What Should Every First-Time Shooting Range Visitor Know?

[himupev]

Hello everyone.

I'm planning my first visit to a shooting range and would like to hear advice from experienced shooters. What are the most important safety rules, etiquette tips, and preparation steps that beginners often overlook?

Is it better to rent equipment or bring your own? How helpful are range officers during a first visit?

I'd also appreciate recommendations on what to wear, what to expect, and how to make the experience both safe and enjoyable.

What was your first shooting range experience like, and what would you do differently if you could go back?

 

[Rat44]

Keep the Muzzle pointed down range at all times .
Read the rules carefully.
Many ranges do not allow draw from holster or rapid fire .

 

[Onramp]

For indoor ranges - always sweep your brass (or pick it up for your own reloading if allowed by the range). When putting your pistol or rifle down, make sure the chamber is facing up, and empty. When putting down a revolver, cylinder open and up. For all types of ranges, leave your phone in your pocket. You've all seen (or have been) a distracted driver babbling away on the phone.

Please, if you must have non-shooting visitors, try to keep it at one, as shooters don't need the distractions visitors provide (coaches are different, of course).

If your shot goes poof instead of BANG, stop immediately and check for problems, like the bullet didn't leave the barrel. If when firing, you get a click and don't have restrike capability, keep the pistol in your hand, pointing downrange, and wait for 30 seconds or so for a hang-fire to go off. Then check to see what the problem might be.

If shooting a revolver, shoot one more time. Even though you counted your shots, MAKE SURE. Just a good habit for the range.

As for what to wear - shoes, not open toed anything. Long pants and brimmed hat. Hot brass will burn you, especially if it sticks to you. The hat prevents brass from falling inside your safety glasses. Maybe pass on the poly shirt of blouse. And ladies, no low cut ANYTHING, and make sure your midriff is covered. Sexy is not for the range. Burns are not sexy.

Renting equipment is OK at first, but you'll find that choosing your own will be better. Be sure to maintain it (batteries die quicker if you don't turn it off when done), and an occasional cleaning never hurts.

I'll probably remember more later, but that's it for now.

 

[Unshaven2897]

How about going to the range for a few hours without a firearm and watch and learn. Now that you have observed you can go back with your firearm and concentrate on that.

 

[Hilldweller]

Read, and reread the basic firearm safety rules.

Ask for a copy of the range rules when paying your fees. Most range employees are more than happy to help new shooters so be sure to let them know. If the gun is new to you they can help explain how it functions.

The most basic rules are:

Never have the firearm pointed anywhere but down range.

Always treat the firearm as I’d it’s loaded with a round in the chamber.

If you have a problem STOP, If a semiauto, remove the magazine, while always keeping the muzzle pointed down range while you place it on the bench at your shooting station. NEVER swing it around to “show someone” you have an issue. Back away (if allowed) and get the attention of a range employee. (This is a good subject to discuss with the person when you check in. They usually have people who are there to help with these matters.

Google the range and review their policies before you go. I mentioned getting a copy when you check in because the online sites aren’t always up to date.

Bring your safety gear. “Ears”, “eyes”, etc.

 

[BearBio]

Army vet and 50+ year hunter, past instructor speaking:

I'm planning my first visit to a shooting range and would like to hear advice from experienced shooters. What are the most important safety rules, etiquette tips, and preparation steps that beginners often overlook?

Muzzle control, Ten Commandments of Gun Safety, muzzle control, do not rely upon your safety lever/button, muzzle control, familiarize yourself with your weapon before you go WITHOUT LOADED AMMUNITION, muzzle control, control of trigger finger (squeeze, finger out of trigger guard) and lastly, muzzle control! Did I say, MUZZLE CONTROL???? If available, look at pictures of hunting accidents!!

Is it better to rent equipment or bring your own? How helpful are range officers during a first visit?

Rent or buy??? Whatever! Is this something you're gonna stay with?? Can you afford to buy???? Definitely ear muffs. At least foam ear plugs! Maybe weightlifting gloves, especially for large bore handguns. Shooting glasses or tempered sunglasses. Multiple lenses of different colors are nice for variable levels of sunshine. For years I wore eyeglasses but they had hardened lenses. Start with "lighter" loads, never full bore!! Shoulder protection is a plus with high powered rifles.

Range Officers vary. Some are real helpful, understanding, & courteous. Others are demigods and minor fuhrers!

I'd also appreciate recommendations on what to wear, what to expect, and how to make the experience both safe and enjoyable.

First, don't over stress your self, either mentally or physically. Stop when you tire out. Stay hydrated=bring cool drinks if allowed. NO ALCOHOL!! Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. I like cotton because a hot casing can burn you and even melt synthetics against your skin! You don't mention your gender but, especially a female, no loose or scooped necks! I wear a t-shirt with pockets (to temporarily store things) or a comfortable camping-style shirt. I wear cargo pants or jeans, loose fitting. You'll need pockets to keep your wallet, club membership card (?)

What was your first shooting range experience like, and what would you do differently if you could go back?

My very first experience was plinking with my dad at cans. I had a single shot 22 LR. My real first range experience was while taking my Hunter Safety Course (A REAL GOOD IDEA!!). It was at a formal competition range run by the LBPD. We shot prone under several instructors and were required to "qualify" before graduating.

A humorous story about that first range experience!!
I was in high school and taking the bus to and from school. I was bragging about shooting in competition to a girl I knew. She was all "oohs" and "awes" and nodding. That summer I worked McDonald's with he brother and he told me she was the National Junior Girls Champion for two years at the Camp Perry matches in Ohio (The BIG match!).

Remember the safety rules, don't be offended if someone yells at you WHEN you break them (you will eventually!) and HAVE FUN!!