Typical # of guns you'd bring to the range for a 1-2 hour trip

[jg0001]

See topic.

I usually bring 2-3 guns pretty much every time (with my 22LR pistol or rifle in there every time). When I bring out a guest I may take that # up to 4 or 5. This is for a 60-90 minute indoor session, fwiw, and I only make it to the range 1-2x a month.

When I go alone, there have been occasions where I put on a left & right holster as I'd prefer to holster the gun(s) I'm not using rather than recase them or leave them teetering on the thin (?8" deep?) tray in each lane. Yeah, I might get some looks doing that, especially if I then use a 3rd gun entirely, but I prefer to keep my weaponry securely on my person rather than lying about.

I see a lot of "one gun" people and wonder if they think I'm some kind of nut.

[Dragon55]

Most times only 1 gun with 300 or so rounds with usually 6 different recipes of loads(50 of each). Usually 1 hour does it for me.

[(BH)]

I'm with you. I typically bring 2-3 with me, and I never really bring anyone but my wife who only wants to shoot her SIG 226.

I should probably be going with just one. I do think it would be more beneficial to my skill level in the long run.

But then I just some of the other little beauties poking their little handles out of my safe looking all sad that their getting left behind and it quickly becomes a family affair.:rolleyes:

[JWT]

Generally take 2 or 3 each trip. Don't always shoot all of them but want the option of shooting more than one each time.

[tmd11111]

I usually bring 2, sometimes a third. One is almost always a .22lr pistol and the other depends on my mood..

[eluu]

Haven't been to a "range" in years, but when I go to my place (a well protected 100 yards) in the woods on my property to shoot, usually take along 4 or 5 firearms with plenty of ammo and targets. A couple guests join me often, and when I can get him to come along (which is often :) ) my buddy with his class III brings his arsenal :D

And yes jg, without a doubt there are shooters out there that definitely think you're some kind of nut :rolleyes:
Then again, I stopped caring years ago about what other people thought of me ;)

LW

[Webleymkv]

I typically take 2-4 guns and 40-100 rounds of ammo for each.

[pinkerpv]

I try to always go to the range with someone as I use an outdoor Wildlife Public Range and being alone can be a little dangerous. Usually take at least 3 guns but often more with a mix of pistols, revolvers and rifles. I may take as much as 100+ rounds for each gun and sometimes more. I always keep my snubby loaded and in my pocket or keep a pistol holstered on my side. I keep guns not being fired in my truck and never go down range with guns left out on the shooting rest unless one of my shooting partners stay back or we are the only ones there. I'm not paranoid because I have a gun. But I am cautious because I have read about range incidents where guns have been stolen and in one case the shooter was murdered. I would suspect most of us have been to the range where some shooters have been less than safe and "professional". I usually have a good time but always err on the side of caution.

The above being said, I try to always meet and speak to every shooter on the portion of the outdoor range I am shooting on and I have met the nicest people and good shooters. Most are very friendly and safe and even volunteer to swap guns for a few rounds.

[troy_mclure]

if im only going for an hour or so, it because im going to sight something in, or try out a new gun/load.

generaly if i go to the range ill take 5+ guns and stay all day, probaly shooting 1000+ rounds.

[Russ5924]

Always four two revolvers and two pistols and 50 rounds for each and extras ammo in case I feel like staying longer:D

[GSUeagle1089]

Usually no more than two

[Ricky B]

Minimum of 2 and up to 4. I practice for conventional bullseye. I always shoot the .22 and sometimes my S&W 52 (.38 spl semi-auto pistol) and sometimes one of my .45 pistols. And sometimes my SIG 9mm. Sold my .380, so don't shoot that any more.

[Beentown71]

There are 3 that always go and then maybe two others with a bit more recoil:D

Beentown

[ZeSpectre]

almost never less than two (I like to "cool down" with careful trigger work on a .22) on the other hand almost never more than four.

[raftman]

Don't go to an actual "range" but to the woods. Sometimes, I bring just one gun, sometimes as many as 5. I never go alone though.

