First time to the range by myself. Suggestions?

[Librarian]

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.

I would expect any supervised range would require 'eyes and ears'. Doubling up, muffs over earplugs, can be really important - depending on what you are shooting, and what others around you are shooting.

Have you had any shooting instruction yet? If so, you should have some direction on exactly what you should work on.

There is a bunch of sensible advice here -- http://www.bullseyepistol.com/ -- but none of it might meet your goals.

You might like this info better -- http://www.americanrifleman.org/arti...se-pistol-101/ -- though some of those exercises require permission from the range, for things like drawing from a holster and 'rapid fire'.

[PandaLuv]

Make sure to stand behind the firing line and muzzle sweep everyone one !

jk, remember 4 main rules and whatever the RO says is the LAW!

[bender152]

What range(s) do you plan on going to?

All ranges have the same basic rules, but we can give you specific tips if we know where you're going.

[Jeff L]

See this link for "what's in your range bag?".

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=494711

[Turo]

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!

Worn properly, the foam plugs are the single best hearing protection on the market. 33 and 34 db reduction is possible, the best I've seen with muffs is 29 db reduction. Most people, however, don't wear the foam plugs correctly and their hearing suffers for it.

Doubling up is a good idea at an indoor range, but in the interest of full disclosure I've never done it. I go plugs only pretty much every time I shoot. So do as I say not as I do.

[Mikeb]

Don't point your gun at anyone... remember they are armed.
take care
Mike

[voiceofreason]

I agree with borrowing a set of muffs in addition to the plugs.

Also, keep your finger off the trigger! (until your sights are on target)

And watch where you point your gun. Assume there is a laser coming out the front of the gun (muzzle), cutting through anything you point it at.

Don't flag anyone (let your muzzle/front of gun point toward another person) for any reason!

The only time you should point your gun at someone, it should not be by "accident".

[VL221]

Thanks guys

What range(s) do you plan on going to?

All ranges have the same basic rules, but we can give you specific tips if we know where you're going.

Jackson Arms and a few outdoor ones.

Worn properly, the foam plugs are the single best hearing protection on the market. 33 and 34 db reduction is possible, the best I've seen with muffs is 29 db reduction. Most people, however, don't wear the foam plugs correctly and their hearing suffers for it.

Doubling up is a good idea at an indoor range, but in the interest of full disclosure I've never done it. I go plugs only pretty much every time I shoot. So do as I say not as I do.

This is what I wanted to hear. I guess I will just stick with foam plugs for the time being. If I really can't handle it then I will buy some earmuffs.

Haven't had any problem playing with M1000,M80 and other fireworks with the foam plugs in the past though.

[Kodemonkey]

Worn properly, the foam plugs are the single best hearing protection on the market. 33 and 34 db reduction is possible, the best I've seen with muffs is 29 db reduction. Most people, however, don't wear the foam plugs correctly and their hearing suffers for it.

Doubling up is a good idea at an indoor range, but in the interest of full disclosure I've never done it. I go plugs only pretty much every time I shoot. So do as I say not as I do.

My pro ears are NR33, but the foam plugs are a heck of a lot cheaper!

I use plugs when I shoot trap because I don't have low profile muffs.

Also, one thing a lot of people don't think about is that most hooting glasses interfere with the seal of the ear muffs to the head which reduces their effectiveness. Foam plugs don't have that problem.

I always keep some in my bag and even in the trunk in case I get the urge to hit the range on the way home and rent something from my range.

[Turo]

My pro ears are NR33, but the foam plugs are a heck of a lot cheaper!

I use plugs when I shoot trap because I don't have low profile muffs.

Also, one thing a lot of people don't think about is that most hooting glasses interfere with the seal of the ear muffs to the head which reduces their effectiveness. Foam plugs don't have that problem.

I always keep some in my bag and even in the trunk in case I get the urge to hit the range on the way home and rent something from my range.

Oh cool, I've never seen those earmuffs before. But after seeing the price I don't think I ever want to, Yikes!

I know what you're saying about glasses interfering with the muffs, that's one of the reasons I go plugs-only 99% of the time. That, and my cheekweld (and thus my aim) suffers on the trap range with muffs.

[wjc]

off the top o' my head....

staple gun or tacks
tape
targets
snacks (if you're going to be their all day)
water
mags
ammo
first aid kit
flashlight
range rules
spotting scope if desired
bench stand if desired
hearing protection
eye protection

[roushstage2]

As for the eye and ear protection part, I just went through everything and bought myself some. If you want some thin ear muffs that won't get in the way of anything, take a look at these:L0F Ear Muffs

Those, coupled with ear plugs (that are generally 32 or 33 NRR), will give you ~37-38 NRR all together.

[Kodemonkey]

Oh cool, I've never seen those earmuffs before. But after seeing the price I don't think I ever want to, Yikes!

I know what you're saying about glasses interfering with the muffs, that's one of the reasons I go plugs-only 99% of the time. That, and my cheekweld (and thus my aim) suffers on the trap range with muffs.

If you get into competition shooting they come in quite handy. It's nice to be able to hear the Range Officer clearly in between shots. It's also handy when you are squading behind other shooters and you can talk while other people are shooting (the pro ears have such a quick turn around time that it is actually possible). I had cheaper electronic ears and they were so sensitive and had such a long cutoff that it was distracting. The electronics have come a long way even in the last few years. But almost all the ROs I see in IDPA meets use the pro ears. You figure they are using them 20-40 hours a month and I hear no complaints.

But, for just range practice the foam plugs are just fine. I still like them best when shooting trap and I still use them for shooting paper or steel targets in non competition.