A shooting range is the perfect place to practice and refine your firearms skills. But whenever you visit, proper etiquette is important, and gun safety should be your number-one priority at every step. Here are four additional etiquette tips that further demonstrate your commitment to safety and your respect for fellow shooters.

A Brief Guide to Shooting Range Etiquette

1. Pay Attention to the Range Officer

The range officer has a variety of duties that keep everyone safe and the environment well-controlled. They inform shooters when it is clear to fire and when to cease fire. Listen to their directions at all times, and do not shoot—or even touch your weapons—during a ceasefire.

2. Don't Bother Other Shooters

It's no secret that effectively firing a gun requires concentration, focus, and skill. Bothering others at the range can take another shooter off their game and lead to potentially serious accidents. Do not talk to or pester an active shooter or enter the range when someone is shooting; do not hover over them or try to coach them; and do not touch their weaponry or any other possessions they may have brought with them. This is a way to show respect, both to other shooters and to the serious weapons everyone is brandishing.

3. Shoot One Gun at a Time

While you may have an impressive collection of firearms, only bring one with you to the range to shoot with. Different guns have different handling and firing needs. Having just one on hand gives you plenty of time to practice with that specific gun and hone your skills. It helps increase your concentration, as well as your comfort and precision with that firearm.

4. Clean Up After Yourself

Be a responsible shooter by taking with you everything you brought into the range. This includes all weaponry, ammo, holders, and fired cartridge cases. Leave the space in the same condition you found it so the next shooter can come in and start practicing without having to clean up any lingering messes.

By following these pointers, you are showing a dedication to safety and consideration. Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range has been offering a modern shooting range to the Columbia, IL, area for over 15 years. They also host shooting competitions and gun safety courses and sell a variety of firearms. Call (618) 281-6393 or visit them online to learn more about their facility.