Going to the gun range can be intimidating. Not only is it something brand new, but you’re dealing with weapons that could be dangerous if not handled properly. So learning how it all works can set you at ease while learning everything else.
Though there are many general rules to know and etiquette to understand the four general rules of gun safety are
- ALWAYS treat your guns as though it’s loaded
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
- Point your gun only at things you are willing to destroy
- Be aware of your target and what’s beyond it
These are a great starting point, but there are lots of rules and gun etiquette to learn. Let’s start with a deeper look at the four major gun-safety rules that should be followed when using guns no matter where you are or what you’re doing. These will get you most of the way there. Then we’ll talk about some other important things to know.
General gun range rules
1) ALWAYS treat your gun as though it’s loaded
This is perhaps the most important rule that you can learn, period. If you always treat your gun as though it’s loaded, there is almost no chance that a gun will fire at the wrong time and hurt someone. You will always keep it pointed in a safe direction and not make a mistake thinking it was empty when it wasn’t.
This may seem more intuitive than it probably is. When you’re new to guns, it would be hard to understand someone that wouldn’t do this. But when you’re more familiar and comfortable with guns, this can be harder—especially if you don’t know and understand these rules from the beginning. You know them and understand how they work. You have shot thousands of rounds through many guns. If you aren’t careful, you can be careless with them. That’s why ingraining these rules now will ensure that they are just part of your everyday behavior when dealing with guns. And you won’t ever have that problem.
2) Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
This rule is important because it protects against accidentally shooting the gun early—before you’re ready to shoot. If this happens, it’s usually only a fraction of a second early, when you’re pointed at the target and pulling the trigger. You just didn’t expect it to break as early as it did; however, by keeping this rule, you won’t ever accidentally pull the trigger while doing other things—or after getting startled by the loud noises constantly happening at the range.
This can be a hard rule to remember when you are at the range the first few times. You are learning so many things, and those things are pulling your attention in other directions. Also, the natural way to grip a handgun is to close your fingers around the gun. That doesn’t just include your three fingers below the trigger. It also includes your index finger—which naturally grips right around the trigger. That is also why it’s so important to keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. It only takes a few pounds of pressure to fire the gun. That can happen accidently with little force.
3) Point your gun only at things you are willing to destroy
Obviously, guns are powerful instruments that are capable of doing serious damage to things and people. Additionally, they can cause other things to become dangerous after they are destroyed (ex. Shooting soft steel target that creates divots, causing ricochets). So being willing to both destroy what you are shooting at and knowing that what you are shooting at won’t become dangerous, is essential.
In indoor ranges, “things you are willing to destroy” usually means paper targets at various distances in front of you. Outdoor ranges, however, could be a number of different things. Many times there are steel targets placed in front that are made from hardened steel, which breaks the bullet apart upon impact. It is essential to shoot the right ammo at these targets because ammo that is too powerful can damage them; which ultimately makes them unsafe to shoot at.
TIP: When shooting targets you have set up yourself (not at a range at all), it is important to make sure you are okay with destroying them and they won’t become unsafe to shoot. Some things that seem fun to shoot just aren’t worth attempting—especially if they’re hard to clean up.
4) Be aware of your target and what’s beyond
This is a rule that most people probably wouldn’t think about intuitively, but is absolutely essential. When shooting you need to always be aware of what is between you and your target—as well as what’s beyond it. It isn’t as crucial (or rather, it’s harder to screw up) with indoor ranges that only shoot in one straight line toward the bullet catch; but is important to always be aware of.
This rule is most readily applicable when shooting out in open areas. Theoretically, a person could set up their range pointed right at someone else that is shooting a different direction. This could cause all kinds of problems if you aren’t careful. It is absolutely essential to always know where your target is and what is behind it. It could be life saving.
