What do I need to bring with my for my first trip to the range?

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jblane

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With a lot of good advice from the knowledgeable and generous members of this forum, I've finally purchased one each of a rifle and pistol in .22lr for learning how to shoot. The endless 10-day wait is up tomorrow, when I'll be picking up the guns. I'll be going to the range to start practicing soon, and as I've never been before I want to make sure I don't forget to bring anything and end up having to buy it there at inflated prices.

I'll of course be bringing both guns and a bunch of .22 ammo, as well as cleaning supplies in case I need them before getting home. What should I do about targets? Do I need to buy them or is it possible to make decent ones myself with a printer? (I don't need anything fancy, as I am a total beginner.) Is there anything else I'll need to bring, other than a sandwich and some bottled water? Thanks for any tips!
 
I'd bring a small screwdriver (double ended) for various purposes like sight adjustments, stuck cases, etc. I also bring my own stapler, just for convenience sake. A package of the small paper plates should do you fine for targets right now, add some colored stick on dots for a more precise aiming point; I get mine in the office supply section of walmart.

Eyes and ears are usually a requirement, and you might want a bag of some sort to lug all that stuff back and forth.

And 2 tips:

1. If you're paying by the hour for range time, load your mags before you get to the range (as long as safe to do so, no tube mags, etc).
2. Don't eat, drink, or smoke until after you've washed your hands with soap and cool water to get the residue off your hands.

I'm sure others will chime in with anything I've forgotten.
 
Eye protection
Hearing protection (foam plugs and muffs)

Baby wipes if you actually find time to eat that sandwich (no point in eating lead you've transferred from your hands to the sandwich).

You can print targets, but you may find that it's cheaper just to put an "X" on paper with a marker. Cheap paper plates can be cheaper than printing as well.

Stapler to staple said targets or cheap tape to tape them to the backing of the target holders.

If your range doesn't have target holders you can make them out of PVC tubing, duct tape and cardboard (for backing for your paper targets). If you have access to some of the election or real estate metal frame sign holders those can be great to use to hang from your target frame.
 
You can make decent ones with a printer or even with paper and permanent marker. That's what I do in order to make targets that suit my particular needs. I suppose it depends on what kind of shooting you are doing -- distance? type of sights? For example, I shoot at 50 yards and I don't like the fancy or oversized commercial targets which is why I print my own.
 
Bring some tape that's the same color as your target, or just some tape so that you can paste up your target and still see your new holes. One thing that I have in my range bag is a bunch of crayola markers I stole from my kid.. ;) (she'll understand someday) That way you can shoot a group and go identify it with a color. Just color the outline of the hole. Each group can be a different color, and then you can take your target home and compare groups. Just write on the outside of the target in each color specifics to that group. (kneeling, standing, sight adjustments, whatever)
 
1. Safety-First mindset and intimate knowledge of the 4 basic rules of gun safety

2. (Optional but highly preferred) A written copy of the Range's Rules for quick reference

3. Guns (preferably cased)

4. Ammo

5. Detachable Magazine(s) for your gun(s), if any

6. Eye Protection (if you don't already wear glasses)

7. Ear Protection (preferably 'doubled-up' - both plugs in and muffs over)

8. Targets Plenty of paper targets. Yes, you can make targets with your printer - many of them to download free, and it's cheap & easy. Possibly some reactive targets, if range allows them.

9. Stapler with extra staples (not an office stapler, you understand...)

10. (If shooting rifles) Spotting scope with tripod, either bench or full sized - OR large binoculars which work to around 50 yards.

11. (If shooting rifles)(Optional, but highly preferred) Boresighter (either laser or optical)

12. Sight adjustment tool(s) for any sights that may need adjusting, if any. This could be a simple screwdriver for certain scopes, or a punch, hammer, & vice, or could be a special tool.

13. (Optional but highly preferred) Water/Juice/Hydration, and possibly some snackage.

