Going to the range is supposed to sharpen your skills, not highlight bad habits. But even folks who’ve been shooting for years slip up now and then. Some mistakes can make your trip less productive, while others can straight-up tick off the people around you. If you want to get better and stay safe, here are a few common screw-ups to avoid next time you head out.
1. Forgetting to Bring the Right Gear
Nothing kills momentum like realizing you left your ear protection or extra mags at home. You’d be surprised how many people show up unprepared, then spend more time scrounging than shooting.
Make yourself a simple range bag checklist. Keep it packed and ready to go. That way, you’re not halfway through a session and suddenly missing a key piece of gear you swore you packed.
2. Not Understanding the Range Rules
Every range has its own set of rules, and assuming you already know them is a good way to make enemies. Whether it’s target placement or rapid-fire policies, don’t wing it.
Take two minutes to ask or read the posted signs when you show up. It shows respect and saves you from getting called out mid-session—or worse, kicked out entirely.
3. Shooting Too Fast Without Control
Yeah, mag dumps look cool, but if your rounds are all over the place, you’re just wasting ammo. Speed without accuracy doesn’t help you get better.
Focus on solid fundamentals. Slow down, breathe, and aim with intent. Once your groups are tight, then you can start picking up the pace.
4. Standing Too Close to Others
Crowding someone at the range is just bad form. It can throw off their focus, and depending on how tight the lanes are, it can feel unsafe.
Give people space to work. If you’re unsure where to set up, ask the range officer or just pick a lane that’s clearly open. A little courtesy goes a long way.
5. Failing to Clear Malfunctions Safely
When your gun jams, the worst thing you can do is panic or start fiddling with it while pointing it downrange—or worse, sideways. It makes everyone nervous.
Stop, breathe, and keep the muzzle downrange. If you don’t know how to fix it safely, flag down a range officer. No shame in asking for help when safety’s on the line.
6. Sweeping Others with Your Muzzle
This one happens way more often than it should. Whether it’s setting a gun down or turning to talk, people forget where the muzzle’s pointing—and that’s how accidents happen.
Always be aware of your muzzle. It should never, ever cross another person. Treat every gun like it’s loaded, even if you just checked it two seconds ago.
7. Leaving a Mess Behind
Spent casings, torn targets, empty boxes—some folks treat their lane like it’s someone else’s job to clean up. That’s not how it works.
Clean up after yourself. It keeps the range safe and running smooth, and it shows respect for the next person coming in. If you brought it in, take it out.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
