Indoor range blues

[markiver54]

Went to the local 25 yd range today to try my SGC that I received back from Henry yesterday.
My take...not a good place for use with Skinners. May not apply to ALL indoor ranges, but results were not good.
Started out at 25 yds and result was Bad! About 6" group? Rear aperture all but disappeared at that distance. So, I pulled it in to about 15 yds and got less than 1" group because rear aperature then became clear. Tried three different loads with no better results at 25yds. Lighting is very bad at my local range at distance. I decided that this particular shooting facility is better suited for close up SD practice. Got home and pointed my rifle outside...crystal clear picture. But I can't shoot in city limits! Bottom line is; till I can get up to the summer cabin, shoot outside and not worry about being hurried because of range time clock ticking, will not return to the indoor range again except for handgun practice.

[ESquared]

The poor lighting and relatively short available distance (50 yds max) is what led me to quit my indoor range and seek natural light at some of the local Dept of Conservation out door ranges. The one closest to me is still closed for another month for renovations to the rifle area, which is good. Can't be beat for $3/hour.

The downside is the next closest one is on the far side of KC from me (the far, far side!), so it's about 90 miles round trip.

Makes these next few trips longer and more carefully planned...

[RetiredSeabee]

I feel your pain. I love to shoot but the only range close to me is a 25 yd indoor with crappy lighting. Taking a rifle with open sights gets uncomfortable very quickly because of eye strain. A good scope helps but at 25 yards not much of a challenge to shoot.
Same thing with pistols not being able to see the target at more than fifteen yards because of the lightning makes shooting difficult.
Try not to focus on the rear aperture at all just look through it. Focus on the front post and let the target be out of focus but visible. Your eye will naturally center the front post in line with the rear aperture.

[markiver54]

The poor lighting and relatively short available distance (50 yds max) is what led me to quit my indoor range and seek natural light at some of the local Dept of Conservation out door ranges. The one closest to me is still closed for another month for renovations to the rifle area, which is good. Can't be beat for $3/hour.

The downside is the next closest one is on the far side of KC from me (the far, far side!), so it's about 90 miles round trip.

Makes these next few trips longer and more carefully planned...

Thanks Evan, I'm trying not to be too discouraged. Not going to change a thing yet on the SGC. Do like the rifle a lot.
Just know that I and the rifle are better than conditions permitted me to accomplish today....Nicer weather is coming soon...I hope. Will re-attempt in better conditions and lighting.keeping chin up. I know I'm a better shooter than I saw today....heck, I can down a squirrel at 40 yds with my Sheridan pump....what's with that? Off hand with the pump I might add....go figure.

[markiver54]

I feel your pain. I love to shoot but the only range close to me is a 25 yd indoor with crappy lighting. Taking a rifle with open sights gets uncomfortable very quickly because of eye strain. A good scope helps but at 25 yards not much of a challenge to shoot.
Same thing with pistols not being able to see the target at more than fifteen yards because of the lightning makes shooting difficult.
Try not to focus on the rear aperture at all just look through it. Focus on the front post and let the target be out of focus but visible. Your eye will naturally center the front post in line with the rear aperture.

Thank you also David, sounds like good advise and will keep that in mind!

[markiver54]

Another consideration is that this local range is $8.00 for first 1/2 hr then $7.00 for each additional 1/2. So, figure hanging target, loading mag then running the target down range. Then wait for it to quit swinging.time is ticking and I get ticked off! Not the best, relaxed shooting conditions.

[ESquared]

How much longer until "cabin season"?

[Rifletom]

Mark, I hear you. I have two indoor fairly close by. Handguns, ok,but, my .357 rifle; NADA! Lighting just ain't there.
So, now, its out to the desert for some can dancing. Hopefully you'll be at the cabin soon enough. Hang in there!

[markiver54]

How much longer until "cabin season"?

Mid May, unfotunately, will seem like an eternity. Have to wait till there are no more potential freezes up there before we can open.
House is not winterized, so still anti freeze in pipes. Lotta damage potential if we are not patient. about 4500 ft up and weather can still get harsh this time of year.

[markiver54]

Mark, I hear you. I have two indoor fairly close by. Handguns, ok,but, my .357 rifle; NADA! Lighting just ain't there.
So, now, its out to the desert for some can dancing. Hopefully you'll be at the cabin soon enough. Hang in there!

Thanks Buddy, trying to be patient. It's been a long wet winter. Trying to hang in there for some realistic fun...

