INEXPERIENCE DOESN'T MATTER - SAFETY DOES.

Embrace and be open about your ignorance, it's the surest way to endear yourself to the people there. Pretending to know things that you do not will produce the opposite response.

FOID 

A firearm owner identification card is required if going to the range alone in Illinois or, you can usually go with a friend who has one.

GEAR 

You will need to have eye protection, ear protection as well as a ball cap with a bib.

READING RANGE RULE SIGNS 

Reading the range rule signs are an important part of making sure that you are being safe on the range, and that you are complying with all rules. Not complying with these rules can resort in an individuals removal.

RSO (Range Safety Officer) 

Please be sure to follow all the commands of the RSO, it is his/her job to make sure that everyone is using the range in a safe manner. Anyone can call a cease fire, place your firearm down in a safe direction and wait for instructions. Some ranges have a bright line for you to stand behind. Failure to follow commands of a RSO can result in an individual being removed.

LEAVING YOUR FIREARM ON BENCH

Leaving your firearm on the bench/table with the slide locked visible in an open position, magazine removed signals that your firearm is clear and safe.  With a revolver, leave the cylinder open if possible. The use of a empty chamber flag (usually an orange plastic piece) may be encouraged or required.

COURTESY

Please have courtesy while on the range. Give people space; DO NOT talk or touch people when they are shooting or handling a firearm. DO NOT try to correct someone on the range unless they have put your life or others in danger. IF THAT'S THE CASE PLEASE INFORM THE RSO IMMEDIATELY.

RAPID FIRE

Some ranges may have a local policy forbidding rapid fire.

STEEL JACKET/STEEL CASE AMMUNITION

Some ranges may have a local policy forbidding steel jacketed and or steel cased ammunition.

Be sure to use the proper ammunition for your firearm.

CLEAN UP

It is always in good taste to clean up after yourself before leaving the range; sweep up the spent brass casings.

Following these range etiquette rules is a very important part of firearm ownership, this lets us know that you are a very responsible individual and that you care. It is just as important as breathing.