What To Do On Your First Trip To The Indoor Shooting Range
So you want to try out an indoor shooting range, but you're not sure what you should do once you get there. The best first course of action is to take a gun safety course. Those basics will help you conduct yourself wisely on the range. Your next step is to go check it out! Knowing a bit about what you'll see at the range will help you know what's expected of you.
Friendly and Helpful
The first time you head off to the range, let them know you're a beginner. Employees at the shooting range as well as experienced gunmen love to share what they know with new people, and will be surprisingly open and helpful.
While there are general rules of etiquette on a shooting range, each range has their own regulations that you should know and follow. Be sure to familiarize yourself with them, and don't be afraid to ask any questions you may have.
Bring it With You
If you have already purchased your gun, you'll need to have it in a case when you go. This can be as simple as the box you purchased the gun in. It can be helpful to have a range bag, where you keep your supplies, such as ammo, a rag for cleaning, and your ear and eye protection. Again, this doesn't have to be fancy; a duffle bag will do, as long as it protects your guns and can bear the weight of your gear.
If you are bringing your own gun, double and triple check that it is unloaded before you leave home. Shooting ranges are naturally strict about security, and will check your gun before you enter the shooting bay. This is also to ensure that you are not firing ammo that they don't allow at that particular range.
Some supplies that you need can be rented or purchased at the range. This includes earmuffs and eye protection, as well as your target. When you check in at the front desk, they'll ask you if you have these supplies, or need to purchase them. This is where you'll pay your range fee, and they'll direct you to the shooting bay.
Shooting Bay Etiquette
The shooting bay has individual sections for each shooter to stand, and store their bag. In most cases, this is on a first come, first served basis, so you may have to wait your turn for an open bay. Once you get to the bay, you'll set down your bag, and get your target set up.
Remember when you remove your gun and ammo that your gun, whether loaded or unloaded needs to be pointed downrange AT ALL TIMES. You will be asked to leave if you do not follow this simple rule.
There will be a range officer at the shooting bays--like MTM Arms--who is there to ensure that everyone there is as safe as possible. He/she will most likely approach you to ask if you know the safety regulations, and you can ask him or her any questions you may have. They will also be able to help you know what the range rules are for cleaning up once you are done shooting.
One Last Note
While other shooters will be friendly and most likely happy to chat, it is not appropriate to try to chat when they are in the shooting bay. This is considered a private area where shooters focus on their target, on safety, and nothing else. Save conversation for when you have both stepped away from the bays.
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