Range Etiquette
Range Etiquette
You might be a redneck if you never use the word etiquette. I say, “Join the club”. Just because you might rarely use the word, doesn’t mean you don’t and/or can’t be etiquette at the range.
Google’s dictionary defines etiquette as “The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.”
I’d argue that most of us Midwesterners, outdoors enthusiasts, rednecks, hunters, etc. reading this article are some of the most well-behaved, polite, mannered people you’ll ever meet. Shoot, I’d say we are “role models.” So, regarding range etiquette, let’s model how to behave well at the firearm and/or archery range for the newbies and younger generations watching.
Whether you’re with a bow or firearm and you’re at a home range, public range, or club range, you can set and follow a standard for range etiquette.
Rules: If you’re at your own range, set and communicate the rules. If you’re at someone else’s range, know and obey the rules. If they aren’t listed, ask for them.
Safety gear: At a minimum, wear eye and hearing protection.
Equipment: Inspect your equipment (firearm, bow, stand, etc.) before shooting.
Space: Give fellow shooters plenty of space. Never cross into someone else’s shooting lane.
Point: Keep your firearm and arrows pointed down until pointing down range.
Intention: When you’re in between rounds, your finger should be off the trigger or release until you intend to shoot. Keeping your finger out of the trigger guard, means you have much less of a chance of an accidental discharge. As an added precaution, when shooting a firearm, you may want to keep the safety on any time you aren’t ready to fire.
Treatment: As a base rule, treat every firearm and bow as if it is loaded at all times. Even if you’ve checked the chamber or know there isn’t an arrow knocked, it’s best to continue handling it with the same regard you would a loaded weapon. Not only will it help you form good habits, but it will also ensure you never make the wrong assumption accidentally.
Attention: Pay attention to what’s happening around you, especially before you shoot and enter or leave the shooting line.
You’re Targets: Only shoot your targets.
Finished: Once you’ve shot all the arrows/ammo you’re going to in a session, place your bow/firearm on the table or rack and wait until everyone else is finished shooting before you leave your station. This will communicate you’re finished.
Clear: Before going down range to retrieve your arrows, check/retrieve/set your target, ask, “Clear?” If you hear someone ask “Clear?”, look around the range, if everyone is done shooting, respond “Clear” so everyone knows it’s safe to move down range. NEVER go down range if you don’t know it’s clear.
Line: Stand on the same shooting line as the other individuals at the range. NEVER STAND in front or behind them, even when you’re in your lane. MAKE SURE your lane is clear before you send a round or an arrow.
Hot and Cold: When a range is hot, that means shooters are active, or you are permitted to commence firing. During this time, no one should advance past the shooting line. When a range is cold, that means all shooters have unloaded their firearms or set down their bows. Only go down range when it is cold.
Walk: Always walk, don’t run at/on the range.
Support: Be supportive of the other people at the range. They might ask for your advice. They might need a “way to go!” They might need some correction.
Remember, you might already know and practice these things, but the other people around you are watching, so you’re modeling. Don’t take that reality for granted.
By Kyle Dana
March 2025
