roper –
First, the only posted rule I ever talked about was a notification rule, which you agree exists. When the notification rule was introduced at the club there was an article about it in the newsletter, which goes to all members, explaining how it was intended to work, which is as I have described. Further, it HAS worked that way. So I’m not sure what you’re complaining about.
The “Benchrest Range doesn't have an established firing line as to placing of the shooting tables”??? For God’s sake, they are made of concrete tops and steel legs! Nobody moves them, and while I don’t recall (don’t use that range much), I believe they are attached to the concrete floor! The firing line is very well established! On the 100/200 range there is a number of portable benches (the number varies) that can be moved around, but they all have to sit in the pea gravel that is bordered by concrete edging – another well-defined shooting area.
You are correct that there is no defined firing line at the pistol ranges and the 100-yard rifle range that is there. People shoot at all different ranges, depending on their desire. Also at the 100/200 yard range to the west, if you back up to 300, 400 or 500 yards there is no well defined line, but I have never seen more than 3 shooters at a time at any of these distances and a line was formed and benches set up accordingly. Not a big deal, and again totally irrelevant.
The number of benches is not relevant (and it changes because they are portable). You saw the range, your guess on the width is as good as mine. You want to describe the range, go ahead. It’s also irrelevant.
As to Range Officers, the club has lots of them. Whoever shows up at a particular range first becomes the RO. Haven’t seen any real issues or problems with that arrangement.
“Muzzle blast with or without a brake can be dangerous” – well, yes, but I have never seen a rifle without a brake spit stuff out sideways like the ones with brakes often do. For what it is worth, I have seen ceasefires called due to handguns as well as brakes, and for the same issues – stuff spitting out sideways and the blast.
What I originally claimed – and still do – is that if someone objects to your brake you don’t shoot it. I define objecting as being concerned enough to call a ceasefire, which anyone on at the range can do at any time. I have only seen a gun put away once due to a brake, all other times the various parties involved came to a compromise that everyone could accept. None of the ceasefires I have seen called were due to noise – it has always been about the blast and/or the particles ejected in the blast. I have also seen ceasefires called due to flying brass and other problems. In each case it’s the same – someone calls a ceasefire and the shooting stops – at least until a compromise is reached.
By the way, I support the NRA just fine, well beyond simple paying of dues. If people want to shoot braked rifles, I support that too, no problems. What I cannot support, and never will, is someone infringing on the rights of other club members to a safe and enjoyable shooting environment. You talk about how “most shooters are pretty courteous to each other” and then talk as if that’s not the case. The fact of the matter is they generally are and when someone objects to something an acceptable resolution is generally reached pretty quickly.
