Shooting Range Etiquette and what you need to know!

What you can expect at the range:

1. You always must sign in, show id, and sign a waiver at any range, sometimes, yearly, sometimes every time depending on the range’s standard operating procedures.  They ask for ID so they know who is shooting on their range at any given time.  Some ranges just scan it, others take it and clip it to the board for the lane you will be in.  Don’t forget to get it back at the end of the range session.
2. You must pay for targets.  Some include 1 target each range visit while others charge for every target.  But, be prepared to pay for targets.
3. You must pay for your lane.  This is usually broken down by time segments.  Most fall into charging for a fraction of an hour.  15-min or 30 minutes is what you usually find.  This allows them to turn the lanes over quicker.
4. If you rent a gun from the range, you are expected to use only ammo that you purchase from them.  This is the case everywhere.  They want a controlled situation for their property.  Do not ask them to make an exception to this policy.
5. You will be expected to know how to operate and shoot your gun.  The RSO (range safety officer) is there to monitor every shooter and jump in when there is a safety issue.  They are not there to teach or give you a lesson.

What they expect from you:

1. They expect you to comply with their policies.  Each range has a different procedure.  They don’t care what you do at other ranges😊.
2. They expect you to comply with any RSO instructions given.  RSOs own the safety on the range and they have full authority to stop someone acting or shooting in an unsafe manner.
3. Be courteous.  Don’t be an arrogant asshole!  My experience has shown that the more arrogant someone is, the less they know and are trying to cover it up with their attitude.
4. They expect you to admit what you don’t know.  No one knows everything and we are all here to learn and help others.  There is no shame in not knowing something and asking for help.
5. They absolutely expect you to have familiarity with your gun.  They are there to help with any malfunctions or big issues.  They will be happy to answer a question, but they must move on and monitor the line.  They expect you to pay attention to what they are saying at your lane.
6. The RSO will expect you to unpack and re-pack your gun in a safe manner!  That means knowing which way the muzzle is pointed before you unzip it.  Use a paint pen, sticker or some manner of indicating muzzle direction so it’s always aimed in a safe direction (down range) at all times.
7. The RSO will expect you to know how to lock your slide back and show clear (unload and show clear command) if they need to inspect your gun for any reason.
8. The RSO will expect you to be able to explain any weird quirks about your gun if they need to inspect it.  Some safeties work strange or slide doesn’t lock back (this is a rare type of gun), etc.
9. You are expected to know how to unpack/repack safely, load your gun, change magazines, open the cylinder if a revolver, what caliber your gun is, unload and show clear, lock the slide back, how to grip and stand properly. 
10. You are expected to know the 180 rule. That means you can’t bring your muzzle across a 180 degree area from where you are standing to the sides and in back of you. Keep the gun in a safe direction and move your body so that your firearm is always pointing downrange.
11. If for some reason your gun doesn’t go bang, ALWAYS keep it pointed in a safe direction!  You could have a misfire, a hang fire, or the worst, a squib.  ALWAYS keep the gun in a safe direction.  People have turned their gun around and looked down the barrel and it went off finally.  Unfortunately, there was a tragic outcome.  If your gun does anything out of the normal, get the attention of an RSO.  Do not pull the trigger again.  Be able to describe what happened.  They will take it from there.  ALWAYS keep the gun in a safe direction.
12. They will expect you to have good enough muzzle awareness when shooting that you don’t shoot the ceiling (or the walls for that matter)!  There are lights and target carriers and HVAC and all sorts of things in the ceiling.  Don’t do it.  Safe direction in an indoor range is at the backstop.  If an outdoor range, don’t point your muzzle over the top of the backstop or side berms.  Keep it pointed at the targets.
13. If you ever start to reload, most ranges will let you keep your brass.  Keeping brass is a policy where there is a lot of variation.  Ranges sell 1x fired brass to reloaders and make a little extra money.  I won’t shoot at a range that won’t let me keep my brass!  I’m not asking for everyone’s.  And I’ve paid for it!

Hopefully these tips will help your range visits be more enjoyable. Remember, safety above all else!