On target in Severna park

[GuitarmanNick]

I have been on many types of ranges in the last 50 years. It has always been a habit of mine to keep my guard up at all times. Even in the military, there were idiots that would sweep the line with a loaded weapon and finger on the trigger! Never a good feeling and one not quickly forgotten.

I usually go to On Target early on the weekend morning, too. Not crowded and most shooters at that time of the day are experienced and also want to get out before the idiots regain consciousness and roll in!

 

[Darkemp]

Ok for public indoor range with no frills. Was one of the first I used almost 15 years ago, was also where my wife fired a shot for the first time on our 5th or 6th date. Haven’t been in probably 6-7 years now. Always looks crowded when I drive past.

 

[danb]

Have not been there in a while. Since TMGN opened in fredneck, its been worth the extra mileage because I can shoot rifle there. The staff at TMGN is very friendly too, and know their shit. Some of the counter jockeys at OT know jack shit.

I have heard a lot of stories but frankly the scariest thing about On Target is the parking lot. Not a fan, esp this time of year when it gets dark early. I have never been muzzle swept in the parking lot, but its a concern. And being followed home.

 

[SWO Daddy]

I go in the mornings. Most of the people shooting when I go are a hell of a lot better than I am. I haven't noticed any safety issues while I was there, but I'm usually focused on what I am doing and making sure I am being safe. The afternoons can be a bit more amateur hour.

Haha, yep. My rules for going to OnTarget and BassPro are the same: Only when I need to and only right when they open. I've never had a "bad" experience per se.

 

[SWO Daddy]

I have heard a lot of stories but frankly the scariest thing about On Target is the parking lot. Not a fan, esp this time of year when it gets dark early. I have never been muzzle swept in the parking lot, but its a concern. And being followed home.

Agree here. My spidey senses are always on alert when I'm coming and going.

 

[Stoveman]

Well, yes... but...

Eventually, pressure and legal opinions caused them to start releasing, provided you signed a waiver (and you had to mention the waiver). I had a 1911 I bought in mid-Sep 2013 in jail for IIRC 87 days. MSP was all over dealers, even before Oct 1, and they caved.

I went in after nearly 3 months and signed for its 'release'. Shortly after several folks did this they decided that MSP was full of it.

Myself and others signed the waiver many times prior to 10/1/13. They even had a sign on the wall, hardly hiding it, in fact it was the only reason that the purchases were made. Their award winning sales staff surely wasn't the reason everyone was purchasing from them during the madness.

 

[Solman]

The "RSO" had no interest in safety other than sweeping the brass, but damned if they didn't jump on anyone with a range bag on the window ledge.

[/QUOTE]

This. I was there in the evening. That’s usually when I try to go. After 7:30. Fewer ppl. While I was shooting, 1/2 empty magazine in the firearm, I was tapped on the shoulder. I was asked to keep the range bag off the ground against the wall, and move it basically into the lane with me. I was at one the the lanes on the end. Now I’m new to this sport and I try, like I’m sure everyone else here to be very safety conscious. Seems to me, and perhaps just me, that prior to approaching someone with a loaded firearm to tell them something, that isn’t an emergency, you may want to wait until it’s emtpy? Idk. Struck me as odd. But hey like I said, maybe that’s just me. I have zero problems following range rules. I apologized, complied and moved my stuff.

 

[tigmaned]

last time i went same thing... about putting stuff on window ledge.... i asked the guy so were was i supposed to put stuff... got the funny look with no good help... so what is all that space behind the shooting lanes for then?

 

[ToolAA]

I’m speculating that they may have had a problem with, or trying to advert a problem where people are simply picking up others bags and walking off with them. While it’s a real pain in the rear to have all of your crap below your feet in the lane, I guess it sort of makes sense if it has happened before. Last thing I think a firing range owner wants is two people with guns arguing over who touched my stuff.

 

[welder516]

The "RSO" had no interest in safety other than sweeping the brass, but damned if they didn't jump on anyone with a range bag on the window ledge.

