What to Expect on Your First Trip to a Shooting Range
Visiting a shooting range has several benefits. It provides excellent stress relief and teaches gun safety while allowing you to feel more comfortable using a gun. Whether you have experience shooting a firearm or none at all, there’s much to learn about shooting in a gun range.
Shooting at the range is much different than shooting in your backyard with your own range setup. In the range, you’re surrounded by other people, and you’ll have rules to follow. Everything is set in place to keep all visitors safe and provide them with an enjoyable experience.
As long as you know how to prepare for the range and what to expect, you’ll do great. Continue reading below to discover what to expect on your first trip to a gun shooting range.
Preparing for the Shooting Range
Before you even walk into the range, you need to prepare for the day ahead of you. You don’t want to get to the range only to turn around because you weren’t prepared.
Here’s what you need to do before leaving your home.
Browse the Range’s Website
Do you know what range you want to visit? There are indoor shooting ranges, outdoor shooting ranges, and ranges with their own rules. First, do your research and find a range with good reviews in the area.
Then, browse through their website and ensure you’re aware of all their rules. There are some general gun range rules that all ranges have in place, but there are also rules specific to each range.
Know what the rules are before you get there.
Bring an Experienced Friend
If you’ve never been to a gun range and don’t have much experience, you might feel more comfortable bringing a more experienced friend with you. If you know someone who regularly visits the gun range, this is the perfect person to recruit.
They’ll make you feel comfortable, and you can follow their lead. Even if you don’t know someone who goes to the range, try to find someone experienced in using guns, and check out these shooting tips.
Dress Appropriately
There’s no specific dress code for gun ranges, but there are some things you want to keep in mind. Although you can go to the range in a dress if you wanted, you’ll want to avoid wearing anything low cut or a loose shirt.
As you fire your gun, the brass will come back towards you. Although the quick touch of the brass won’t normally hurt, it will hurt if one gets caught inside your shirt, blouse, or tank top.
Arriving at the Shooting Range
Now that you’re fully prepared for your first visit to the range, it’s time to know what to expect upon arrival. If you know what the arrival process looks like, you can smoothly transition from the lobby into the range.
Carry Firearms Unloaded in Case
If you bring your firearm, then be sure it’s unloaded and in its case. You cannot walk into the range with a loaded gun in your hand. Have everything organized in your case or bag and prepare to have it checked.
Ammo Will Be Checked
When you bring your ammo, the range officer will check the ammo for safety purposes. The officer will need to ensure that the ammo is safe to use at the range. This is something that’ll be done each time you bring your ammo, but it only takes a few short seconds.
Firearms and Ammo Is Available to Rent
In the case that you can’t use your own, or if you don’t have your own to bring, there are firearms and ammo available to rent and use. If you’re not sure what you want to shoot or what ammo to use, then don’t hesitate to ask for help.
That’s what the range officer is there for. The officer will gladly help you with any questions you may have.
You’ll Need to Fill Out Paperwork
Before you can enter the range, you’ll be asked to fill out some paperwork. The paperwork isn’t anything extensive and should only take a few moments to complete. You will need your ID.
You also have the option to purchase a membership with the range. This will save you from having to fill out new paperwork each time.
Eye and Ear Protection Are Provided
You’ll need proper eye and ear protection in the range as well. If you don’t have your own, the range will give you these to use free of charge. The only catch is that you must return them when done so they can be sanitized and given to the next person in need.
All safety gear must be worn at all times once in the range. You cannot enter without it.
All Safety and Other Rules Should Be Followed
Remember all of those safety rules you looked up online before leaving your house? Those come into play right now. You need to follow all safety rules and any other rules administered by the gun range.
Failure to follow these rules will result in you being asked to exit the range.
Clean-Up When You’re Done
Once you’ve gotten in a good shooting session, and you’re ready to go, don’t forget to clean up after yourself. There will be lots of brass around you depending on how many rounds you shot off.
The range should provide a small broom and dustpan for you to use to sweep up your brass before leaving.
Enjoy Your First Shooting Range Experience
You’re excited about your first shooting range experience, as you should be. Visiting the range is a fun and adrenaline-rushing experience. Don’t let fear, anxiety, or nervousness hold you back from making the most of it.
Remember the information in this guide above, and your first time at the range will be a great one!
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