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Had to postpone the purchase of my first gun till Jan (but the "little woman" really loves the new necklace I got her instead, so I guess it's worth it). But in the mean time, I figured I'd continue to arm myself with information even if I don't have a place to put any bullets yet...

So, I've identified a gun range near me, but I've never been to a public range before. What should I know about going to the range? Advice for my first range trip? Anything that's not obvious when you walk in the door?

Thanks!

Every range has their own rules. When you walk in, just tell them it's your first time there. They should be glad to give you a briefing on procedures, equipment, and safety.

Welcome to the club!

Crossfire wrote:Every range has their own rules. When you walk in, just tell them it's your first time there. They should be glad to give you a briefing on procedures, equipment, and safety.

Welcome to the club!

*edit*

O and probably going not on the weekend or at lunch or after work time would be best, you can generally get a fully open range and they aren't racked up with tons of people buying stuff and what-not (of course depends on the range, and if it's hunting season or not)

newTexan,

Give us a hint on where you are and maybe someone can be a little more specific. I'd be willing to bet that someone here has been to any public range you may have identified and can give you some good information.

Welcome aboard.

Yep, maybe if you are in the Houston area I could take you to PSC to check it out.

I'm a bit south of Waco and will probably be going to Weber's in Troy.

So it sounds like you'll be renting a gun. Either way, when carrying it off the range into the shop make sure the action is open so it is clearly unloaded to everyone.

My local range makes you take a test if it's your first time... Simple gun safety stuff.. Some are range rules. Just common sense stuff really.. I've never met a gun person that wasn't willing to help out though. If your unsure of how things work, just ask someone there, or whoever is working the store..

Bunkins wrote:My local range makes you take a test if it's your first time... Simple gun safety stuff.. Some are range rules. Just common sense stuff really.. I've never met a gun person that wasn't willing to help out though. If your unsure of how things work, just ask someone there, or whoever is working the store..

I went to a range in PA where they gave tests. My uncle who even has a PA permit (CCW i think they call it) had to take the test. The funny thing was he had to cheat and ask me some of the answers to semi auto questions as he's a strict revolver & rifle guy

Take your own eye and ear protection. I wear my eyeglasses and use the orange foam plugs for ears - they don't make my ears feel hot like the muffs do. I also wear my cap because I've had brass ricochet off of the wall and fall between my eyes and my glasses.

If you're using their gun, they'll probably require you to use their ammunition, so you should be ready to go. Ask a lot of questions and don't be afraid to not know something.

Welcome, newTexan, we are glad to have you with us. As far as the ranges go, that advice already stated pretty well covers it all. The folks at the range should be very helpful and show you around, just tell them this is your first trip to a range. The main thing is to just relax, stay calm, and have FUN!

-geo