Going to a gun range for the first time can be a great and fulfilling experience. Whether you are at an indoor or outdoor range, you will be exposed to new sights and sounds. Hunters are sighting in rifles or just regular people practicing pistol work. You will see guns and accessories that will inspire your next builds or inspire you to never buy.
If you are new to the shooting scene, going somewhere public where your newness is exposed can be extremely intimidating. The good news is most ranges are very welcoming to new shooters and will go out of their way to make sure you have what you need. Remember, it benefits them for you to have a safe and memorable time. Most offer memberships: some with very impressive benefits and they want you to sign up. Don’t worry, they aren’t pushy like timeshare salesmen, but they would love to have you as a regular.
Every range has the same basic rules with added regulations that relate to their location or style of shooting. Here are a few tips to get you ahead of the game for your maiden voyage to a range:
You and everyone around you should go home with the same number of holes you showed up with. No extras. You are responsible for you so please ask questions if you are unclear on any of the rules at the range. More than likely there will be a waiver you will have to sign. Read it. Some ranges detail their policies in this paperwork while others just fill it with legalese. Be sure to take the time to review.
You should find a comfortable set of glasses and ear protection that you can keep in your range bag. I’ve been rocking Hunter HD Gold glasses for the last 3 years ago and I couldn’t be happier. Owner Brian Conley is a huge part of the shooting sports and I love supporting people who support the industry. As someone who has taken a ricochet or three on the range, I have been saved by glasses twice. Wear them, even if they are just some cheap safety glasses. Ear protection varies between over the ear and in ear. I prefer electronic ear pro and have been rocking the IsoTunes for the last year. I always wore over the ear from Howard Leight previously, so this has been a pleasant jump for me. Both are great but this is another situation where you’re going to have to try them both and go with what feels best. *NOTE: If you wear prescription glasses, they are accepted in most ranges. Sunglasses are accepted at most outdoor ranges.
Most ranges charge by the half hour if you are not a member. It is greatly beneficial to them as well as you to have your gun(s), ammo, mags or other essentials, glasses, and ear protection organized in a case or range bag. If you go in with the pistol you want to shoot in the waistband of your sweatpants, chances are they are going to ask you to leave. Instead, be ready and have everything stowed safely and neatly until you step up to the line. When you get there, ask the Range Officer how they would like you to approach the line and prepare yourself as such.
Most ranges are divided into lanes like bowling. You wouldn’t roll your ball on the lane next to you, so apply that logic and don’t shoot targets that aren’t in your lane. You will disrupt the shooter in that lane and possibly sacrifice the safety of everyone at the range. Most targets are made to be shot from directly in front. Shooting them from an angle can cause ricochets in weird directions and once again, range management will ask you to leave if the other shooters don’t get to you first. OBEY THE 180 DEGREE RULE. Don’t turn around with a loaded gun to ask a question. The only place your gun should be hot is when it is pointed downrange. Be sure to completely clear it before starting to move away from the line. If there is a rack behind you for your rifles, be sure to clear and muzzle up before turning around.
I know I’ve thrown a lot at you but shooting at a range can be a very relaxing and fun time. They provide shooting experiences that you might not be able to repeat at home and can be a wealth of information. They host classes that cover everything from safety to advanced firearms training from experts around the world. Being a part of a local range can open doors to new shooting disciplines, and I’ve never been to a range day where I didn’t make at least one new friend. Don’t be intimidated, Be teachable. Go with a plan and crush it!
-Nick
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