It’s normal to feel slightly nervous about your first shooting range visit since it involves handling weapons. However, those who operate such establishments prioritize safety over all else and will help you with anything you need. Prepare yourself with what to expect and calm your nerves using the following guide.

A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting the Shooting Range

1. Keep the Safety Engaged

Ensure the firearm’s safety is on unless you are about to shoot. The safety prevents the gun from accidentally firing and potentially harming you, your instructor, and fellow shooters.

Ask an instructor to show you how to click it on if you’re not sure how to operate it. This will ensure it is never off without you realizing it.

2. Know Where to Point

It takes a split second for an accident to happen, so be mindful of where the gun is pointed at all times. Always point your gun away from other people, down the shooting lane at the target, or down at the ground.

Shooting range instructors constantly emphasize this practice, even if the safety is on or the gun is unloaded. This gets shooters in the practice of safely handling their firearm.

3. Wear the Right Clothes & Shoes

Wear closed shoes that protect your feet from brass casing burns and other injuries. Closed shoes with grip, such as sneakers or boots, help you maintain your footing while you shoot.

Wear pants and a shirt with long sleeves and a tight collar to further protect yourself. If you have long hair, wear it back to keep it from obstructing your view.

4. Bring Water

Drink water prior to your shooting range excursion and keep a bottle nearby to help you maintain focus. Dehydration can cause dizziness, confusion, and fatigue that could interfere with your concentration.

Stay alert at the shooting range by taking breaks to drink water. Never drink alcohol before a range visit since it impairs your judgment and mobility.

5. Wash Your Hands Regularly 

Remove primer and bullet residue from your hands after each shooting round to avoid irritating your eyes if you touch your face or accidentally contaminating any food you eat. Use soap and water to cleanse your hands for about 30 seconds. This practice also helps reduce the spread of germs associated with COVID-19. 

 

Perfect your aim at Shooter's Firearms & Indoor Range in Columbia, IL. This shooting range has been serving Monroe County and the surrounding areas since 2006. They’re known for a clean, well-lit range, and friendly, helpful staff members. This firearms center also specializes in vintage Smith & Wesson® revolvers, among other retro and modern guns. Call (618) 281-6393 to make a range reservation, or learn more about training courses online.