Regardless of where, when, or why a handgun is used, safety should always be the top priority. If you regularly shoot your handgun at a local firing range, whether it’s open, sheltered, or partially indoors, there are some safety tips to remember for your own personal safety and the safety of others. Keep reading for a list of firing range safety tips specific to handgun users. If you want to learn even more about handgun safety, consider taking a high-quality Austin online LTC class.
1. Never Point Your Handgun at Anything that’s Not an Intended Target
Even though handguns today come with many convenient safety features, there’s always the potential for negligent discharge. This is especially true at a firing range, where you’ll be firing multiple rounds as you work on your shooting accuracy. Keep yourself and others around you safe by always keeping the firing end of your handgun in a safe, neutral position until you’re ready to shoot in the designated area at the range. On a related note, bring your preferred ammo with you, but don’t load your handgun until you’re ready to start firing.
2. Know What’s Immediately Behind & Around Your Target
A publicly accessible firing range typically takes steps to create a safe environment for the shooters, staff, and anybody who may be on the premises. This is often done with partitions and other barriers that minimize the risk of stray bullets going too far off course. That being said, it’s still important to know for sure what’s behind and next to the target area before you start shooting at a range.
3. Use Appropriate Eye & Ear Protection
A public firing range usually has multiple gun owners firing their guns, often simultaneously. Because of all this noise and the potential for recoil and other reactions that could harm you in some way, you’ll need to protect your eyes and ears. For your ears, consider low-profile earmuffs, since they’re less likely to interfere with your comfort and shooting position. Earplugs can also be used. With eye protection, high-impact lenses, goggles, and shooting glasses are common recommendations.
4. Don’t Rely on Mechanical Features of Your Handgun for Accuracy
Many newer handguns have sights that promise incredible accuracy and precision. While these features can certainly help you get a better lock on your intended target, you’ll be better off safety-wise if you keep proper firing stance and technique in mind at all times. With firing range shooting, proper technique typically involves:
• Using both hands to firmly grip your handgun
• Placing your dominant hand high on the grip
• Keeping your feet shoulder-width apart
• Using your dominant or stronger eye to line up your target
• Extending your arms, aiming, and pulling the trigger
5. Use a Well-Maintained Handgun
You’ll also be a safer shooter at the range if your handgun is one that’s well maintained between visits to the range. This means making sure any accessories are ones designed for your handgun model. Also, do regular inspections and cleanings to ensure all moving parts are free of debris and correctly lubricated. Do light cleanings between range visits and thorough cleanings a few times a year.
One of the most important parts of being a safety-conscious gun owner is knowing how to handle it properly, including at a firing range. Fortunately, high-quality firearms training is readily available. Whether you’re wondering “Can you get your LTC online in Austin?” or you simply want to learn how to shoot safely, LTC Austin has what you need. LTC Austin provides online and private classes with one-on-one attention, professional instruction, flexible scheduling, affordable pricing, and insights from a current law enforcement officer. For information on our wide array of classes, give us a call today at 512-766-3039.