Other gun range rules
Keep ear protection and eye protection on at all times while on the range
This rule is pretty simple. Guns shoot projectiles and can cause things to get in your eyes. Some of those things are dangerous and others would just be irritating. Eye protection prevents these things from becoming problems. Things like bullet ricochets (though rare and small parts of the bullet), carbon, bullet casings and other bits come out of the gun and have almost no chance of going into your eyes and causing problems when eye protection is on.
Guns are also loud..go figure. Hearing protection will save you from temporary and permanent hearing damage. Obviously with walls, a floor and a ceiling that reverberate the loud noise makes hearing protection at indoor ranges the most important. Though guns are certainly loud enough that you could damage your ears without hearing protection outside too. And no one that I’ve ever met wants to deal with hearing loss and its associated problems. So make sure they are on with a snug fit.
Usually you will put your eye and ear protection on before you even open the door to the range. People will likely already be shooting, so putting in on after you’ve entered the range won’t be an option. Then, keep it on until you walk out the doors. If you need to readjust your hearing or eye protection, leaving the range to do it is your best bet.
TIP: Some people even prefer to use two sets of hearing protection. One set of ear plugs and another set of the more traditional over-the-entire-ear hearing protections.
Don’t shoot the ceiling, floor or walls
Like many of the rules, this one should sound obvious, but isn’t for some people. Gun ranges, both indoor and outdoor usually have boundaries and supports that make it easy for people to come enjoy the shooting experience. Shooting those things could cause serious problems—and can obviously be dangerous. Only specific areas are designed to take the full impact of bullets in a safe way. By shooting the ceiling, floor, walls, concrete barriers or any other range support systems you could cause ricochets and other deadly situations. It could also cause the range to need repairs and fixes that could ultimately result in the range closing down, or at least, being temporarily closed.
I can only imagine that most of the bullets that have been fired into the ceiling are from people that didn’t keep one or more of the 4 general gun-safety rules. Either that or by those that just have no respect for everyone else. I can easily imagine, though, someone getting ready to shoot—with their finger on the trigger before their gun is on target—and that person pulls the trigger early, before they’ve brought the muzzle down. Which would result in a bullet in the ceiling.
Load magazines into guns only in shooting lane
Some ranges only allow shooters to load the magazine into the gun after already in the shooting lane. The idea is to eliminate the possibility of accidental or negligent discharges because all other guns are completely unloaded with breaches open. Only when the person is in the lane and ready to shoot do they load the magazine and load a round into the chamber. Some ranges don’t mention this rule as much as others. Even if they don’t, it is certainly a “best practices” behavior that 1) ensures you don’t have any accidents and 2) doesn’t make anyone else on the range nervous.
It can be pretty nerve racking being another person on the range when someone else loads their gun and drops the slide home back at the table, before they have entered their shooting lane. Especially when they don’t keep their fingers off the trigger and don’t make sure they keep the muzzle pointed away from other people. This rule makes it much easier to keep those two rules; Shooters don’t even have to think about it.
Use only approved ammo types
Most shooting ranges have limits to which types of ammo can be used. Every range is built to be able to withstand the impact of specific power levels of rounds. Anything more powerful than that may become dangerous to the shooters or cause the range to break down at a much faster pace.
Most ranges disallow use of steel cased or steel core ammo. Those types of ammo are very strong and hard hitting. Most targets (or bullet catches) aren’t rated for them. Other types of ammo might be prohibited by the specific range you go to, so make sure to check with them to be sure. In order to avoid running into ammo problems, using brass-cased, copper-jacketed (lead core) ammo is a pretty safe bet.
TIP: You can buy ammo at the range; they will only sell you approved ammo. It will likely be more expensive than buying it somewhere else. If you don’t shoot a lot, that isn’t such a big deal.
TIP: You can go to a gun store (sometimes different than a gun range) and buy ammo there. They can direct you which is “normal” ammo, and which is the least expensive. Then you can buy it there or online.
Use only approved calibers
Just like using approved ammo, most ranges will have a limit on caliber types. Some ranges can only support handgun (and .22) calibers, while others can shoot everything up to .50 BMG. Make sure your guns shoot approved calibers. Calling and asking the range is the best way to know if your caliber is approved. As a general rule of thumb, most handguns calibers can be shot at most ranges.
