I been looking up places to shoot once I get my PAL, and the closest non-membership range I can find was Target Sports Canada at Gormley, ON. I'm a bit nervous to go, I have no real firearm or range experience at all and I'm a bit intimidated with meeting real shooters in their haunt for the first time. I really don't want to look like an idiot showing up the first time, or worst do something stupid and get kicked out, so can someone tell me what to expect at a shooting range? Do I wait in line for my turn to use the range? Do I have to fork over my spot if a member asks for it?
What to expect at the shooting range?
- Thread starter War Song
- Start date
Well...first off, don't pretend to be an expert. You are new, so tell people that and ask them for a few pointers and how your range is run. Generally ranges have a few basic common things to them, such as someone is designated an Range Safety Officer or RSO. Basically, you listen for his commands, to keep everyone safe.
Experienced shooters don't bite, so unless we are concentrating on aiming/shooting at that moment (just the same as a golfer about to make a swing), by all means ask us for a little orientation to know what's what.
Yes, on some occasions you may run into gruff types that just mumble and walk away...ignore them, they are in the minority, and go talk to the next guy. Nearly all of us shooters are very willing to help new shooters get a safe start at our sports.
Your concern about range etiquette is...well its nice, but that seems to be different at each range, so ask them. Basically, people get kicked out because they violated an official range rule related to safety....or didn't care what the RSO said. So if something seems odd, just ask, and you wont get kicked out.
Experienced shooters don't bite, so unless we are concentrating on aiming/shooting at that moment (just the same as a golfer about to make a swing), by all means ask us for a little orientation to know what's what.
Yes, on some occasions you may run into gruff types that just mumble and walk away...ignore them, they are in the minority, and go talk to the next guy. Nearly all of us shooters are very willing to help new shooters get a safe start at our sports.
Your concern about range etiquette is...well its nice, but that seems to be different at each range, so ask them. Basically, people get kicked out because they violated an official range rule related to safety....or didn't care what the RSO said. So if something seems odd, just ask, and you wont get kicked out.
Something to note in case you don't already know this. Target sports is an indoor range, and they have more limitation on what caliber is allowed. Make sure that if you're bring your own firearms, it is something they allow.
I myself have only been to the range once, so I know exactly what you're feeling. Ultimately, there is nothing to worry about. As long as you keep the muzzle pointed down range and trigger finger off the trigger, you'll be just fine. Take your time, no one will bat an eye that you're slow with your shots as long as you're being safe.
Now, to answer your questions directly:
"What to expect at a shooting range?"
People are usually friendly at the range. Being safe is the most important thing. If you have questions, feel free to ask the RSO. It is better to ask than to do something crazy.
"Do I wait in line for my turn to use the range?"
Target sport is an indoor range, so when the light is red, you will not be allowed to enter the shooting area. The doors are locked. You may only enter/leave the shooting area when the range is green. There are about 10 or so shooting lines, if it is free, you are allowed to use it.
"Do I have to fork over my spot if a member asks for it?"
I'm quite sure that if you're using a shooting line, you can keep using it. I believe some shooting line are reserved for members, so you should ask the RSO to make sure.
Have fun and be safe.
I myself have only been to the range once, so I know exactly what you're feeling. Ultimately, there is nothing to worry about. As long as you keep the muzzle pointed down range and trigger finger off the trigger, you'll be just fine. Take your time, no one will bat an eye that you're slow with your shots as long as you're being safe.
Now, to answer your questions directly:
"What to expect at a shooting range?"
People are usually friendly at the range. Being safe is the most important thing. If you have questions, feel free to ask the RSO. It is better to ask than to do something crazy.
"Do I wait in line for my turn to use the range?"
Target sport is an indoor range, so when the light is red, you will not be allowed to enter the shooting area. The doors are locked. You may only enter/leave the shooting area when the range is green. There are about 10 or so shooting lines, if it is free, you are allowed to use it.
"Do I have to fork over my spot if a member asks for it?"
I'm quite sure that if you're using a shooting line, you can keep using it. I believe some shooting line are reserved for members, so you should ask the RSO to make sure.
Have fun and be safe.
Cool JR, I'll look him up when I get there! Thank you everyone for all your helpful input 
. And yes, I'll always keep safety in mind once I get my guns and start shooting. My first is going to be a 9mm, and I'm guessing most handgun calibres are acceptable for indoor? BTW, is there a time limit for using a spot on the range? Or is it just first-come, first serve for guest shooters?
. And yes, I'll always keep safety in mind once I get my guns and start shooting. My first is going to be a 9mm, and I'm guessing most handgun calibres are acceptable for indoor? BTW, is there a time limit for using a spot on the range? Or is it just first-come, first serve for guest shooters?
