Introducing New Shooters To The Range

Ever thought about the best way to introduce someone new to the world of shooting? Join us in this enlightening episode as we break down the steps for making a first visit to the range a rewarding experience. From selecting the right equipment to teaching basic techniques, we’ll cover all the bases to ensure new shooters feel both safe and excited. Get practical advice on overcoming common challenges. This episode is perfect for seasoned shooters who want to pass on their passion or anyone interested in understanding how to make a new shooter’s first experience unforgettable.

Transcript

 Hello and welcome to our A Pirate Talks Guns podcast! I'm your host, John Cello, owner and lead instructor of The Tactical Pirate and I'm glad to have you join us today. Whether you're brand new to the world of shooting sports or you've already dipped your toes in the water, this episode is for you. Today, we're diving into a comprehensive guide on introducing new shooters to both indoor and outdoor ranges. We'll cover everything from essential safety procedures to the equipment you'll need, basic marksmanship, what to expect at the range, and much more.

 Experienced shooters have a unique role in helping newcomers. It's not just about sharing knowledge; it's about fostering a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment. So, if you're a seasoned shooter, remember that your guidance can make a world of difference for a newbie. Helping new shooters not only promotes safety but also fosters a supportive community. Remember, we were all beginners once, and a little guidance can go a long way in making someone's first experience a positive one. And for all you beginners out there, don't worry—we've got you covered with all the information you need to start your shooting journey on the right foot.

 Safety is paramount in shooting sports. Before we even think about picking up a firearm, we need to understand and respect the fundamental safety rules. Every single time you handle a firearm, all your actions need to be deliberate. Complacency kills. When you have a gun in your hand, stay aware of it, know the condition whether loaded or unloaded, where the muzzle is pointed and what your next action is going to be. Know, by heart, the four cardinal rules of firearm safety. Don’t think of them as rules, but more as immutable laws. Never break them, and you will never have a negligent discharge. (What we refer to in the trade as a suboptimal experience.) Experienced shooters, you know this. (Or you better.) Teach the new shooters to be safe by explaining the rules to them.

 Treat all firearms as if they are loaded. Always assume a gun is loaded, even if you think it's unloaded. Even if you KNOW it’s unloaded. Check the chamber to make sure it's not loaded before handling or transferring possession of a weapon.

 Always keep a firearm pointed in a safe direction. Be aware of the direction the muzzle is pointing and positively identify your target.

 Keep your finger off the trigger until you have made the decision to shoot. This prevents you from firing at something or someone by accident. When you're not firing, rest your index finger off the trigger, out of the trigger guard, and along the side of the firearm.

 Know your target and understand what is beyond it. A proper range is going to have some form of backstop, be it an earth berm at an outdoor range or a bullet absorbing or deflecting means at an indoor range. Understand that bullets have a propensity for passing through things. If you’re not shooting at an established range, ensure that the bullets you fire are going to end up in a proper backstop.

 Along with the four laws, eye and ear protection! Always wear eye and ear protection. This is non-negotiable. Eye protection guards against debris and potential ricochets, while ear protection helps prevent hearing damage from the loud noise of gunfire. It only takes exposure to ONE unprotected round of gunfire to cause permanent damage. Kind of like an STD.

 Now, let's talk about the differences between indoor and outdoor range safety. Indoor ranges often have strict rules about where and how you can shoot to control the environment and prevent accidents. This includes specific lanes, backstops, and whether you are allowed to draw from holsters. Outdoor ranges, on the other hand, require awareness of natural backstops like berms and the potential for wildlife and environmental factors like wind and weather to affect your shooting.

 The range may or may not have safety officers present. Safety officers control the range, letting you know when you can go downrange to hang targets, when you can and cannot handle your gun, when it’s safe to fire, and when you should stop immediately. If safety officers are not present it’s going to be up to every shooter on the range to enforce safety measures.

 Let's move on to the gear you'll need for a successful range day. There are some essentials that you will absolutely need.

Eye and ear Protection as we've already mentioned, this is a must. Eye protection especially in indoor ranges, where you may have partitions on either side of you that hot brass can bounce off of. Shooting a semiautomatic pistol or long gun slinging brass all over can be challenging.

Proper Clothing for the Environment. Dress appropriately for the conditions you'll be shooting in. For indoor ranges, this typically means comfortable, close-fitting clothing. Close fitting isn’t for fashion sense. It’s to keep the aforementioned hot brass from going down your shirt. For this reason ladies, leave the low cut tops for date night. At outdoor ranges, consider the weather—hats, sunscreen, and layers for warmth might be necessary.

 Your firearm and ammunition. Unless you plan on using rental guns and buying range ammo, not bringing your gun and bullets to the range is just a wasted trip. If you are bringing your own gun, make sure it's in good working order and that you have the correct type and amount of ammunition. If you’re very new to the sport and will be renting a gun, be realistic. If you’ve never shot a handgun before, while that fifty caliber Desert Eagle may look tempting, stick with something that has manageable recoil.

 While I’m not saying that beginners should start with a .22 caliber pistol or rifle, if you’re just learning, you want to be able to concentrate on the basics. That’s going to be tough to do with a roaring, bucking gun that tries to wrap your arms around your head every time you pull the trigger. And if it is your first or one of a few times at the range, I strongly suggest having an instructor or an experienced shooter go with you. They can guide you through the minefield of range etiquette, hanging targets, and being available should you have a malfunction.

Optional but recommended gear. Your eye and ear protection, gun, ammunition, and targets, unless you plan on having the range supply them, are the bare minimum you’ll need for a range session. There are a few things that you may consider bringing to make things a little easier.

