Breaking into a shooting hobby is a lot of fun and a great way to build friendships and community. However, if you’re new to shooting, you may have many questions—particularly about where to practice and what to do at a shooting range. Never be afraid to ask questions and let the range staff at Hot Brass Firearm & Bow Range know it’s your first time; we’re here to help. Here are seven other handgun shooting tips for first-time range visitors.
1. Wear Appropriate Clothing and Protection
You should always wear socks and comfortable shoes when visiting a range. A shirt with a tight collar is also recommended to prevent spent casings from falling down your clothes. You’ll also need eye protection and ear protection. Indoor ranges, in particular, can get loud.
2. Bring a Mentor or Friend With Experience
It takes time to build confidence with a firearm and range procedures, so bring someone who has visited a range before to help you. It will also be useful to review our range rules before you arrive, so you have a better idea of what to expect at our facility.
3. Always Check for Obstructions Before Loading Your Gun
This is a step you should do no matter where you’re practicing. Make sure the barrel is clear before you load your gun. A squib is a malfunction where the bullet leaves the casing and lodges in the barrel. If you suspect something is obstructing the barrel, you may wish to use a rod to clear it.
4. Always Assume the Firearm Is Loaded
The first basic rule of firearm safety is to treat your gun as though it’s loaded, even if you know it isn’t loaded. Only point the gun in a safe direction or the direction you intend to fire.
5. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You Are Ready To Fire
This is the second rule of basic firearm safety. Rest your trigger finger on the side of the frame or slide until you are sure you are ready to fire your gun. In fact, it is also recommended that you keep the firearm unloaded until you are ready to use it. This helps to prevent an accidental discharge.
6. Know Your Target and What Is Beyond It
Another rule of basic firearm safety helps you know where your bullet will end up. Indoor shooting ranges are specially designed to trap bullets and keep them from going through barriers. You should still get in the habit of knowing what is beyond your target when shooting outside of the range. You don’t want to accidentally strike something that you never intended to hit behind your target.
7. Request Help From Fellow Shooters or Range Staff
In West Springfield, Massachusetts, the shooting community is very friendly and welcoming. Never hesitate to ask for help from other shooters or even our staff when you have questions. Our priority is your safety, and you can use our shooting range for beginners and pros alike.
We’ve all started off with our guns for beginners at some point in our shooting careers. If you are new to using a firearm and wish to start practicing, Hot Brass Firearm & Bow Range is a great place to get started. Use these tips to prepare for your trip and ask our friendly staff any questions you might have about our processes. Contact us today at 413-731-7666 to check our range availability. We also offer safety classes for those who are interested in learning more.