Tips for Choosing a Perfect Shooting Range

There are more than 16,000 indoor shooting ranges in the US, and 20 million citizens practice target shooting as a leisure activity, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Deciding to step into a shooting range for the first time is a huge decision. It can be intimidating at first, but it’s a major stride outside our comfort zone. Whether you have opted to enter a gun range to practice the skills you need to protect yourself and family, to learn shooting basics, or you’ve decided to get into a new leisure time activity, a range carries potential risks. Therefore, you should take your time before making a decision. Here’s how to identify a good shooting range.

Investigate the Reputation

If you want your learning-to-shoot journey to start off on the right foot, start by researching the reputation of the gun range you want to join. This will ensure you are heading to a safe firing range, and help you steer clear of risky places. Start by asking any shooter you know, or local gun store owners to offer recommendations. To get more information on gun ranges, go online.

Through reading current and past postings on local online gun forums, you can gather all the information you need. You can also google the name of the range to check the reviews, and go through the comments. Although a reputable gun range might cost you an extra buck, at the end of the day, you will get value for your money and stay safe.

Training and Instructors

When handling a firearm, your and those around you are at risk. As a beginner, you need to learn how to handle your weapon without posing a danger to anyone. Through training, you’ll learn the necessary skills. Instead of relying on friends and other shooters for guidance, find a place that has highly-trained and qualified instructors. They should be readily available, helpful, and respectful.

A good range offers high-quality gun safety classes. Here, you can get to learn the golden rules of gun safety, basic gun handling, gun types, shooting techniques, firearms laws, self-defense, and gain other essential skills. The assistance you’ll receive from an expert instructor is invaluable, and your skills will get better. If you want to advance your skills after some time, select a range that offers varying levels of tactical training.

Facility and Equipment

A shooting range that has a modern facility is a safer choice. Modernized shooting ranges have state of the art equipment, and have high-level safety measures. Select a range that is spacious, well-maintained, and has tactical rooms, a simulation house, facilities for entry-level shooters, and a certified air system to keep the air clean and lead-free. It should also have different types of weapons, ammunition, safety gear for hire, and other essential range accessories.

Prices

Cost is an important factor to consider when choosing a firing range. Every gun range has different shooting and membership fees; therefore, you need to call ahead and learn the costs. The different training classes also have varying costs. To budget for your gun range trip, inquire about the price of ammo, safety gear, and other items you may need.

Some ranges also offer discounts to first-time shooters, and people who join their membership, therefore it would be wise to inquire about any special offers. Although indoor ranges are slightly costly than outdoor ranges, they are typically less crowded, less noisy and better equipped.

Wrapping Up

Whether you want to go to a shooting range for recreation, for team building or to learn some self-defense skills, you need to ensure you are heading to the right range. Make sure the place you pick has a long-running safety record, a good reputation, highly-experienced trainers, and it’s well equipped.