 A range bag A good range bag helps keep all your gear organized. It's a convenient way to transport your firearm, ammunition, and other essentials. Listen to my episode titled “What You Need In Your Range Bag” for my take on them. I’m just going to cover the very basics of what should be in your range bag here.

And a word of caution on range bags. Don’t make the beginner mistake of getting a bag bigger than what you plan on carrying. If you’re just starting out you won’t need to bring much. If you get the giant sized professional shooters bag, you’ll end up filling it with a bunch of crap you don’t really need, and it will be a beast to lug around. Infantrymen have a saying, “ounces make pounds, and pounds make misery.” I’ve got a small bag for my personal range sessions that is just big enough to hold my ammo, magazines, a timer, notebook and pen, and a multitool. When I’m shooting in matches or instructing, I have the ginormo bag that holds all kinds of crap. I also don’t carry it, using a jogging stroller that’s converted into a gun cart to haul it around.

 So on to the basics.

A cleaning kit. Having a basic cleaning kit on hand is always a good idea. A clean firearm is a safe and reliable firearm. It’s also great to have if you plan on an extended range session where an excess amount of carbon is going to build up on the extractor or ejector of a semiautomatic. Your cleaning kit doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy. Cleaning rod, bore brush, toothbrush, some solvent, and some oil should suffice.

 Extra magazines. Bringing extra magazines means more time shooting and less time reloading. Load your magazines before you go to the range, especially if it’s one where you’re renting the lane by the hour. You want to maximize your training time to get the most bang for your buck.

 And keep in mind weather-specific gear for outdoor ranges. Depending on the season, you might need bug spray, rain gear, or cold-weather gear. You will definitely need a baseball cap to keep the sun out of your eyes.

 Being prepared with the right equipment ensures that you're comfortable and ready for anything that might come up during your range visit.

 Next up, let's talk about the core shooting fundamentals. These are the building blocks of good marksmanship. As a beginner, these are what you need to concentrate on. The “tacticool” moving, shooting, and reloading comes AFTER you master the basics of safe gun handling and marksmanship.

 Proper grip and stance. Your grip and stance are the foundation of your shooting technique. You wouldn’t build a house on a crappy foundation, why would you build your shooting journey on one? A proper grip ensures you have control of the firearm, and a solid stance provides stability. For most people, a two-handed grip and a stance with feet shoulder-width apart works well. Experienced shooters, you need to coach them through this.

 Sight alignment and sight picture. Sight alignment means lining up the front and rear sights on your target. Sight picture is what you see when the sights are correctly aligned on the target. Both are crucial for accurate shooting. If shooting iron sights, you want the front sight centered in the rear sight, and the top of the front sight level with the top of the rear sight. Just think “equal height, equal light.”

 Trigger Control. Smooth and steady pressure on the trigger is essential. Jerking or slapping the trigger can throw off your shot, as you’re moving the gun off target when you do it. Practice dry firing (checking that your firearm is unloaded and practicing trigger control without live ammunition) can help with this.

Practicing marksmanship can be done both at home and at the range. At home, you can practice dry firing, grip, stance, and sight alignment. At the range, focus on live firing exercises that reinforce these fundamentals.

Now, let's talk about what you can expect when you visit both indoor and outdoor ranges.

Indoor range layouts are typically more controlled environments. You'll find lanes separated by dividers, a target retrieval system, and typically a range officer overseeing the shooting. The environment is often climate-controlled, which is a big plus. If you ask any of my students who took classes here in South Carolina on the outdoor range I use, they will confirm the climate control part.

Outdoor range layouts can vary greatly. Some might have covered shooting positions, while others are more open. Targets could be fixed at various distances, or you might have to set them up yourself. Outdoor shooting allows for more dynamic training scenarios but requires more attention to weather conditions and natural backstops.

 Range etiquette will depend on the range you’re at. There are certain points of etiquette that are universal.

Respecting other shooters.  Always be mindful of others around you. Avoid unnecessary talking or movements that could distract someone while they are shooting.

 If they are present, communicate with the range safety officer. The range safety officer is there to ensure safety. Follow their instructions immediately and ask questions if you're unsure about something.

Cleaning up after yourself.  Always clean up your spent casings and any trash. Check on the range’s policy on expended brass. Some may require you to leave it where it lays. Leaving the range as you found it shows respect for the facility and other shooters.

For all you new folks, don’t feel overwhelmed. Sure, there’s a lot to know, but the knowledge will come in time if you have a decent mentor. Like with anything else you’re new to, it's normal to feel nervous or intimidated your first few times at the range. Start slow, take your time, and focus on the basics. You might experience some sensory overload from the noise and action around you. Ear protection helps, and taking breaks can also be beneficial. If you experience any issues with your firearm, don't hesitate to ask for help from the range officer or a more experienced shooter.

 That brings us to the end of this guide to introducing new shooters to both indoor and outdoor ranges. Remember, patience and support are key when guiding newcomers. Everyone starts somewhere, and fostering a welcoming and safe environment helps ensure that our shooting community continues to grow in a positive direction. If you’re an experienced shooter, find someone who shows an interest in the shooting sports and make yourself available to them.

 If you're a new shooter, take your time, follow the safety rules, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Experienced shooters, your guidance can make a world of difference, so thank you for taking the time to help others.

 I invite all of you to share your first-time range stories with me. You can reach out via comments on the episode, email, our website contact page, text message, carrier pigeon, or smoke signals, and who knows, your story might be featured in an upcoming episode!

 Next time, we'll be diving into the massive failures of our government agencies. Until then, stay safe, shoot straight, and have fun!

 And that's a wrap for today's episode! Thank you so much for joining me. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with your friends.Until next time, shoot safe.