Even the most experienced marksmen or hunters will tell you they were intimidated the first time they went to target practice. Below are 8 tips shared by bloggers at
Gunnoob.com and
Gunpath.com to make sure you don’t look like a rookie at the firing range.
1. Take a gun safety class before you go so you are prepared to safely handle the firearm once you arrive at the range. The surest way to annoy other shooters and raise suspicion is to exhibit unsafe behavior.
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2. Be familiar with the rules at the range you are visiting. When you arrive, staff will want to know you are prepared to respect their operation. If you don’t appear prepared, be prepared to read the range’s specific rules and policies before you’re allowed into the shooting bay.
3. Make sure your gun is unloaded before entering the range. If your weapon is loaded, staff will ask you to unload it so they can inspect the ammunition and be sure it is allowed at their facility.
4. Bring your gun in a case of some sort. It can be a soft or hard case or even a box. Most gun ranges have strict policies about open carrying onto their property.
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5. Shooting glasses and ear plugs and/or earmuffs are required at indoor shooting bays, so come prepared with eye and ear protection or be ready to purchase it at the range. Some ranges will have protective gear that you can rent or borrow.
6. Bring your own targets or be prepared to purchase them there. Most ranges will offer just one free target. Once you walk in the bay, hang your target, then load your gun, in that order. Keep your targets when you’re finished if you want to keep track of your progress.
7. Remember to always point your gun with the muzzle facing down, even if it isn’t loaded. This is a universal rule of gun ranges and mistakenly pointing the muzzle up will probably get you called out by the range safety officer. Repeat offenses could get you kicked out of the range.
8. Every range will have an RSO, or Range Safety Officer, on duty. Feel free to ask the RSO any questions you may have.
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