If you’re new to shooting sports, you might be very excited about trying out your new handgun or rifle yet be very nervous about going to a shooting range for the first time. While this is completely normal, you shouldn’t let your fear of the unknown stop you from enjoying this new hobby. So to help you build your confidence a bit, here are three tips for going to a shooting range for the first time.
Read The Rules Of The Range
The very first thing you should do when you get to the range, or even beforehand, is to read the rules of the range.
While most ranges are going to have pretty similar rules, Tom McHale, a contributor to Range365.com, shares that some of the rules and details can vary slightly. For example, some ranges require you to use factory ammunition and other stipulations.
However, you won’t know this unless you read the range’s rules. So to ensure that you don’t have to be reminded of something by the staff at the range and to help you feel like you’re better prepared for what you’ll need to do there, it’s wise to read the rules a few times and make sure you understand them before you start shooting.
Wear Tight-Fitting Clothes
Another way you can prepare for visiting a shooting range for the first time, and every other time after that, is to wear the right clothing.
According to Tom McHale, a contributor to USConcealedCarry.com, it’s ideal to wear a shirt that has a tight-fitting collar and other clothes that fit well to your body. When you’re firing a weapon, the cases of the shots you just fired will come flying out of your gun. And if you’re at an indoor range, those cases can bounce off the ceiling and walls until they find their way down your shirt. And after traveling as fast as they just did, those cases are going to be hot. So to keep from getting burned and scaring those around you, it’s best to protect your body from this by wearing tight-fitting clothes.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions
When it’s your first time at a shooting range, just like when it’s your first time doing anything new, you’re likely going to have a lot of questions. And although it can be intimidating to ask someone how to do something or where you should go, the Firearm Industry Trade Association shares that most experienced shooters love sharing their knowledge with people who are just starting out. So if you have questions about something, don’t be afraid to ask.
If you’re planning on heading to the shooting range for the first time, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare for this new experience.