How to respond to a weird look at the gun range?

As a person with both PAL rated air rifles as well as regular rimfire and centerfire rifles, I would suggest to perhaps not look at it from this angle. A number of people I know who take their air rifles to the range don't report any weird stares, but they don't really pay attention anyway - they are there to shoot and target practice with what they enjoy.

Ultimately, it really shouldn't matter what anyone else's opinion is. Even with centerfire rifles, people can make remarks but it doesn't matter. You have a PAL rated rifle, which you are using at the range designated for target shooting. There is no obligation or invitation to provide and receive commentary on anyone else's gun. I am sure there are people who can be difficult, nosey or otherwise, but you are not at the range to solicit other people's views on your air rifles. People shoot their choice of guns for various reasons, just like people drive cars for various reasons. One time years ago, I went to a posh golf club at a corporate outing and while everyone was driving their mercedes, bmw, audis, porsches and range rovers to the club, I pulled in in my 1992 rusted out honda accord. No one said a thing and even if they did, who cares. I was there to slice balls into the trees and demonstrate that good golf gear makes no difference.

Too many people are too focused on what others think. I would suggest it's not the best way to live one's life.
 
Brutus said:
Can't be much worse than the strange looks I get shooting bullseye style with a single shot target pistol in 22 LR. A Hammerli Model 150 with ergonomic Morini grips.
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You have that right, was shooting at the indoor gun range a few years back, private range RCMP member walking in and blasts off 6 round out of his model 10, than #####es while the rest of us finish ower slow fire round.
All the targets are on the same motor return. He was being a real PITA. I know many RCMP shooter that are not like that.
His first and last shoot there.
Hi quality air guns intrigue me, but never had a good one, other than old spring models.
I also shoot a lot of short rapid fire out of a Hi Standard Olympic model, did that on a steel challenge course one time, but it had trouble cycling the timer, not that it mattered.
 
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You join the club, ya dance with what ya brung.
I'll be on the 400m range with my 22lr when it up and running.
I'm waiting for a Weihrauch .177 to be back in stock
and I'll be at the range with it.
Any complaints? Eff em.
 
douginont said:
You join the club, ya dance with what ya brung.
I'll be on the 400m range with my 22lr when it up and running.
I'm waiting for a Weihrauch .177 to be back in stock
and I'll be at the range with it.
Any complaints? Eff em.
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That's where I want to be when I get a Shepard (yeah, I know) scope mounted on my German 22 Mauser target rifle.
Because I refuse to alter the bolt handle I have to use highest one inch rings to clear the scope body.
Hence my maximum range is 400 versus 500.
 
Pcp’s are a lot of fun, don’t over think it. I often take a couple hand guns a couple rifles and my pcp when I go.
 
marshall said:
You have that right, was shooting at the indoor gun range a few years back, private range RCMP member walking in and blasts off 6 round out of his model 10, than #####es while the rest of us finish ower slow fire round.
All the targets are on the same motor return. He was being a real PITA. I know many RCMP shooter that are not like that.
His first and last shoot there.
Hi quality air guns intrigue me, but never had a good one, other than old spring models.
I also shoot a lot of short rapid fire out of a Hi Standard Olympic model, did that on a steel challenge course one time, but it had trouble cycling the timer, not that it mattered.
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There are some (sadly few officers) that are truly proficient with thier service sidearm. These tend to be senior members in narcotics, canine or SWAT positions. But the average police recruit is sadly lacking in pistol marksmanship.
As if it's some kind of dark voodoo spell.
And that's Canada.
 
I have taken my air rifle to the range along with my 22 rifles. I shoot it at 100 yards.
Its never bothered me or any one else.
I also abuse it....I diesel it and it does go Bang !
 
If a person donning a uniform commands respect, they are no more worthy of that respect than any another civilian they serve. Humility, knowing they serve in the shadows of those who brought honour, and they uphold those traditions, it separates the good from the bad. Society tends to look at those in any uniform and think they know the answers, they couldn't be so wrong. They are just people too.
A real person dons a uniform to serve, not to be admired.
 
saskgunowner101 said:
Took the words right out of my mouth...some sort of attention seeking behavior. Why would would anyone gaf what you're using at the range?
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I agree that no one should care but unfortunately some people can be quite nosy and judgemental. I remember one time at the range I was firing off my GSG-16's drum and could hear someone shouting from the next bay over, "that's more than 10 rounds!". So naturally I dumped the rest of my mag in response.

Big-boss-man said:
took a buddy to the range and he brought his full auto airsoft, no funny looks. Actually others were interested to fire it.
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I always thought airsoft was for kids but damn are some of the guns actually pretty badass.
 
bigHUN said:
I have no powder burners. I have been directly exposed decades ago (early 80's in EU and mid 2000's in US) and since then never wanted to throw my money on it.
But I've got airguns, high power PCP's and probably costed me way bigger pile of cash vs an ordinary firegun collection.
For a second year waiting for membership at one of my closest ranges and looks like I can get a share at Sharon.
Benchrest shooting is in my main interest, with an airgun. If everything turns out as planned I will be getting a lot of weird look.
:)
How to prepare
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Simple solution: ignore weird looks and go on with your day. If everybody did that, they’d be a lot less of whatever is happening in this country lately.
 
As someone who regularly brings my PAL airguns to the range I don't think I've ever had a strange look. Probably depends on the range you are going to... I will say that filling a pcp with a hand pump does attract some attention, but people just wanted to know more about it. I just say 500 rounds of premium match ammo is $10.

For me I bring a Springer most time to the range for warm up. Getting a .177 to group at 50 yards requires good technique so it is how I warm up before pulling triggers on the centerfires. Honestly never had a sideways look. Now that joker at the range bringing his brown Bess repro and filling the line with smoke... he gets some looks!
 
Lightning Rod said:
maybe the weird look will be from confusion at not being able to recognize the firearm

Then show them your target group and that should lead to smiles
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+1

Let them give it a try... and have them fall down the rabbit hole.

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FYI, if you want to get some weird look at the fish & game club... go there to practice ISSF rifle

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Being way south of you down here in Texas, my only experience in seeing someone with airguns at a range was one of extreme interest. Now when I say that, I must say I have been shooting a FWB 124 for 45 years now and a FWB 300 for about ten years less. This gentleman had several of ne newer type PCP guns, on in .35 caliber and several in .22 and .30 cal. When I found out the cost, plus that of the tank he brought along plus a big pump at home, I lost interest. I have since acquired a couple of more powerful spring air guns, a side cocking Diana and a underlever HW, both with big Hawke Airmax scopes but for fun like my old FWB 124 with a receiver sight. I am also shooting some CO2 air pistols, mostly Crosmans of the 22xx type and a couple of restored S&W 78G types, and have a Crosman 2300T on order to modify for my ten year old grandson as he is extremely interested in shooting.

I think any shooter will be interested in anything different and unique. Some of the airguns are more consistant and accurate than any powder burner, within the range they are designed for, and some folks shoot them at 100 yards and sometimes further with good results.
 
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