Gun Range Etiquette

Going to the gun range is a pastime enjoyed by gun enthusiast, hunters, and people concerned with home defense. One thing sure to ruin a day at the gun range is someone who doesn't know the rules of etiquette or who is unsafe.

Certain activities should be avoided at the gun range. These activities are unsafe, environmentally unsound, or just plain discourteous. Practice good gun range etiquette to make a day at the range safe and enjoyable for all involved.

Gun Range Etiquette Tip #1

Always keep the safety on when not shooting. This will ensure no accidental discharges of firearms and is a good all around gun safety tip.

Gun Range Etiquette Tip #2

Make sure guns are only pointed at the ground or targets on the range. This goes for unloaded firearms and firearms with the safety on also. It's better to get in the practice of never pointing the gun at people, whether it's loaded or not. This helps avoid accidental shootings.

Gun Range Etiquette Tip #3

Get the all clear before going onto the range to set targets. Just because you are on one end of the range with four or five tables between you and the next person doesn't mean it's safe to walk onto the range while they are shooting.

Always wait until everyone at the range is done shooting and inform him or her of your intent to set up targets. Give the same courtesy to other shooters also. Check with others at the range every so often to see if they need to set new targets. You'd think these tips were common sense, but that isn't always the case, so be on the lookout.

Gun Range Etiquette Tip #4

Do not pick up a gun and point it downrange while other shooters are setting up targets. If you use this time to reload, make sure your gun is pointing at the ground away from the person on the target range, and the safety is on.

Gun Range Etiquette Tip #5

Ask if all shooters have ear protection in place before shooting. Some guns are louder than others. Without protective covering for the ears, damage to eardrums can occur. Be courteous and make sure everyone is ready before firing.

Gun Range Etiquette Tip #6

Shoot at targets and nothing else. The trashcans placed at ranges and portable toilets are not meant for shooting, nor are glass bottles or warning signs. If you use plastic jugs or cans as targets, always clean up afterwards. Do not leave pieces of the material laying around the gun range for others to clean up. Park rangers, or others in charge of range maintenance, will thank you for keeping the environment clean and making their job easier.

Gun Range Etiquette Tip #7

Follow the rules of the gun range. Know what is expected before using a range. Some require you to pick up spent cartridges and bullets where others do not. Too many people disregarding the rules will result in the range being shut down. Do what you're supposed to!

Gun Range Etiquette Tip #8

Throw trash away. It's perfectly fine to bring a drink or snack to the range. It's not fine to leave the trash after you're gone. If no trashcan is provided, take your refuse with you and throw it away at home, don't leave it to decompose at the range.

Gun Range Etiquette Tip #9

Make sure children are aware of the rules and watch them closely. Children should be seated when not shooting. Never allow them to run around freely at a gun range. Do not take a child to the range that hasn't been taught proper gun safety and firearm usage!

Gun Range Etiquette Tip #10

Take care of you and yours. Unfortunately, not everyone practices good gun range etiquette. If you notice someone being unsafe, leave. Do not start an argument with someone doing something unsafe at the gun range. There are too many crazies out there for this. . It's better to avoid the situation than risk harm to yourself of your family.

The above guidelines will help make your time at the gun range safe and fun. They are not hard to follow and in no way detract from the shooting itself.