This. I was there in the evening. That’s usually when I try to go. After 7:30. Fewer ppl. While I was shooting, 1/2 empty magazine in the firearm, I was tapped on the shoulder. I was asked to keep the range bag off the ground against the wall, and move it basically into the lane with me. I was at one the the lanes on the end. Now I’m new to this sport and I try, like I’m sure everyone else here to be very safety conscious. Seems to me, and perhaps just me, that prior to approaching someone with a loaded firearm to tell them something, that isn’t an emergency, you may want to wait until it’s emtpy? Idk. Struck me as odd. But hey like I said, maybe that’s just me. I have zero problems following range rules. I apologized, complied and moved my stuff.[/QUOTE]

last time i went same thing... about putting stuff on window ledge.... i asked the guy so were was i supposed to put stuff... got the funny look with no good help... so what is all that space behind the shooting lanes for then?

I thought the window ledge thing was just my issue , I did not mind shooting there but for goodness sake I was not blocking the window and wanted a place to put my jacket . SMH

 

[Meho1277]

Last time that i was there, i had just put tritium sights on my walther, and was dialing it in, started out about 15 to 17 ft out, fired 5 rounds and was tapped on shoulder, cant shoot closer that 25 ft, I acknowledged and moved it out. I realize that they have steel target holders, and is the reason, but come on. I go to MSAR now, its twice the price, unless you go from 6 pm to 9 pm monday- thursday, happy hour.

 

[AliasNeo07]

I've never really had a problem here. It's fine for what it is. There aren't really any other options for aaco anyway.

 

[pbharvey]

If people put stuff on the ledge they’d be walking back and forth from the booth to the ledge with their gun. That’s a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[welder516]

If people put stuff on the ledge they’d be walking back and forth from the booth to the ledge with their gun. That’s a disaster waiting to happen.

I suppose that is correct if it was shooting supplies , I put my jacket on the ledge it had no shooting supplies in it or on it .
My shooting supplies were under the shooting bench and some ammo was out on top of bench .

 

[pbharvey]

I suppose that is correct if it was shooting supplies , I put my jacket on the ledge it had no shooting supplies in it or on it .
My shooting supplies were under the shooting bench and some ammo was out on top of bench .

There are coat hooks outside the range area or at least there used to be, I haven’t been there in a long time but I used to shoot there every week.
They have to make the rules for the stupidest people on the earth because occasionally they come in.

 

[Rob1035]

Some good thoughts and experiences being posted!

I think it's just an unfortunate nature of the beast with a public indoor range. That already gives it two strikes IMHO, but its convenient and inexpensive. I mostly go Sundays when they first open, and see some familiar faces, so probably folks in here. Get out before the derp arrives.

Yes they have coat hooks, and I think moving forward I need to do a better packing job, as having an ammo can, range bag, and pistol box sitting on the floor in a lane is a little bit crowded. A new range bag that can hold everything, and pre-loaded mags would be a help.


Meho1277 - how is MSAR in comparison?

 

[John from MD]

IMHO, MSAR is in a worse "hood" than On Target. I have watched the hoodlums come to practice at MSAR and I definitely would not go there at night. It is a better quality range though and is pricier. If you go, check your six frequently when driving out to insure no one follows you.

 

[fred55]

I’ve been a member at OT for a few years and also used MSAR for indoor rifle. Both are ok but as many have said there are good and questionable times. We used to go Sat or Sun at 9:00am. Never had any issues. My guess about items on window shelf is that it reduces firing line visiblity for staff not in the range, but still monitoring. I have seen/ heard RSO’s warning about unsafe actions. But where ever we shoot it’s their range and their rules. fred55

 

[Hddeuce03]

On Target is where I go...I live in Annapolis and don't have any other real options. I've personally never had any issues there.

 

[Neutron]

On Target is where I go...I live in Annapolis and don't have any other real options. I've personally never had any issues there.

There's always Select Fire in Glen Burnie....