Mind Your Manners: 10 Do's and Don'ts of Firing Range Etiquette - FateofDestinee

I'm getting ready to record a couple of new range videos, so I've been thinking about some of the important things to remember for proper range etiquette. In this video, I'll go over 10 things to think about that I've collected from my shooting instructor, the internet, and personal experience. I don't consider this list to be the only do's and don'ts at a firing range, just ten that come to mind in no particular order of importance.
The first on my list is to follow your range's rules. Every range has it's own regulations, for example, limitations to how many rounds you can carry in a magazine, whether or not you may rapid fire, and what types of ammunition are allowed. If they're going to let you shoot there, it's important to respect their rules.
Second is don't show up with a loaded weapon. Many ranges have a lobby or display case area before you reach the firing lanes. It's best to load your weapon when you're in your own lane and preparing to fire.
The third thing I want to talk about is also the first cardinal rule of gun safety: Treat every weapon as though it were loaded. Even if someone just cleared the gun and handed it to you, it is your responsibility to clear it yourself. You can never be too cautious with a lethal weapon.
Fourth is the second rule of safe firearm handling: Don't point the gun at anything you do not wish to destroy. It's a dangerous piece of equipment and needs to be respected as such.
Number five is the third cardinal rule of safe gun handling: Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until you're ready to fire.
Next up is the last rule of gun safety: Always be aware of your target and what's behind it.
Seventh on my list is to be respectful of others at the range. It's important not to disturb others' concentration or make them feel uncomfortable. That's not to say you can't be social. Actually, I like to talk to people at my local range; I already know we share an interest in firearms and I love hearing other people's opinions, but there's a time and a place to approch people for that kind of interaction. Respecting other people at the range also means cleaning up after yourself and be considerate that you're sharing the space with other customers.
The eighth rule of good range etiquette is to watch what you say. You don't want to make yourself appear like some kind of scary sociopath while holding/ operating a loaded weapon. So talking about how much you hate your ex, the government, etc. is not a good idea.
Number nine is in a similar vein to number eight. Watch what you wear when you head out to the range. The people who go to the range, especially gun owners, tend to be a more conservative crowd. It isn't the place to stand out, especially if you're displaying some kind of adverse political statement or something offensive to other range-goers. And for the ladies, avoid those low-cut tops. You might feel sexy operating a firearm wearing them... until some hot brass flies down your shirt and you're jumping and trying to fling the casing off your burnt skin while holding a loaded gun. That's not safe for you or anyone shooting with you.
The last thing I want to mention is something I think about before I head out to the range. When I go shooting, I like to spend a good chunk of time out, so I like to wear comfortable shoes. It's also a good idea to wear something that covers, just in case someone's spent casing picks your feet to land on. So I won't wear any heels or sandals out to the range. Just like in high school chemistry, it's not practical or safe.
Like I said before, this is by no means a complete list, so if you feel I've left out something important, or would just like to make a suggestion of your own, leave me a comment and I'll update this video. :] [****UPDATE: I just found a great vid on range etiquette from TheAmoryGuild here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReDgj6uNb1E Also, here is your input I posted in the vid as an annotation as promised (please let me know if I missed yours...I will update)
edgedweapon88 says:
1. Always keep the weapon on the firing line unless properly holstered or in a case.
2. Always keep the firearm pointed down range.
3. Keep the action open unless you are shooting the firearm.
4. Keep all ammunition on the bench.
Also...Some ranges depending on state will allow you to bring a loaded firearm
into the establishment as long as it is properly holstered
and you have a carry permit
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Gungeek says:
Don't give a new shooter a semiauto pistol or rifle? is a good rule maybe lol :)
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XB0666 says:
One thing I cant stand at the ranges is when someone is a "know it all".
Please it is soooo important to leave all ego's at the front door and pick them up as you leave :D

Category:

Howto & Style

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[MrZombieexpert29]

Why can't there be more women like you, beautiful and dangerous, perfect.

[FateofDestinee]

@FireArmsResQ Lol That's no gun... that's a HAND CANNON! :p

[FastLeadPoisoning]

Hey, FOD, I just wanted to also add "great work on these videos". I've seen this one and the one that compares 3 smaller guns (LC9, Glock 26, and Nano, iirc). I subbed you, and tried to comment with some love, but kept getting some "Error, try again" message from youtube or my browser. wanted to try again here, just to say, "great stuff". sub me back to look at my "racking the slide" if you have time. You may want to change that method. thx!

[1IIIIIIIIII1]

JUST WEAR THOSE SHOES WHEN YOU DROP BY MY HOUSE

[Volkov556]

@kitfisto07 there wasn't an armed range officer?....

[Leflore2]

Nice shoes tho lol

[12sick4x4]

you are not in a bar do you have to say f-this and that every couple of words, really dude???

[kitfisto07]

Saw a man pull his side arm on a kid because the kid kept swinging his AR and wouldn't stop pointing it at him. Cops took the kid away...

[TheHornedOne81]

@Cantb001 Actually, there are also 8 shot versions of the .357Magnum. Taurus and S&W make 7 and 8 shot revolvers, S&W 686 and 627 respectively. Good weapons. You can't do it with the heavier rounds and, of course, the .454 and up use only 5 hole cylinders, but the .357 is just a Party.

[Cantb001]

7 shot .357?

[pieseeker1]

Fuck the rules. I live in MA and shoot in the woods... MA thinks that is illegal, I say MA can go to hell

[bubba19065]

How about reloading?