When you buy a gun for the first time, it's important to learn how to use it. Just owning a gun won't keep you safe. You must understand how a gun works and how to use it in an emergency. You may want to start by taking a gun safety class before you even buy your gun. You can take one of these classes online so you feel more comfortable handling, transporting, and storing your gun and ammo at home.
However, you'll still need to go to a shooting range to get practice using a gun. You don't want the first time to use it to be during an emergency. Visiting a shooting range a few times gets you used to handling the gun and improving your accuracy. Here's what to know about visiting a shooting range.
1. Learn The Rules
You may want to drop by the range ahead of time to pick up a copy of their rules if you can't find the rules on their website. Rules include the type of guns and ammo you can bring to the range, what you should wear, and how you should handle the gun. Basically, you'll need to keep the gun unloaded until you're ready to use it, never point it at anyone, and keep your finger off of the trigger.
2. Know The Commands
The range officer is on-site at all times. They give commands that you must follow, so it's important to know what they are and what they mean. They may give commands for you to stop shooting, in which case you need to put your gun down and take your hands off of it. They may give a command for when you can start shooting and when you should stop so targets can be changed. Following the commands keeps everyone on the shooting range safe.
3. Bring Your Supplies
Of course, you'll need your gun, but you should also bring ammo, safety glasses, and hearing protection. You should buy your own safety equipment when you buy your gun so you know it fits properly and you get familiar with wearing it. You'll also need a case for keeping your gun and supplies when you transport your things. Be sure to unload the gun before you put it in the case, and always keep gun safety in mind.
4. Clean Up Your Space
You should clean up your casings when you're finished and at various convenient times while you're shooting. You should leave your space as clean as you found it. Remove all trash and equipment as a courtesy to the person who will take your space when you're finished.
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