[jtrain]

Basic Background: 21 Year old visiting friend in military.

Question: what is some basic etiquette to remember while at the gun range? I highly respect firearms and dont want to make anyone feel/be unsafe. I used to paintball (although that is something completely different) there were basic firearm rules. However, bullets are much more different then paintballs.

Also, what can I expect if firing higher caliber weapons. To be honest, I'd feel much more comfortable shooting something with a shoulder stock so that the recoil may be more manageable (I just personally feel more comfortable if the shock is sent through my entire body rather than my forearms)

[gorknoids]

The first and only thing is safety. The range will have their safety rules posted, and they are just the bare minimums. If you observe every single one of them scrupulously, you will JUUUSSSTTT be permissable.
Muzzle etiquette is the biggie. Do not let the sparky end of the bang-stick point at another person at any time unless you have the rest of the gun disassembled in your other hand.
Understand what needs to be done in the event of a problem arising which you aren't familiar with. They all start with putting the gun down, pointed down-range.
If you are shooting more than one gun, it's good form to load mags/cylinders while the other person is shooting. It's also a good policy to separate the weapons and ammo by type to reduce the odds of the wrong ammo winding up in the right gun.
Some ranges don't permit rapid fire and double-taps. If that's the case, just shoot slowly, and work on accuracy versus volume of fire.
Clean up after yourself. Pick up the spent brass, stack your targets, etc....
But have fun. Talk shizznit if that's what y'all do. Talk to the people waiting in line and the people working at the range. Aside from people like Tango, most folks are really nice, so make it a social event, but one where you never, ever sweep anyone with the muzzle. Bear in mind that everyone there is happy to be there, so don't feel intimidated. Just don't accidentally shoot any of them.

[cpttango30]

Watch where you point that thing.

Keep your booger hook OFF the bang switch until you are ready to fire.

There are the three basic rules.

NRA Gun Safety Rules

and lastly

Have fun!!!!!!!!

[JonM]

totally new to firearms go seek a tutor preferably take a beginner hunting course or firearm safety course. those two are usually free or nearly free and will offer very good safety instruction for first time shooters.

[Dzscubie]

Originally Posted by cpttango30

Watch where you point that thing.

Keep your booger hook on the bang switch until you are ready to fire.There are the three basic rules.

NRA Gun Safety Rules

and lastly

Have fun!!!!!!!!

Hey Tango, don't you mean "keep your booger hook OFF the bang switch until you are ready to fire?

[montveil]

I find that asking someone that obviously experienced for advice and guidance is a good idea. Most folks on a range will be more than willing to be helpful.

[cpttango30]

thanks for the catch on that one. Not sure how I did that.

[hunter Joe]

Keep the action open and the magazine out of the firearm until you are on the firing line. Show open and empty.

See ten commandments of firearm safety.

1. Watch that muzzle
2. Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded gun
3. Be sure of your target and what is in front of it and beyond it
4. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot
5. Check your barrel and ammunition
6. Unload your firearm when not in use
7. Point your firearm only at something you intend to shoot
8. Don't run, jump, or climb with a loaded firearm
9. Store firearms and ammunition separately and safely
10. Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during shooting

[SHSBulldog06]

Also Jtrain, I'm not sure what type of range you are going to. Make sure everyone is on the same page. By that I mean, When changing targets(if you got to walk to it) make sure everyone knows, and also before you begin your session of firing make sure everyone has their hearing protection on.

[Yunus]

Make sure you tell your friend this is your first time at a gun range. Don't be scared to ask questions of the range officials if you are unsure about something, even if you think its a stupid question, it's not, everyone there would rather you be safe than try to look like you know what your doing.

Specifically as a first timer I would add these suggestions.

When a cease fire is called, do not be the first one to enter the field to check targets, follow the lead of others who have more experience.

When firing begins again, do not be the first one to start shooting, follow the lead of others who have more experience.

Don't forget eye protection and hearing protection.

Always think safety but remember you are out there to have fun.