Let’s be honest. Gun ranges are fantastic and fun places to go in order to throw a bunch of lead through the air, but far too often we have all come across “that person”. You know “that person”, right? The one who has no sense of proper etiquette at a gun range, who helps to make the entire experience less pleasurable, or even less safe, for all in attendance? We here at Old Glory Guns & Ammo, your chosen gun shop for Massachusetts and New Hampshire customers, would like to offer these tips on gun range etiquette in order to help make the experience more pleasurable for all range attendees.
The first and most important aspect of range etiquette is to obey all gun safety rules, including whatever range-specific rules are likely to be posted in a visible location. Whatever unique rules might be posted in the different ranges you might frequent, the five golden rules of firearm safety must be observed at all times:
>NEVER show up with a loaded gun. Keep firearms and ammunition separate until its firing time.
>ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings and make sure your guns are pointed in a safe direction.
>NEVER put your finger on the trigger until you are absolutely ready to shoot the firearm.
>ALWAYS keep your guns unloaded unless you are currently shooting them.
>ALWAYS know where your target is, and what is beyond it.
Following these rules will make your trip to the gun range a safer one, but there are still other rules of range etiquette that need to be followed in order to make the experience a more enjoyable one for all involved. These additional rules include, but are not limited to:
>Call ahead to check for any ammunition or firearms restrictions the range might have.
>Wear your safety glasses and hearing protection.
>Check with a range officer before engaging in rapid-firing to ensure it is allowed.
>Obey firing lane restrictions. If a lane is labeled for a specific gun type, only shoot that gun there.
>Obey any time restrictions on shooting access. Let everyone have a turn.
>Be respectful of any advice offered by a Range Officer. They are there to help.
>Do not disturb or distract anyone while they are shooting.
>Only shoot your target in your chosen firing lane.
>Do not engage in any behavior which would make other patrons nervous.
>ALWAYS clean up after yourself. Dispose of ammo boxes and spent brass properly.
If we would all keep these simple rules in mind, we would all have much more enjoyable experiences while at the gun range. If you have any other questions about range etiquette, feel free to come on down to Old Glory Guns & Ammo, the best source for firearms in MA and NH! We will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Call us today at 603-878-2854!
