New To The Shooting Range? Start Here

Try visiting a shooting range this summer!

If a first-time visit to a shooting range is in your summer plans, here’s how to transform your first visit into multiple enjoyable sessions.

Know the open hours, shooting opportunities and rules. These vary at each range.

Some, but not all, ranges have websites with hours and calendar of events. Call in advance if needed.
Review the user rules.
Some ranges have staff who can provide instructions to get started. If the range does not have staff, prepare to wait in line on a first-come, first-serve basis and talk with other range users to ensure safety.
User fees vary from daily use, annual club or business membership fees or free to the public.
Plan to bring your own gear, although some clubs sell ammunition, safety glasses and hearing protection.
Clubs charge for clay targets, so be prepared to pay associated fees.
- Generally, ranges allow users to bring targets for handguns, rifles and patterning. Check which targets are allowed prior to arrival as most ranges only allow paper targets while others allow specialty targets.

In general, there’s range etiquette that applies to all shooting ranges you may visit.

If there is a range clubhouse, leave the firearm in the car, and check in first before entering a range. If the range charges a fee to shoot, pay in advance.
- Identify yourself as a first-time user so staff can help you get oriented.
Ensure your firearm is unloaded with the action open at all times when not shooting.
Follow the four rules of firearm safety (TABK) at all times:
- Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
- Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Be aware of your target and what’s beyond.
- Keep your finger outside of the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.

Communication is crucial when you or others plan to shoot or go down range.

Before loading your firearm, communicate with everyone present. Make sure others hear you announce “range is hot” before loading ammunition.
Wait until others on the line are finished shooting before announcing you will walk down range to examine and replace targets. Wait for acknowledgement from all to ensure you were heard and firearm actions are open before exiting the shooting line.
Understand and use any lights available on the range. Red means stop shooting (range is cold). Green means go and fire (range is hot).
If someone says, “cease fire” or “stop shooting,” unload your firearm immediately, place it on a bench or rack with action open and step away from the bench to await further instructions.

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