Shooting at the firing range can be exciting, but safety tips are necessary for proper etiquette and to avoid anything unfortunate. Safety rules are important for newcomers but also experienced shooters who might become lax over time.
Courtesy and common sense often lead to safety at an outdoor or indoor firing range. Many ranges require attending safety classes before using their facilities. Pay attention to range safety officers and their instructions.
Whether new to gun ownership or a veteran marksman, here are seven safety tips for the firing range:
1. Always treat the gun as if it were loaded — Keep it pointed in a safe direction with the barrel aimed down range, according to Magtech. The gun should remain unloaded until at the firing line.
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2. Follow the rules of the firing range — Listen to what the range master tells you. Know the range commands and ask the safety officer if you have any questions.
3. Keep the gun on safe — Keep your finger off the trigger until you want to shoot, never shooting at hard surfaces or water.
4. Respect and check with others — Shooters should make sure all firearms are unloaded and laid down on the shooting bench during a “cold” range before going to the firing line, explains the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Make sure no one is down range when it is declared “hot.”
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5. Know the terms — Range officers may use “ceasefire” when all shooting should stop and “commence firing” when shooters can begin. Terms such as “stop shooting” or “begin shooting” are also used on the firing range. “Clear” means all shooters have their firearms safe. They are only permitted to go down range when given permission.
6. Think about what you are doing — The terminology and procedures at each firing range may be new or even overwhelming to beginners, notes Springfield Armory of Geneseo, Illinois. Know where you trigger finger is and your gun is pointed at all times.
7. Keep to yourself — Stay within your own firing lane without giving advice to or interrupting someone in another lane, unless asked. However, report any dangerous activity to the range safety officer.
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