shooting AR15 pistol in the range - do's & don'ts advice

josh19 · Jul 15, 2020

Hello everyone,

I look forward to try out my new AR15 pistol in the range. It was built by a MD gun shop using 10.5" upper and SB TACTICAL SBPDW AR15 PISTOL BRACE (https://www.battlecreekarmory.com/product-p/sbtsbpdw.htm). I am impressed how beautiful it look. Really compact with the short barrel.

May be I am just too paranoid, with the brace extended, it looks so much like a SBR. My questions are:

1. In the open range, is there anything I should do before I fire my AR15 pistol such as notifying the RSO, or do not extend the brace ? Do I need to show RSO my payment receipt of the pistol. I just do not want to get into trouble for being mistaken as owning a SBR, and runs afoul of the law.

2. Is AR15 pistol popular, I have not been to the range for a long time since the pandemic. I hope I am not the only one shooting an AR15 pistol.

3. Any other advice of transporting, operating and owning an AR15 pistol ?

Thanks

babalou · Jul 15, 2020

Not their concern. People with nfa items do take copies of their stamps with them. If one comes up to you they will see the sba brace and should not be an issue

copasetic · Jul 15, 2020

I second the above. In reality, it’s non of the RSO’s business... whether you are shooting an sbr, suppressor, or a pistol AR. RSO’s are not the law, they are only there to enforce range rules. You have no responsibility about informing them about anything.

spoon059 · Jul 15, 2020

It's not the RSO's concern. He may come up cause it's cool, but doubt he'll care. Have fun!

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Ammo Jon · Jul 15, 2020

I have a braced 7.5 and 10.5, shoot away.

SkiPatrolDude · Jul 15, 2020

No one will ever give you an issue for using your AR pistol at the range, no matter if it’s shouldered.

Extend the brace, fire the weapon in whatever safe method you desire. I’ve brought many AR pistols to the range and have never had an issue or even been questions.

You certainly do not have to notify an RSO or anyone if you will be shouldering it either, as it’s perfectly legal to do so.

Transport the ammo in a separate bag or case from the pistol. Make sure the pistol is unloaded and in your trunk or out of reach.

Happy shooting

LongRanger300 · Jul 16, 2020

The fact that you have a pistol brace saves you from the issue of being mistaken for having an SBR. #FireAway

Oswaldo87 · Jul 16, 2020

If the RSO has a problem with it, just be polite and do what he says. I’ve seen quite a few guys argue and of course get no where. It might be their ridiculous opinion but they are the boss at that moment. Same with rapid firing. I know I can handle not shooting the wall, target hanger, bench, etc, but they don’t. Got to imagine how many goofballs come through and act stupid.
As for the NFA items, unless I was just shown a badge, I’ll be polite but refuse to show the stamp.

SkiPatrolDude · Jul 16, 2020

Oswaldo87 said:
If the RSO has a problem with it, just be polite and do what he says. I’ve seen quite a few guys argue and of course get no where. It might be their ridiculous opinion but they are the boss at that moment. Same with rapid firing. I know I can handle not shooting the wall, target hanger, bench, etc, but they don’t. Got to imagine how many goofballs come through and act stupid.
As for the NFA items, unless I was just shown a badge, I’ll be polite but refuse to show the stamp.

I agree with your points, but it's not helpful to what the OP is asking.

Bottom line - they won't have an issue. Rapid firing is another story, but those are directly from listed range rules. Unless there is some specific range rule saying you cannot shoulder arm braces, then shoulder away.

Can you imagine being an RSO and having someone come and show you their receipt or ask about extending an arm brace? That would undoubtedly be a confusing interaction.

OP, fire away, shouldered, braced, whatever, so long as you are following safe gun handling and all range rules, the RSO will not care what you do. I've never been asked for my stamps for my SBR or my suppressor, both of which are often together on the same rifle.

josh19 · Jul 16, 2020

Thank you so very much !! you guys are great. Now I can enjoy my new AR pistol That is the coolest thing I ever brought.

hdatontodo · Jul 16, 2020

I was at AGC 2 years back with 9mm AR pistol, and some Karen-dude called the RSO on me. RSO asked permission to handle it and explained I had a pistol buffer and it was fine.

And why is this thread in the rifle section?

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GuitarmanNick · Jul 16, 2020

Just make sure the range has a backstop capable of stopping the ammo your pistol is using. Some indoor pistol ranges can only handle pistol caliber weapons and .223/5.56 may not be allowed.
It is easy to confirm this with the range before making a trip and being disappointed.

Biggfoot44 · Jul 16, 2020

Double Ear Protection .

RightD · Jul 31, 2020

GuitarmanNick said:
Just make sure the range has a backstop capable of stopping the ammo your pistol is using. Some indoor pistol ranges can only handle pistol caliber weapons and .223/5.56 may not be allowed.
It is easy to confirm this with the range before making a trip and being disappointed.

+1

Several ranges that I have been to restrict what is fired on their pistol ranges for exactly that reason.

- RightD

Car · Jul 31, 2020

Being a newbie I have bought lots of rounds of IMI Ammunition 5.56x45mm NATO 62 Grain M855 SS109 Penetrator Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail. Would that be a problem to shoot M855 ammo at most ranges?

dweaver · Aug 1, 2020

Car said:
Being a newbie I have bought lots of rounds of IMI Ammunition 5.56x45mm NATO 62 Grain M855 SS109 Penetrator Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail. Would that be a problem to shoot M855 ammo at most ranges?

It really all depends on the individual range. Most ranges I have shot at do not allow M855, although, I’m aware that some others do.

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-Mil-Surp-Phreak- · Aug 1, 2020

Biggfoot44 said:
Double Ear Protection .

Double this statement. My 10.5 with brake is a LOUD BASTARD to shoot outdoors with doubled up ear protection I have yet to shoot it indoors for what it would do to the people on either side of me.

babalou · Aug 1, 2020

Yeah

dweaver said:
It really all depends on the individual range. Most ranges I have shot at do not allow M855, although, I’m aware that some others do.

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It damages the steel

babalou · Aug 1, 2020

Huh

hdatontodo said:
I was at AGC 2 years back with 9mm AR pistol, and some Karen-dude called the RSO on me. RSO asked permission to handle it and explained I had a pistol buffer and it was fine.

And why is this thread in the rifle section?

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Why would the buffer matter?

MEGARMS · Aug 1, 2020

Your question is a good one and the answer is that it really depends on the rules of the range that you are at.

For example, at the AGC, the range rules specifically denote that you are responsible for following all State and Federal laws/regulations. It is unlikely that you will be questioned about anything unless you are in clear violation of this rule.

Another rule at the AGC says that you may NOT shoot an AR style pistol on the Pistol Range, however you are permitted to do so on the rifle range. Some may want to argue this rule, however there is a very good reason for it. It has nothing to do with Federal/State regulations, but rather that the backing on the staging tables (picture a backsplash on a preformed countertop) makes it impossible to keep the muzzle, on longer guns, pointed down range when they are laid down for a cease fire or any other reason.

Your best bet is to be conscientious and to courteously double check with the RSO on duty if you are unsure of the rules. Just by asking for this clarification, the RSO now knows that you give you shit and that alone can help them to focus on someone else instead of you.

shooting AR15 pistol in the range - do's & don'ts advice

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