{"id":657,"date":"2024-05-04T03:42:11","date_gmt":"2024-05-04T03:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/?p=657"},"modified":"2024-05-05T11:34:42","modified_gmt":"2024-05-05T11:34:42","slug":"gun-range-etiquette-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/huntwithscott.com\/staging\/5204\/gun-range-etiquette-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"Gun Range Etiquette for Beginners and New Hunters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Are you heading to a gun range for the first time and want to know what to expect? Maybe you’re worried you’ll make a mistake? Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, the experience of hitting the range can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of our gun range visits is for myself and our boys to sight in a scope at the beginning of a season, or teach one of our sons how to shoot a different weapon. We are members at an outdoor range, the West Walker Sportsman\u2019s Club, and typically only shoot a few rounds per visit because ammo can be expensive.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Hunting
Reviewing rules and safety before shooting a rifle for the first-time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our grand-niece went to a gun range for her first rifle shooting lesson. We aim for her to learn gun range etiquette. It marked a milestone as Bayliee had her field day the following day. Confidence in shooting was our goal, and she recently passed her online hunter’s safety course<\/a>, making her journey so far enjoyable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re going to be heading to the gun range for your first time, ask questions. It shows that you want to learn and practice safe gun ownership. Some ranges offer classes and training you might want to check out. Everyone else at the gun range was new at one point, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Universal Gun Safety Rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These four firearm safety rules are the most important rules for new gun owners. Get familiar with gun range etiquette and your time will be more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Treat every firearm as loaded.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Never point a gun at anything you\u2019re not trying to shoot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you have eyes on your target and are ready to fire.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Confirm your target and be aware of what\u2019s behind it. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Gun Range Rules 101<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    This is not an exhaustive list of rules, but a good introduction that is hopefully easy to remember. that might be easy to remember and keep in mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Keep firearms pointed downrange at all times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Arrive with all weapons properly stored, unloaded and safely locked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Check in with the range officer (or range master) before unloading your car.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Handle firearms only at your shooting station.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Follow hot and cold range procedures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Obey the commands of range officers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Wear ear and eye protection while on the range.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    8. Dispose of shell casings and debris properly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    9. Tell the range officer if you are new, so he can provide extra instruction.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Point the muzzle down range. All the time. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      I can\u2019t emphasize this key point enough, so I\u2019m repeating it. New shooters break this rule often. And it will get you kicked out. Always keep the barrel of your firearm pointed downrange (towards your target). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This means when you’re shooting, when you load, when you clear a malfunction, when your finger is on the trigger, and when your finger is off the trigger. If you need to turn and talk to someone, put the gun down and point it downrange. Avoid immediate dismissal and always follow this rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Indoor vs. outdoor firing range<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Indoor facilities often charge per hour, people try to maximize their hour, so showing up with loaded mags, a loaded firearm, and throwing up a target as soon as you get a lane is common. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      One benefit of indoor ranges is a controlled climate. This is nice because you won\u2019t have to consider the weather or adjust what you wear. Many gun owners recommend ear plugs AND earmuffs at an indoor range because they are louder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I have done all of my practice shooting at an outdoor range. It\u2019s where my dad got me started and it\u2019s become my preference. I’m an outdoor kind of guy and nothing beats the fresh air and wide-open spaces. I also think they are easier on the ears and less noisy. Outdoor ranges often charge a daily fee, you can stay as long as you want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \"Paper
      Preparing paper targets on the backer boards.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      What gear do you need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n