Depending on where you live, you may have lots of options available as to where you go to the range. Other folks aren’t as lucky and have to take what they can get. Today, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of manned and unmanned ranges. Is there a big difference, and does it really matter if your range is unmanned? Let’s see!
Definitions
Manned Ranges
For the purposes of this article, I’ll try to define manned versus unmanned ranges. Notice I said, “Try.” It seems these definitions might vary a little depending on where you live in the country. Some outdoor ranges are manned with range officers; although in the region where I live, this is rare.
Most manned ranges in my area are indoor ranges. Generally, they are tightly run with safety in mind. Basically, you go in and you are under the watchful eye of a range officer. You stand in a static position and bang away at the target. Most of these ranges do not allow shooters to draw from a holster and engage targets.
Unmanned Ranges
Generally speaking, when we talk about unmanned ranges, at least for my area, we’re referring to outdoor shooting ranges. Most of the ones around here have no range officers with assigned regular duties. Some have regular range officers, but it’s very, very rare.
Manned Ranges: Pros & Cons
Pros of Manned Ranges
First, they are climate-controlled. During times of frigid temperatures or heat waves, it’s nice to be able to unpack your shooting bag and load magazines in an agreeable 70 degree environment without contending with the wind, rain, or other elements. You won’t have to fight numb fingers to load your magazines. There’s no wind to tear your target from the backers. No sun beating down on your head or baking your firearm as it sits out in the open.
Safety is another plus. If there is another shooter who is acting in an unsafe manner, the range safety officer should be on top of the situation and either counsel the unsafe shooter, or remove him or her from the range. If there is an accident, the safety officers should be trained in first aid and have some medical gear on scene to treat patients until EMS arrives.
Lighting is normally excellent, so the targets can be seen well by shooters. Many times, targets are affixed to backers on electric systems that can be summoned to shooters so they can mark and change targets without actually walking down range.
Indoor ranges frequently rent firearms, so shooters can try a variety of guns that they might otherwise not have access to. This is particularly helpful for those shopping for a new gun, as they can try it out before they make a purchase. These types of ranges can be located even in very populated areas, such as in cities, and give many people access to a shooting range.
Cons of Manned Ranges
Most of these ranges limit the type and caliber of weapons that can be used inside. Rifle bullets will often penetrate the backstops, so most indoor ranges forbid rifles. In fact, I know of some indoor ranges that will not allow shooters to bring their own ammunition (even handgun ammunition) into the range. Instead, they mandate shooters buy the range’s ammo. Unfortunately, some ranges charge very high rates for their ammo since they’ve cornered the market.
All these climate-controlled facilities cost money to run and maintain. Most range personnel don’t work for free, so they have to be paid. All of this sometimes adds up to high prices for shooters who use these facilities.
Training is very limited. About all shooters can expect is to robotically put rounds down range at stationary targets. There will probably be no drawing from concealment or any drawing from holsters at all. There will be no movement on the shooter’s part, which drastically limits training opportunities.
By the same token, distances are typically short, say around 15 yards or so. I can’t recall seeing any past 25 yards. Since rifles can’t be used, it doesn’t really matter much anyway. If the range does not have proper ventilation (and a surprising number of them don’t), lead poisoning is a risk, as lead particles can be airborne and settle on every surface of the range. Hours of operation for manned ranges are typically more restricted than their unmanned counterparts.
Unmanned Ranges: Pros & Cons
Pros of Unmanned Ranges
There’s a lot of freedom at most outdoor, unmanned ranges. If you want to do some drills where you move around while shooting, you usually can. Drills with multiple shooters are possible. I will say, though, you shouldn’t take on shooting while moving drills without some professional training prior to doing so. It can be very dangerous and you can get dead very quickly.
In the same vein, you’ll likely be able to train drawing from a holster without someone jumping down your throat about it. Being able to run some simple shooting drills is a very positive thing.
Most outdoor ranges allow rifles and there generally aren’t restrictions on what you can shoot on the range. I mean, unless you’re talking about miniguns or canons. You’ll also be able to use your own ammunition on unmanned ranges.
My outdoor range facility has about nine different shooting lanes, ranging from a 200-yard range to shorter pistol ranges. There’s something for everyone. Try shooting 200 yards at an indoor range. For versatility, the outdoor range cannot be beaten.
In general, most unmanned ranges are less expensive than their manned counterparts. Unmanned/outdoor ranges normally have hours between sunup and sundown, giving a wider range of operating hours.
Cons of Unmanned Ranges
You will be your own safety officer. If you know what you’re doing, that’s a good thing. If not…well, it was nice knowing you. But seriously, if you get hurt, you are on your own as far as treating yourself or another shooter. You’ll have to summon your own help if you’re not mobile, so a cell phone with you is important. Some ranges, like mine, have medical kits on site in case of emergencies, which I think is an excellent idea. Some medical training for yourself wouldn’t be a bad idea.
You’ll be at the mercy of the weather. I’ve been at the range during bitter cold with blowing winds and it was positively miserable. Numb fingers do not bring joy when trying to fill magazines or make scope adjustments.
On the other hand, training under adverse conditions can make us more rounded, experienced shooters, so challenging atmospheric conditions can be a positive thing. Contending with water and mud on the range can be a real drag. While mud can be an inconvenience, ice and slippery conditions get downright dangerous and demand more caution.
Closing Thoughts
Each type of range has its peculiar advantages and drawbacks. Sometimes we have a choice between the two. While other times and depending on our location, choices might be more limited. Economics might be another factor at play and there are certainly differences between the two range types.
Personally, I belong to an unmanned, outdoor range. I like it because it’s close by and more economical than an indoor range. Plus, I enjoy being able to run various drills as part of my shooting routine that indoor, supervised ranges won’t allow. How about you? What’s your preference in the type of range you use?
