Tips for first time at the range

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6Gunslinger

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I'm relatively new to firearms (8 months) and have actually never been to a formal range. I have only been out to the desert to fire my K-22 & .38 and have recently picked up a .45 1911 that I have never fired.....

I'm planning on hitting the range for the first time this weekend with the .22 and .45 but I'm pretty unfarmiliar with the way ranges work, etiquette, etc.... just wondering if you can give me somes do's and don'ts, tips, etc.

thanks
 
Make sure you know and understand the rules for cease fires. It's pretty common amongst all ranges that if there is a cease fire, and there are people down range, that you not handle any weapon, weather you are at the line or not, whether or not it is "unloaded". Just leave the guns on the bench until everyone is back. Pay attention to what people are doing around you so you can see if someone needs to call a cease fire. Standing there blasting away and oblivious to everyone around you is bad form.
 
Learn and understand the reasoning behind the four rules of firearms safety. Safety is more important than skill (making small groups).

Read the range rules before going in - they are posted somewhere.

If it is a range where people walk out to post their targets, always be aware of a bozo who just walks down the range to his target. If there is a range officer, (s)he will yell out when to stop firing and put down firearms - chamber open & empty, pointed down range, empty magazine.
If there is no range officer, find out etiquette for above.

Relax. Most firearms owners are pretty good about helping people out. Have fun.
 
All attended ranges have a set of rules you need to read before going in. If they aren't posted then ask for them. The quickest way to get kicked out is pointing a loaded gun at anything other than the down range target. One thing that does irritate the employees is shooters pointing their gun toward the ceiling down range while insertiing the magazine and they have their finger on the trigger. Take a look at the ceiling sometime and you'll see what I'm talking about.
 
I completely agree with all of the replies above. Where I live we have mostly indoor ranges as all of the 'outdoors' have houses or condos on them. Indoor ranges do not have the same cease fire rules as each lane has it's own target on a cable, so my $.02 is for indoor-

I'd say LIVE the 4 rules at the range:

1. All guns are always loaded.
2. Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target (and you have made the decision to shoot).
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

That said, I take a lot of new shooters to the range, and what I tell them is once the gun comes out on the line, it stays pointed downrange until I clear it. I load revolvers in the stall keeping them pointed downrange. My semiautos stay in the stall and I may or may not load magazines to the rear of the firing line.

When I'm bringing a gun to and from the line, I move deliberately (not quickly), handle it so that my fingers are obviously not on the trigger or trigger guard and that it is clear, ie cylinder swung out or slide locked back. I also keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction during the process.

Most people that break the 4 rules, do it with poorly (or un-)thought out movements, ie swinging the muzzle around when turning to speak to others, etc. I do things the way I described above not only because I believe in them, but it also demonstrates to the RO and others that you are not a risk, and models to less experienced shooters that firearms are always to be respected.
 
All good advice. I might also suggest that when you arrive at the range, leave everything in your vehicle, (except hearing protection) and just take a good look around and see what's going on. You'll be able to get a "feel" for the range just by observing. If there is a range officer present, that's where you should start.

Be safe, and you'll have a great time.
 
last night i was looking at pictures of the stalls at indoor ranges because i will likely be frequenting an indoor range nearby.

where do you keep your ammo? in front of you on the table in the stall?
there doesnt seem to be much room for bags/ammo etc
 
Ammo, cases etc. either goes on the floor or on the small table.

For an outdoor range know the cease fire rules. That is the biggest issue. If you are going to an outdoor range it might be a good idea to bring your staple gun and some of your own targets with you. You can always call ahead to see what is provided.

The four rules and knowing the cease fire rules are most important.

At my outdoor range there is a safe line, yellow, (like a subway) that everyone needs to be behind in order for a cease fire to be in effect. Weekdays shooters call their own cease fires, weekends a range officer handles it because of the number of shooters coming and going.

During a cease fire your firearm should be unloaded with the chamber open. You do NOT approach your firearm again until the line is hot. So make sure you grab your targets, staple gun, markers, etc. before you leave the firing line. No reloading magazines or anything like that during a cease fire...you probably needed a break anyways.

Otherwise it is just knowing the 4 rules. There may be some range specific rules make sure to follow those as well.

At the indoor range, posting targets is easy since there is no need for a cease fire. Just use the cable to get your target. If you are going to an indoor range I recommend plugs and muffs as they are loud and I always end up next to the guy shooting a .357 mag...

If you plan on being there for a while (like my outdoor range) you might want to bring some water, snacks, etc. Indoor ranges aren't really set up for that and they charge by the hour so it is more of a get in, get out type of deal.

Be safe, have fun!
 
Is the range indoors or outdoors?

As you would do at any range, either formal or informal, obey the 4 rules. Also, general advice on a any range, when your mag is empty or when the gun is not pointed downrange, lock your slide back so that others know that you do not have a “hot” weapon.

If you are shooting indoors, be prepared that it will most likely be louder than you remember. Also, I find that my groups open up a bit indoors due to the crappy lighting that is found in most ranges. But since most gunfights occur in less that optimal conditions, I just chalk it up to more realistic training.
 
