There’s still a little bit of summer left, and many people are taking this opportunity to get a few more shooting range visits in before their busy fall schedule begins. Whether you have a “home base” range that you enjoy, or you’re looking to try someplace new, this article offers tips for making your range visit a safe and effective one.
Always use a chamber flag
The number-one rule for shooting range safety is to clearly indicate the status of your weapon. Chamber flags work perfectly for this purpose because:
They’re highly visible and leave no room for error. Brightly colored chamber flags signal to anyone in the vicinity whether a weapon is loaded or unloaded.
Many shooting ranges already require them. With new regulations emerging every day, it’s important for responsible shooters to get ahead of the curve by implementing chamber flags in their regular shooting practices.
They make life easier for range employees. As you move about the range (as well as during mid-travel) your weapon may be subject to occasional security checks. If your firearm prominently features a flag, safety personnel will be grateful for the ability to know at a glance whether it is loaded or unloaded.
Know the terminology
Here is some of the most common terminology to be familiar with, especially if you are visiting a shooting range for the first time:
Firing line: This is the area where shooters may stand, and is usually indicated by a painted line or stripe across the floor. You must position yourself and your weapon at the line before loading or firing, and step behind it during cease-fires and while taking a break from shooting. Before stepping behind the line, be sure your weapon is unloaded and locked, with the slide or cylinder open.
Downrange: This refers to the area past the shooters and the line of fire, where targets are set. You may hear this term come up in safety commands. Except during a cease-fire, no person should be walking or standing downrange, as they will be crossing the line of fire/in front of shooters.
Hot and cold: While you’re on the range, you may hear a safety officer call out “hot” to indicate that shooters are active. At this time, you may commence firing and no one should advance beyond the line of fire. If you hear an officer call “cold,” this means all weapons have been unloaded and remain in the open position. Only at this time should individuals be allowed to go downrange.
Backstop: This simply refers to the wall or barrier behind targets. Backstops may appear as solid walls at indoor facilities, or a man-made berm or soil embankment at the outdoor range. These dividers are designed to stop stray bullets and projectiles that puncture through targets. To allow the backstop to block bullets safely, it is important to shoot straight and parallel to the ground every time you discharge your weapon.
Lanes: The lane is the area from a shooting stall or booth to the target. Most ranges incorporate multiple lanes that run parallel to one another. At any range, shooters must stay within their lane and fire at their own targets.
Bench: Most shooting range stalls include a bench, table or counter where you may rest your firearm once it has been unloaded and locked in the open position.
Follow the rules
Many ranges have rules and regulations that are specific to their business, so it’s important to listen and heed the directives of range staff and safety personnel. In addition, always follow these “12 Golden Rules” of gun safety, as outlined by the NRA:
Point your weapon in a safe direction, which generally refers to the direction in which there are no people in the line of fire.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot by instead resting your finger alongside the frame or outside the trigger guard.
Keep your gun unloaded until you’re ready to use it. Engage the safety device, if possible. If the gun has a magazine, always remove it before looking into the chamber.
Know your target (and what’s behind it) to avoid the potential for a dangerous mishap.
Know your weapon. Learn about its basic parts, how it works, and how to safely clean, transport, and operate it.
Make sure your gun is safe to operate. Guns require regular maintenance and inspection. If you’re unsure whether a gun is safe to operate, have it looked at by a knowledgeable gunsmith before using it.
Use the right ammunition, and only ammunition that has been designed and approved for your firearm. In many cases, the ammo type will be stamped on the barrel, but when in down consult an expert.
Protect your eyes and ears to avoid sustained damage or injury from noise emissions, debris, and gases that can escape when a gun is fired. This goes for spectators, too!
No alcohol or drugs while shooting. This includes over-the-counter or prescription medication.
Store your guns when you’re not using them in a lockbox or other secured place where no unauthorized person can access them.
Be aware of safety rules for both your weapon and the location in which you’re shooting, be it a private range or public lands.
Clean your gun regularly of moisture, dirt, grease, and to keep it functioning optimally. And always make sure your gun is unloaded before you clean it!
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