At a gun range, how should I carry my rifle before getting to the lanes? Does it matter?

Nick, call the range or ask the range officer when your there what is the preferred way to carry firearms on the range. I use a range where you see it all and the " range masters" spend more time on their smart phones than the range. At another EVERY firearm is cased until you reach your station, you wait for a cease fire period, post your target, then when the line is clear you take the firearm out of the case while everyone waits on you. Once it's pointed down range and the range officer ensures it's empty and safe then the range can go hot.

Personally I'd rather make sure ahead of time than show up and say, " this guy from yahoo....."

You should ask the range officer for instructions.

Some ranges require guns to be in a case or holster until you reach the firing line. My local indoor range will loan you a case if you have a gun with no case or if you're using their rental guns.

If you're handling an uncased gun, there really isn't any one direction that is always acceptable. If you're on the 1st floor of a 2 story building you shouldn't point the gun up because you're pointing it at anyone who's upstairs. If you're on the 2nd floor you shouldn't point the gun down. If you point the gun down you have to be careful not to point it at your feet or someone else's feet. Plus if you accidentally fired into the ground you'd risk bullet fragments, dirt, rocks etc spraying up and causing injury to yourself or people around you.

So the bottom line is to follow safe handling practices and use common sense. Make sure the weapon is clear, flag the chamber and/or lock it open, keep your fingers away from the trigger and point it in the safest direction possible for that situation.

You are overthinking this.IMHO. A pistol with the slide locked back, a bolt action with the bolt open, a revolver with the cylinder out, semi-auto without magazine and bolt locked back have one thing in common.....they are all unloaded so the muzzle direction is not that critical (except for politeness and added safety) until you step up to the line to lock and load. Muzzle direction should be pointed down range at all times after that. Outdoor ranges may have slightly different rules but muzzles pointed down range is acceptable at both.

Every place has their own rules. I would just ask. I know, some of the guys there will try to make you feel like an idiot and some are very nice and helpful. I'm not the only person to feel this way and point it out so just take them with a grain of salt.

But when in doubt, simply ask what their rules are. As long as you don't hold it horizontal and sweep anybody you will be good.

carry it in a case if they allow open carry make sure you have the flag in or locked to the rear and on safe and down range and at the ground

You should keep in in the case until you are at the bench, keep it pointed down-range at all times if possible, and in a safe direction when it is not possible. Pointed down at a concrete floor is not a safe direction.

you really did not pass a hunter safety program did you... or do you simply Not understand that you should re case the long gun and un case it when it points down range at the line bench?

Some ranges require it be in a case. Why don't you call your range and ask?

The next time the person behind the counter hands you the rifle, ASK HIM.

Carry it with it pointing down. If it's pointing up, it looks reminiscent of the Columbine massacre. Also, if it's pointing down, nobody gets hurt if it accidently goes off. If it's pointing up, you can shoot the ceiling, causing it to crumble, you can shoot a bird, a power line... Too many risks.