[fortyshooter]

I gave up on indoor ranges due to bad lighting, noise,bad air and waiting for a spot to open up.
Then I discovered the local Army base opened up one of their outdoor training ranges on Sundays only which was a deal for 5 bucks per hour.
Just love shooting out in the open air!
Hope you can get to your summer cabin soon as it sounds like a great place to be!

[PT7]

Not going to change a thing yet on the SGC. Do like the rifle a lot.
Just know that I and the rifle are better than conditions permitted me to accomplish today....

Agreed on keeping the SGC as is....makes really good sense.

As you, David, and Evan all commented, I have the same challenges shooting my SGC indoors. Outdoors is the best. In fact, I've shot at the FJ range, which Evan uses. His is 50 yards with very dim lighting; mine is also an FJ range, with max 25 yards; but I think a touch better lighting. Still too dim to shoot with peeps well. Glad you'll have an outdoor spot soon.

[markiver54]

Not going to change a thing yet on the SGC. Do like the rifle a lot.
Just know that I and the rifle are better than conditions permitted me to accomplish today....

Agreed on keeping the SGC as is....makes really good sense.

As you, David, and Evan all commented, I have the same challenges shooting my SGC indoors. Outdoors is the best. In fact, I've shot at the FJ range, which Evan uses. His is 50 yards with very dim lighting; mine is also an FJ range, with max 25 yards; but I think a touch better lighting. Still too dim to shoot with peeps well. Glad you'll have an outdoor spot soon.

Thank you Bob, really looking forward to it. Will definitely post when it happens. Getting antsy...

[BigAl52]

Its all about Huckleberrys isnt it Mark.

[RanchRoper]

Indoors you have to believe you are in the Gem Saloon, and you'll shoot better.

[BrokenolMarine]

When I got out, we rented inside the city limits for the first year while I got settled. If you want to call it that. we found a house in the country on an acre lot, and before I closed I made Sure I could shoot there by asking the Sheriff in person. When I bought the next house it was farther out, on eight acres, and zoned agricultural. We later added to that acreage.

I didn't like any of the indoor ranges. At the two I used, you had to buy their ammo, their targets, and too many rules. No speed loads. (I could understand the reasoning, but hard to practice for a match...). No rapid fire string longer than three shots. The thing I disliked the most... Some of the other shooters... You know what I mean. But that is an entirely different thread.

[markiver54]

When I got out, we rented inside the city limits for the first year while I got settled. If you want to call it that. we found a house in the country on an acre lot, and before I closed I made Sure I could shoot there by asking the Sheriff in person. When I bought the next house it was farther out, on eight acres, and zoned agricultural. We later added to that acreage.

I didn't like any of the indoor ranges. At the two I used, you had to buy their ammo, their targets, and too many rules. No speed loads. (I could understand the reasoning, but hard to practice for a match...). No rapid fire string longer than three shots. The thing I disliked the most... Some of the other shooters... You know what I mean. But that is an entirely different thread.

I hear ya loud and clear Marine..( no pun intended..well maybe ) last time I was there a guy with a 460 handgun was in the next lane...talk about concentration....NOT!! Only time in the last ten years I wished I'd had my 500 to talk back to him. Again... NOT..I would be totally deaf now...

[BrokenolMarine]

When I got out, we rented inside the city limits for the first year while I got settled. If you want to call it that. we found a house in the country on an acre lot, and before I closed I made Sure I could shoot there by asking the Sheriff in person. When I bought the next house it was farther out, on eight acres, and zoned agricultural. We later added to that acreage.

I didn't like any of the indoor ranges. At the two I used, you had to buy their ammo, their targets, and too many rules. No speed loads. (I could understand the reasoning, but hard to practice for a match...). No rapid fire string longer than three shots. The thing I disliked the most... Some of the other shooters... You know what I mean. But that is an entirely different thread.

I hear ya loud and clear Marine..( no pun intended..well maybe ) last time I was there a guy with a 460 handgun was in the next lane...talk about concentration....NOT!!

That and the rude conduct, unsafe gun handling, visiting in your lane WHILE you are shooting, and horseplay between friends in the range area. There is a time and place for everything, but a firing line is not the place for practical joking. That's why was so happy to have my own range. I can shoot in peace and control the range. Someone once said, "Geez, you run your range like it was a range at Parris Islsnd."
I smiled and said, "Thanks, and in all this time, never any problems."

(Those who balk at rules, don't come back... Lol)

[markiver54]

Got that right!!!, maybe time to spend a little more time in my small wood shop.