New to the range

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blindndead

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Aug 23, 2006
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Location
Fall River MA
So when my pistol permit comes in and I buy a firearm I will be going to the range. How do things work? Say if there are few people shooting and I walk up and I want to put up a target. When will I know its safe? (Yea when the bullets stop flying I know.) I have never been to a range and I dont want freak people out like look out a new guy. Is there like a special nod or something?:confused: Or should ask the person on duty to show me the ropes. any advice on the do's and dont's I am shure each range has it own set of rules but I am shure it dosent cover everything.
 
Local range rules apply. Just ask, gun owners are very friendly.:D

Usually someone calls "cease fire", "cold range" or "down range", etc., everyone puts their weapon down with action open and steps away. Some ranges have "range officers" who are in charge of the range and issue commands.
 
The

Range I checked out the officer Is in the building where most of the time he is doing paperwork for new member's. but there are people shooting all the time.
 
Range rules are usually detailed as to what they expect, if you are NOT SURE OF SOMETHING ASK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The other shooters will not think that you are dumb.
 
Shooters are VERY friendly people for the most part, and will go out of their way to help you with anything you might need. I guarantee before long, you will meet a friend at the range :)

The rules can be different depending on what kind of range, how the targets are placed, etc. The 2 ranges I frequent are pistol ranges with individual lanes, and you set the targets whenever and wherever you like. The targets at my range are placed on a carrier which is sent to a distance of your choice. When you're done shooting at that perticular target, you push buttons or pull a lever to bring the target back to you, and change targets in your own lane. Then you hang another one up on the carrier, send it out to your desired distance, shoot again, and repeat. :D

I've never been to an outdoor range, or a place where you actually have to go downrange to change your targets... and I'd probably be a little reluctant to because I'm so used to indoor ranges - but I'm sure the other types of ranges are just as safe. Just ask anyone ANY questions you might have about their rules, and the people there should be more than willing to help you.

Good luck, have fun, and most importantly BE SAFE! :)
 
First thing is to always be safe, meaning follow the rules of gun safety. Especially, never have you gun pointed at anything but the targets. People will put up with alot until it comes to being swept with a gun, even accidentally.

Next big thing is to be polite/courtesous. Ask if you're not sure about something.

Usually, you wait for a pause in the gunfire (like when people are reloading etc.) and then say something like "okay for a cease fire so I can hang a target". Make sure everyone acknowledges you, and do whatever the range procedure is. (Mine is to turn on a siren to signify someone is downrage)

While you're waiting for the pause, make sure you have your target ready to hang, then load mags or whatever. Don't be (or at least don't look) impatient.

I'm found, most of the time another shooter will ask me if I'm ready before I even get a chance to ask.

Once you're shooting, pay alittle attention to the other people around you. If everyone else is not shooting, pause to see if someone else is waiting to hang targets or other needs a cease-fire. You can also pick up good range habits by seeing what others do.

Keep in mind that 98% of the people you encounter will be friendly and helpful. But there's always that 1% that have to be jerks. They may yell and curse at you, and do whatever they can to ruin your day. You mostly have to put up with them, but don't let them discourage you. Any mistakes you might make, should just make you want to practice even more.

Oh, the other 1% of the people you meet, will be friendly, know absolutely everything about ever gun ever made, and be able to shoot expertly with all of them. They will know exactly what you're doing wrong and how to fix it. And have tons of stories that will be interesting and humorous. At least that's what think always told me ;)
 
just curious as to which range you go to. I noticed you live in Fall River. I live in Fairhaven.
 
cool

Matt. I am going to go to the woodcock Rd. Range off of fisher Rd. in Wsetport to start. I just needed a range to sign up at for my pistol permit do you know of this place?
 
It may also be a range rule, and is definitely range etiquette, that if someone is down range, you step back from your station and do not handle your firearm or ammunition. My range requires that everyone not walking downrange stand behind a yellow line, away from the bench, until everyone on the line has acknowledged the end of the cease fire by stating "clear." This makes everyone comfortable that no one is going to start firing during the cease fire, accidentally or not. Once you have moved back from the bench, don't go up to it for any reason during the cease fire.
 
When you go to the range of choice ask for an orientation to the rules and the range itself. ASK Questions! Admit your innocence. I would be signing up a firearms familiarization class! Suck up all the education you can!
 
Go to the range you plan on using, and just hang around and watch. That will get you a good overview, and most ranges have a pamphlet you could take with you on their rules, etc. As was stated earlier, you might make a friend too. Good luck!
 
Thanks

Everyone you all have been very helpful to me. You you are all Great people. Your words of wisdom will come in handy when I hit the range.:)
 
You will NEVER be criticised for asking questions at a range. See if you can set up next to some older 40+ shooters. The older the better. Odds are that they have been around the block and will be glad to show you the ropes. Enjoy.
 
What TX1911fan said is the best advice. Regardless of signs or no signs, don't ever handle your firearm when someone is downrange. This means no removing magazines, adjusting sights, working the action, etc.

Range Rule #1 - When someone is downrange you don't touch your guns.
 
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