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

USA Shooting 2026 Skeetfallselect 1
USA Shooting 2026 Skeetfallselect 1

Elliott, Simonton Win Fall Selection Crowns as USA Shooting Names National Skeet Team

Christian Elliott and Samantha Simonton win open skeet titles at 2026 Fall Selection Match as USA Shooting names the national team for Doha, Lima and Acapulco.

Bethel Shooting Team Gives Up a Saturday for Metal Madness Founder

Bethel University’s shooting team spent a Saturday clearing demolition debris from Grand Rivers Shooting Range while Metal Madness founder Ed White recovered from a heart attack.

Two Programs Join MAC As Rifle Season Opens Sept. 19

Indiana Tech and Hillsdale College join the Mid-Atlantic Rifle Conference for 2026-27, pushing the field to 10 programs chasing a championship decided Feb. 27-28.

ATA Autumn Satellite Grand Returns To Tucson For Its 23rd Running

The 23rd Annual Autumn Satellite Grand American is scheduled for Nov. 4-15 at Arizona’s Tucson Trap and Skeet Club, with pre-squadding opening Sept. 12.

Koenig Covers Rifles in Real Avid’s Five-Part Range Ready Video Series

Doug Koenig headlines Real Avid’s five-part Range Ready Rifle video series, covering optic mounting, zeroing, rifle optimization, field preparation and post-range maintenance.

Federal’s New Cosmic Clay Target Load Glows Under Black Light

Federal’s new Cosmic 12-gauge target load pairs a UV-fluorescent Podium wad with glowing hull printing, giving black-light clays shooters something to watch downrange.

Interests



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