Range Procedures with a NFA Weapon

[Westwindmike]

I just got to wondering what special precautions and procedures you have to take when shooting at a public range. For example, at Stones River range, when you go downrange to change targets, can you leave your weapon unsecured on the bench? Does someone have to watch it or do you have to stay with it at all times?

Just wondering. Thanks.

[mikegideon]

You are required to leave it on the bench. No worries, the RSO's are watching

[Smith]

Everything is the same. When you check in you have to show your paperwork. That is the only difference.

[Jasongar8]

I dont know what you are going to take down there. But it is a major pain in the ass to shoot a machine gun there. From my experience the RSO's will be on you like white on rice. I dont know about a suppressor, SBR, or SBS. One experience was enough for me and didnt go back. This was at Stones River by the way.

[Westwindmike]

I guess I would be worried that the weapon was out of my possession. Could you get in trouble with the Feds for that?

[possum]

I've taken mine there twice...

No problems leaving it on the bench while you check your target downrange. They just want to see your paperwork as you check in. Funny though how they wanted me to read off the serial number on the rifle while they matched it with the stamp paperwork. I bet if I missed a number, (even jokingly) a bunch of sirens and lights would have started flashing as if we were having a meltdown at a nuclear reactor.

First time I went, they didn't ask and didn't seem to worry or bother with the fact it is a SBR. Then a little while later some RSO guys are pointing and talking amongst themselves (I'm thinking oh great, here we go...) and decide to ask me if I have the paperwork. Kind of caused a scene. I just showed them the paperwork, then all was well.

[TGO David]

I guess I would be worried that the weapon was out of my possession. Could you get in trouble with the Feds for that?

Ah... you've hit upon an item that has been discussed frequently on M4Carbine in their NFA items section. It's truly a gray area since the person or entity listed on the Form is the only party permitted to "be in possession" of the item. If you leave it on the bench, even though you are nearby, are you in possession?

Odds are tremendously against you being hassled by anyone for it, but then all it would take would be a cop with a bad attitude toward NFA items and enough knowledge of the law to cause you some inconvenience at the very least.