Why New Shooters Should Join a Range

Joining fellow shooters at a range can help you hone your skills and have fun safely.

posted on June 16, 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. **

So you've purchased a firearm. Now what? One of the first things you should do is find a local gun range. Doing so will likely encourage you to train more and enable you to meet fellow gun owners, as well as find qualified instructors. Quality instruction is important for safety and proficiency. And once you are more comfortable with your skills, you may even want to engage in friendly competitive shooting matches offered at your range. This is a great way to find a training buddy to make practice even more fun.

Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor range is up to you; they each have their pros and cons. In "Joining a Range," one of the latest videos in the Smith & Wesson GUNSMARTS Series 2 collection, Ken Scott, a Smith & Wesson ambassador and former law enforcement officer, explains how to figure out which is right for you. If it's your first time shooting at a gun range, be sure to read up on range etiquette before your first session.

And be sure to check out the entire library of informative videos at smith-wesson.com/gunsmarts, which were created to make proficiency with a firearm more accessible to new gun owners.

Latest

Women For Gun Rights Gala Panel Lede
Women For Gun Rights Gala Panel Lede

ATF Director Cekada to Headline Women For Gun Rights 2026 National Summit Gala Panel

Director Cekada will be joined by retired professional MMA fighter Michelle Waterson-Gomez and social media personality Vanessa Rosa.

The First Thing You Should do with your Concealed-Carry Firearm

The short version of what you need to do to carry comes down to a few simple steps—and one big thing that every person who carries should do first.

New Guns 2026: Beretta APX A1 Ported

The new model was engineered to provide enhanced control, faster follow-up shots and confident manipulation.

Ammo Storage Tips

Where and with whom you live have an on impact your ammo storage decisions. Here is some guidance on the issue.

Federal is the Official Ammunition of the Minnesota Wild

This agreement with the hometown National Hockey League franchise is historic as it is the first partnership with a major league professional sports team in Federal's 104-year history.

We Love It: Whisperchicks Suppressors

This women-owned company's philosophy is to reduce firearm noise and recoil, thus transforming the shooting experience into something more approachable, empowering and fun.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.