Remember the Basics
Indoors or outdoors, practicing gun safety is a must. Remember these basic safety principles:
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Handle any firearm safely, pointing it down or in another safe direction.
- Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot; never point a gun at a person.
- Don’t depend on the firearm’s safety mechanism.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
- Always wear ear and eye protection.
- Carefully unload the gun, remove the magazine, and clear the action of any remaining ammunition.
- Leave the action open when the gun is not in use.
Stay Cool
It’s crucial to recognize heat stress warning signs. Familiarize yourself with the signs of heat stress, such as fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. This knowledge will empower you to take the necessary precautions. If you experience any of these symptoms, take a break, hydrate, and rest in a cooler area.
Staying cool on the shooting range is not just about the physical temperature. Intense heat can make us become impatient, stressed, irritable, and not our best selves. Don’t allow yourself to make bad decisions because you are hot and uncomfortable. Pace yourself, stay in control, and never take shortcuts in your shooting mechanics or your safety precautions.
Use the Proper Gear
Dressing appropriately is important when shooting anytime and anywhere. Opt for loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin. This not only prevents hot brass casings from causing discomfort but also ensures your comfort during your shooting practice. Closed shoes, long pants, and a hat can provide additional protection and comfort.
Remember your safety equipment, like shooting glasses and ear protection. The heat may tempt you to forgo the most critical items, but you could be sorry. Another gun safety issue is firearm temperature. Steady firing and exposure to sunlight can cause metal to become hot to the touch. A pair of light shooting gloves may be a good piece of gear to bring along.
Rest and Rehydrate
Plan rest breaks during your range time to maintain your physical and mental strength. This is not just a suggestion, but a safety measure to help you stay alert and healthy throughout your shooting session. Your well-being is your priority.
Intense heat can quickly lead to dehydration. Be sure to bring plenty of water and take regular breaks to stay hydrated while at the range. Every time you are waiting your turn to shoot, rehydrate. Always be sure to dispose of containers properly.
Practice Outdoor Range Safety
Summertime is a great time to get outdoors and shoot in a beautiful environment, but be smart about where you shoot. If possible, only use authorized outdoor gun ranges with safe barriers and protected areas. Gun safety in many ways looks like shooting in an environment that is going to set you up for success. If you create your own shooting range outside, be sure you are firing into a suitable backstop. Establish safe zones around and always be alert for animals or other people that would wander onto the range.
Follow the same rules as you would on an indoor range by securing every firearm before checking and replacing targets. Do not perform any firearm loading, unloading, or maintenance while anyone is downrange.
Get Indoors!
If the Arizona heat becomes too much, take your shooting regimen indoors! C2 Tactical offers premier indoor shooting facilities in Tempe and Scottsdale, Arizona, providing a safe and state-of-the-art environment for shooting enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for gun rentals, professional assistance, shooting packages, or classes, C2 Tactical has everything you need for an exceptional shooting experience.
Contact us today to learn more and book your reservations, classes, or events for the summer.
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