Proper Etiquette When Practicing At The Range

by
posted on March 28, 2018
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
traininngtips1.jpg

Are you a new shooter? There are some key rules to remember when heading to the range to practice. Although most ranges have their own rules you should become familiar with, we’ve come up with a few that should be utilized anywhere.

  • Get to know the rules of your range prior to stepping up to the firing line. If you have questions, ask.
  • Obey range commands at all times.
  • Be aware of what is going on around you. Accidents can be avoided by paying attention to what you and others are doing. If you see unsafe behavior, notify a range official immediately.
  • Do not handle any firearm while others are downrange. This includes cleaning, adjusting sights, moving the gun on the rest, etc.
  • Do not handle any other shooter’s equipment, including their gun, ammunition, or scope, without his or her permission.
  • Be aware of the firing cadence of the people on the shooting points next to you. Try to avoid firing simultaneously with them.
  • Avoid starting up unnecessary conversations with other shooters while they are shooting.
  • Pick up after yourself, including your trash, brass, targets and belongings before leaving the range area. Discard these items in the appropriate trash bins.
  • Do not pick up other shooter’s brass; he or she may intend to reload later.
  • Do not disturb others with any boisterous, loud or distracting behavior.


Aside from range rules, use your best judgment and common sense when going to the shooting range. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask a range official, they are there for your safety and the safety of others.

Latest

2026 Grandamerican ATA 1A
2026 Grandamerican ATA 1A

ATA Grand American Returns to Sparta With a Full Event Lineup

The Amateur Trapshooting Association’s 127th Grand American runs July 29 through August 8 in Sparta, Illinois, with a tribute to the late Lynn Gipson.

Team Winchester and Team White Flyer Stack the Podium at 2026 World English

Team Winchester and Team White Flyer shooters earned multiple podiums at the 2026 World English Sporting Clays Championship.

From Milestones to Movement: Inside USPSA’s 2026 Blueprint

Alan Turner outlines USPSA’s 2026 priorities: club recruitment rewards, mobile app upgrades, junior memberships and championship planning.

Derrick Mein Secures Silver at ISSF World Cup Shotgun in Kazakhstan

Team Federal’s Mein took silver at the ISSF World Cup in Almaty after Turkey’s Tolga Tuncer set a world record to take gold.

USPSA Limited 10: The Same Foundation, One New Option

USPSA Limited 10 now allows optics, but doesn’t require them. Same scoring, same equipment rules, same division. One change, one new pathway.

Brandon Green: A Champion Among NRA Members

The U.S. National Rifle Team head coach climbed from 30th place to break a 156-year American drought on Bisley’s most prestigious title.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.