OK, those are the expectations for range safety--

good ones. If you see the basic safety rules are being ignored, leave. Now, here's some more pragmatic comments--not better at all, just other things to consider.

Before going to the range, get familiar with your firearm. Know how to unload it and how to clear the chamber. Know how to set the safety. If you need to break the habit of putting your finger on the trigger 'automatically' from your childhood cowboys-and-indian play days, practice handling at home repeatedly.

Assemble the gear you want in your 'range bag.' You don't need to have a $100.00 range bag--with handguns, that kit of gear could even be a small cheap backpack, or whatever. Do keep in mind that brown paper bags absorb oils and rip, or rip because the gear is heavy.

For a beginner, you should have your ears, some gun oil, and some rags in that kit--along with a small band-aid box for nicks, etc. Ideally, it will be big enough to also hold your ammo and the targets. At an outdoor range, you may need to have a stapler for target attachment to a board.

Read those range rules. Be prepared for the way this range operates: For the 'loaded firearms' issues--
Never enter the range with your firearms loaded.
Load all magazines before you go to the line, as allowed.

Be as prepared as possible before you get there--
Don't forget your ears. (That's gunny jargon for hearing protection.)
Don't forget a second set of ears for your friend.

1. There's no harm in 'watching' for awhile, to see how this place 'works.'

2. Drop the attitude and style stuff: It may be quite common in your circle of friends to dance around, moon each other, or give high fives after an accomplishment, but it's horseplay at a range. If you see it at this range, consider leaving.

3. Have sufficient targets ready to go. Don't make others wait while you are drawing another ball-point-pen-ink-on-ripped-out-notebook-paper. Better yet, think about what you want to shoot (for targets) and bring a lot of them.

Since you guys are (probably) going to a commercial range, you probably will not need to deal with command-driven 'line' shooting--you'll be shooting at an individual station with your own target-retrieval system. That makes it easier for you to simply do your shooting.

But I've also experienced being at such a range when part of a local-gang / brother contingency came in "w' dere' hos" to show off their latest gangsta-shooting styles. For me it was not a comfortable experience, so I left. I also made sure no one noted my departure and license.

For you two who are going to the range for a first time, I'd definitely recommend bringing a friend. A friend good enough to not laugh, and whose will help you feel more relaxed.

Jim H.
 
Always Remember:

1. All guns are always loaded.
2. Never point the gun at anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target (and you have made the decision to shoot).
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Also, don't walk up to the firing line when the range is cold.
 
last night i was looking at pictures of the stalls at indoor ranges because i will likely be frequenting an indoor range nearby.

where do you keep your ammo? in front of you on the table in the stall?
there doesnt seem to be much room for bags/ammo etc
Click to expand...

Indoor range: you put your ammo on the table in your stall. Remember don't turn around with your gun, you put the gun down on the table when needing to turn around. Put your range bag on the floor next to you or behind you.

It is nice to preload your mags for indoor range because: 1. they charge by the hour usually, 2. the air sucks (so you don't want to be there longer than necessary).
 
I'm planning on hitting the range for the first time this weekend with the .22 and .45 but I'm pretty unfarmiliar with the way ranges work, etiquette, etc.... just wondering if you can give me somes do's and don'ts, tips, etc.
Click to expand...

Remember to tip the range officers and the shooters on your left and right.

Ok, here's what you don't want to do:
1. point a gun at anybody
2. shoot/clean/touch your gun during a cease fire
3. hit people next to you with your ejected brass
4. take forever to check/change your target down range
5. don't stop shooting when a bunch of people is wanting for a cease fire

Don't worry too much, you'll do just fine. There'll be many shooters there to help you. Just remember about the tipping thing..
 
If you plan on being there for a while (like my outdoor range) you might want to bring some water, snacks, etc. Indoor ranges aren't really set up for that and they charge by the hour so it is more of a get in, get out type of deal
Click to expand...

Heck,the vending machine guy at my indoor range pulls in more money than the range on some weeks.

One thing at smaller outdoor ranges where there's no RO, Keep an eye out for the other shooters after a cease fire. Be polite and make sure they've got their ears on before going hot. I'm reasonably certain I've botched that courtesy at least once, and now I'm mindful of it. Also, indoor or out, clean up after yourself. Make sure it lands in the brass bin or take it home to reload, sell, or trash. It's your range, too, and you wouldn't want to get a stall right after some guy scattered 22's all over the floor and left them.

Also, BE Polite. If you're shootin your S&W 500 and the guy in the next lane is teaching his daughter to shoot a 22, let him know before opening up, and maybe work on an alternating sequence with him.
 
When you leave the range pay attention to what/who is around. We've had several robberies here (central FL) where the BGs tailed shooters leaving the range. They picked the victims by observing gun cases going in the trunk and didn't see anything to indicate CCW; when the customers pulled into their driveway at home the BGs pulled in right behind with guns out. Apparently the BGs used at least 2 cars, swapping out the tailing duties so one car didn't get too obvious. It pays to "drive the box" - circle a block, or at least make several turns in a location away from your house that you are familiar with and see if the same car turns up behind you after a couple of turns. In one case the BGs followed two guys 30 miles across the county.

