Safety & Etiquette: What to Do at a Shooting Range

Here's what everyone else is doing at the shooting range, why they're doing it, and how to blend right in.

posted on August 12, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Smith & Wesson's Ken Scott has been shooting and training shooters for a long time, and he knows as well as anyone that one of the most intimidating things for beginners is that first trip to the shooting range. We can read all of the articles and fully understand how gun safety works, but we still walk onto that public range for the first time and realize that we don't really know what to do next. 

In this video from S&W's GUNSMARTS series, which was created specifically to support new shooters in their journeys, Scott will walk you through the sequence of events that should take place when you arrive on the range. From when to put on your eye and ear protection, to how to set your gun down correctly, to how to communicate with your fellow shooters, this video has the step-by-step order of activity that will have you blending right in with the rest of the range in no time flat. 

Latest

FONRA Logo
FONRA Logo

Friends of NRA Celebrates Milestone: 5 Million Attendees Nationwide

The achievement reflects more than three decades of bringing communities together to support firearm safety, education, training, youth development and the future of the shooting sports.

The Armed Citizen® Reload August 7, 2026

An 85-year-old woman demonstrated the greatest example of how age and treachery overcomes youth and vigor.

July 2026 NSSF-Adjusted NICS Checks Show 8.5 Percent YOY Increase

The July 2026 NFA figures also show an increase of 108.8 percent.

DSG Outerwear Introduces New Ridge & Vale Lifestyle Collection

Featuring faded Realtree camo, the line is designed to blend authentic outdoor heritage with everyday comfort and style, suited for daily wear to outdoor adventures.

3 Carry-Gun Tips from a Seasoned Game Warden

Want to be as prepared to carry as the professionals? To start, follow these essential pieces of EDC advice.

Paper’s No Protection

If you have a restraining order against someone, you also need a gun and the proper training to use it. Paper won’t keep you safe.

 

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.