Gun Safety at the Range

This article was conceived when I personally saw some really dumb stuff going on at the shooting range this weekend. And not just little things that it would take an experienced eye to notice, either. Really big mistakes that were dangerous at the least, and deadly at worst.

POINTING THE WEAPON
Always pointing your weapon in a safe direction may seem like an obvious rule, but I have seen it broken more times than any of them. Whether shooting at an indoor range or an outdoor area, always know where the muzzle of your gun is pointed. When you finish your turn shooting, either holster the gun or point it down before turning around. Sweeping your weapon at the range is a big no-no.

ENGAGE THE SAFETY
Remember that you should always consider any weapon loaded, whether you just shot all the rounds or not. Before moving any gun, make sure that the safety is engaged, if possible. Some guns, such as the 1911 platform, won't allow the safety to click unless the gun is chambered and ready to go. It is very important to check that the gun is safe before you do anything else.

EAR PROTECTION
It doesn't matter if you are firing a plinker .22 caliber rifle or a .45 ACP hand gun--ear protection is not optional. Guns are loud, and ear protection is cheap. Take it to the range with you. Keep in mind that you may only have a small caliber gun that day, but someone else may show up with a 12 gauge or worse. Serious hearing damage can result from being too cool to wear ear protection.

SHOOT ONLY WHEN SAFE!
If anyone is at all in front of you, do not fire your gun. Don't even point it down range. Do not fire it at any time if there is someone in your site-line. Keep the safety on and the gun pointed away or down at all times when someone is on the range for whatever reason. Never point the gun at yourself or anyone else, even if you think you are only joking around. People die doing that.

BE AWARE
As I mentioned, you may not be the only one at the range that day. Other folks are armed, and in very close proximity to you. Always keep your eye out for other shooters so you know where they are and which ones are doing things wrong. If you ever feel unsafe, tell someone in charge or, if it is an outside free-shoot range, simply leave. It isn't worth the risk.

KNOW THE WEAPON
Learn how to field strip and service your gun before you hit the range. If you are shooting a gun you are familiar with and know well, you are ahead of the game. But many times we will get the opportunity to shoot guns belonging to others in addition to our own. Get a quick crash course on where the safeties are, how light the trigger is, how much recoil you may experience, and how to load and unload the weapon. Again, it isn't worth the risk. Just ask. Chances are, the owner will be happy to tell you all about the gun.