A visit to a gun range is an exciting experience, but it’s also a serious responsibility. Regardless of whether you’re a first-time shooter or a seasoned gun owner, safety must always come first. The range is a controlled environment designed for learning and practicing, not for reckless behavior. A single mistake can lead to injuries or worse, so knowing the unspoken rules is just as important as hitting your target.
Before you load your firearm, make sure you’re not making any of these critical mistakes.
Ignore the Range Safety Officer
The Range Safety Officer (RSO) is there for a reason. They aren’t just standing around barking orders, they are responsible for keeping everyone safe. Ignoring their instructions or failing to pay attention when they speak is not only disrespectful, it can be dangerous. If an RSO tells you to stop shooting or corrects something you’re doing, just do it.
Arguing or acting like you know better won’t just get you kicked out, it could put lives at risk.
Handle a Firearm Carelessly
Gun safety rules exist to prevent accidents, and careless handling is one of the quickest ways to cause a disaster. Never wave a gun around, point it at someone even if it’s unloaded, or put your finger on the trigger before you’re ready to shoot. Muzzle awareness is key: keep it pointed downrange at all times.
Load Your Gun at the Wrong Time
Timing matters when you’re at the range. If you load your firearm before you’re supposed to, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Most ranges have designated areas and specific commands for when you can load and unload. Jumping ahead before everyone is ready can create a hazardous situation.
Always wait for the go-ahead, and never assume that just because you’re experienced, you can skip this rule.
Fire Rapidly Without Permission
Take your time between shots. Shooting as fast as you can might look cool in movies, but at a gun range, it can be extremely dangerous. Many ranges have strict rules against rapid fire because it increases the risk of losing control of the weapon. If you’re firing too quickly, your accuracy suffers, and stray bullets become a real concern. Precision matters more than speed.
Bring the Wrong Ammunition
Not every gun range allows the same types of ammo, and using the wrong kind can cause serious problems. Some ranges prohibit steel-core or armor-piercing rounds because they can damage the equipment and create ricochets.
Before you head to the range, check their rules on ammunition. Bringing the wrong type isn’t just an inconvenience: it could mean you don’t get to shoot at all or, worse, you could damage your firearm.
Fail to Wear Proper Safety Gear
Your eyes and ears need protection every time you shoot. The sound of gunfire is loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss, and a single piece of flying brass can do serious damage to your eyesight. Shooting glasses and ear protection aren’t optional; they’re essential. Some ranges offer rentals, but it’s always best to bring your own gear so you know it fits properly.
Cross the Firing Line Unannounced
Always wait for a ceasefire and a direct command from the Range Safety Officer before retrieving anything downrange. Stepping past the firing line without permission is one of the worst things you can do at a gun range. When people are shooting, the last thing they expect is for someone to walk in front of their target. Even if you think the coast is clear, never assume it’s safe to go forward.
Shoot at Unauthorized Targets
Some ranges have strict rules about what you can and cannot shoot. Blasting away at objects like bottles, cans, or anything that isn’t approved can lead to dangerous ricochets. Always check what’s allowed before setting up.
If you damage range equipment or create an unsafe situation, you might find yourself banned for good.
Ignore Malfunction Procedures
Gun malfunctions happen from time to time, and how you handle them matters. If your gun misfires, jams, or has a squib load, don’t try to force it to fire. The wrong reaction can cause serious injuries. Keep the firearm pointed downrange, stay calm, and follow proper clearing procedures. If you don’t know how to handle the issue safely, ask an instructor or the Range Safety Officer for help.
Talk or Distract Others While Shooting
Conversation has its place, but not at a firing range when someone is lining up a shot. Talking loudly, making sudden movements, or joking around when people are handling firearms can be incredibly unsafe.
Distractions cause mistakes, and mistakes at a gun range can have serious consequences. Keep your focus on shooting when it’s your turn, and let others do the same.
Bring an Untrained Shooter Without Guidance
It’s great to introduce someone to firearms, but only if you do it responsibly. If you bring a first-time shooter, don’t just hand them a gun and expect them to figure it out. Take the time to explain the rules, help them with their stance, and make sure they understand basic safety. Letting an inexperienced person shoot without guidance is an accident waiting to happen.
Fail to Check Your Surroundings
Situational awareness is critical at a gun range. That means knowing where people are standing, keeping an eye on loaded weapons, and being aware of everything happening around you. A lapse in attention can lead to tragic mistakes. Always stay alert and make sure you’re following every safety rule, not just for your own protection but for everyone else’s as well.
Use a Firearm You’re Not Familiar With
First time out with a new gun is exciting, but if you don’t know how to operate it properly, you shouldn’t be firing it. If you’re trying out a new firearm, take time to learn how it functions before heading to the range.
Read the manual, ask questions, and familiarize yourself with its controls. Assuming all guns work the same way is a mistake that can lead to accidental discharges or malfunctions.
Fail to Store Your Firearm Properly After Shooting
Once you’re done shooting, what you do with your gun matters just as much as what you did on the range. Walking around with a loaded firearm after you’ve finished shooting is a huge safety risk. Always unload your gun, clear the chamber, and safely store it before leaving the range.
Disregard Common Courtesy
Respect goes a long way at a gun range. That means cleaning up after yourself, following the rules, and being mindful of others. Leaving spent casings all over the ground, cutting in front of people, or acting like you own the place won’t earn you any friends. Everyone is there to have a safe and enjoyable experience, so do your part to make sure that happens. A little courtesy goes a long way.