[Sigma 40 Blaster]

My main two carry guns (XD .45c and M&P 9c) and my Mark III. I have started to add my G36 as well, luckily it has a very simple manual of arms and is easy to shoot so practice time with my XD tends to carry over well (I shoot them both equally well).

Every now and then I'll get a wild hair (or find ammo) and bring my AR or AK and my 12 gauge along as well.

[Capt Charlie]

Interesting question. Generally, I bring everything but the kitchen sink :D; well, everything I've got a little extra ammo to burn for.

But, this is more of live fire issue than one for tactics or training, so off you go :).

[Crankylove]

When I go shoot, I take everything I own most of the time. I don't go to any ranges, just head out west to the BLM land. When myself, my three brothers, my dad, and my uncle go out as a group, there will be anywhere from 25 up to 100+ firearms if everybody cleans out their safe/cabinet for the trip. I usually take a 100-200 rounds for each centerfire pistol, 20-40 for a high powered rifle, 4-5 boxes of shotshells if the scattergun comes along, and a couple bricks of .22 lr.

[bamafan4life]

.22 and 12 gauge. that's all i can afford to shoot for 2 hour's straight at the moment.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Depends on what I'm doing, the range is about an hour away, so I try to make every trip count, but I don't want to spend the next three days cleaning guns, either.

Last trip was two center-fire rifles I had swapped scopes between that needed sighting in, a 10/22, a Ruger MKII pistol and an 1858 New Army.

Typically I take take one pistol and one or two rifles.

[GringoGrande]

Outdoor: Usualy my Milsurps 2-3 rifles, 2-3 pistolsand about 50 rounds for each.

k-31
M48 Mauser
M44 Mosin
Garand
03
1870/15 6.5 Vetterli
Type 38 or 99 Arisaka

Nagent Rev
.45 1911A1
A .22 of some type

Indoor: Usually pistols and/or shotguns 2-3 pistols with 100 rounds each and 1 shotgun with 15 - 25 rounds each.

Para Nite Hog
Para Expert 1911
S&W Mod 10 Bull Barrel
12 or 20ga shotgun of some sorts

When I go to Knob Creek MG/Sub shoots: 2-3 subs or SF Rifles 700 rounds of ammo each. Although I gave up my firing line position for next year.

M2 Carbine
1928 Thompson
BAR
M4
American 180 .22lr


Regards
The Happy and Blessed Gringo

[Cope's Dist]

Usually 3-4 (Most of my shooting is Outdoors)

[NWPilgrim]

For a short session like that I would normally take a couple of primary firearms with a couple of others just in case I have time.

I usually shoot the AR15 and G23 at every session. Then I would probably have one .22LR rifle or pistol, plus one of some other gun like an M1 Garand, hunting rifle, or a shotgun, or another handgun like a revolver or 1911.

At the last family shootfest, which lasted most of a day, it took me a full week to clean all the firearms and re-organize ammo supplies.

[darkgael]

I always have a pistol of some sort on my person. So that's one.
I'll take one other gun - rifle or pistol. If it's a rifle, probably 40 rounds will do. A pistol may require 50-75 rounds.
Pete

[orionengnr]

One .22LR:
--either a Ruger MkII if I'm shooting semi-autos, or
--an S&W M-18 if I'm shooting revolvers

One other:
--in semi-autos, may or may not be my daily carry gun, One way or another, it will likely be a 1911.
--in revolvers, may be one of several calibers. One way or another, it will be a minimum of .357 Mag.

[Hank15]

Just one.

I don't want to clean more than one gun in a day :(.

[jg0001]

Hank, I feel your pain. I am diligent about cleaning after each trip, whether I've shot 300 rounds or 50 rounds, I clean 'em. That's probably what is key to why I don't bring the whole pile each time.

[drdirk]

+1 on the cleaning. I am anal on cleaning so one or two and I usually end up shooting only one!

[KC AutoBob]

Here on central Kalifornia coast, I'm about a 1 hr. and 15-30 minutes drive (one-way) from an indoor pistol range. So, when I pack my bag, I usually will take about four pistols, just in case I should get a hankering to shoot a .22 instead of my .45, or 9mm, or, well, you know.... I've both concealed carry pistols, like my Keltec P-11 or J Frame S&W, or full sized, like a 1911A1 or Browning Hi-power, etc. But then, sometimes it's just for a quarterly qualification, and only two pistols might go-the "main" gun and the BUG. I do like variety sometimes, but as somebody noted, cleaning all those guns.... :rolleyes:not nearly as much fun as shooting them!

