r/Ausguns • u/TotallyLost5417 • 3d ago
Newbie question First range day tips?
I'm heading to a range for the first time and want to be prepared. Could you share some tips about range safety, etiquette, and general practical advice? I'll be sighting in my first rifle, do SSAA ranges typically have rests available to rent or should I invest in my own? Cheers!
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u/aggressivelynude South Australia 3d ago
Rules: always follow the range officer's directions. Leave guns in the bag, bolt out until given the all clear to set up. Don't go in front of the benches while the range is live. Don't step up to the benches while the range is closed. Carry guns vertical so you can't muzzle sweep anybody. If you have a misfire, or projectile gets stuck or anything out of the ordinary, leave your rifle on the bench, step back from the firing line and call the RO over. They're there to help.
Things to bring: a water bottle, seriously. Have a bag with some basic cleaning gear, maybe some tools. Ear pro, I like electronic earmuffs so I can hear directions and chat with the people around me. Most ranges have rests you can borrow, but you'll want your own eventually. Don't forget the ammo! You might want to bring some sight in targets as well, if your range allows byo targets.
Etiquette: don't dilly-dally when the range is closed to change targets. Don't stand down range chatting, if you want to discuss or dissect your groups, take a photo on your phone and do it back at the bench. Chat to people! Most people are there because they love guns and shooting. My first time at the range a lovely older bloke and his wife let me shoot their crazy PCP air rifle, another dude gave me the rundown on his taipan, I helped a dad and his daughter sight in a 22, and we all stood around fanboying about a bloke's SMLE collection. You can get heaps of great advice, gear suggestions and practical help, just by chatting.
Make it known that it's your first time, and there will likely be no shortage of people willing to help out.
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u/ThatAussieGunGuy Victoria 3d ago
Range is closed literally means you can't shoot. I believe you mean range is clear.
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u/aggressivelynude South Australia 3d ago
Yeah mate. Big comment, surprised I didn't cock up a few more things.
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u/Firm_Chipmunk7946 3d ago
Don’t forget your earmuffs
License
Don’t point your gun at anything that’s not the target
Everything else you’ll work out and or be told so I wouldn’t stress too much
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u/MadKeenAngler 3d ago
Yep! Listening skills and common sense.
Don’t forget your gun…that’s a shit time.
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u/Camtona_7_ManUtd 3d ago
I forgot full EarPro once, only had foam plugs which were next to useless. That's a mistake you only make once
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u/jbed289 3d ago edited 3d ago
Read up on that specific ranges rules, every range will be different I go to Belmont and Ripley's SSAA at Belmont while there is a cease fire to check targets you leave the rifles on the bench unloaded action open, if you did that at Ripley they would kick you out the firearms need to be in the rack not pointed down range while people are walking Infront of them. Easiest way I have found is specific branches have their own Facebook pages and they often post videos on range rules. Be like a sponge, learn from the range officers and don't be afraid to ask questions even if they look at you a bit weird I'm sure they would rather have a silly question then you doing anything silly and most of all have fun. Start off at the 50 when you start sighting in your scope then move your out further otherwise you are just wasting ammo
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u/Camtona_7_ManUtd 3d ago
Have you bore-sighted already? If you have, you should be able to hit paper at 50m. Get your 50m zero first before you go to 100m or further.
Listen to the instructions of the range officer and make sure you tell them it's your first time.
At my local they hire target frames, you pay a deposit which you get back if you don't damage the frame. You can buy paper targets at my range, but I usually print off my own at home and bring them to the range with me. Cause I'm a tightarse.
My local has bags, but I prefer to take my own rear bag and fit a bipod at the forend.
Take your time, don't feel like you need to rush to finish shooting, breathe, try to be consistent with your posture/position behind the rifle. If you're shooting strings, touch your barrel every now and then to see if it's getting hot.
Main things to bring: EarPro, bolt, rifle, ammo Extra things to bring: bags, water, snacks, targets, chamber flag
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u/cozybob13 2d ago
Be clear to the staff as you arrive and interact “I’ve never been on a range before”. Take your time, read all the posters and signs and always ask when unsure.
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u/maxdoughies 3d ago
Some already great safety and other advice so no need to repeat all that.
My $0.02, buy a staple gun from bunnings to use to secure your targets to the frames. Push pins suck ass at securing if there is a bit of wind around or if you have to push them into pine frames.
Otherwise have fun
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u/balazra 3d ago
The RO’s are really looking for three things.
1. Awareness of what is happening around them.
2. Someone that listens when they make a mistake and makes a converted effort to correct it the next time.
3. That you are trying to show that you are safe so that the people who don’t know what they are doing can feel safe. Make safety very obvious.
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u/ThatAussieGunGuy Victoria 3d ago
Each range has their own procedures. Range rules will be published somewhere on the range. Ask the ROs as well, they SHOULD be happy to help.
SSAA Springvale uses a red and green light system. Red Light means range is active, green means it's not and it's safe to go on the range. SSAA Little River used 1 light. Red light means it's safe to go out on the range, no light means the range is active. So really pay attention when you get to there.
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u/Pogonantha 1d ago
A question on range protocol........I have seen on a few occasions where people were removing their rifle from the shooting bench to the rack and flagging people with the muzzle due to swinging the rifle around rather then in a muzzle up orientation .....Is this acceptable assuming mag is out and bolt open or who points this out to the shooter and what is the best way to approach it that so it doesnt end up in a confrontation...
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u/merforga1 1d ago
It is never acceptable to flag people with your muzzle. Either politely remind them to please keep their muzzle pointed up or downrange, or flag down an RO to let them have that discussion.
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u/WearIcy2635 1d ago
Don’t point your gun at anything except the sky and downrange, that’s the one mistake you’ll be given no leeway on. Just let the ROs know it’s your first time and they should help you with all the rest
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u/Necessary_Bass3942 3d ago edited 3d ago
Some good advice already.
When you arrive, leave your firearm in the car and go and see the range officer. Tell them it is your first range visit and get them to explain the process. All ranges are a bit different, some allow you to bring your rifle in the bag and then rack it at the benches. Some want the firearm unbagged at the car and they can clearly visualise the open bolt etc.
Bolt open or out when rifle is racked. Magazine out.
Muzzle control is paramount.
Some allow magazine use, some only allow single load ammo.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Know what to do in the event of a misfire.