When attending a training course, it is expected that EVERYONE attending understands and obeys certain protocols so it is safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Shooting with a group can be a lot more fun than plinking alone in the back forty, but when someone shows up who instills fear in the other students the whole class suffers. There are some universal range rules that apply at all ranges and all activities and there are many other customs that are specific to certain instructors or ranges. The universal rules of etiquette include:
- ALWAYS keep your gun pointed in a safe direction. New shooters tend to let this one slip when they are preoccupied with other tasks like changing magazines or racking their slide. Practice pointing your muzzle directly downrange while manipulating your firearm before you come to class so you don’t mortify your classmates.
- ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Most instructors define “ready to shoot” as having both front and rear sight or red dot somewhere on the target. The most frequent violation of this rule occurs when people rush to get off target to see their hits and forget to place their finger back up on the frame of the gun first.
- NEVER pull your gun out of your holster unless directed to do so. Many new shooters do not appreciate how valuable a quality holster is in keeping the range safe. As we like to say, “Holsters make GREAT gun holders.” They cover the trigger to prevent any chance of an accidental discharge so when a student pulls their gun out to eject their magazine or inspect the gun while walking back to the ready area, the whole class is in jeopardy. Most outdoor ranges have a fiddle area to address issues that require unholstering. Consult with your instructor to find out the protocol before becoming “That Guy.” Typically, having your gear ready to go will avoid the need to fiddle with it after class starts. If you are using your carry gun, you will usually be given an opportunity to switch to range ammo. This must be done against the berm or at the fiddle table.
- ALWAYS stay on the firing line until you have been excused. Students wondering off the firing line create a chaotic environment and cause concern for the Range Safety Officers. If you bring a minimum of two extra filled magazines with you to the line, you should be able to avoid unplanned trips back to your range bag. A dump pouch or cargo pockets can also give you a place to keep extra ammo to top off mags when the opportunity arises. Do not go forward of the firing line without an invitation either. This includes checking targets or picking up dropped gear. Wait until the RSOs and the Instructor has verified that all guns are holstered AND invite you to go forward before going downrange. When crossing the firing line it is a good idea to yell, “DOWNRANGE” so everyone clearly knows that someone has crossed the line. When you hear “DOWNRANGE” repeat it so the message will be relayed to everyone on the line.
- Bring all of the required gear. At a minimum this will typically include a quality firearm, 3 or more magazines, a sturdy belt, a quality holster that properly fits the gun you brought, a magazine carrier, eye and ear protection, and plenty of ammunition. Some classes are appropriate opportunities to bring new gear and test it out before carrying it for self defense. Always have a backup if you are putting new gear through the test.
- Shut up and listen. If you came to learn from an instructor, you can expect that other people are also expecting to have the same opportunity. If the instructor is talking, social hour is over. Much of the instructor’s information involves safety, so chatting will cause at least two students to be less safe.
- Take instructions and corrections with grace. If anyone accuses you of a safety violation, do not argue and simply apologize and thank them for pointing it out. Whether you did or did not actually violate a safety rule isn’t as important as the fact that you got close enough to make it look like you did. Run your gun in such a way that you are clearly being safe and no one will call you out.
- Leave your cell phone in your range bag unless directed to bring it to the firing line. The one thing that will help you shoot better is concentration. You do not need a phone vibrating or ringing while you are trying to concentrate. Check it at the breaks. You can’t answer it safely on the firing line anyway. If there’s an emergency at home while you are training, give your loved ones the number for 911. Otherwise, it can wait.
- Be a good sport. If you mess up shake it off and move on. We all have off days, but making excuses has never made us better shooters. Encourage your fellow shooters by pointing out something positive. If they are shooting exceptionally poorly, maybe you can compliment their shoes or something. If you get lots of wardrobe compliments, you might want to step up your shooting a bit.
This guideline incorporates the Gun Safety Rules and provides some guidance in applying these rules to your actions on the range. Instructors and shooting groups will often build protocols to keep the line safe and allow everyone to have a great time. These are often organic protocols that evolve as needs are noticed. Please respect the protocols to keep the participants as safe as possible.