If You Don't Know This Before Going to the Gun Range You'll Probably Get Kicked Out.
You load up and head off to the local range for the first time. You pull up feeling like you are in a Stallone movie. then it hits you, you have no idea what you are doing. So, you start to look around and see what everyone else is doing. Are they carrying their firearm in a case? Are they loading their weapons in the parking lot? Are they going somewhere to check in? At this point, you wish you had someone with you to tell you what to do.
Don’t worry we are here to help!
Here are the guidelines for most gun ranges. Remember it is always better to err on the side of safety.
What is the first thing you should do when you get to the Gun range?
Check in at the shop or registration area. If it’s your first time at a range that has bays you have to drive to, it is a good idea to keep your firearms in the vehicle until you have checked it. If you are at a range that has the shooting area next to the shop, you can take your firearms up with you when you go to check in, but make sure they are unloaded and in a case or bag. If you are carrying the firearm without a case or bag, you must have the breach open and all ammo/magazines removed. If you walk up to the range shop with a loaded rifle you will get kicked out before you even begin. The only exception to this is holstered sidearms. If you have a handgun holstered on your body and the State Laws say you can legally carry it in public, then you should be able to have it on you in the range shop. However, you should read all signage to make sure they don’t frown upon that at your range. Once you get up to the check in area you can ask them all of the questions you may have. Upon checking in they will either assign you a bay or just tell you to go pick a bay.
Cold Range Facility
A “Cold Range Facility” is a range that requires all guns to be unloaded except when an individual is using the firearm on the firing line. Before stepping away from the firing line the firearm should be unloaded and put away or have the breach opened.
Hot Range Facility
A “Hot Range” allows for weapons to be loaded at any time and all weapons should be considered loaded. Normally, “Hot Ranges” are reserved for advanced shooters in the military or law enforcement.
"Range is Cold" vs "Range is Hot" Warnings
Cold Range Facilities that have shared firing lines will have a time for shooters to put their targets out. This is a "Cold Range". During this time no one should touch their gun. Most ranges expect all weapons that aren't in a case, to have the breech open during a "Cold Range". If you pick up a gun during a cold range you could be kicked out of the range. Most “Cold Ranges” will have a line that shooters have to stand behind while the range is cold. Once everyone is back from looking at their targets or putting new targets out, the range will "go hot". Typically there is an announcement or light system to indicate when the "Range is Hot". Even though “the range is hot”, you are still at a “Cold Range Facility”. So, if you are not on the firing line, you should not be handling a weapon.
If you show up to the shooting line during a "Hot Range" but don't have any targets to shoot, you will use this time to get your gun out and set it down with the breech open. You can load up your mags, but don’t put them in the firearm yet, and get your station set up. Once the range goes cold you can put your targets out.
If you show up to the shooting line during a "Cold Range" quickly put out your targets but use your best judgment. If everyone is already back from putting their targets out and the range is just about to go hot, then you go out and cause the range to stay cold for a longer time, you may develop some enemies at the range. Once you are back from putting your targets out, wait for the range to go hot before handling your firearm.
Always, be listening for “cease fire”, “cold range”, or other important instructions.
Where to load and unload your firearm
Most ranges want all carried guns to be unloaded until that weapon is going to be used (Cold Range). If you have a weapon holstered on your person, normally it can be loaded. If you are carrying a loaded firearm to and from the shooting range, you would fall under the state law on carrying a firearm in public. Remember to check your local laws on how to legally carry a loaded firearm. Some of you may not have the option of carrying a loaded firearm and you may have to transport your weapon in a locked box separate from your ammo.
All weapons should be unloaded with mag (magazine) out and breech open until the weapon is going to be used. If you go to a shooting competition or class, you can not have a mag in your firearm and it can’t be loaded until the safety officer or instructor tells you to “load and make ready”. You can load your mag with ammo while not on the firing line but should not be fiddling with your firearm and you should not put the mag into the gun until it is your turn to fire. If you have an issue with your firearm and you need to mess with it, most ranges will have a station dedicated to messing with a gun while not on the firing line. If you are in a class for experts or professionals you may have different rules but it is always best to err on the side of caution.
How quickly can you shoot?
Different types of firearms and your level of knowledge and comfort will dictate on how quickly you can shoot. Although you may be comfortable doing quick mag dumps and going full out rapid fire, the range might not be so happy with you if you do so. Some ranges require 1-3 seconds in-between each shot. They will normally have it posted somewhere, but if you don't see any signage you might ask in the shop. I myself have received a warning over the loudspeaker, "The guy shooting the pistol in bay 5, only one shot every 3 seconds!". These restrictions normally occur when you are sharing a firing line with other shooters and there are no barriers between you and the others.
180 Degree Rule
It goes without saying, but never point your firearm down the shooting line, even if unloaded. Most ranges have a 180 degree rule. The best way to describe the 180 degree rule is to pretend there is an invisible line going straight down the shooting line. If, while on the shooting line, your firearm ever turns so much that it crosses parallel with the shooting line, you will have violated the 180 degree rule, and you will most likely be kicked out of the facility.
Different Shooting Areas -
Many ranges have different shooting areas for different types of firearms. Before pulling out your rifle make sure your area is not designated pistol or shotgun only. Some ranges will have different safety protocols, such as backstop height, backstop depth, or target distances for each of the different categories.
Shooting Ranges can be intimidating for any new shooter. Here is a summarized checklist of items to consider:
-Try to check the ranges rules in advance before arriving.
-If you aren’t sure as to what to do at a particular range, leave your firearms in the vehicle and go check in at the shop.
-Find out if the range is a “Cold” or “Hot’ Range Facility.
-If it is a “Cold Range Facility”, find out how they alert you when the range changes from “Hot” to “Cold’ and vice versa.
-Find out if there are different bays for different categories of firearms.
-Always practice firearm safety, and treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
Last but not least, enjoy your Boom Time!
