What You Can Expect When Visiting an Indoor Shooting Range
Going to an indoor shooting range can be intimidating the first time. It’s difficult to know what’s expected and prepare accordingly. In order to help you know what to expect and how to fit in during your first trip, we’re going to break down what to expect at an indoor shooting range.
Put Everyone’s Safety First at the Range
No matter what the rules are, the first rule is always safety. Everyone there, including patrons and employees, put safety first and want to make sure that everyone is using and handling their firearms properly and safely. Making sure you handle your firearm with care is extremely important.
Some ways of doing this are to make sure you never point your gun at anything you are not expecting to shoot. Always keep your barrel pointed downrange. Also, just as importantly, always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. This way, you’ll avoid dangerous situations altogether.
Always know if your firearm is loaded or unloaded. Do not come to the range with a loaded firearm. You are not only being unsafe, but you are probably breaking the law. When you are done on the range, again, always ensure the firearm is properly unloaded and stored.
Understand the Rules and Ask Questions
Making sure a gun range is as safe and enjoyable as possible, it’s important that the patrons are applying proper gun care and understand the rules of the range. First, read all of the appropriate rules and regulations for the range and adhere to all of them. They aren’t just for your safety, but for everyone!
Here are a few rules you should always follow at any range for basic safety:
- Listen to the “red shirts” they are the Range Safety Officers (RSO’s)
- Treat all guns as if they are loaded
- Be careful about where you point the muzzle (only down-range)
- Don’t place your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire
- Be aware of your target and anything beyond it
Speak with a Range Safety Officer
If you have any questions (and you should if you’re brand new to shooting sports ), it’s always best to ask lots of questions rather than go with your gut. Instead of acting first, ask questions of the Range Safety Officer and make sure that you know exactly what is expected. Not only will the Range Safety Officer appreciate that you asked and help give you the best information, but so will the other patrons!
ALWAYS LISTEN TO THE RSO. No matter what others may say, everyone in the range must listen. While it may seem as if they are doing so to exert power, the safety of everyone in the room is in their hands. Anything they say goes; period.
Using the Shooting Bays
Indoor shooting ranges are typically 25 to 50 yards, and sometimes as long as 100. They are separated into bays by walls on either side. Each bay should have a wall on either side to protect and separate you from the person next to you. It will have a tray for your firearm and any supplies you need to use while you’re there.
Although going to a range for the first time can be intimidating, there are a number of things you can do to prepare for your experience. By making sure you understand the rules, what the setup will be like, and know to follow the RSO’s directions, you’ll be sure to have a good time on the range. Make sure that you ask as many questions as possible and don’t assume you know what you are doing if you really aren’t sure.
To book your gun range experience, contact us! We’re here to answer any questions you have and make sure you have a great time!
