RE: What are your range experiences like?
I shoot at a Missouri Conservation Dept public range, $3 an hour beats any prices private ranges want to charge here. I don't mind the rules, they help keep things orderly. Have never run into any "problem" people, everyone is always friendly and pretty much mind their own business.
My only advice is get your practice in early in the year, as many have stated, close to hunting season things get very crowded. But by that time, I've practiced so much I don't worry about going. I'll use that time bow hunting.