It’s once again that time of year when the weather has warmed up and we want to spend more time relaxing on the range. It’s also that time of year when I like to revisit shooting safety. Some people may think that being out on the range is a safer environment than being out in the woods, but actually it can be more dangerous. First of all, you feel more relaxed and may have other things on your mind. You also have other shooters that you need to be aware of.





When carrying a gun of any kind, always make sure that you are pointing it in a safe direction. It doesn’t matter if it’s “unloaded”. More people seem to get shot every year by “unloaded” guns than the previous years. Always assume that your weapon is loaded. I myself had a rifle go off near my head because of a friend who thought it was “unloaded”. You should also always keep the safety on and you finder out of the trigger guard unless you are ready to shoot.


When picking up a gun make sure that the first thing you do is check to see if it’s loaded. Never take the word of another person that is isn’t. Make sure that the chamber is empty and open until ready to fire.


Always make sure that you know what is in front and behind the target area before you get ready to shoot down range. Some ranges such as the one I am a member of have target set up at different distances on the same lanes. Make sure that you aren’t shooting at a nearer target without checking to make sure the lanes are cleared behind to the rear targets. Also make sure that there aren’t any dogs or other animals roaming out in the area.


Always unload your weapon as soon as you are done shooting. Never leave a gun loaded when going downrange to check your target. Leave the actions open and put them in their cases if you are leaving the area. Use trigger locks when they are not in use.


Never play around when there are loaded weapons in the area, or especially when carrying one. Don’t climb over fences or climb up and down trees. And never ever look down the barrel of a loaded weapon. If you do take a fall while carrying a weapon, make sure that you immediately clean it before you forget.


When on a range, you should still wear some form of hunters orange so that other shooters will easily see you. If you are dressed up in your old camouflage that you no longer wear when hunting, you may not be noticed by others. If you at least have on a hat that is orange there is more of a chance that others will notice you when you are down range checking your target.


Always be in control of your emotions when you are using firearms. If you are busy arguing with someone else, you have a greater chance of doing something careless. Always keep your thoughts clear on what you are doing.


Wear eye protection and hearing protection when you are at the range. Even if you are not shooting, the percussion from a muzzle blast is very damaging to your ears. Take care of them and you will be able to hear better while out in the woods when it’s important. You will also want to protect your eyes from ejecting shells, burnt powder, and gasses that are escaping out of the chamber.


Never consume alcohol or drugs while handling firearms. I should not even have to touch this one, but it happens all of the time. Save your drinking for when you are back home sharing stories about how well you shot that day.
Range safety is a must if you want to be able to hit the woods again next season. Every year people hurt by not taking a few safety precautions while at the range. Don’t be one of them.


Happy shooting.

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