The First-Timers Guide to an Indoor Range

Are you thinking about going to an indoor shooting range? First-time trips to the range can be exciting. However, you may also be a bit nervous, especially if you are new to firearms altogether. That’s okay. A reputable range will know how to welcome first-timers to the world of recreational shooting. They will also know how to help you stay safe and have fun.

Still, it’s up to you to show up prepared and participate in the experience. Keep your mind open and be a good listener. That’s all it takes to have a great time during your first shooting experience. 

What To Bring

Once you’ve found the range you want to attend, it’s time to gather the basics you’ll need to bring. The good news is that you don’t have to bring much. Here are some items to consider. 

Your Firearm (If You Own One)

If you own a firearm and want to use it at the range, bring it with you. Make sure that you follow local laws regarding the safe storage and transport of your firearm. For example, Nevada law requires you to have a concealed carry permit to transport a concealed handgun on or about your person, according to USCCA.

It’s also a good idea to bring your firearm into the range unloaded and in a case. The range officer will likely want to inspect your weapon before allowing you to take it on their range.

If you don’t have your own weapon, don’t worry. Most people don’t during their first time at a gun range. The good news is that most ranges have an entire gun vault of rental firearms. 

Safety Gear

Eye and ear protection are mandatory on the range. If you have your own gear, you can bring it. If not, most ranges provide protective gear that you can rent or purchase. Some ranges also offer complimentary foam earplugs. 

You won’t be allowed to go into the shooting area without proper eye and ear protection. Make sure you wear your gear at all times in the shooting area. 

A Valid ID

You’ll be required to present a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. This ensures all participants meet age and legal requirements for shooting at a licensed range. If you’re visiting Las Vegas from another country, all you’ll need is your passport. If you are under 18 years of age, you must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, according to NRS 202.300. 

Once you get checked in, you’ll have to pay the range fees. Be sure to ask about target and ammo purchase options. You can also purchase additional rounds or targets, if you want to keep shooting.  

A Friend

Everything is more fun with friends, but a friend is also a measure that many ranges require for firearm rentals, at least until the staff gets to know you. If you plan to visit a range and don’t have your own firearm, find a friend to bring along to join the fun.

What Not To Bring

To keep everyone safe, leave these items at home:

• Personal steel targets
• Reloaded ammunition
• Prohibited rounds (i.e., bonded ammunition) 

The indoor range will do its part to ensure you adhere to all gun laws outlined in NRS 202. However, you still need to do your part as well. That means you must show up to the range sober. It is illegal to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while using a firearm in Nevada. 

What To Wear

Since you’ll be visiting an indoor range, you won’t have to worry about contending with extreme temperatures. However, you should still dress wisely. 

Proper Footwear

Wear closed-toe shoes that provide solid traction. Sneakers, hiking boots, or work shoes all work well. Good footwear helps you maintain balance and protects your feet from falling shell casings.

Don’t wear sandals, flip-flops, or open-toe footwear. Hot brass can bounce unpredictably and burn exposed skin. If brass lands against your skin, don’t panic. Keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction and carefully put it on the shooting platform. Take a step back and remove the round. 

Comfortable Clothing

You should dress comfortably, but make sure your skin is covered. A crew-neck or collared shirt can reduce the odds of hot brass falling into your shirt. Again, hot shell casings can burn your skin and create a major safety issue. 

Choose breathable fabrics that allow you to move freely. Low-cut or loose-neck shirts should be avoided. It’s not uncommon for casings to land inside clothing, which can startle you and disrupt your shooting stance. 

You can wear pants or shorts. Just don’t wear anything too tight or restrictive. For safety, you should also avoid any clothing that is overly loose or flowing. 

What To Do at the Range

Once you arrive, it’s time to focus on safety and having a great time. An indoor range is a controlled environment with clear rules and friendly staff. It’s the ideal scene for your shooting range first-time experience. 

Here’s what you need to do. 

Check In and Sign the Waiver

You’ll start at the front desk. The staff will verify your ID and have you fill out the waiver. This ensures you understand the range rules and acknowledge the safety briefing. Ask any basic questions at this point, but hold more in-depth questions for the safety briefing. 

If you have an appointment, arrive 10-15 minutes early. If you are just walking in, head to the front desk and ask about shooting lane availability. 

Attend the Safety Briefing

Every first-time shooter receives a short safety orientation. You’ll learn how to handle firearms responsibly, understand range commands, and ask any questions before entering. 

Don’t tune out during the briefing. Every range has slightly different procedures, and this is your best chance to get comfortable. 

