RE: What are your range experiences like?
The rules at the range can be annoying. You just have to remember that what seems elementary to you because you are experienced might be first page news to a novice. After a while, adhering to the rules is just second nature. You will get to the point where you know what the rangemaster is going to say before he does.
If you don't want to deal with comments from the "know-it-alls" then there is a simple way of doing it. Keep your hearing protection on all the time, and they won't talk to you lol.
I have never had any problems with anyone at the range. If you want to join one or try it out as a guest I say go for it.