Noob Thread

[bnacorda]

Ok, so I'm one of the noobs from this dumpster fire of a year. Got a Glock 19 for the wife and a Glock 17 for me. I have taken a course on Pistols Fundamentals (all practical shooting and gun safety lessons) and about to take the follow up workshop this weekend to further correct stance, trigger control, grip etc.

Been practicing dry firing since the first class as well to hone in safety habits (ie: checking loaded gun, trigger discipline, 4 universal rules, etc.)

So here's the question, I feel I am more than adequate to head out to a range to further practice. I went to Jackson Arms years ago but I understand that range was a bit of an outlier. What do I need to be generally aware of for a first time visit to a public range by myself? I don't even know if I can leave my firearm at the bench if I have to go to the bathroom or do I pack everything and take it with me? Do I have to use up all ammo that I buy at the range? etc.

Any tips would be welcomed.

[SmokeTheClay]

Ok, so I'm one of the noobs from this dumpster fire of a year. Got a Glock 19 for the wife and a Glock 17 for me. I have taken a course on Pistols Fundamentals (all practical shooting and gun safety lessons) and about to take the follow up workshop this weekend to further correct stance, trigger control, grip etc.

Been practicing dry firing since the first class as well to hone in safety habits (ie: checking loaded gun, tigger discipline, 4 universal rules, etc.)

So here's the question, I feel I am more than adequate to head out to a range to further practice. I went to Jackson Arms years ago but I understand that range was a bit of an outlier. What do I need to be generally aware of for a first time visit to a public range by myself? I don't even know if I can leave my firearm at the bench if I have to go to the bathroom or do I pack everything and take it with me? Do I have to use up all ammo that I buy at the range? etc.

Any tips would be welcomed.

Considering you’re new and only have a handgun, I suggest you go to an indoor range. Indoor ranges are more strict and they can keep an eye on you to make sure you’re following safety rules

If you need to take a leak you can probably take it with it if you want or drop it off at the desk

[tabascoz28]

Go with your wife, won't be an issue. I don't usually go to the restroom when shooting. Or just go before.

[Beelzy]

Have your own eyes and ears, and never use the bathroom mid session unless someone is with you. As for ammo, I don't think ranges care about leftovers.

Always keep an eye on others nearby, especially other new folks who might accidentally muzzle sweep you, it happens a lot. No Bueno!

[Milsurp1]

Either check your gun in at the desk or take it with you unloaded and cased. Never leave it anywhere unattended. Some people who don’t have kids at home leave them loaded all over the house, but that is a different scenario.

[n8vrmind]

Use the restroom before session. Be safe and don't muzzle other people.
Treat your gears like anything else.. don't leave it unattended.

And don't be this noob

https://youtu.be/L4Rlr9ffmxo

[SmokeTheClay]

[Dirk Tungsten]

Go with your wife, won't be an issue. I don't usually go to the restroom when shooting. Or just go before.

Hey man, sometimes when you gotta go, you gotta go. Don't want to be having any negligent discharges.

[Garv]

Some ranges do not check ID.

Some guns have been stolen at ranges.

I do not leave my guns unattended.

[naz]

My $0.02 is bring shoot and see targets

Also never leave your stuff unattended. Even if it’s range cold and no one can approach the bench, there is no way I will leave my gear. I tell RO I am going to bathroom and please don’t give away my lane, but take I pack my bag and take it with me. (Ok, maybe I will leave my rags/towels, empty ammo boxes, range flag, and other cheap items).

[bnacorda]

Thanks guys! All helpful! When your time is up, do they just tap you on the shoulder or its up to you to mind the time? Should I buy a holster? Here's a big one, I saw in some rules that youre suppose to come in with empty magazines? Is that the general rule that I load while I'm already in my lane?

[Gene1986]

1) Never leave your guns unattended. If you have to go to the bathroom pack your stuff with you. (Dont ask me how I know).

2) When you arrive at the location ask one of the safety officers to go over safety instructions with you (if you want).

3) At the range EVERYONE including yourself should be a safety officer (to a certain degree in order to avoid injuries).

4) When you arrive try to arrive at a time that is not so busy. As most of the range can be yours and you dont have to worry about things around you.

5) Enjoy and have fun. The reason I got into this hobby because I have always been intrigued by guns and to me they are fun like my other hobbies. Try to learn something everytime you shoot either it being sight alignment, grip, stance, trigger, or even recoil control.

[naz]

Thanks guys! All helpful! When your time is up, do they just tap you on the shoulder or its up to you to mind the time? Should I buy a holster? Here's a big one, I saw in some rules that youre suppose to come in with empty magazines? Is that the general rule that I load while I'm already in my lane?

Many places don’t allow drawing from holster and only Leo in uniform can walk around with holstered guns. Either gun on shooting line or cased.

I haven’t seen many rules on magazine other than don’t have it in the magwell unless you are on the line and engaging targets

Read the rules at your range.

[bnacorda]

when bringing my gun in, is keeping it in my range bag considered cased? Or do I need to bring the hard case my Glock came in and have it locked?

[The War Wagon]

Have your own eyes and ears, and never use the bathroom mid session unless someone is with you. As for ammo, I don't think ranges care about leftovers.

Always keep an eye on others nearby, especially other new folks who might accidentally muzzle sweep you, it happens a lot. No Bueno!

This, for outdoors.

DO try and indoor range if you can as well.