The Down Range Forum

Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: philw on January 23, 2010, 12:06:35 AM

Title: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: philw on January 23, 2010, 12:06:35 AM
do you guys use them at the ranges over there


they are bringing it in here   for something new



what do you think of them
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: TAB on January 23, 2010, 12:31:58 AM
on some guns yes, take the nylon 66 for example, its really hard to see from a distance if its safe or not.   they are pretty much used on auto rifles.  most other guns its really easy to tell from a distance if they are "safe" or not.
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: Walter45Auto on January 23, 2010, 03:44:16 AM
I've only seen very few guys use something like that. The ones they use are smaller; the little orange ones that come with one of the major AR15 rifles (DPMS or Bushmaster, I think.) Most people don't use them that I've seen.
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: ellis4538 on January 23, 2010, 05:11:59 AM
Our range requires that the slide is locked open (and the SA be on its left side so the chamber can be seen) and/or the cyl. is open.  They also require us to carry to the shooting bench from where we take guns out of our bags in a muzzle up position.  Rules are rules.  Empty chamber indicators are fine for what they are used for and I would use them if required.

Richard
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: Pathfinder on January 23, 2010, 06:23:32 AM
The Appleseed shoots requires them, but then they provide them. I've used them on occasion to make a point about safety. Other than that, no.
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: Badgersmilk on January 23, 2010, 08:30:34 AM
First I'd seen something like that, but seems like a good idea when you consider some of the people at ranges.  I've seen watchful range guards catch several people and ream them out for loaded chambers over the years.  All of them argued with some excuse or another that they were different, and in the right.   ::)
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: BAC on January 23, 2010, 09:07:40 AM
They gave me one of those when I bought my CMP carbine.  Apparently they use them at Camp Perry?
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: tombogan03884 on January 23, 2010, 10:33:12 AM
We used them in Boot Camp, I haven't seen one in use since.
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: alfsauve on January 23, 2010, 11:49:55 AM
Required at NRA matches.   Watch TV coverage and you'll see them.  Some ranges require them all the time as well.

From NRA Conventional Pistol Rule book.

Quote
3.21 Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) - An ECI is required in all NRA Sanctioned Pistol competitions to
indicate the slide is open and the chamber is empty. The ECI, when inserted into the revolver or pistol must extend
into the empty chamber or cylinder and must be externally visible.

Same rule in the High Powered Rifle (Camp Perry) rules.

Regardless that is says ECI is "required in all NRA Sanctioned Pistol competitions"   this rule is NOT listed in the Action Pistol rule book.   I must be OCD because this type of inconsistency drives me up the wall.

Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: Fatman on January 23, 2010, 02:52:02 PM
One came with my DPMS - red 'J' shaped piece of plastic.  Frankly, I'm not sure about it's thermo properties - not sure if it's ok to use in a hot chamber.
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: oldkat69 on January 23, 2010, 03:43:52 PM
 My kids got them with their paintball markers.  Looks like a good idea for indoor ranges.

 ??? What do you call a person with a gun lock?

 :'(  Victim.  attributed to G. Gordon Liddy
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: m25operator on January 23, 2010, 04:37:27 PM
We were required to use them in U.S. Service rifle and NRA Highpower rifle competition. I like them.
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: philw on January 23, 2010, 04:51:19 PM
cool



a couple of the guys got them that went over last year to the NRA National Cowboy Lever Action match


https://nrahq.org/compete/silh-natpdf/sil-cla003-09.pdf   have a look who came 1st  :P

https://nrahq.org/compete/silh-natpdf/sil-cla007-09.pdf   and 3rd

and 2nd in the team event  https://nrahq.org/compete/silh-natpdf/sil-cla008-09.pdf   

I just had to add that ;)   


I have no issue with them   especially with our rage set up  as all the shooting lines are under cover and can be a little dark  to see the rifles   also we get a lot of guests at the range   having a shot while we are having a match so it is easier and quicker to check the firearms in they are in.   


I just hope the gov don't make it a ruling and leave it to the individual clubs 
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: twyacht on January 24, 2010, 07:48:40 AM
The outdoor rifle ranges that are on State/County property require and furnish them. Nothing wrong with them, safety is safety.
When the line goes cold, and folks are walking downrange to change/check targets, it is a good visual indicator for the R.O.

The private range does not use or require them. They do require actions open, no mags, made safe, and are confirmed by the R.O.

Revolvers must be unloaded and left open.

For larger ranges, with more than one R.O. it is a good thing to have. IMHO
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: SwoopSJ on January 24, 2010, 08:38:00 AM
My home range doesn't require the use of empty chamber indicators, nor have I ever seen them in use.  Honestly, we have no range officers, which would be costly due to sheer size of complex, nor are their safety rules posted except for those governing target placement.  I must also say that, to my knowledge, there has never been a firearm related accident of any kind there.  It makes me think of all the "must have" child-proof products which we, amazingly enough, survived without as kids.  I guess we're just a little smarter, here in Kentucky.   ;D  Seriously though, I think they are a good idea, but nothing replaces common uncommon sense.

Swoop
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: bjtraz on January 24, 2010, 02:33:03 PM
I volunteer at a Missouri Department of Conservation range, and they only require that the guns , and especially, the chambers be empty. Actions are to be locked open, but when that is not possible, they have these empty chamber flags available. They are a good idea for this use, but I could see their use in other situations, also. Beware, though, they will melt if inserted in a hot chamber. I've never seen them melted to the gun, but many were deformed from the hot guns.

Brian
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: ericire12 on January 24, 2010, 03:44:57 PM
Why the hell was Obama not required to have one of those stuck in his ear during the campaign?
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: tombogan03884 on January 24, 2010, 06:29:23 PM
He was, but the vacuum kept sucking them into his head.
Title: Re: Empty Chamber Indicators
Post by: fightingquaker13 on January 24, 2010, 11:36:20 PM
I am all in favor for outdoor ranges where you you walk to get your targets when the range is declared cold. Everyone screws up. My dad, a vet, and I went to the range yesterday. On a "cold range" I had to remind him to clear his chamber. It was full. This a 72 year old guy that has been shooting since he was five. Just a brain fart and perfectly harmless, but just like good locks keep honest people honest, this stuff makes sure safe shooters stay safe. I think its a good idea for any public range to to use these, a reminder of the basics never hurt anyone.
FQ13