Do any other ranges within Marion County (indoors or outdoors) allow drawing from a holster?
Don't know. Doesn't matter to me. I'd have driven 50 min to get to MCFG. It's as easy to drive 50 min in another direction to practice the skills I need to practice. Just sayin'.
I know Eagle Creek Pistol Range doesn't allow drawing from the holster. That being said really doesn't matter what other ranges allow or don't allow this is a matter for MCFG. No matter what is decided some people will take their ball and not play anymore. I remember people were upset when the automatic gate went into place.
I wanted to attend the meeting, but other commitments prevented me from being there. This is a very interesting discussion and if the officers are desiring feedback on this forum, I would be glad to give my input.
It's important to keep in mind that with 1100 members and only 7 Board members, that it is pretty easy for Board Members to get overloaded with "feedback" (some good, some bad). I know when I was on the Board, I also took it very personally when somebody critiqued my work, because I'm pretty thin skinned, and I take a lot of pride in what I've helped build in the club. That being said, it's a lot easier to be philosophical about rule changes when I'm not the one that's going to be stuck with the work of rule book updates, crabby members that don't agree (no matter what the decision), website updates, constantly trying to promote positive PR, etc., etc.
If you're looking to chat among other members and know that Board members may occasionally read through the thread, I think that's a good role for our Subforum. If you want your voice to be heard, or to talk with a Board member, I strongly encourage you to attend a Board meeting. I'd also avoid "ambushing" one of our volunteers at the club (seeing them and then talking their ear off about club issues) as I know several people that just quit coming to the club because "every time I did, it felt like work". It's important that we remember that these folks are volunteers, and that we give them some personal space to enjoy the club too.
If there is another meeting where this issue comes up I will make an effort to attend and voice my opinion.
I believe that BGF allows drawing. Whomever it was they make a point to remind you to not rush it for safety's sake because its not a speed competition, and to make sure you not hit the bench as you draw. Maybe it was pop guns, but I do recall one of the two ranges I have been at allow it because they made note of an issue people have had doing it.
I agree with some of the above posters. If a person is going to be unsafe drawing from the hoslter, they are probably unsafe otherwise. I would be on board with requiring a higher level of training for members to mitigate the safety risks associated with allowing holster work.
Safety training was already put in as a requirement not that long ago. I know existing members were grandfathered in, but wouldn't that already be a mitigation?
Not in Indiana, but at a rather large club in Jacksonville, FL that my brother is a member of and I have attended as a guest, draw is allowed in certain bays that are open to members. They have some sections that are open to day shooters, but draw from holster and other things are not allowed there. Nor is it allowed on the general range. It is only allowed in specific bays, restricted to members and their guests. The club itself is located in a populated area very near housing subdivisions, etc. My brother actually lives very near the range.
I think the training requirement would make it much more palatable for members that have reservations about allowing folks to draw in the bays. How would you identify folks that have received proper training from others?
I'm a little reticent to suggest it, but since I too would like to see holster drawing allowed for the purpose of improving my training, if a training requirement were implemented I think it would easy enough to procure a special sticker (odd enough to not be duplicated easily) that could be attached to the member badge for the purpose of identification.
Not trying to be argumentative, just participating in the discussion on this thread.
The comparison for swimming is not entirely similar. None the less I don't feel that having a person to go swimming with necessarily makes it any safer, unless they where trained in water rescue. When i go swimming with others I have no delusions that i won't drown because others are around. It is up to me to know how proficient i am and to stay within my own limitations. Now back to drawing from a holster. When I go to a friends private range and when I am alone, I practice drawing from the holster and firing. How would having another person there help make it safer if I were to pull a Tex Grubner? Say they are not trained to treat a gunshot wound, how would they know what to do? Sure they could call 911, but couldn't I do that on my own? Maybe they could drive me to a hospital, if they knew where one was (chances are they may have an iPhone). But depending on the severity of the gunshot would and my ability of self-treatment, wouldn't I be able to do that as well? I have been to other ranges that allow drawing from the holster and don't ever recall a buddy system requirement. In fact, I don't recall having special rules, training, or fees for individuals that like to practice drawing from a holster. It is either allowed, or it isn't.
I think your idea is a good one. I was talking to somebody on the committee for this issue this morning and we were actually discussing the same idea. MCFG needs some way to quickly and visually identify who is allowed to draw, and who isn't. Our thoughts were:
1) Hi visibility sticker instead of current badge (neon yellow, pink, orange, whatever) so that people can see at a distance that you're trained
2) Some sort of training requirement (possibly USPSA RO, training class by Bright Firearms Class, or Train to Be Safe) that specifically trains how to draw safely
3) An "upgrade fee" (likely $25) to cover the cost of doing paperwork, any necessary badges, etc.
4) Buddy Requirement. Just like you go swimming with a buddy (for safety), it might be a good idea to require a buddy to be present when practicing. This would be for the benefit of the club (two people witnessing what is going on) and for shooters safety (in the event of an accident like shooting yourself in the leg).
My gut feel is that if the upcoming proposal was incorporated into what is being proposed, that it would address many of the concerns that folks have, and would get enough votes to pass. This would work in conjunction with folks filling out Safety Concern Forms and the Board enforcing the rules (and suspending folks as necessary).