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First time to the range by myself. Suggestions?

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  • VL221
    Senior Member
    • Sep 2011
    • 1449

    First time to the range by myself. Suggestions?

    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
    \
  • #2
    Fjold
    I need a LIFE!!
    • Oct 2005
    • 22908

    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.
    Frank

    One rifle, one planet, Holland's 375




    Life Member NRA, CRPA and SAF

    Comment

    • #3
      Toyman321
      Senior Member
      • Mar 2009
      • 1620

      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!

      Comment

      • #4
        Equis
        Senior Member
        • Feb 2011
        • 2067

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

        Comment

        • #5
          Iknownot
          Senior Member
          • Jul 2007
          • 2174

          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.

          Comment

          • #6
            G60
            Veteran Member
            • Feb 2008
            • 3989

            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.
            "Any unarmed people are slaves, or are subject to slavery at any given moment." - Dr. Huey P. Newton

            Comment

            • #7
              VL221
              Senior Member
              • Sep 2011
              • 1449

              Thanks guys.

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



              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
              \

              Comment

              • #8
                2shotjoe
                CGN/CGSSA Contributor
                CGN Contributor
                • Feb 2011
                • 26542

                surefire ear plugs.

                Originally posted by Kestryll
                ..you're kind of a sad excuse for an attorney...
                Originally posted by Libertarian777
                ...Don't pick either side....

                Comment

                • #9
                  Kodemonkey
                  • Jun 2010
                  • 2904

                  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:

                  You've probably used earplugs before, but there's a good chance you aren't truly blocking sound with casual insertion. If you want to really block sou

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Merc1138
                    I need a LIFE!!
                    • Feb 2009
                    • 19742

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

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      stix213
                      AKA: Joe Censored
                      CGN Contributor - Lifetime
                      • Apr 2009
                      • 18998

                      Don't shoot yourself, or others.

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        VL221
                        Senior Member
                        • Sep 2011
                        • 1449

                        Originally posted by 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/proper...ter-protection
                        Thanks for the tips.

                        Originally posted by Merc1138
                        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.
                        \

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          TKM
                          Onward through the fog!
                          CGN Contributor
                          • Jul 2002
                          • 10657

                          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.
                          It's not PTSD, it's nostalgia.

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            otteray
                            Veteran Member
                            • Feb 2006
                            • 3246

                            Originally posted by VL221
                            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.
                            sigpic
                            Single fin mentality

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              SocomM4
                              Senior Member
                              • Oct 2010
                              • 2187

                              Surefire ep4
                              Originally posted by TeddyBallgame
                              maybe I'm wrong, but, if a $50.00 investment can help me a bit, i'll just have to go a day without the hookers and blow to cover it
                              Originally posted by ir0nclash86
                              I would wipe it off for the simple fact of not wanting to get sprayed in the face with it during the first few rounds.
                              Originally posted by Ride Madone
                              It does not matter.An AR is the very best and safest weapon to use for home defence.

                              Comment

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