Home on the Range

When it comes to honing your shooting skills, finding the right range is crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or a beginner looking to learn, selecting the best shooting range for your needs can make all the difference for your development and your enjoyment of the experience.

With countless options available, navigating the terrain of professional shooting facilities requires careful consideration. Although it may seem that one of these businesses should be fairly straight-forward, any place reasonable will have to go beyond simply providing an open space, a mound of dirt and a target. The truth is, that a tremendous amount of work and expertise goes into the development and maintenance of a quality shooting range, and not all are created equal. Even though firearms themselves are safe enough (with proper handling) and predictable, it’s the people involved that oftentimes aren’t. Negligent management, untrained or uncaring range safety staff and dangerous patrons can all add up to a poor and potentially dangerous experience.

What to Look For

If you’re making a checklist of must-haves for a potential range, here are a few things to consider:

Location

A facility that’s conveniently located in relation to your home or work will make it easier for you to frequent it more regularly. Consider items such as parking, the safety of the surrounding area, proximity to shops and other amenities, and if there are accommodations for accessibility.

Facilities

Ensure that the facility offers the types of opportunities and activities that suit your needs. Whether it’s indoor, outdoor, target formats and distances, dynamic shooting, holster draws, target retrieval etc., there’s really no need to compromise. Serious enthusiasts may also require several ranges to cover all of their requirements. The availability of rental firearms and ammunition is also a plus. Other obvious things to look for would include overall maintenance, cleanliness, lighting, ventilation, seating areas, first aid capabilities and restrooms.

Safety Measures

Safety should be of paramount concern when selecting a shooting range. Be sure that there are strict safety protocols in-place, such as trained range officers, clearly posted safety instructions, and a mandatory requirement for the use of safety gear. Also look for certifications or memberships with organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA) or the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

 Rules & Regulations

Familiarize yourself with the range’s rules and regulations before committing. Some facilities may have restrictions on firearm types, ammunition, shooting stances, or targets allowed. Make sure these align with your preferences and needs.

Membership

Consider whether the range offers memberships or options and benefits such as trial visits, discounted rates, priority lane access, exclusive events or guest access.

Training & Instruction

If you’re new to shooting or looking to improve your skills, consider a range that offers training and instruction services. Look for certified instructors who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your skill level and goals. Some ranges may offer beginner courses, advanced training programs, or specialized workshops for specific firearm disciplines.

Community & Atmosphere

Choose a range with a welcoming and supportive community where you feel comfortable practicing and socializing with fellow shooters. Many ranges host events, competitions, and social gatherings that foster camaraderie among enthusiasts.

Red Flags

There are a variety of signs that may indicate a gun shooting range is not up to par or potentially unsafe. If you find any of the following, you may want to find another option:

• Poor overall facility maintenance
• Lack of safety protocols
• Consistent crowding or overbooking
• Lack of staff professionalism, training and/or supervision
• Frequent accidents or unsafe incidents
• Inadequate ventilation
• Unclear or non-existent emergency procedures
• Inadequate backstops or bullet traps / ricochet risk
• Your general comfort level (ie. ‘gut feel’) is sending you warning signals
• Poor gun handling
• Disorderly conduct or open conflict between patrons
• Observed consumption of alcohol or drugs

 Whether you’re considering a private club or a public range, the fit has to be right for your shooting needs and your comfort level. Ideally, the services offered and overall atmosphere will provide the right mix to make your experiences the best that they can be.