Also, don’t be embarrassed if this will be your first time handling a firearm. Everyone has to start somewhere. Besides, experienced range safety officers genuinely love teaching and sharing their passion for recreational shooting with newcomers. Tap into their knowledge by asking anything you need to. 

Learn the Rules

The range safety officer will go over the rules during the safety briefing. Some of the basics include:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Keep your weapon pointed in a safe direction.
• Do not aim at something you do not intend to destroy.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.

The range officer may have their own twist on these rules, but the basic gist is the same. If you don’t understand the rules, ask for clarification. Don’t wait until live ammunition is involved to seek guidance regarding safety issues. 

Gear Up With Protective Equipment

Before you enter the shooting area, put your eye and ear protection on. Adjust them to ensure they fit comfortably. 

Don’t remove your protective gear while inside the shooting area. Being exposed to the noise of even a single gunshot can cause ringing in your ears and hearing damage. Gunfire indoors can be much louder than you expect. 

Ask Questions

Here are some questions you may want to ask during your first time at a gun range:

• What is the best caliber for a first-time shooter?
• How should I load the weapon?
• How do I chamber a round?
• What is the proper way to aim and align my sights?
• What is the most effective way to activate the trigger?
• What is the best shooting stance for this type of weapon?
• What distance should I begin shooting at? 

These are just a few examples. Feel free to ask anything else that comes to mind. There are no “dumb” questions. 

Follow the Range Safety Officer’s Instructions

Depending on the type of range you visit and the experience you sign up for, the range safety officer (RSO) may give step-by-step instructions, such as:

• Draw
• Fire
• Holster

In other situations, you will be assigned a shooting range and will be free to fire your weapon at your discretion. However, you will still be required to follow all basic safety rules, such as keeping your firearm pointed downrange. 

When shooting at a bay like that, you will likely be prohibited from drawing your weapon from a holster. That’s because the RSO wants to avoid any accidental discharges that endanger you or other guests.

The RSO may tap you on the shoulder while you are facing downrange if they want you to listen to commands. If you turn to face them, ensure your firearm remains pointed downrange toward your target. 

Alternatively, you can engage your safety and place your firearm on the shelf in the shooting bay. If you use that approach, make sure the muzzle is pointed downrange. 

Never turn toward them with your weapon, even if it is down by your side. That is a major safety violation that may result in your being removed from the shooting area. 

While it’s important to relax and have fun, never put safety on the back burner. Pay attention to your surroundings and follow all instructions to the letter. Even a momentary lapse in attentiveness can be dangerous. 

Understand Basic Range Commands

During your time at the range, the RSO may use common commands, such as “draw” and “fire.” While these commands may seem easy to understand at face value, others may not be during your first trip to the gun range. 

For example, if the RSO says that the range is “hot,” it means shooters are ready to begin firing and have live ammunition loaded into their weapons. If a range is “cold,” no one should be ready to fire. These are just a couple of examples.

The good news is that RSOs typically use plain language as much as possible, especially when working with new shooters. However, they will also work in standard terminology that more experienced shooters are familiar with. 

Use Proper Etiquette

Reputable indoor gun ranges are extremely welcoming to first-timers. However, they also expect you to listen when they are educating you about proper etiquette. Here are a few common best practices you can expect during your trip to the range:

• Keep your firearm pointed downrange.
• Only handle it when instructed.
• Clean up your lane when finished.
• Be courteous to others.
• Be aware of your surroundings.

Make sure you stay beyond any barricades or firing line markers. They are there for a reason. If you drop something beyond the safety barrier, notify the range safety officer. Do not lean over the barricade or reach for the item you dropped. 

Have Fun

Your first visit might surprise you, but that’s part of the experience. Focus on breathing, grip, and trigger control. You’ll build a little bit of confidence with every round you fire. 

Don’t rush through your entire magazine when you are learning the basics of marksmanship. If you are interested in slinging lead down range like they do in your favorite Hollywood action flick, ask the range staff about specific shooting experiences. 

For example, The Range 702 has machine guns for rent in our gun vault. They can fire hundreds of rounds per minute and provide memorable experiences you’ll be talking about for years. 

Wrapping Up Your First Experience

When your session is over, safely unload and clear your firearm. The RSO will verify that your weapon and magazine are completely unloaded. Next, you’ll return your rental and remove your hearing protection after leaving the shooting area. 

Ask the staff for recommendations on your next session. They can help you pick new firearms or targets for your next visit. Most of all, have a great time and tell your friends.