Situational awareness works.
 
All ranges have similar house rules but not necessarily identical. Don't assume anything. Generally the range will have its rules posted and in a printed form you can take with you. If in doubt, ask. The range operators would much rather answer a question about etiquette than to have to explain after the fact. Some ranges require you to enter with your weapon in a locked case, others don't. The range I shoot at caters to concealed carry training and welcomes its members to enter the range the same as they would enter any other establishment where cc is legal. Once at the line, range rules are in effect, ie. 4 rules and keeping your weapon pointed down range.
Get to know the range officers, they like to help people that show a real interest. Don't feel too shy to take your target to them after shooting for pointers.
Have fun.
 
thats some great advice guys, I really appreciate it. I will be going to an indoor range so I shouldn't have to worry about some of that stuff this time out but definitely good to know for the future. My only real concern is that a lot of Vegas gun shops that have ranges are frequented by a lot of tourists who come in and say things like.... "I wanna shoot a GLOCK!!!!" or "whats that gun Tom Cruise used in MI3??? I need to shoot that puppy!!!" woohoo!!! so scoping out the patrons first is definitely a good idea, especially around here. Well thanks again for the advice I know I'll probably be more nervous then need be but I'll let you all know how it went. thanks again! take it easy
 
I went to an organized range once, it was way too much of a PITA. You had to come in w/ empty mags and load them all there, that seemed silly. Maybe I'm wrong on that one?? dunno. Help me out if there is a good reason for that one. I'm not talking about loaded GUN, I'm talking about loaded mags separate from the gun.

And then they got all bent out of shape (yelling and screaming, flailing hands and whatnot) when I squeezed off 3 rounds in quick succession with the Glock. I was there to practice my defensive shooting. When the bad guy comes, I'm not going to give him a 2 second interval between shots.

Their range, their rules, I never went back to that range or any other. That was 10 years ago. Maybe I'm just to much anti-authority.:neener::banghead:

Opinions? Am I the one wearing his @$$ for a hat?:confused:
 
Couple of tips:

-Get earplugs for under your headset ear protection. Shooting indoors is much louder and sometimes jarring to someone who has only shot outdoors.
-Make sure you know the rules. Many of the indoor ranges I go to do not allow rapid fire, double-taps or "head shots" on a silouhette (worried about newbies missing and hitting the metal bar holding the target).
-Best to show them your ammo before you shoot - some ranges don't want you shooting aluminum or have restrictions for types of ammo if you rent guns.
-Bring a gun! A lot of ranges (depending on state) will not let you rent a gun unless you bring either a) a gun of your own or b) a friend. Nothing worse than showing up and leaving empty handed
-Watch out for the yahoos out to shoot on a lane for kicks. When you get to your lane, look up at the ceiling. Chances are the ceiling will be riddled with holes - each one from some idiot who was probably stopping in to make some noise for a few minutes. Lot of people go shooting at indoor lanes the same way they go bowling - as something to do for 30 minutes of fun. Can be dangerous.
 
First Time At The Range!

Well I just got back from my first trip to the range and it was AWESOME! I was a bit nervous but it was a great experience. I went around 3:30 so the place was empty and for 90% of the time I was there I was actually the only one shooting. I am very pleased with my target shooting since the only real experience I have had before was plinking out in the desert without formal targets. I shot my .22, .38, & .45. Range fee was $9 for unlimited time and I bought 10 targets at $.50 each. If there were others there they probably would have been irritated because I kept switching targets and checking them so that I could get an accurate idea of how I did with all my guns. I shot mostly at 7 & 10 yards and had decent groups (about the size of my two hands making a circle) I knew my .22 was accurate, but the range went up to 15 yards and I was shooting really tight groups with it so I'm pretty pleased. I bought a box of ammo for each (40gr .22, 158gr .38, 230gr .45) and it was the first time out with the .45 which was spectacular. I love shooting the .22, the .38 is not so pleasant, but I really enjoyed the .45 and it had substaintly less felt recoil then my .38 which tatooed its imprint on the web of my hand once again... I need some better grips! I felt a little dumb because I didn't know if I had to pick up my own brass or not but the guy was really cool, he said no way man, that's my job, just dump em on the floor. All in all it was a great time and with the 3 boxes of ammo, ear & eye protection, range fee, and targets, it was only about $50 and I could take my time.... although I do understand the advice about not spending too long in there because I can definitely tell the air quality wasn't the best.

Thanks again for all the tips and if I can get my camera running I'll take a couple pics of my targets. Take it easy! Las Vegas Gun Show tomorrow at Cashman baby!!!
 
If you shoot out in the desert, you can make a stand out of PVC tubing and juctures that can be taken apart. You just need a sheet of cardboard (side of box) to staple the targets to and there are a couple of pieces of wood to hold up the cardboard. There are probably designs on the internet.
 
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