If you’re new to guns, you likely don’t own a gun that shoots ammo that isn’t on an approved list—especially if it’s a handgun. If you are renting guns at the range, obviously you will be shooting approved calibers.
TIP: Largely approved pistol calibers: , .22, .380, 9mm, .40, .45, .357 magnum, .38 special, 10mm, .44 magnum, and .44 special.
Largely approved rifle calibers: .22, .223, 5.56, .308, .30-30, .30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor, and more
Lane limits
There are almost always limits to the number of people that can shoot in a single lane lane. Sometimes this is 2 or 3 people, and sometimes it can be more. If you’re wanting to go with a big group, call ahead and ask. If it’s just you, or you and one other person, you are probably fine to use one lane together.
18 or older alone on the range
Those visiting a gun range must be at least 18 years old when attending unaccompanied. If under 18, a permission slip and liability waiver must be signed by a parent or guardian. Some ranges only allow minors to attend with their parent or guardian.
21 or older to rent handguns
Due to federal laws, most gun ranges only allow renting handguns at age 21 or older. Some areas have even more strict laws with both handguns or long guns. Those more strict areas sometimes require licenses or permits to even shoot at a gun range.
Pregnant women
Pregnant women usually aren’t allowed in shooting ranges. This is usually due to noise levels and lead exposure. A Baby’s ears develop early and loud noises, like gun shots, can damage their hearing. Unfortunately, there is no way to put hearing protection on a baby in the womb. Additionally, ammunition contains a certain amount of lead and exposure to it can harm the baby or the pregnancy. It is best to avoid shooting while pregnant.
Rules that apply at some ranges
Carry firearms in a case
Many ranges require anyone bringing a gun to their range to carry it in some sort of case. This keeps everyone safe and keeps fingers off triggers until the guns are on the range and ready to shoot. It keeps everyone at ease knowing that all guns—even if loaded—are stowed away with covers over the triggers, with no chance of firing.
Uncase firearms in your lane only
Some ranges require that shooters uncase their firearms only after bringing them to the lane. In other words, after they are on the range, they must bring their gun case to the lane they will be shooting from. Only there they can remove their gun from the case. Some other ranges allow shooters to place their bag behind the lane and walk their firearms to the lane outside of the cases. If this is the case, these ranges usually require the breaches of the gun must be open and the guns to be unloaded.
Drawing from a holster may be prohibited
If you’ve ever been to the range while a first-time shooter was there, you understand why this is a rule. Some people don’t understand—or at least don’t respect—gun-safety rules. There are just a lot more variables that enter the equation when a shooter is constantly pulling a gun from the holster, shooting it, putting it back in the holster. Fingers aren’t always off triggers during this process and sometimes shooters are trying to shoot too fast. Which can mean shooting before the gun is on target.
To combat potential dangers, some ranges prohibit any drawing from the holster and firing. Shooters can only bring the guns to the firing lane, load them and shoot from a low ready position. There is certainly plenty of practicing and training that can be done even when not drawing from the holster.
Rapid fire
Another rule that some ranges use to combat potentially dangerous situations is prohibiting rapid firing. There is usually a rule like “no more than 1 shot per second” or some timing rule along those lines. It spaces out the rounds and keeps the gun more controlled. One major thing that rapid-firing rules do is they make sure shooters don’t accidentally shoot the wall, ceiling or floor. The first shot is generally more or less on target. It’s usually subsequent shots that stray from the target and onto surfaces they shouldn’t hit.
Fully automatic weapons
Fully automatic weapons are those that shoot a continuous number of rounds by pulling a trigger one time and holding it down. Many ranges prohibit automatic weapons and allow only semi-automatic and manually operated ones. This probably isn’t an issue on the first few times at the range since most shooters don’t venture that quickly into automatic weapons anyway.
