No doubt that "fudds" are the guys who keep ranges open ...but to some, will always be viewed in the "sucker" category because they care enough to look after business and take the time to bend over to pick up the litter left by a few inconsiderate jackasses. I doubt that my experience is different than that of other ranges that do not have staff to babysit. Most ranges are able to operate at relatively low cost due to the "volunteerism" of the "fudds"... so I think it unwise to badmouth them...because, in fact FUDDS RULE.
Actually, the concrete floors on our firing lines are kept relatively clean by most members who do pick up their brass. Most brass "litter" is the steel cased variety, followed by rimfire - but the volume of rimfire is so much less....it doesn't get so much attention.
High rates of fire are easy targets for Range "nieghbors" who want ranges closed down, so when large volumes of the steel case litter come up at Club meetings -- and executives start looking for ways to reduce problems...it is not good to be "noticed".
Fudds do NOT rule. Volunteers rule. Fudds have been the main reason I don't volunteer at SPFG anymore.
Fudds who feel necessary to tell you that they think your AR should be banned because it sends "the wrong message to the public". Fudds who go on a 15 minute rant why their kit is superior to your kit. Fudds who look down on handguns and go on a rant why the mere thought of reinstututing handgun hunting "makes us look like idiots" and "handguns are ineffective weapons". Each of these is a true encounter.
Brass gets picked up because its expensive. I've seen the brass chickens that show up at SPFG and sift through the dirt. And good on them. But I don't see the complaining about brass being left.
Make it easier for the steel shuckers to pick their mess up. As mentioned, a rolling magnet would be the ticket and make things easier for everyone.
The high rates of fire arguement makes me angry. What is the difference between a line full of guys all shooting their 300 Win Mags and one guy rapid firing an SKS? Nothing, and in fact that's in favor of the SKS.
That some enjoy shooting one shot at a time and waiting an hour, great. But understand some enjoy shooting rapid too. I enjoy both sides of the fence, the main thing is people are out shooting. I would find it comical that others get bent out of shape if I didn't detest the attitude that comes with that opinion - from both the slow fire and rapid fire guys.
SPFG is always playing the whipped puppy and so scared what the neighbours think. That they finally are building a defense fund, that's good. Regardless if they went "all slow fire", they are still going to end up in a fight with the neighbours at some point. As pointed out above, are no "large calibers" are next? Shotgun trap on Sundays banned?
That they aren't joining together with the other ranges to form a united front, or simply on their own fighting the issues like having to install the useless ground baffling they want more money for, is further disappointing.
As much as I like the facility, and it is a fantastic facility, I can tell you if they go so far as to institute a "no rapid fire" policy, I'll happily turn in my membership card at a meeting, and never be back.