[NWPilgrim]

I started using the Bore Snake after the last big shooting session. It seems like a good way to quickly swab the bores of the rifles at the range until I can get to them for field strip and thorough cleaning.

Still, for short sessions 2-3 firearms are plenty to clean up afterward.

[Uncle Billy]

Depends on the mission:

working up a load for a rifle or pistol- just the gun and the test ammo;

sighting in a rifle or handgun- just it and enough ammo to get it done;

just playing around 'cause I haven't been to the range in a while- 2 or 3 .22's and whatever center fire I have lots of ammo for, and maybe one of my heavy hitters, just for the noise and how far the pop cans fly;

if I'm all tensed up and need to relax- one of my flintlocks, because shooting a flint-ignited gun is a study in slow-and-patient, and is very relaxing;

if I'm training a new shooter or showing someone who is interested in shooting but doesn't know anything about it and would like to see what shooting and guns are all about- a .22 rifle (my Ruger 10/22 most often) and/or my M1 carbine, because it's easy to shoot and has more bark and bite than a .22, but hardly any greater recoil and is pretty accurate with its peepsight. And maybe my S&W K-22 because it has a very smooth trigger and isn't unsafe in the hands of a rank novice like an automatic would be unless it's single loaded each shot, which is too much distraction;

I've never taken more than 3 or 4 of my guns at the same time because that would be "overload" for me, like eating 3 steaks at one dinner.

[flight954]

usually 2

[zxcvbob]

At least 2. Usually 2 revolvers and a semiauto. And a few hundred rounds of ammo. And sometimes a rifle. I don't always shoot all of them.

[hamr56]

2 is what I bring. One pistol and one rifle.

[MemphisJim]

My biggest problem is trying to find the discipline to limit myself to an hour or two at the range. Generally, I go with a theme in mind. Once a year it's the celebratory shoot with the family legacy rifles: 1) 1955 Win M70 Featherweight (.308); Dad's Christmas present that year from Mom now in my custody; 2) 1948 Win Model 47; my big Christmas present that year; 3) two Win Models 63 and a Win 61 from Dad's days when he was Winchester's man in Arizona, New Mexico and West Texas ('48-'52). At least once a month is rimfire rifle session, mainly with one or more of 3 Rem 597s, a Henry Target model lever, a Win 290 and a Savage "Mako." Pistol sessions involve warmup with some .22s (one of 2 Sig Mosquitos, Ruger MkII 22/45, Ruger Single Six or Bearcat), then move on to centerfire 9s (Sig P6 or P228, Glock 19) or .40 (Sig P229). Pistol sessions always include practice with skill drills (weak hand, kneeling from cover, reloading, shooting in motion if no one else is at the range, etc.). Typically, I pack a lunch and plenty of fluids and "go with the flow." The kids are long grown and gone; I've been a widower for almost 19 years, business is slow lately. And with all the time required to clean them afterward, the sport keeps me off the streets and out of the bars.

[jman841]

At least two but no more than 3. Always have my Mark III 22/45, depending on where i'm shooting i'll take the SKS or 10/22 for plinking, 12 gauge if we have some clay targets or if were at a 100 - 300 yard range i'll take the M700.

I usually clean my rifles right afterwards but have been known to slack on the .22's and the SKS from time to time. Its easy not to care that much when the rifle always goes boom even if dirty.

[bikerbill]

I might take 3-4 .. always my .22 and usually at least one of my carry guns (Smith 637, Kahr PM9 or Kimber UCII). Then I add my favorite, my Smith 686+, and perhaps my nightstand gun, a Springer Loaded .45. I take at least 50 rds for the smaller guns, 100 for the bigger ones and 200 or so for the .22. that keeps me busy for 2-3 hours, a usual range session ...

