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

Horman Hmb 001 Hmbg2 W Cover 01
Horman Hmb 001 Hmbg2 W Cover 01

Review: Henry's G2 Mini Bolt Youth .22 LR Rifles

2025 year marks the welcome return of Henry's handy, lightweight single-shot rifle.

We Love It: Smith & Wesson Barrel Bag

Need to carry more than your car keys when you purse carry? This roomy CCW off-body option goes against convention by not requiring the extreme editing of your contents as you keep your personal safety in mind.

3 Great Reads for Firearms Instructors

For the holidays or anytime, these books make great gifts for any hunter, shooter, firearm instructor or trainer.

New Guns 2026: EAA MC 1911 250th Anniversary of U.S. Independence Special Edition Pistol 

This exclusive model celebrates the nation’s free spirit and the constitutional right to bear arms.

The Armed Citizen® Reload November 28, 2025

Go ahead and break and enter—but don't be surprised when your intended victim is armed and ready for you.

5 Reasons to Check Out Diamondback Firearms SDR Revolvers

These double-action revolvers provide a useful balance of size, capacity, features and caliber options.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.