Do I Need A Background Check To Go To A Shooting Range?

I was recently asked a question that I didn’t realize was something so many people wondered about. Though I knew the answer generally, I did some more research to find out much more information, and some exceptions to the rule too.

So, do you need a background check to go to a shooting range? A background check is not required to go to a shooting range though some states/cities have specific requirements. But generally speaking, those interested must fill out a waiver/questionnaire and pay the associated fees–which are usually the range fee, gun-rental fee, and any ammo and targets they want to shoot that the range offers.

Detailed Explanation

Those going to the range may be bringing their own guns or be interested in renting guns that the range offers. Let’s look at both of these options below.

Gun owners bringing guns to the range

Those that own guns and want to take them to the range don’t have to pass a background check to use most ranges in the United States. They can almost always bring their own guns, ammo (as long as the ammo complies with any range restrictions) and targets, and only pay the range fee. They will still usually need to fill out some sort of waiver/questionnaire that will ask a bunch of questions verifying the shooters ability to legally be in possession of firearms–as well as waive the range’s liability. Each form is different, so reading it is important to ensure you know what you’re signing.

Renting guns

People going to the gun range to rent guns that the range owns also don’t usually have to do a background check. They usually just have to fill out the waivers/questionnaires that those bringing their own guns have to fill out. They will also have to pay for the gun rental, which those bringing guns don’t have to pay. But after that, it’s just selecting the guns that look like they will be the best to shoot.

Though the vast majority of areas in the United States don’t require a background check, it is more dependent on the area you live in. California and New York might be exceptions to this rule, though I’ve shot at many ranges in California in the past and haven’t had to do one.

Exceptions That Require More Documentation or Action

Some regions require a person to have a license or permit to shoot guns at gun ranges or even be in possession of a gun at all. Though the range may not complete a background check each time a person goes to the range, a background check was already required to obtain a license or permit. So in a roundabout way, a background check was completed.

Depends on the location

New York- Generally speaking, New York requires people to obtain a pistol license (and rifle license in some areas) to own a gun and to be able to go to ranges there. There are many resources on the internet that get into the specifics of being a gun owner/shooter there. Gun range owners are also very knowledgeable with the steps that need to be taken in their specific regions, so calling them up and asking them is one of the easiest ways to learn.

California- California has passed all kinds of anti-gun legistation over the past few years. As it stands currently, there is no background check required to bring your own guns to the range. Similarly, there is no background check required to rent guns either. A liability waiver will be required like anywhere else, but that’s usually it. Each gun range has its own rules that can be different from this, so give the range a call before you go, to get specifics.

Laws are constantly changing

As should be clear in what’s written so far, laws are constantly changing and different places become more free or less free each year. So, while using this as a pretty solid, quick reference, it’s impossible to list the differences between every region’s specific rules.

What is the questionnaire for?

Releasing of Liability

Pretty much every time you do anything that could cause liability to fall on a business, a waiver of some sort is used. The same goes for waivers at gun ranges. They are to notify participants of the dangers they are assuming so they can’t later claim that they didn’t know or didn’t understand it all. It theoretically protects the business from getting sued later.

Qualifying you to be on the range

The other thing these waivers/questionnaires do is require the shooter to testify that they pass certain qualifications to be on the range. Some questions I frequently see on these forms are

Are you under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medications?
Are you feeling depressed or suicidal today?
Are you legally allowed to be in possession of a firearm?
Have you been convicted of a felony or domestic violence?
Will you obey the rules of the range?
Will you listen to the commands of the range officer?

There are often other questions that are on these forms, but this covers a large majority of them.

Then what are background checks needed for?

Purchasing a firearm

Not everyone in the United States is allowed to own a firearm. When going to a gun shop to buy a gun, the gun shop (the FFL) is required to run a background check to ensure the purchaser is legally allowed to own a firearm. Those that have been convicted of certain crimes, are fugitives from justice, are non-citizens, were dishonorably discharged from the armed forces, and those who are deemed mentally incompetent by a court are a few examples of those that are screened out from being able to own a firearm. Most others are able to purchase a firearm and exercise their second-amendment rights.

Buying ammo—in California

California passed a law a few years ago that further regulates the purchasing of ammo for its residents. Those that are purchasing ammo must go through a background check before they can purchase any amount of ammo. So if they want to buy ammo today, they must go through the background check process; and if they want to buy ammo again next week, they must do it again. This was passed in an attempt to deter bad people from doing bad things with the ammo and guns. No one’s holding their breath on this one. It obviously isn’t going to do anything.