[lomaxanderson]

usally 2 1911's ,a j frame and a 357...but sometimes more but that is usally done outside...I only shoot pistols indoors...need some room to get the long guns out:D

[Regolith]

3-4, usually. No more than that, except for special occasions.

[NightSight]

I am a variety guy. :) Usually the evil black rifle, the evil russian rifle, usually two handguns, and a couple of shotguns to wrap up with 25 clays.

[Jim243]

Outdoors - two rifles and one handgun

Indoors - three handguns

[illinoisbrassman]

4 to 6 a mixture of handgun and rifle. The range I go to is 40 miles each way, and since I hate to get there and find the one I was planning to use occupied, I started taking both, and get to shoot one place or the other. 99% of the time I can shoot at one or the other with maybe 1 other person.

ILBM

[SgtMeatballs]

I'm lucky enough to live on post in Fort Sill, where the free rifle range (and free targets!) is within 5 minutes of where I work. So the 1-2 hour's I receive for lunch, well thats shooting time for me. Normally I bring 4 guns, but only shoot 2. I leave 2 in the truck, and bring 2 to the line. If I don't need to adjust on the first two, I bring the other two out...unless I want to collect other peoples brass, by their permission of course.

[GojuBrian]

2 or 3 guns, but I have taken 5 before. :D

I also end up staying or 3 or 4hrs.

[JerseyDrez]

I only have 2 firearms, a handgun and rifle, so I bring them both. Plus the public range I patronize is a little over 2 hours round trip, I might as well bring both and shoot for a good 2-3 hours. I usually shoot the handgun first, then take a break and shoot my rifle.

When I get my shotgun, Ill probably still shoot both but bring the shotgun every few range days.

[Old Grump]

Always my 22 S&W M41 and Colt 1911A1 NM 45 pistol, anything else is optional depending on whether I am in a long gun or short gun mode that day.

More than 3 guns just gets cumbersome and I stopped doing it. Usually. Sometimes. Mostly. Well anyway I try to not bring more than 3 guns but its like not eating to much at an all you can eat serve yourself buffet.

[golfnutrlv]

No Less than 2.

Usually its my Ruger .22 pistol, or my Marlin .22 Rifle with a scope.

Then I add the large caliber handguns, at least one 9mm, maybe two.

Just like you, when my friends go with me I pack heavy, up to 4 handguns, and up to 3 or 4 rifles.

[billyj571]

+1 on the cleaning. I am anal on cleaning so one or two and I usually end up shooting only one!

[444]

Probably 75% of the time, one.
The other 23%, two.
2% of the time, more than two.

On average I shoot less than 50 rounds and stay for less than an hour.


The exception to the one gun/50 rounds thing is that I occasionally go out to a place where a lot of losers dump stuff. I will take a couple .22s and run through 500 rounds of .22LR.

[domininance]

first i would like to point out that a focused practice lasting 15 minutes can be better training than screwing around for two hours.

Second, my instructor always preached that 200-300 rounds was pushing it for a succesful day at the range. anymore and you are probably practicing bad form at that point.

So it depends on my goal. For my personal self defense practice i keep it short, as long as it takes me to blast 50-100 rounds, then call it a day. some days are better than others, but thats expected. you wont see me in there for 1-2 hours though.

If I am going for a day at the range with friends or family, then you bring everyone gun you can get your hands on, you don't worry about a strict regimented practice routine, and just have some fun shooting with your buddies. Sometimes these visits have lasted far past 1-2 hours, upwards of four hours even. after that many rounds and that much shooting whether you want to admit it or not your hands are fatigued and your shooting is impaired. doens't mean it isn't fun though! just don't confuse that with serious practice.

I have the good fortune of living next to not one, not two, but like six different shooting ranges. odd considering how screwed up CA laws are regarding guns, but i feel fortunate none the less.

Typically my long playful visits are at the outdoor ranges cause you can go from handgun to rifle to shotty to rifle to shotty to different handgun to whatever you want next! it's very satisfying.

my personal defense practice is usually just a handgun at the indoor range by myself. quick and frequent is the key.

how many firefights have you heard of that lasted 1-2 and a single individual shot over 300 rounds? besides the famous bank of america hold up in North Hollywood, CA quite a few years back, it doens't happen often. most encounters (that you hopefully don't ever find yourself in) you might empty your mag. hopefully we all just get to practice and never have to use these skills.