General Etiquette
Police your own brass and trash
Shooting makes a mess. Every round you send down range leaves a casing on the floor. And if you’re like me that usually means hundreds of rounds every time you go to the range. And if you’ve shot that many rounds, there are several empty boxes and a dozen or more targets strewn about all over the place. If you leave it all there it’ll be a mess when the next shooter shows up. You might be thinking, who would do that? Well, it happens more than you’d think. So make sure to clean it all up.
Your targets and ammo boxes are easy to clean up; just throw them away. The range will have several garbage cans. As far as cleaning up brass goes, most ranges allow a few different options. The first option is to sweep the brass up and take it with you (to reload it or turn it in for some money). The second option is usually to sweep it up and put it in a large brass bucket the range supplies. Some ranges even allow shooters to sweep it forward past the shooting line, where the range officers will finish cleaning it up.
Make sure one range door closes before you open the next
If we didn’t make it clear yet, guns are loud. In order to keep the noise down for everyone in the shop outside of the range, gun shops usually have two doors (this really only applies to indoor ranges). This allows shooters to open one door, let it close, and then proceed through the second while guns are shooting. One door is enough to dampen the noise for those not on the range, so their hearing isn’t harmed; and so the range doesn’t have to be shut down to let shooters in or out. Obviously, though, when both doors are then closed it is much quieter off the range.
So make sure to keep at least one door closed at all times when entering or leaving the range. There is usually a glass window in the doors so that shooters can peek through and make sure the other door is shut. While opening either of the doors, make sure to pass through them quickly and allow them to close. That way, others won’t have to wait to open the other door or accidentally open the other door while you are waiting in the doorway. This is a rule that some people just constantly fail to remember.
Don’t cross shoot others peoples’ targets
I hate to start too many of these sections with “this should be obvious”, but this should be obvious. While at the range, there are often people shooting directly next to you. And their targets are very close to yours—though not close enough to get mixed up accidentally. Some people think it’s funny to shoot the targets in the lanes next to them. I don’t know why they think this but it happens all too often.
Not only is this annoying when it’s your target being shot by someone else, it can be dangerous.
Ranges (especially indoor ranges) are designed to be shot straight and directly into the catch at the rear. If you shoot at an angle the bullet may hit the wall and cause problems on the range. That’s not to downplay how annoying it is either though. Just don’t do it. It makes people mad.
Don’t be the “backseat shooter”
This really only applies when shooting with other people, but it is really important. Some people have the tendency to give feedback and pointers to others while they are shooting. No one likes this! Unless you are there to tutor someone specifically (or more likely to be tutored), it just isn’t a good idea to do it. Frankly, it’s just annoying and not needed. It’s the quickest way to not get invited again.
Another problem is when people think they need to give tips and tricks to others on the range that they don’t know and aren’t shooting with. This is an even bigger faux pas than giving pointers to people in your own group. No one wants advice from someone they neither know, nor respect as an authority on the subject. It just makes for an uncomfortable situation. Obviously, it’s not bad to say something if someone is being unsafe and putting you at risk of being shot. You want to make it home safely just like anyone else does.
TIP: Though this is a standard rule, there are certainly exceptions to it. Use discretion and judge each scenario on its own. Sometimes it is appropriate to help and coach others, but it’s more rare than anything.
Don’t touch another person’s gun without permission
Another seemingly obvious rule that needs to be addressed. It’s okay to talk to others at the range (though being a Chatty Cathy isn’t good) and ask about the guns they’re shooting. But it is never a good idea to touch or pick up another person’s gun without their permission. Most people are very nice and will allow you to look at or hold their gun if you ask first, but you do need to ask first.
Pointers for new shooters
Don’t be afraid
This tip is much easier said than done, but it is worth mentioning. Guns aren’t mysterious or volatile, but they can be dangerous if they aren’t handled safely. Luckily, we’ve already gone over everything you need to know to be safe on the range. Remembering these things, as well as the fact that the guns aren’t just going to get up and shoot someone by themselves, is something that can change your entire shooting experience. Be confident and don’t be afraid of the guns. Everything will be fine and you will have a great time if you keep these rules.
