Through Dr. Lisa M. Orick-Martinez experiences she knows personally the importance of safety when it comes to finding a shooting range. She shares pertinent information you need when looking for a local shooting range near you. From a beginner or experienced level of shooting, there are many things to take into consideration when trying to become a member at a range. Lisa covers topics such as, what to look for when finding a shooting range, range safety, how to dress for weather, and what she carries in her first aid kit.
Best to go to public range with Range Safety Officer
It’s always important to do your research before heading out to shoot your firearm. Most outdoor spaces and ranges have a website that lists the rules for that specific location. When I first moved to New Mexico there were limited designated shooting ranges, so I started to ask around. Several people informed me about an “open space” range, just outside of town. Wanting to check it out, my friends and I packed our gear and drove out to that location. Not far off the road, we saw a berm off in the distance, and figured it would be a great spot to pull over and shoot. We unloaded, put out some targets on the berm, backed up about 10 yards and started shooting. After a while we started hearing other gunfire and realized that someone with a rifle was shooting at our targets from behind us! We were very lucky we didn’t get hit! After that situation, I only went shooting at an established range. For safety’s sake, do not go out into the desert or woods for target practice, rather choose a local shooting range.
Research different range options
There are several private outdoor ranges around New Mexico, in which I am a member of two of them. Each range requires yearly dues, which are reasonably priced. These ranges have a website where you can find specific information for that range including safety rules, range instructions, announcements, a calendar which is kept up to date on hours of operation, when the ranges are unavailable and other activities that range offers.
Both ranges that I am a member of, require that you are a member of the National Rifle Association, and that you attend orientation prior to giving you access to the range. These two ranges do not have an on site attendant and are only open from sunup to sundown since there is no electricity. As a member, you are given a key or gate card to get in. A responsibility of being a range member, (just like you should do anywhere you shoot), is to clean up your brass before leaving, along with any other trash left behind. I highly recommend finding a private shooting range or club near you to join. This is a great opportunity to practice as you like, and a chance to meet like minded people.
There are several private outdoor ranges around New Mexico, in which I am a member of two of them. Each range requires yearly dues, which are reasonably priced. These ranges have a website where you can find specific information for that range including safety rules, range instructions, announcements, a calendar which is kept up to date on hours of operation, when the ranges are unavailable and other activities that range offers.
Both ranges that I am a member of, require that you are a member of the National Rifle Association, and that you attend orientation prior to giving you access to the range. These two ranges do not have an on site attendant and are only open from sunup to sundown since there is no electricity. As a member, you are given a key or gate card to get in. A responsibility of being a range member, (just like you should do anywhere you shoot), is to clean up your brass before leaving, along with any other trash left behind. I highly recommend finding a private shooting range or club near you to join. This is a great opportunity to practice as you like, and a chance to meet like minded people.
Understand the Range Safety Protocol
Each range is different depending on their safety protocol and it’s important to read up on this beforehand. Most outdoor ranges have a flag system indicating a hot range or a cold range. A hot range is when the red flag is raised, meaning, only shooters are permitted on the firing lane. Shooters may move safe guns to and from the firing lane only when the range is hot. A cold range, when the red flag is down, means shooters must check with others to ensure firearms are unloaded, actions open and firearms laid down on the shooting bench before going down range. No one is permitted to handle firearms or stand at the firing line while there is a cold range. At most of these ranges the first person on the range becomes the unofficial range safety officer in charge of making sure the flag is raised and lowered appropriately and making sure the firearm safety rules and the range safety rules are followed. Know your rules ahead of time or you may lose your membership.
Be Prepared
When shooting at an outdoor range you always want to prepare for the weather. Check your local reports prior to arriving at the range so you can dress appropriately. Despite the heat of the summer months, you’ll still want to wear long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes with a thick sole, a hat with a brim and of course, eye and ear protection. Wearing lightweight clothing that protects your skin from the sun, will make for a more enjoyable experience at the range. There is nothing worse than getting burned by spent brass that hits your skin or stepping on a nail or staple and having it go through your shoe. During the winter months you can always layer up. Lightweight gloves (such as glove liners) will keep the hands from getting cold, and a warm hat can make or break your time at the range. Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops are great places to find a variety of outdoor clothing at a reasonable price.
What’s Next?
What’s next? You’ve picked an outdoor range, checked the website for their rules and regulations, checked the weather and dressed appropriately, are you ready to go? NO! Now you need to consider safety. Always let someone know where you are going and how long you’ll be gone. For example; one of the ranges I go to regularly is in the mountains, a few miles down a rutted dirt road, and oftentimes I’m using my 4-wheel drive to get there. Imagine getting stuck out there without any cell service or anyone not knowing where you are. When venturing out, make sure you have plenty of gas in your vehicle, pack snacks and water and keep your phone charged. No matter where you live, these are some common traveling practices for personal safety.
Some things you may want to consider bringing to the range besides a charged phone for emergencies is a first aid kit and water. Being a firearm instructor, I carry a ‘trauma kit’ which includes first aid for a bullet wound. Your first aid kit at a bare minimum should contain tools/medication to attend to minor burns from hot brass or pinched skin from an incorrect grip. I also like to keep extra filled water bottles in my car. People often get dehydrated faster at an outdoor range and do not realize it until they feel fuzzy or sick.
Using these resources I am confident you can find a range near you. Remember to practice safety at all times so you and others can have a good experience.
