Grrrr. I need to vent this out. I don't know if this is just a Florida thing or if some of you other folks have the same issues in your states, but many range officers and some gun store employees need a few lessons in manners... which is my politically correct way of saying they need to get slapped around a bit.
At the range, I've seen everything from range officers (er- range commandos) swarming on a newbie like drill sergeants on a private (more than once)... to them making racist remarks about a latino who had just filled out his range card. And what gives them the right to come over and handle my firearms when the line is called cold? Get your freaking hands off my rigs, idiot.
Today, I had to leave after driving 45 minutes each way and waiting an hour and a half for range time... because the douchebag range kid said my Rohrbaugh was loaded when I took it out of my bag. But I did not have a round chambered. I was on the rifle range - I only bring my pistols to fill in the gaps. I understand the Florida statute to define 'loaded' as 'in a person's hand and readily accessible for immediate discharge.' (790.151). To me that means 'chambered'. Does anyone feel/know differently?
The kid was saying 'Sorry, sir - rule #2. No loaded firearms. You have to go home today.' I tried to reason with him, I told him how long the wait was, I told him he's seen me there multiple times. He said 'Sorry, sir - rule #2.' I wanted to squeeze his pencil-type neck.
I've been going to ranges longer than that kid's been on earth. 9 times out of 10 I remove my mags. But not always - if I don't have a chambered round in a pistol, I don't feel compelled to drop the mag. But after today, I'd love to get the advice of someone who really knows the law well. Any Florida LEOs or legal eagles in here that can clarify the definition of 'loaded' in Florida law? Not that it changes many things - the range can enforce their own definition of 'loaded' at will, I suppose. But I would still like to know.
Venting done. Thank you. Over and out.
