Range Safety: Rules Every Shooter Should Follow

Whether you're visiting a range for the first time or the hundredth, safety is non-negotiable. Here's a comprehensive guide to range safety rules, commands, and etiquette.

The Four Universal Rules (Always Apply)

These rules apply at every range, every time, no exceptions:

  1. Treat every firearm as if it's loaded — No exceptions, even if you just checked
  2. Never point the muzzle at anything you're not willing to destroy — Keep it pointed downrange at all times
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire — Index your trigger finger along the frame
  4. Be sure of your target and what's beyond it — Know where your rounds will go

Range Commands

Most ranges use standard commands. Know them before you go:

  • "Cease fire!" — Stop shooting immediately. Set your firearm down with the action open. Step back from the firing line.
  • "The range is hot" — Shooting may begin. Only handle firearms when the range is hot.
  • "The range is cold" — All firearms must be unloaded, actions open, and set down. No one may handle firearms.
  • "Commence firing" — You may begin shooting.
  • "Make ready" — Prepare to shoot (load, chamber, aim).

If anyone calls "Cease fire" for any reason, everyone stops immediately. This could be for a safety violation, someone downrange, or an equipment issue.

Before You Go

What to Bring

  • Eye protection — Rated shooting glasses (ANSI Z87.1)
  • Ear protection — Earplugs, earmuffs, or both (electronic muffs are ideal)
  • Ammunition — Appropriate for your firearm
  • Targets — Or plan to buy them at the range
  • Range bag — For organizing your gear
  • First aid kit — Compact trauma kit is ideal

What to Wear

  • Closed-toe shoes (no sandals)
  • High-collared shirt or crew neck (hot brass in your shirt is no fun)
  • Avoid loose clothing that could snag on equipment
  • Hat with a brim (keeps brass out of your face)

At the Range

Loading and Unloading

  • Only load your firearm at the firing line when the range is hot
  • Keep the muzzle pointed downrange at all times
  • Unload completely before leaving the firing line
  • Show clear (action open, chamber empty) when directed

Handling Malfunctions

  1. Keep the muzzle pointed downrange
  2. Wait 30 seconds (in case of a hangfire)
  3. With the muzzle downrange, attempt to clear the malfunction
  4. If you can't clear it, set the firearm down pointed downrange and ask the Range Safety Officer (RSO) for help

Etiquette

  • Don't handle other people's firearms without asking
  • Don't offer unsolicited shooting advice
  • Clean up your brass and targets when done
  • Be patient with new shooters — we all started somewhere
  • Thank the RSO and follow their directions

Indoor vs. Outdoor Ranges

Indoor Ranges

  • Usually have stricter rules on ammunition types (no steel core, no tracers)
  • Better climate control but louder (double up on ear protection)
  • May restrict rifle calibers or only allow handguns
  • Often have firearm rentals available

Outdoor Ranges

  • More relaxed atmosphere, more space
  • May allow longer-range shooting (100+ yards)
  • Usually permit rifle and shotgun shooting
  • Weather-dependent

Taking Kids to the Range

Introducing children to shooting safely is a great family activity:

  • Start with a .22 LR — low recoil and noise
  • Double up on ear protection for kids
  • One-on-one supervision at all times
  • Keep sessions short (30 minutes is plenty for young kids)
  • Make it fun — reactive targets and positive encouragement

Find a Range Near You

Many FFL dealers also operate ranges. Search our dealer directory to find gun shops and ranges in your area. Practice makes permanent — train regularly and train safely.