Range Etiquette 101: The Unwritten Rules Every Shooter Should Follow

Walking into a shooting range for the first time can be intimidating. The loud reports, the serious atmosphere, and the strict protocols can feel overwhelming. But range etiquette is not complicated — it is simply a combination of safety awareness and mutual respect for fellow shooters. As an instructor who has spent thousands of hours on ranges across Florida, here is everything you need to know.

Obey the Range Safety Officer at all times. The RSO has absolute authority on the range. When they call "Cease Fire," you immediately stop shooting, unload your firearm, lock the action open, set it down on the bench with the muzzle pointed downrange, and step back from the firing line. Do not touch any firearm until the RSO declares the range "Hot" again. These commands exist to protect everyone, and hesitation or non-compliance puts lives at risk.

Always case and uncase your firearms at the bench. Bring your firearms to the range in a proper case. Only uncase them at your designated shooting station with the muzzle pointed downrange. When you are finished shooting, case your firearm at the bench before leaving the firing line. Never walk around the range with an uncased firearm — this is one of the fastest ways to get asked to leave.

Respect the cease fire completely. During a cease fire, shooters go downrange to check or change targets. This means people are standing in front of the firing line. Never touch, handle, or even reach toward any firearm during a cease fire. Do not approach the firing line. Do not use your phone in a way that could be mistaken for reaching for a firearm. Stand well behind the line with your hands visible.

Mind your brass and clean your lane. Spent brass ejecting from semi-automatic firearms can land on neighboring shooters. If your brass is consistently hitting someone, adjust your position or use a brass catcher. When you finish your session, pick up your spent brass if the range allows it, remove your used targets, and dispose of any trash. Leaving a mess is disrespectful to the next shooter and the range staff.

Additional courtesies include: never handle another person's firearm without explicit permission, avoid unnecessary conversation with shooters who are actively firing, keep your gear organized within your lane, and follow the range's specific rules about ammunition types, rate of fire, and target materials. Indoor ranges also have a double-door protocol — never open the inner range door until the outer lobby door has fully closed to maintain noise control and air pressure. Following these protocols makes the range safer and more enjoyable for everyone.