Your First Trip to the Shooting Range: A Beginner’s Guide
- carolinaconcealeds
- Nov 1, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 11
Stepping onto a shooting range for the first time is a big milestone for any firearm owner. It’s where theory meets practice, and where responsible gun owners refine their skills in a controlled environment. However, if you’ve never been to a range before, you might feel unsure about what to expect, what to bring, and how to navigate range safety rules.
At Carolina Concealed Solutions, we specialize in helping beginners gain confidence and competency with firearms. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about your first range trip—from preparation and safety rules to drills that will improve your shooting skills.
What to Expect at the Shooting Range
A shooting range is a regulated space designed for firearm practice. Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor facility, most ranges have:
Shooting lanes – Individual stations where shooters stand to fire at targets.
Range officers – Trained personnel who enforce safety rules and assist shooters as needed.
Designated target areas – Paper or steel targets at varying distances for practice.
Range rules – Posted guidelines covering safety, firearm handling, and conduct.
When you arrive, expect a check-in process that may include signing a liability waiver, presenting identification, and reviewing the range’s specific rules.
Preparing for Your Range Visit
Essential Gear Checklist
Before heading to the range, make sure you have the following items:
Firearm and Ammunition – Bring your personal firearm and enough ammo for your session. If you don’t own a firearm yet, check if the range offers rentals.
Eye and Ear Protection – Ranges require safety glasses and hearing protection. Consider electronic earmuffs for better awareness of range commands.
Comfortable, Protective Clothing – Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a high-collared shirt to prevent hot brass from burning your skin. A baseball cap can also help keep brass out of your face.
First Aid Supplies – A tourniquet and chest seal are essential for handling firearm-related injuries. If you plan to put holes in something, you should know how to seal them. Find these in our shop!
Notebook and Pen – Keeping track of your shots, groupings, and adjustments can accelerate your learning curve.
Know the Range Rules
Every shooting range has its own policies regarding:
Allowed firearms and calibers
Magazine capacity restrictions
Drawing from a holster
Rapid-fire and double-tap rules
Cleaning up brass after shooting
Call ahead or check the range’s website to ensure compliance.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ranges: Pros and Cons
Both indoor and outdoor ranges have their advantages and drawbacks.
Indoor Ranges
Pros: Weather-proof, controlled lighting, often located closer to urban areas.
Cons: Smaller lanes, limited shooting distances, less ventilation leading to higher lead exposure.
Outdoor Ranges
Pros: More space, better ventilation, longer shooting distances.
Cons: Weather-dependent, may require travel, less supervision from range staff.
At the Range: What to Do
Follow Range Officer Instructions – These professionals are there to keep everyone safe. Listen to their commands and ask questions if unsure.
Start Slowly – Fire 5-10 rounds at a close target to get comfortable with the shooting environment.
Maintain Proper Firearm Handling – Keep the muzzle pointed downrange, finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and your firearm unloaded until on the firing line.
Clean Up After Yourself – Some ranges require shooters to pick up their brass or dispose of used targets properly.
Advanced Drills for Progression
Once comfortable, try structured drills to refine accuracy and control.
Bill Drill – Fire six shots at one target in three seconds, focusing on speed and accuracy. Start slowly and build consistency before increasing speed.
Dot Torture Drill – A precision exercise using our Dot Torture target. This 50-round drill tests sight alignment, trigger control, and accuracy.
Always follow the 4 universal safety rules:
Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
Never point the muzzle at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
Know your target and what’s behind it.
Following these rules ensures that you and those around you stay safe at all times.
Firearm safety is a mindset: there are no accidents, only preventable mistakes. Equip yourself with tools like gun safes, cable locks, gun flags, or first aid gear from our shop to eliminate negligence. Ready to master this?
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