First Time Visiting a Shooting Range: What to Know and How to Prepare

Are you looking to pick up a new hobby that will boost your confidence?

Holding a gun can be intimidating, but nothing is more rewarding than learning to control it. Learning how to shoot a gun comes with a surprising number of health benefits. This includes better physical and mental health and even stress relief.

If you’re looking to try your hand at shooting, there’s no better place to do it than the shooting range. Before you enter the range, there are some steps you can complete to make you feel more comfortable for your first time. Take aim and read on!

1. Follow Gun Safety

Basic gun safety prevents you from hurting others and also yourself. Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times. Treat every gun you hold as a loaded firearm, even if you think it isn’t.

Put your finger off the trigger when you don’t intend to shoot. This lowers the possibility of an accidental discharge. Be attentive to your surroundings and be sure of your target and beyond it.

2. Learn the Basic Terms

You may hear some new terms and phrases during your first time at the shooting range. Some of these can refer to a specific action or a target. Mastering these basic shooting terms before entering the range will help prevent confusion in the field.

When you hear “commence firing,” start shooting at your target. You’ll know when to stop shooting when the range master calls for a “ceasefire.” You may also notice some range masters call specific sections a hot or cold range.

If a range is hot, you’re free to handle your gun behind the firing line. In a cold range, no one can fire their guns, and you must unload magazines and turn on your safety. A range master will often call a range cold when switching targets.

3. Prepare Your Things

Prepare all the equipment you need for a great session at the shooting range. Before going to the range, check their rules for any restrictions.

Use a shooting bag to keep your gun, ammunition, and maintenance kit in one place. It’s always best to include cleaning supplies and lubricants in your kit.

Bring safety gear and equipment, such as eye protection and hearing protection. Use safety glasses to protect your eyes, and the earmuffs prevent hearing damage. Consider getting a recoil pad for more protection against the kickback.

4. Know and Follow Their Rules

Every shooting range follows different rules, so familiarize yourself with your local range before going in. If you’re new, you may need to sign a waiver to confirm you understand and abide by their regulations.

Common policies include bringing an unloaded firearm and learning range commands. You must clean your lane, pick up the brass you spent, and pack up after a session. Following these rules ensure safety and shows respect towards the shooters and staff.

Make Your First Time in the Shooting Range a Banger

Whether for self-defense or recreational purposes, all Americans have the right to own a gun. What matters most is knowing how to handle it and being a responsible gun owner. The first step is learning how to shoot a gun at a shooting range.

Looking to improve your gun handling skills? Consider checking out our other blog posts for more great guides!

The post First Time Visiting a Shooting Range: What to Know and How to Prepare first appeared on Weirdomatic. Weirdomatic is the place where all weird things come to life through the amazing world of photographs – a corner of our wild imagination or the whimsical face of the reality?