14. (Optional) Tool Kit for on-site gun fixes, such as a cleaning rod to get stuck shells out, gun lube, screwdrivers, allen wrenches, takedown tools, bore snakes, etc., etc. I like to take blue loctite so that if I get a rifle dialed in (AND if I'm *sure* that I like the rifle-to-scope match for a long time to come), I do this: (a) tighten all screws, (b) shoot one more shot to verify cold barrel accuracy WITH newly-tightened screws, (c) remove screws one at a time and replace them & tighten after applying blue loctite, (d) shoot one more shot to re-verify zero. Adjust sight / shoot / repeat if necessary. (e) Re-check for tightness one last time; (f) leave range to allow loctite to dry without firing again to loosen them.

15. (If shooting handguns)(Optional but recommended) Ballcap so that brass from you or the next shooter doesn't end up falling in behind your glasses at the top, onto your eyelids.

16. One or more big bag(s) and/or toolbox(es)/tacklebox(es) and/or ammo can(s) to put it all in.


That's about it for the basics. Optional items are noted as such - if not noted, they are NOT optional - at least not if you want to have a happy pleasant experience.
 
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Take a small container of lube, in case your guns get a little dry.

Shoot N C targets are nice and easier to see your hits.

Use a range bag to carry everything in. An old backpack works ok, but an actual gun range bag is best. Don't use a plastic grocery sack. That immediately identifies you as a noob.

Take a great attitude, and the willingness to learn and ask questions. And have fun!
 
This may sound really screwy, but if you are apt to forgetting things, make a simple checklist and check it off ONLY when it goes in your trunk.

If you're not into checklists, then double-check before you leave the house that you have the basics:
- guns
- magazines
- ammo
- eye/ear protection
- any other things you think you need.

There is NOTHING worse than driving to the range, paying your fees, only to realize you forgot your [insert necessary item here.]

Q
 
Thanks for all the great tips. I forgot to mention that I do have eye and ear protection. Definitely wouldn't have thought to bring a stapler or tape to post the targets though! It's little things like that that could make the first trip to the range a wasted, or at least unpleasant one. Can't wait to get out there!
 
Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow said:
Have fun and be safe - I edited my post with some more detail and now outline 16 potential categories there to check off. :)
Click to expand...
Thanks for the thorough list. I'll be sure to bring any necessary tools as well. I'm assuming I won't need the spotting scope or binoculars, as I've decided to learn on iron sights and hold off on buying a scope. Guess it couldn't hurt to pick up a pair of binoculars now though.
 
You'll find the binoculars or a spotting scope is a big help. That way you can see where you are hitting from where you sit. Having to go to the target every couple of minutes isn't what you want to have to do. Just take your time. I hope you've read about trigger control and sight picture. If not please ask. Whatever you do squeeze the trigger every shot. Best wishes to you.
 
Dr. Tad's list is a good one. Let me emphasize #16. I use a range box with two levels to keep things organized. And I keep it stocked. For example, I carry a staple gun, extra staples, AND tape. A small bottle of foam earplugs (probably a dozen pairs) that I buy in bulk. Couple of extra pairs of safety glasses. Paper targets AND stick on target dots. Etc. So when I decide to make a range outing, I need only grab the guns and ammo I want, and the range box, and I'm good to go.

Oh, and you really should pick up a spotting scope or pair of binoculars, especially if you're planning to learn to shoot iron sights. You'll need them to see how you're doing without walking downrange every few minutes.
 
What's a good magnification factor for the binoculars? Is 10X too much, should I with the 6x-8x range?
 
If you're going to a pay range that has a range officer overseeing things to enforce rules etc. chances are they will have Target stands that you must use and perhaps even the targets themselves I was once at a range run by our Conservation Commission and was actually chewed out because I tried to use an unapproved target "It was a simple silhouette as I recall" .

Now if your area also has unmanned ranges such as many of our Conservation areas do you should probably bring your own target stand , as mentioned you can make them out of PVC and instructions are on the web how to do this if you need them also if you or anyone you know recently bought a home a real estate sign works great as a target stand .

