Have you, like millions of Americans, recently purchased your first-ever firearm? If so, are you eager, yet somehow inexplicably nervous, to visit the range for the first time?
That’s normal. We’ve all been there. But we’ve also all learned, and you have to start somewhere.
Here are some very helpful tips and pointers for first-time shooters.
Be Muzzle Conscious
This is arguably the most important of all range etiquette or rules. Never, ever point your firearm anywhere except downrange. Never allow the muzzle to cover anything you are unwilling to destroy. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. No exceptions.
This is one rule for which there is no leeway. If a range safety officer (RSO) catches you being lax in your muzzle discipline, you will get thrown off the range, and maybe worse. Pointing a gun, loaded or not, is a crime in many jurisdictions, and there is zero tolerance for it. This cannot be stressed enough.
Bring a Friend That Knows the Ropes the First Time Around
Not all of us have mentors, and that’s alright. Some things we have to teach ourselves. However, if you do have a friend that’s been to the range or knows the range rules, take him or her along. It’ll be a lot less intimidating your first time.
Be Quiet, Be Courteous
Don’t be loud or obnoxious at the range. Despite how loud guns are, you might find it ironically impressive how soft-spoken and deliberate the sportsmen on the firing line are. Do not get in other shooters’ ways, and be polite.
Understand (and Follow) the RSO’s Commands
The range safety officer, or RSO, is the “boss” on the range. Always observe and follow all of his or her commands. Here are some common ones:
- Ceasefire: This is the most essential command for you to understand; if “Ceasefire!” is called, immediately remove your trigger finger from the trigger, keep the firearm pointed downrange, and if possible, open the action. Wait for further instruction. Note - anyone, not just the RSO, can call a ceasefire.
- Range is hot: If the range is hot, shooters may handle, load and fire their weapons on the firing line.
- Range is cold: If the range is cold, firing is not permitted and handling is generally not permitted. Firearms should remain cased or, if they have already been uncased, should be unloaded, cleared, with the magazine removed and a chamber flag inserted to show that the weapon is clear.
There are other range commands, but these are universal and among the most important. Always ask the RSO on duty what specific commands he or she will be using so you are familiar with the rules of the range you are visiting.
Buy .223 Bulk Ammo (or Any Ammo in Bulk)
You got a pack of 20 cartridges and are hype to hit the range? Great, those 20 will be gone in all of 30 seconds and then your day will be over. That’s absurd. Buy .223 bulk ammo - or more properly, buy bulk ammo for your gun, so that you can actually enjoy your time at the range.
Pack Action Flags
Many ranges require shooters to pack action flags, also called chamber flags, to show RSOs that firearms are cleared for inspection. These are small brightly colored flags that protrude from the open action, signifying that the action is open, clear, and that the firearm is not in a state to fire.
Bring Loaded Mags
Most ranges make you pay by time, so if you want to get the most out of your range time, make sure you bring several mags that are pre-loaded. That way you can spend more time shooting and less time loading.
Shoot Slow
Some ranges have specific rules against rapid firing. As a general courtesy, do not fire more than one shot every two seconds or so. If you plan to do a drill that requires rapid firing, clear this with the RSO first.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
No ethical range safety officer will ever get angry with you for asking for help and admitting you do not know something. There are no stupid questions. It is always safer to ask for help than to do something unsafe.
NEVER Touch Your Gun After a Ceasefire Has Been Called and You’ve Been Instructed to Unload and Clear
When a ceasefire is called, cease firing immediately and freeze. Oftentimes, the RSO will then instruct you to unload and clear your weapon and place it on the bench with an action flag in the open action for inspection. NEVER, under any circumstances, touch your firearm during this time. You will get thrown off the range.
NEVER Cross the Firing Line
Never cross the firing line. It is unsafe and will get you thrown off the range.
(The one exception here is for ranges on which you need to walk downrange to set up your targets. In that circumstance, never go downrange until specifically instructed to do so by the range safety officer.)
Do NOT Handle Weapons Behind the Firing Line
While you will be generally permitted to handle your weapons on the firing line when the range is hot, do not handle them behind the firing line. It is unsafe, bad etiquette, and will likely get you thrown off the range.
Clean Up Your Messes
Lastly, be considerate of your range mates by cleaning up your messes. This includes all refuse, including target and shells. Note - some ranges do not allow you to pick up shells, so make sure you check with the RSO to see what the rules are.
Stock Up on .223 Bulk Ammo Here
Here to stock up on .223 bulk ammo before your first time to the range? Get it here and don’t miss our other range essentials, including magazines, cleaning kits, and targets.