Does anyone recall Robert Fulghum’s book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten? There are some amazingly wise and profound truths to be read in the pages of that #1 New York Times bestseller. And what’s so enjoyable and endearing about Fulghum’s simple, relatable, common courtesy — and common sense — advice is that it all comes from what we probably did learn in kindergarten … those time-worn rules, musings, insights and life lessons that can benefit anyone who listens to and abides by them. You know, applicable things such as: “Share everything,” “Play fair,” and one that I use too often with my young children, “Don’t hit people.”
I bring up the rules and expectations in this book because it reminds me of some of the rules and expectations we have at the shooting range. In addition to adhering to the four universal gun safety rules at all times, there are also some etiquette basics we should follow. And, not surprisingly, these items are very much like what most of us probably learned during that first year of school.
These range basics include (but are not limited to) the following common courtesy — and common sense — items:
- Follow the rules.
Not all shooting ranges operate the same way, so be sure you know what’s expected of you. Some things you might want to check are: What are the operating hours? Can you draw from a holster? Can you collect brass? Are the firing lines moveable? What types of ammunition and/or firearms can be used?
- Know basic instructions and requests.
Or, in the case of a shooting range, know basic range commands. It’s always helpful to be familiar with the types of words and phrases you’ll hear at just about any range, such as “hot” and “cold” range, “cease fire,” “load and make ready” and “unload and show clear.”
- Listen to authority.
Always respect and obey the authority on any range. And listen to instructors, range safety officers and/or other range staff. They are in charge for a reason.
- Wear eye and ear protection.
This is a bit of a stretch, I suppose, since none of us likely heard that rule in kindergarten. But consider this piece of advice as similar to: “Wear your seatbelt.” And even though some facilities may not require ear protection or eye protection (or both), we know that eye and ear pro are vital for proper safety and health on the range.
- Keep yourself and your guests safe.
You are responsible for your own behavior and for the behavior of your guests. Don’t let anything get out of hand.
- Be courteous of others.
Unless you’re the only shooter at the range, you need to be checking to see where others are, especially at an outdoor range where setup may be a little less structured. Be safe and be cautious, and don’t get in anyone’s way. Other shooters will appreciate your courtesy and kindness.
- Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
That chamber flag or that box of .22 ammo that was left behind should not end up in your range bag, no matter how much you need it or want it.
- Don’t mess with other people’s stuff.
Respect the shooting range, the range’s property and anyone else’s possessions. Basically, do not bother other people or their stuff.
- Ask questions when you are unsure.
Don’t be afraid to ask the staff, a safety officer, an instructor or even another experienced shooter any questions you might have. They’re there to help.
- Put things back where you found them.
Your house cleaner does not live at the shooting range, so please put equipment away. Other people don’t want to hunt down cones, targets, steel or stands because you left them where you were training three days ago!
- Clean up your mess.
I’ve always heard that you should leave a location in better shape than you found it. This holds true for the shooting range, as well. So clean up your gear, throw away trash and leave the range in safe and pristine order when you are finished.
- Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Okay. You got me! Perhaps this one has nothing to do with range etiquette … and a lot more to do with snack time. But I believe cookies and milk would make a perfect compliment to any day at the shooting range!