You might want to invest about $20 in a Caldwell rifle/pistol rest to help sight you guns in , these are made of plastic yet pretty durrable as well as adjustable and I have had one for years and haven't worn it out yet .

If you're going to an unsupervised range where you must walk down range to change targets etc. it might be a good idea to take a friend , it wouldn't be the first time someone all alone had their gun/s stolen while they were down range and their guns left at the shooting bench unattended .

Also I hate to say it but if at an unsupervised range it might be a good idea to have a holster and keep that pistol loaded and with you while downrange checking targets etc. the BG's of the world have discovered ranges a long time ago and life just isn't as safe as it use to be , me I keep a loaded 1911 cocked and locked in a holster on my side at all times at unsupervised ranges .

If you find yourself going to unsupervised ranges alot you have a far greater variety of targets you can use for instance this website http://www.shootingrangetargets.com/main.sc has many intertesting things you might enjoy I have had one of their target stands for years and ot was well wort the money spent on it .

Best of luck I hope you have a long and safe life enjoying a love of the shooting sports !!
 
Invest a bit of money in a good range bag. Mine has a pair of enclosed sheep's wool pistol holsters and holds all the tools, supplies, ear protectors, etc., so when it's time to hit the range, you grab the bag and go. A large stapler is essential. Depending on where you live, insect repellent. I wouldn't sweat forgetting stuff, but as you go along you'll be fine-tuning your range bag until it's right for your shooting style.
 
1+ Jaybird.

Welcome to the fraternity! If you are not experienced, I agree one of the best things to take with you is an experienced friend. There are too many tricks and shortcuts to things like sighting in, troubleshooting, and organization to really cover in this post. In addition, it would be good to have a "spotter" with you to make sure you don't inadvertently violate any safety rules, until they are ingrained habit for you.

Have a great time! Post up after your range day!

Steve
 
It is very nice to see someone smart enough to buy .22s to learn with. You will be better at shooting for it. Even after nearly 50 years of shooting a .22 is still fun.
 
For pistol I have a full blown range competition case for everything but it's hard to lug around so I made a minimum component range bag out of a laptop computer bag. Here's what's in it:

Pistol
Ammo
Spotting Scope
Targets
Screwdriver for Sights
Boresnake
Toothbrush (quickie clean 22 bolt breach-face)
Aperture for eye (I'm older, I need the help)
Gun rag (gun wipe)
Gun towel (to rest gun on at the bench)
Pen (for target data)
Stapler/staples if going to the outdoor range

Rifle is the same except:
Hardcase
Rifle and mags
Rear Bag
Front Rest
Breakdown cleaning rod

This is the minimum I can get away with, sometimes I'll haul more stuff. I find I have more fun if I'm not lugging a whole gun store around with me.

Thanx, Russ

P.S. Never haul something you can borrow if needed!
 
I'm assuming I won't need the spotting scope or binoculars, as I've decided to learn on iron sights and hold off on buying a scope
Click to expand...

Please note (as I indicated) that a spotting scope is NOT optional equipment for a good time, IF you're shooting rifles. You cannot run down range after every shot to look and if you can't see where you're hitting, you cannot make corrections. Using irons is fine; you STILL need binos or a spotting scope past around 25-30 yards to see what's happenin AFTER you shoot a shot or a group.

If limiting your shots to 50 yards, and you're on a budget, grab a pair of Nikon Action (not Action Extreme), Oberwerk, or Celestron 10x50s, and make them your dedicated range binos. They're not weatherproof, but you've got a nice pair of 10x50 fully multi-coated binos for under $100. So, no, a 10 or 11 or 12 power is PERFECT for range spotting out to 50 yards; I prefer a 50mm lens, but a 42 or 43 will be fine too.

Absolutely great plan to start off with rimfires - it doesn't get much funner!
 
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