Like any new place or environment you visit the first time, a shooting range or gun club can seem a little intimidating, particularly if you are new to shooting. With an estimated 5.4 million first-time gun buyers in 2021, making up almost 30 percent of all firearms purchases that year, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), odds are many of you reading this are fairly new to the shooting sports.
So, if you are unfamiliar with shooting at a range, don’t let that nervousness keep you from doing something that is responsible, as well as fun. Get out, go shooting, and become proficient with your firearm. You’ll find many ranges are filled with friendly, helpful people just like you who are passionate about recreational shooting and responsible gun ownership and are happy to share that enjoyment with you and welcome you to the ranks of gun ownership.
Signing up for a basic shooting skills class at a range is an excellent way to start your shooting experience. Even if you have some experience with firearms, joining a class that matches your skill level and type of shooting you want to improve on is a great way to learn more about your firearm, develop your skills and make lifelong friends who enjoy shooting as much as you do.
But before you head out to your first range session, it is important to understand some basic range etiquette that will help keep that experience a positive one for you, as well as the other shooters and staff at the range.
Like any new place or environment you visit the first time, a shooting range or gun club can seem a little intimidating, particularly if you are new to shooting. With an estimated 5.4 million first-time gun buyers in 2021, making up almost 30 percent of all firearms purchases that year, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), odds are many of you reading this are fairly new to the shooting sports.
So, if you are unfamiliar with shooting at a range, don’t let that nervousness keep you from doing something that is responsible, as well as fun. Get out, go shooting, and become proficient with your firearm. You’ll find many ranges are filled with friendly, helpful people just like you who are passionate about recreational shooting and responsible gun ownership and are happy to share that enjoyment with you and welcome you to the ranks of gun ownership.
Signing up for a basic shooting skills class at a range is an excellent way to start your shooting experience. Even if you have some experience with firearms, joining a class that matches your skill level and type of shooting you want to improve on is a great way to learn more about your firearm, develop your skills and make lifelong friends who enjoy shooting as much as you do.
Basic Range Etiquette Rules
Safety First – Understand and always follow these four key rules of firearm safety:
- Treat every firearm as if it loaded. Doing this ensures you treat every gun with the utmost care.
- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, at a range, this will always mean pointed down range unless otherwise instructed by a range safety officer (RSO).
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Until you are aiming at the target downrange and are ready to fire the gun, your finger should never touch the trigger in order to prevent an accidental or unintentional discharge.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it. The only thing that should be behind your target when a range is hot, and you are ready to shoot is a good backstop.
Listen To and Follow Range Rules
Aside from the basic firearms safety rules, which should always be followed no matter where you shoot, each range may have specific rules that you need to learn and follow. This can include things like where to place your firearm when not in use, how to signal that you’re ready to shoot, how to properly uncase your firearm in preparation to shoot, types of firearms that can be used at the range and any other range-specific safety procedures. Be sure to listen carefully to the range staff and follow all posted rules. Most ranges will require you to watch or participate in a short safety briefing the first time you visit the range. Arrive early your first time to account for the time needed to take the briefing and pay attention. These rules are designed to keep you and those around you safe.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Pay attention to what’s always happening around you. Be aware of other shooters, and be sure to ask for permission before entering or exiting a shooting bay. Be aware of any changes in the range environment that could affect your safety, particularly when an RSO declares the range “cold,” “cease fire” at which time you should immediately stop shooting, open the chamber (if shooting a semi-auto firearm, remove the magazine first), place the gun on the shooting bench and step back.
Be Courteous to Others
Be respectful of other shooters and their space. Don’t talk or distract others while they are shooting. Wait until they are finished shooting before approaching them. If you need to communicate with others, do so in a polite and respectful manner. If you are an experienced shooter and see somebody having difficulty, offer to help or to get the attention of the RSO or other staff who can also provide assistance.
Clean Up After Yourself
When you are finished pick up all spent casings (unless they are in front of the firing line, most ranges will not allow casings in front of the line to be picked up for obvious safety reasons), trash, and other debris from your shooting area. Case your firearm keeping it always pointed downrange, and leave the area clean for the next shooter.
The primary reasons for following these rules are safety and respect. Safety is the most important consideration at any shooting range, and following these rules will help ensure that everyone can shoot safely and enjoyably.
