First time to the range by myself. Suggestions?

[VL221]

I just picked up my Springfield XD9 last week and planning to head out to the range. Haven't been to the range by myself. I usually go with my friends but that was a few years ago.

Are there any suggestions of what to bring or tips for noobs? Will be planning to go to a outdoor and indoor range.

I have this for ear protection.



And something like this for eye protection.



TIA

[Fjold]

Carry your gun in, in a case unloaded. Ask the rangemaster where and when to do all your handling. Be conscious of your muzzle and be safe.

[Toyman321]

I'd pick up some better ear protection, or borrow some at the range if they let you. The little foam ear plugs don't do the best job sealing things off, and it might not be your gun that makes you go deaf, it could be the gun, or guns to the left and right.

Before you step out on the line review the ranges rules, you don't want to get called out by an RO your first time out!

[Equis]

Please read in its entirety the range rules, before shooting.

[Iknownot]

Use Muffs and plugs, especially if you are at an indoor range. Plugs only, do not cut it, especially in doors, and even outdoors, if you are shooting next to anyone else.

For an outdoor range, bring water, a hat, and a way to clean your hands after you are done (Sometimes the outdoor ranges, depending on where you are going do not have running water).

For and Indoor range, call up and ask when they are less busy. Go when there are few people. You'll have a better time and you'll be able to take your time with out being distracted by the people in the lanes next to you.

[G60]

Double up on the ear protection indoors. (plugs & earmuffs, not 2 plugs in each ear)

Google free targets and print them out, make some photocopies. My local indoor range charges $1 for each paper target. They make a nice profit, but not off me.

Small stapler to put your targets up at the outdoor range.

[VL221]

Thanks guys.

Will something simple like this will do the job for earmuffs? $10.

http://www.amazon.com/Pyramex-PM5010-Folding-Ear-Muffs/dp/B000XN0798/

Is there any specific safety protection that is required for the eye protection? For instance, at the drag strips, we are required to wear helmets that meet federal requirements.


And thanks G60 for the tips on the targets

[2shotjoe]

surefire ear plugs.

http://www.amazon.com/Surefire-Sonic-Defender-Protection-Medium/dp/B0010HFAKC

[Kodemonkey]

Don't be afraid to tell them it is your first time shooting this gun. If you get in trouble and the gun jams or doesn't sound right, keep it pointed down range and get an RO to help you.

If they treat you like crap, then find a new range. Any good range worth its salt will welcome new shooters. New shooters are what perpetuates the sport and helps us all out at the voting polls. Ranges that don't recognize the value of new shooters are few, but they do exist.

I would also read the manual on that gun and learn how to field strip it, lube and clean it before you go to the range. Sometimes they are dry out of the box, other times they are dripping in preservative oil. Best to get that stuff off and become acquainted with your new gun before you go to the range.

Looking forward to your range report with your new XD9. congrats!

Also, make sure you install those ear plugs correctly:

http://lifehacker.com/5275516/properly-insert-earplugs-for-better-protection

[Merc1138]

I'd pick up some better ear protection, or borrow some at the range if they let you. The little foam ear plugs don't do the best job sealing things off, and it might not be your gun that makes you go deaf, it could be the gun, or guns to the left and right.

Umm, maybe they don't work for you, because you're using them wrong. Check the link kodemonkey posted.

[stix213]

Don't shoot yourself, or others.

[VL221]

Don't be afraid to tell them it is your first time shooting this gun. If you get in trouble and the gun jams or doesn't sound right, keep it pointed down range and get an RO to help you.

If they treat you like crap, then find a new range. Any good range worth its salt will welcome new shooters. New shooters are what perpetuates the sport and helps us all out at the voting polls. Ranges that don't recognize the value of new shooters are few, but they do exist.

I would also read the manual on that gun and learn how to field strip it, lube and clean it before you go to the range. Sometimes they are dry out of the box, other times they are dripping in preservative oil. Best to get that stuff off and become acquainted with your new gun before you go to the range.

Looking forward to your range report with your new XD9. congrats!

Also, make sure you install those ear plugs correctly:

http://lifehacker.com/5275516/proper...ter-protection

Thanks for the tips.

Umm, maybe they don't work for you, because you're using them wrong. Check the link kodemonkey posted.

Are we required to have ear protection? Do people just go to the range without any ear protection? Debating if I should get earmuffs when I have ear plugs.

[TKM]

You can get by without eyes and ears in the parking lot or standing well away from an outdoor firing line. But why take any chances?

I've had my vehicle hit by ricochets from the 300 yard line, fifty yards behind me.

It's best if you develop good habits from the beginning.

RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

Don't put a hole in anything expensive, people are really expensive.

Eyes are fun, take care of them, ears vary depending on your marital status.

If you feel that anything is not right, step back and evaluate your situation. The range officers are there to help.

Have fun.

[otteray]

Thanks for the tips.



Are we required to have ear protection? Do people just go to the range without any ear protection? Debating if I should get earmuffs when I have ear plugs.

Electronic ear muffs are really inexpensive now. You can hear normal noise and conversations and loud bangs are blocked.
Don't wear ear protection and gradually, hearing worsens.
Eventually, you will lie awake at night with an awful ringing in your ear that never stops and can drive you crazy at times; tinnitus.
Don't risk it. it really sucks.
Really.

[SocomM4]

Surefire ep4