I guess i look at things from a defense enthusiast perspective. I don't fancy myself a target shooter by any means, although i do like to hit the target :)

[skydiver3346]

I usually bring at least 5-6 guns with me on each visit and plenty of ammo too. Can't help myself as I feel I have to shoot as many as possible to warrant keeping all of them in my safe....

[koolminx]

I personally bring a LOT... 41 blk hwk, 44 blk hwk, 22 lr, 22 lr with scope, 22 lf pistol, 22 std single shot, 300 win mag, 6.5-06, 30-06, 30-30 and my Pardner 12 gauge....
My nephew brings a good dozen (7 side arms of various make and model, adn a few rifles...)... Or whatever we can find ammo for at any given point in that week....

[Lawyer Daggit]

Usually 2-3, I usually pack a .22 of some description as well as a centrefire that I want to practice with and quite often something else I want to try / tinker with or shoot in.

[darrentxs]

3-4 Most often. I usually choose 2 different calibers and 3-4 firearms to shoot it through.

[Tatsumi67]

I typically bring whatever I have an abundance of ammo for, which is usually the gun I feel like shooting, and my SKS. Sometimes I have so much fun with the no.1 gun I forget about my SKS....

Yeah...

[Alpha Centauri]

Three. The most convenient range is the county range and that's the limit.

Usually two rifles and a pistol. And almost always that pistol is NOT my primary defense pistol.

That's because the county range has some absurd rules. Three gun max, one shot every 5 seconds, no rapid fire, no human shaped targets, ie BG's, ect.. When I go to the local private range that's when I bring my primary pistol. And then only my primary as I want focus on proficiency more than engage in a casual target shoot.

[kinsey691]

I usually take 4 to 5 when I go I take my 300winmag my 22with scope 12guage do a lil skeet shooting and my ruger 9mm and my 45tauras and that is all I take

[srt 10 jimbo]

usually take my .270 and my SKS . Once in awhile I'll bring the Mosin. I always bring my Taurus pt 101 and my taurus pt 709, .40 and 9mm and my ruger single six. Getting an AK-47 Today so now I got another to bring.:)

[CARGUY2244]

kahr pm 9. 100 rds, draw from concealment, doubletap at yard increments to 25 yards.
glock 19. same drill.
glock 17. 100 rds defense drill, range lights off.
glock 20. 100 rds assault drill.
s&w 686plus 50 rds 25 yds.
s&w trrs 50 rds 25 yds.
308 ap4 60 rds 25 - 200 yds.
mossberg 500 24 rds 5 - 20 yds.
every sunday noon - 3pm.
strip, clean, lube, 3:30pm - 5pm.
running this protocol with my son since he was 7 years old, he's 19 now. good bonding time, taught him our family's version of gun control.

[darkgael]

Went today. Had a 90 minute stint before I had to go home and get ready to travel.
One gun - a Lyman GPR.
That was all that I had time for.
Pete

[Sabot]

I bring 3 rifles and 3 pistols. The plan is to shoot 2 of each with 1 of each for back-up in case of technical issues. I can't handle cleaning more than 4 guns after an outing.

[shooter_from_show-me]

3-4 mixed(rifles/pistols)

[plainsman456]

I bring 4 or 4 at least 2 22s of some kind.They help you pass the time letting the barrel cool down between shots.Good Luck

[mvj007]

This post was the one that got me to join firing line.

If we are talking about indoor ranges...

all you need to bring is your everyday self defense 1911.

Oh yea that was a period after 1911. :)

[Willie Lowman]

At a minimum two. The 22/45 Mk II always goes.

After that one, usually one of my .40s and/or my .357.

