Noob Thread

[still919]

In addition to what's been said so far, you can usually view the range rules specific to your range of choice, on their website (assuming they have one).

Check this link out to get an idea. I think you'll find these pretty standard for the most part:

http://www.firingline.net/rules-and-requirements

[bnacorda]

whats the etiquette on cleaning up your lane (ie picking up casings)?

[tabascoz28]

Ask if anyone want your brass, if brass, someone will do it for you. Haha

[rdfact]

whats the etiquette on cleaning up your lane (ie picking up casings)?

You may need to ask the range about their specific rules. Some have a "if the brass hits the floor it belongs to us" rule. Some places you can pick up your own brass that is BEHIND the firing line. I always try to leave the place as clean or cleaner than I found it.

[hermosabeach]

Serious about silly stuff

Pee before you shoot
Drink fluids before you shoot

Your hands will have lead in them while you shoot
No scratching eyes
No picking nose
No eating / drinking


After shooting - wash hands like a doctor. Scrub them


Duffel bags for range should never be dual use.

I took a travel bag to the range on a trip

It was swabbed at the airport- the machine made a lot of sounds


Go over safety rules - all 4 in the car with yourself or guests


— at the range ask— explain that you are newer. Ask for range rules and any guidance. (Some give bad info. Trolls are all over the world)

[hermosabeach]

Look at the subforum for local events. Good way to meet people near you to shoot.

[bnacorda]

ok awesome!! I think I feel a lot better and not so apprehensive. My workshop this weekend will be at the Los Altos Gun range so I guess I'll have a somewhat guided visit. Will try out Reeds next week during workday hours. I know they said New Shooters should be accompanied by experienced shooters. Will have to see how that goes. Thanks so much everyone for fielding my questions and showing patience to all these newbie questions. I was looking at different videos on YouTube and just had to clarify some of these questions.

Regarding the magazine rule I asked above, I got that from the rules page for Reeds. My range bag is one I got from amazon and there's no lock on it. I hope its not a problem.:

2. No loaded firearms are to enter or exit the building. All magazines and speed loaders must be unloaded. Load firearms at firing line only. No firearms are permitted in the store area without being in a locked container.

[sonofeugene]

If all you have is that range bag, that's not sufficient. It must be locked. I use luggage locks. Simple and easy.

[Wordupmybrotha]

This relates to an indoor range since I think that's where you're going. What's interesting is, if you rent a gun from the range, they do a safety test on you, but if you bring your own firearm, they don't do a safety test on you. Some people will definitely fail if they got tested.

As for brass on the ground, push your brass forward beyond your stall with a broom. Some people are inconsiderate slobs. I clean up after people because I like a neat floor.

Luckily I haven't had my firearm stolen, but I just left my gun in my stall when I had to take a leak. Be sure to wash off the lead before touching your boy. And wearing a mask gets hot so I've left my gun in my stall to take a breather. I suppose it's better to be safe than sorry so I'm not advocating one way or the other.

[Wordupmybrotha]

My range bag is one I got from amazon and there's no lock on it. I hope its not a problem.:

Put a luggage lock through the holes of the two zipper tabs.

[TKCastle]

If you go to a range where your worries about geeting your ish peeled when to take a leak, maybe you shouldent go to that range.

OP, Just get out there. One thing about the shooting community is that we cannot put the ego aside. Your doing it right. Dry fire at home and take classes. After that take more classes then start shooting comp.

Then take another new shooter, ans another. Grow the community, we are all we have right now.

[naz]

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?

There was a huge thread on range bags a while ago on the forums.

I personally have a small locking soft case for each handgun I bring, and I put all those soft cases into a larger bag, along with ammo, ear pro, mags et

For now I would bring your Glock hard case and lock it

[homelessdude]

I'm old so I usually go to one of the three indoor ranges that are pretty close. Two are newer and pretty fancy and one is older and pretty basic. I have always been a blue collar kind of guy so I like the older one the most. When I prepare for a trip to the range I get my range bag out and go thru it. I make sure I have ear plugs and hearing protection that look like muffs and go over your head. I like to have the little stickers to cover holes in the target ( 99cent store ), some gun oil, and a few basic tools. Oh and a rag or towel. I get my ammo organized and in the bag. I put the pistols I'm taking in their hard cases or in a soft locking case. Keep in mind locking case just means there is a lock on it. Some of the locks I have you could open with a screw driver. You don't need a big lock. Always make sure the pistols are unloaded and if it has magazine remove them from the pistol before putting them in your container. When you get to the range they will usually want to see what you are shooting and see your ammo. If you are buying your ammo there make sure you bring your wallet. You can purchase targets there also. You pay your money and you go pick out a lane to shoot in. If it has the target on the electric retriever make sure it works before you unload everything. Keep in mind that with your semi auto you probably don't want the lane with the wall on your right. I know I've missed a few things but others can jump in. HIH and welcome

PS Try to go in the morning during the week. Tues. and weds. are usually pretty slow. Try to find a lane with no one on either side. No hot brass flying around and less stupid people in your area.

[Featureless]

Where are you and which range? Different ranges have different rules and protocols. If you're anywhere near SLO County I'd seriously recommend the SLOSA range off Highway 1. The pistol side has target stands, for paper targets, and a bunch of steel targets at different distances. The RO's are friendly and helpful especially for a first timer.

[n8vrmind]

OP..my advice is for you to approach RSO at the beginning of the session and inform him/her of your newbie status. Most RSOs are good at helping new shooters be safe at the range.

I have yet to visit a public range that let civilians draw from holsters.