Guns are going to do what they are supposed to do. They aren’t going to explode in your hands (though an explosion is going to happen). So just trust that it will work and that you will be safe. Then just go have fun!
Take it very slowly
There’s nothing rushing you to get all those rounds down range. Everything is new. The guns are new; the range is new; and most importantly, you are new to shooting. Run through everything you’ve learned and take your time. There is sometimes pressure to look like you know what you’re doing and that you’re a pro already. I’m not sure why this happens in so many scenarios. Maybe it’s because you see everyone shooting so fast and accurately that you think you need to try to do the same. Or you think it isn’t so hard to do. Whatever the reason, it just isn’t needed. Take things at a pace that you feel comfortable with. In time, you will get much more comfortable moving at a faster speed.
Load only one round in the gun
One way to make sure to be safe when shooting for the first time is by loading only one round in the gun at a time. That way, you can shoot that round and have an empty gun immediately after. If you flinch or get nervous, the gun will be clear and there will be far fewer ways for something bad to happen.
Nothing bad is likely to happen if you load an entire magazine of ammo anyway because guns aren’t as scary as people think; however, loading guns this way at first takes away all the variables of having a second round in the gun after your first shot. This can be especially useful with semi-automatic guns. Instead of loading another round in the gun—and being immediately ready to fire again after the first shot—the magazine will be empty and the slide will lock back. Then you can insert another round and try it again. Eventually, a full magazine will be the most natural way to shoot and won’t worry you at all.
Bring someone that knows how to shoot
All of these tips and tricks to make your first experience a smooth one are great, but the easiest way to follow all the rules and tips is to bring someone with you that has been shooting before—preferably this person has been shooting many times. That way, they can take the pressure off of your shoulders to remember every little rule. It also allows them to teach you throughout the process. You can then focus on what you’re there for and that’s to have a good time shooting and learn a few things. It’ll make the entire learning process much more enjoyable.
TIP: Not everyone is a good person to bring as your teacher. Some people are obnoxious when teaching, treating you like a child. Or others take the job too seriously. They aren’t just safe, they are nazi’s about everything. Other teachers are on the other end of the spectrum. They keep no safety rules at all. They act macho, like they know everything and have earned the right not to keep all the safety rules. Make sure the person you bring is personable and fun—that also knows how to be safe.
Large pistol, small caliber
Top: TP9 SF; Middle: Smith and Wesson M&P Shield; Bottom: Taurus Millenium G2
Another great approach to make your experience more enjoyable is to make sure you choose the largest gun of the caliber you want to shoot. For some reason it seems counterintuitive that a larger gun would be better in this scenario, but it is. The larger the gun (of the same caliber) the more weight there is that helps mitigate the recoil. And the less recoil there is, the less intimidating shooting a gun will be. That tends to be what people fear the most, whether they know it or not. A big heavy gun is definitely your best bet!
A bigger gun of the same caliber also allows the shooter to get a better grip on the gun. Small guns usually don’t allow all fingers to grip the gun. The pinky (or pinky and ring finger) hangs off the gun providing no support. Bigger guns get all fingers to grip, making these guns more controllable—again reducing the recoil. And less recoil means more fun to shoot.
TIP: This entire rule breaks down if you choose a bigger gun that takes a larger caliber. The entire point is to use a larger gun in the same caliber you would have otherwise shot anyway. For example, if you wanted to shoot a Smith and Wesson M&P Shield (a tiny little concealed carry gun), a better option would be the Smith and Wesson M&P 9. It’s bigger and heavier but takes the same caliber. It has significantly less recoil than the Shield because it’s heavier and more easily gripped. It’s much more fun to shoot.
Conclusion
We hope this is helpful as you prepare to go to the range; hopefully it will be an enjoyable experience and you will want to go back. If you are looking for specific guns and gear that you can take with you, we have a full list of recommendations that you can access here. These lists will walk you through everything you might want when heading to the range. good luck!