A AR-15 or a shotgun, depending on where I am shooting. Sometimes the long guns or the .22 doesn't get shot but my girlfriend and I love our centerfire pistols. :)

[jg0001]

Now that I've added two rifles to my collection (a 6.8 AR15 'style' and a 22LR rifle) I had PLANNED to mix a rifle in at every trip (usually the 22LR), but on my most recent range trip, I got charged fully double the usual rate to use a "rifle" lane --- keep in mind, this is an INDOOR range and there is nothing that seems to make a rifle lane any different from a regular lane other than it would appear they like to space out the rifle folk. -- I've previously brought the same rifles to the range and not been charged extra, so I'm not sure what brought on that charge now (and it was a relatively quiet day).

This will probably cut down my # of weapons a bit per trip, as I have to factor in that extra step-up cost to bringing along a long gun. :barf: Is this at all standard at indoor ranges? (that is, charging more to shoot long guns in the same lanes used for handguns?)

[ChCx91]

I usually take about 2-3 with about 100 rounds of ammo in each caliber of the guns that I take. I end up shooting only 1-2 of them, though.

[Shipman515]

I take 2 and a half.

My 5 shot S&W, which is my CCW.
My Kimber pro carry and the .22 conversion.

[erwos]

Two - generally one rifle and one handgun. One of them is usually a .22LR, the other is something centerfire. If the wife is coming, I might pack an extra handgun, but I generally don't have room for a second rifle.

I agree with whomever said that time alone is probably not really a good measure of how much skill you're accruing on a particular range trip... I generally find myself improving the most when I slow the hell down on pulling the bang switch and really concentrate on taking perfect shots.

[LE'Intellegence]

depends if its indoor or out.
But 3 or 4

[darkgael]

Last two range trips - I took three guns for one trip - Browning HP, a Makarov, a S&W Model 10. One box of ammo for each. Shot about 60 rounds total in the hour. Slow fire 25 yards.
The second trip was to an indoor range for an hour of practice. One gun - a .22 High Standard Victor - two boxes of ammo. Shot through two gallery courses - 30 rounds each. I don't rush.
Both are typical trips.
Pete

[mkim1120]

depends really on what i have more of in the garage regarding ammo
more 45's and i dont have to go to wal mart
then im shooting 45
more 9
then im taking a few 9's
typically depending on ammo i will take 2-3 guns in that caliber

[turbotype87]

I tend to bring my Stag model4 5.56, and my ruger 10/22 fun to shoot ammo is cheap.

[orionengnr]

Generally one rimfire and one centerfire.

[jg0001]

I've recently changed up to 90 minutes (up from 60) and find the whole experience to be much more rewarding. I can spend 30-40 minutes really fine tuning a particular skill and still have another 50-60 minutes to blast away with some 22LR (now that I've been able to buy a decent quantity of it). Previously, at 60 minutes, I usually felt a little rushed the whole time to 'get enough fun in', so to speak. Now at 90, I get the "fun in" and improve my skills at the same time.

[rdmallory]

Always my 1911 100 rounds
357 To keep the 9mm boys awake 1/2 box 125g with 296
Mac10 If I have enough 45acp load (200 rounds)
My CCW of the day either Kel-tec380 or Kahr 9mm 100 rounds.

Then If I have purchased a new barrel for the Encore I will throw it in.

Doug

[Lost Sheep]

I used to bring as many as 7 guns (all that would fit in two of my gun cases).

Lately, the prospect of cleaning that many guns has led be to be more selective.

I always bring a 22 rimfire. Ruger Single Six, SP101 or Mark II.

.357 almost always. SP101, Colt Trooper, Coonan, Ruger Blackhawk 2.75" 4" or 6" Security Six, 4" or 6" GP100 Occasionally my Dan Wesson.

44 Mag Redhawk or Super Redhawk

a 9mm Helwan-copy of Beretta '51- Taurus-copy of the current Beretta (with the manual safety where God and John Browning intended it to be, on the frame)

1911 45 ACP (Colt, Randall, AMT, Star)

454 Casull F.A. or Ruger SRH

But lately I have been tending toward revolvers (easier to recover my brass) and cutting down on the number of guns (reduce the time spent cleaning)

Sometimes I go with as few as 4. Sometimes I will only shoot 3 or maybe 2 of the guns I bring. Always 22 RF and lately 357 Mag (because that's what I have the most ammunition for).

Lost Sheep