You’ve picked out your first firearm, bought mags and ammo, and are ready for your first range trip. Let’s go over what to expect so you can maximize the time spent. We’ll cover range bag must-haves, range etiquette, and post-range cleanup, plus more along the way.

Writers' personal opinion, prepare yourself - The first thing to do is research gun ranges. Some locations have public ranges nearby, and some don’t. Live in South Carolina? Try our Store and Range locations. If you can find an outdoor range near you, head there.  Outdoor shooting is ALWAYS better, even if it’s snowing. Especially if it’s snowing actually, bad weather chases away the fair-weather shooters and gives you an empty range all to yourself. If you have a membership-only range near you, consider joining. There are usually benefits that come along with members-only ranges, including not having random people doing dangerous things and sometimes discounts on merchandise or classes.

When I went to the Ocala public range, an old guy tried stealing my brass from under my feet as the range was still hot. I had to shoo him off of my precious 30-06. If you only have indoor ranges nearby, check the reviews. There can be a massive difference between a brand-new huge indoor range complex and your mom-and-pop shop. Choose what fits you best. The last and best option, find someone with some acreage in the country and set up some steel targets.

Papa's Got a Brand New Range Bag

If you don’t have a range bag, go pick one up. I use an old Maxpedition bag, but to each his own; Find what style of bag works for you. I also don’t carry my guns or ammo in my range bag, but that’s because I have a trunk full and not just one or two.

Before we get too far, this is a quality starting rifle bag/eye/ear combo 

This is almost exactly like the bag I use and love.

Things you’ll need in your range bag: 

• Ear Protection - I like to have my nice headset and foam plugs as backups. Usually, one person will forget their ear protection.
• Electronic Ear Muffs
• Ear Plugs 
• Eye Protection - If you wear glasses, congrats, you are covered. For everyone else, pick up a set of shooting glasses. If you are going to an outdoor range and it’s sunny, your standard sunglasses will work great.
• Tools - I like to keep an assortment of tools in my bag to adjust sights and fix minor issues quickly. You’d be surprised how often a multitool comes in handy. A cleaning rod does wonders for a stuck case.
  • Multitool 
  • Cleaning kit 
  • AR Front Sight Post Tool
  • AK Front Sight Tool 
  • Gun Oil 
  • Bug Spray/Sunscreen

If you are packing only a couple of guns, ammo and mags can go in your range bag. Ammo storage cans are an excellent investment if you are hauling a boat load like I usually do, and soft-sided gun bags or the original cases are excellent. Remember, your bag will expand and contract depending on what you are shooting, where you are going, and what sort of equipment you have/need, i.e., suppressors and night vision, but that’s for a later article.

Range Prep Time

Before heading off to the range, ensure your bag is packed with the essentials listed above. I have designated pockets for everything, so I know where to grab from when I need something. Make sure you have ammo. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought my 1911 or Glock 21 and forgot to bring 45 ACP ammo. Make sure you have your wallet and ID. Lastly, ensure you have the correct magazines for each gun you’re taking.

Etiquette at the Gun Range

Know the four basic gun handling rules. Know them by heart and NEVER break them. Listen nose pickers in the back, NEVER break them. Those 4 rules combined will keep all five fingers on each hand and no holes in things that shouldn’t have holes. Negligent discharges happen when you forget or ignore the rules. Repeat them with me:

1. Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
3. Finger off the trigger until sights are on target. Or better put, booger hook off the bang switch.
4. Know your target and what’s beyond it.

Rules of the Gun Range:

• Hot Range/Cold Range - This is used at outdoor ranges where targets have to be put out and taken in. If the range is hot, you can approach the line and shoot. If the range is cold, unload your guns and step back. Do NOT touch your guns or ammo for any reason when the range is called cold. That magazine can wait to be reloaded when the range goes hot again.
  Keep your eyes and ears on at all times while the range is hot. Seriously, you don’t want tinnitus.
• Some ranges don’t let you use steel-cased ammo because they are too lazy to sort it from the brass when they resell it. If this is your range, only sheet steel-cased ammo when they aren’t looking. Just take brass to these ranges.
• No rapid fire. Some places are operated by fudds who think 45 AARP is the only caliber around. If they say no rapid-fire, try to follow that.
• Make nice with the range staff and show them some respect. They will return the gesture.
• Don’t shoot the wrong target. I remember the old public range days where some guy with a 12 gauge would decimate my target because he didn’t realize it wasn’t his. Don’t be that guy.
• When it’s time to leave, clean up after yourself. If there is a broom nearby, sweep your brass. Wait for cold range to be called and take down your target. Throw away any empty ammo boxes and junk sitting around. Make sure everything is unloaded and stowed in their proper bags.

Unwritten rules of the Gun Range:

• If you want to shoot someone else’s gun, ASK. Most shooters are friendly and more than happy to lend you their firearm.
• Never dry fire someone else’s gun. Just because your gun is a turd sandwich doesn’t mean theirs is; Treat others’ guns with respect. If someone allows you to shoot their gun, offer them some ammo or use your ammo, so you don’t put them out.
• Be polite, always. This is more of a life lesson, but be courteous to the people around you. Everyone is there for a good time, don’t ruin it.
  Don’t pretend like you know everything.
• Never make friends with the war story guy. He won’t leave you alone the entire time you are there and will try to talk your ear off. 

Post Range Cleanup

When you get home, there will be some cleaning needed. If your gun is for life and liberty, clean it after every trip. Yes, I know Glocks run on old motor oil and AKs can be lubed with camel urine, but we live in a modern western society with access to modern cleaners and lubes. Your gun is used to protect you or anyone else. Make sure it is clean and properly lubed. A click and no bang is the last thing anyone wants. Reload your magazines. Empty mags are useless when they are needed most. It won’t hurt them to stay loaded.

Check your consumables. If you are out of oil or earplugs, order some more. If you came across a situation where you didn’t have the right tool for the job, consider ordering it and adding it to your bag. Make sure your stuff is where it belongs in your bag so you don’t have to go searching for it next time.

Remember, range time is fun time. As long as you are following the rules and being safe, you will have a great time. If you read this before heading out of your first trip, let me know how it goes below and for any regulars, let me know the best range trip story you have.