Many venues exist for shooting indoors, whether for tactical training, self-defense training, proficiency practice or simple fun recreational exercise. In every instance, safety is your responsibility. Using a firearm correctly takes knowledge, practice and close attention to safe practices. Learning how to safely shoot indoors is something every gun enthusiast should learn early and practice often.
Basic Indoor Shooting Range Safety
Safety precautions for indoor shooting ranges will vary from that of outdoor shooting ranges. The difference stems from the more confined space of an indoor range. This prevents inadvertent property damage, noise violations and other concerns when shooting firearms outdoors. But, the basics of shooting safety and etiquette are still the same.
Indoor shooting ranges can differ in some ways, including their basic rules for safety. When entering any indoor range, familiarize yourself with the layout of the building and all exits. Locate and thoroughly read any posted range safety rules and guidelines. If none are visible, as an attendant for a copy to review.
Most indoor shooting range safety rules will include the following:
- Absolutely no alcohol or drugs are permitted.
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction, preferably muzzle up and with the action open and unloaded.
- Firearms will be kept unloaded until on the firing line.
- Be sure of your target and what lies beyond.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to fire.
- Obey all commands from range masters, when they are present.
- Be sure your gun is safe and operational before bringing it to the range.
- Know how to use your gun safely.
- Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
- Monitor and store your own guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized shooters.
- Report any unsafe conditions or actions to range masters or employees.
- Shooters and observers must wear ear and eye protection.
- No shooting at unauthorized targets (cans, bottles, boxes, etc.) or anything on the floor.
- All shooting will be in authorized areas only.
- All shooters are responsible to pick up their brass and deposit in the brass buckets nearest their shooting position and pick up and place all trash in containers before leaving the facility.
- Respect others and their equipment.
Personal Safety Measures
In addition to the basics of indoor range safety above, every shooter and observer is responsible for their own personal safety. Some danger exists from extended time shooting in an indoor range, due to possible exposure to lead dust from certain types of ammunition. If you spend much time on indoor shooting ranges, wearing a mask is recommended.
- Always wear eye and ear protection. Don these before entering the range itself and do not remove until after exiting the range.
- Always enter and leave the range with your firearms stored safely and unloaded.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially other persons, and treat others with courtesy.
- Always walk around another shooter’s equipment on the floor; never step over it.
- Never touch another shooters equipment.
- Be aware of items that may be underfoot, such as spent shell casings. These can be a trip and fall hazard.
- Watch for flying ammunition casings that may bounce or fly through the air and strike you.
- Be aware of where your spent casings are landing.
- Remove all unused and spent ammunition and casings before you leave the shooting range.
- Wash and dry hands and face thoroughly after shooting and handling ammunition.
On any shooting range, and especially in the confined space of an indoor shooting range, everyone is a safety officer. If you see any safety violations or questionable actions, call a verbal cease fire or alert the range master. Enjoying a safe shooting experience indoors is everyone’s responsibility.
C2 Tactical, with locations in Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona, offers prime indoor shooting ranges and plenty of amenities for every shooter. There is also a safety video linked at the left side of every page of their website. Watch to learn the basics of how to safely shoot indoors before your next visit.
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