NRA range, Fairfax Virginia

[zephyp]

OK, I got responses from NRA regarding carry...

The range informed me that weapons must be unloaded and cased when entering the range...so they either ignored my question about carry or you cannot carry on the range unless you are occupying a lane and shooting...

The museum says OC and CC is indeed allowed and many of the staff practice both...

[gregj]

I have CC several times into the range with no issues. The times I have seen an RO stop someone is when they OC, if you OC then it must be empty. Maybe I've been lucky?

[kle]

I've OCed there several times, and I've seen many other people do so as well; I've seen nothing in the rules against bringing a loaded gun to the range, only that it must be in a case or a holster at all times except in the shooting booth between the black and red lines, pointed downrange while being cased/un-cased holstered/un-holstered. Which is perfectly fine for me.

Of course I CC there all the time--same rules apply: the gun stays in the holster, and concealed means concealed.

[zephyp]

Well I asked the question point blank to the range and museum staff --

What is the NRA policy regarding carry of a loaded handgun openly or concealed in your facility...

The range folks told me guns must be cased and unloaded prior to entering the range...so I take that to mean - based on my question - that CC of a loaded HG is forbidden...though I would do so unless they have a sign posted...

[kle]

Well, until and unless I see a sign...

[gregj]

Gotta love it when the rules are clear and concise, and everyone knows what they are. (Almost) as bad as the gov.

[LFS]

Well I asked the question point blank to the range and museum staff --

What is the NRA policy regarding carry of a loaded handgun openly or concealed in your facility...

The range folks told me guns must be cased and unloaded prior to entering the range...so I take that to mean - based on my question - that CC of a loaded HG is forbidden...though I would do so unless they have a sign posted...

I wonder if your definition of "carry" and their definition of "carry" are not the same.

[zephyp]

Well I asked the question point blank to the range and museum staff --

What is the NRA policy regarding carry of a loaded handgun openly or concealed in your facility...

The range folks told me guns must be cased and unloaded prior to entering the range...so I take that to mean - based on my question - that CC of a loaded HG is forbidden...though I would do so unless they have a sign posted...

I wonder if your definition of "carry" and their definition of "carry" are not the same.

Could be but I prefaced it by saying "I would like to visit your facility..." so I thought it was clear enough..."I'd like to come see you and want to carry a loaded HG on my person..."

[nothalfbad]

I've been going to the NRA range off and on since it opened. When I first started going I was told that firearms must be unloaded and cased with the action open when entering or leaving the range area. I've had an RO check for that when I put away a firearm.

Just a personal opinion-- I don't like shooting there anymore because I feel some of the ROs are not helpful and have an attitude of "we have a waiting list, we don't care whether you are here or not and we don't need to be polite to you". I didn't feel that way a few years back, the staff seemed a lot better then. Staff seem to come and go--I'll try it again in a few months and hopefully it will be better.

One final thing-- the best shooting range I ever went to is not in Virginia, it's H&H gun range in Oklahoma City. 12 pistol lanes, 18 rifle lanes, even 6 air gun ranges in separate sections. Blackpowder is allowed. Pretty nice to shoot on the pistol lanes and not have someone next to you open up with a 30-06. If you're ever in OKC check them out.

[CowboyT]

Just a personal opinion-- I don't like shooting there anymore because I feel some of the ROs are not helpful and have an attitude of "we have a waiting list, we don't care whether you are here or not and we don't need to be polite to you". I didn't feel that way a few years back, the staff seemed a lot better then. Staff seem to come and go--I'll try it again in a few months and hopefully it will be better.

That was my experience as well. That's why I don't go there anymore. That said, a couple of the RO's there are nice. Sadly, they now seem to be in the minority.

Here's just one example. I showed up with my .45 Colt revolver, a double-action model. Since they sell ammo there and had (at the time) decent prices, I asked if they carried any .45 Colt ammo. The RO responded with a very dismissive, condescending tone, "oh, no, that's Cowboy Action" and gave an equally dismissive wave with his hand. He then turned from me with a look of disgust on his face.

'Scuze me? That's what I like to shoot, and there's nothing wrong with it. He should've just said "no, we don't carry that" instead of trying to pass a value judgment on what I came to shoot that day. What a jerk.

And I have several other examples of RO's there with bad attitudes. It's a shame, because it actually is a nice facility.