Whether it’s your first time at the shooting range or you’ve been going for years, knowing the proper range etiquette is a surefire way to get the most out of your range time and while keeping everyone safe. Before you go to the shooting range, knowing the rules and following the guidelines can ensure that you make the most of your time.
Know the Lingo
Like with any activity, there will be specific lingo that is important to the range. Before you go, some of the lingo you should know include:
Firing Line – This is where shooters will stand. Usually represented by a painted line on the ground, shooters must be in front of the line to fire their weapon.
Lane – This is the stall or booth that will line up with your target. Every shooter is expected to remain in their lane and shoot only at their target.
Downrange – This is the area in front of the firing line where the targets are located.
Ceasefire – This command is used whenever all shooting at the range must stop. It can be used in the event of an emergency or just when time has run out.
Hot – When the range is “hot,” it means that you are permitted to fire.
Cold – When the range is “cold,” it means that all weapons have been unloaded and locked by their shooter.
Read the Rules
Before going anywhere, it’s important to know the rules of the place you’re going to. These rules are set in place to ensure the safety of you, your family, friends, and anyone else who might be at the shooting range that day. A couple of the most common rules at a range can include:
- The Range Officer is in charge at all times.
- Only un-case or un-holster firearms in front of the firing line.
- All firearms should be pointed downrange at all times.
These are only a few of the more common rules you will see at various shooting ranges. We recommend that you take the time to read the rules of any range that you choose to go to.
Follow the Range Safety Officer’s Directions
It’s the Range Safety Officer’s job to ensure the safety of shooters while they are at the range. They are the ones that are responsible for enforcing the rules of the range and will handle any problems that might come up. It is one of the golden rules that the Range Safety Officer will be in charge at all times and that you must always listen to their direction while you are at the shooting range.
Safety First
Having fun at the range is important, but safety is essential. Always be sure to follow gun safety standards and to maintain a safe environment. It’s always a good idea to treat a firearm as if it is loaded. This will help you to develop safe gun handling habits while you’re in and out of the range. Always remember to be aware of your surroundings and those around you, keep your finger off the trigger when not firing, and only point your firearm down range.
Make the Most of Your Range Time with C2 Tactical
Knowing all the rules of the range helps everyone at the shooting range stay safe and ensures that visitors to the range have fun and get the most from their time. At C2 Tactical, we pride ourselves on our state-of-the-art indoor shooting range and providing a safe environment where our guests can practice their gun-handling skills. Whether you’re a rookie shooter or someone with years of experience, our lanes will provide a place for you to hone your skills in a safe place. Start honing your skills and reserve a lane at C2 Tactical today!