does the PAGC have a rule against taking a rifle with you down range? I've thought about this many times and was always very uncomfortable walking down to check targets. It's always kinda killed my fun. I was tempted several times to sling it and take it with me, but was afraid I'd break some rule and be fined. I belong to a private range too, and feel much more comfortable there, not to mention, I don't have any hesitation slinging and taking it with me.

[tl_3237]

Originally Posted by ham385

Does the PAGC have a rule against taking a rifle with you down range? .

Only thing I could find was a prohibition against a LOADED firearm downrange.

http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/05...bchapJtoc.html


"58 Pa Code § 135.181
(b) Prohibited acts. At a rifle and handgun range located on land under Commission ownership, lease or jurisdiction, except when authorized by the appropriate regional director or a designee for military or law enforcement training, it is unlawful to:

(1) Possess a loaded firearm, except at an established shooting station on the firing line. "


Check out the posted rules next time at range to be safe but I would think its OK to take downrange as far as PGC is concerned.

CAVEAT. How this is interpreted under Title 18 Pa CS as far as carrying a firearm in general I'll leave for more knowledgable individuals on this forum to opine.

[edstephan]

Usually when I get to the range I post my targets, then unload the truck, My spotting scope is good enough that I don't have to walk to check them. I can even see the 5.56mm at 300yd. When I finish shooting I'll pack up the truck and lock it before going to retrieve the targets. Of course I always have my handgun on me.
Ed