Shooting Range Etiquette: Firearms Safety & Beyond

Rules Of The Range

While the shooting sports can be fun and rewarding, there is always an element of risk when handling loaded firearms. The rules of gun safety are in place to mitigate the potential for injury to yourself and others on the firing line. Moreover, some ranges implement additional guidelines intended to help cultivate a safe and accessible environment for all shooters to practice and hone their skills.

We encourage all shooters, from first-time gun owners to seasoned enthusiasts, to consciously observe correct shooting range etiquette any time they're on the firing line. By doing so, everyone can freely exercise their Second Ammendment rights and enjoy a productive range session.

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Safe Firearms Handling

Even the most experienced shooter can use an occasional refresher on the four rules of gun safety. First popularized by firearms trainer Jeff Cooper, these tenets are considered the standard for safe handling of rifles, pistols, and shotguns. They are as follows:

1. Always Keep Your Firearm Pointed In A Safe Direction

For our purposes, a "safe direction" is defined as the 180-degree space forward of the firing line. Do not aim above or to the sides of the backstop, and never point a firearm at someone or something you do not intend to destroy.

2. Treat All Guns As If They Are Loaded

Always treat firearms as if they are loaded by observing the other three rules of gun safety. Even after you have removed all ammunition and confirmed that the chamber is empty, you should keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction with your finger off the trigger.

3. Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until You Are Ready To Shoot

Until the exact moment you intend to fire, keep your finger outside of the trigger guard and indexed along the frame of the gun. Return your trigger finger to this position when you are finished shooting, before you set down or holster the firearm.

4. Know Your Target And What Lies Beyond

Bullets are capable of penetrating through multiple surfaces, so it's imperative that you understand where your target is located in relation to other people as well as any private property (houses, vehicles, etc.) to ensure you only hit the target. 

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More Than Firearms Safety

Of course, range etiquette encompasses other behaviors as well. Being courteous to staff and to your fellow shooters helps ensure that everyone has a positive range experience that will encourage them to keep shooting. In that spirit, here are a few informal rules you should keep in mind.

  • Avoid loading / unloading firearms anywhere besides the bench.
  • Keep your range gear, ammo boxes, etc. in your designated space
  • Don't shoot your neighbor's target (at least, not without asking first)
  • You are responsible for controlling your firearm, even if rapid fire is allowed
  • If you get hot brass stuck in your shoe or down your shirt, quickly and safely set down your gun before removing the spent casing
  • ABSOLUTELY NO handling firearms on a cold range while shooters are forward of the firing line
  • Always police your brass and throw away any trash so your lane is ready for the next shooter

Safety is always the primary objective on the range, but it's also important to remember that each of us is an ambassador for 2A rights. Consequently, our conduct (both on and off the range) must reflect a reverence and appreciation for the responsibility that comes with handling and / or carrying firearms.

What You Should Bring To The Range

While it isn't so much a range rule as a gentle suggestion, make sure to pack all your essential gear before heading out to the range. Most gun owners are remarkably friendly people, but no one wants to loan out their personal shooting gear because you left yours at home. For a comprehensive breakdown of what we bring with us to the range, watch our video below.

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