What to Do When Finished Shooting at the Range

So, you’ve had a productive day at the shooting range, and as the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you’re probably feeling pretty accomplished. But hang on! Before you just pack up and head out, there’s something crucial you need to do first. What should you do when you’re done shooting?

Here’s the deal

The correct answer is pretty straightforward: Open the action and visually inspect that it is unloaded. Sounds simple, right? But let’s delve into why this little step is a big deal.

Safety First, Always

You know what? Ensuring your firearm is unloaded is about more than just following rules; it’s about safety—your safety and the safety of everyone around you. When you confirm that there are no rounds in the chamber or magazine, you're effectively locking the door on any potential accidents. It’s like making sure your car is in park before getting out—just good sense!

Opening the action and visually checking your firearm is your last line of defense before leaving the shooting area. This action promotes a culture of responsibility and awareness, something that’s paramount in such environments. The shooting range is a communal space, and we all know how important it is to keep our surroundings safe and respectful of fellow shooters.

What Not to Do

Now, let’s consider what happens when people don’t carry out these checks.

• Leaving the firearm on the table and walking away: Yikes! This could lead to someone inadvertently handling a loaded firearm, which is a script for disaster. It’s like leaving the front door of your house wide open with the keys in the lock—definitely not an ideal scenario!

• Loading it back into the case immediately: Hold up! If you don’t check the firearm first, you could unknowingly transport a loaded gun, which is a serious risk. Picture it: you reach for your case and then—bam, there’s a round in the chamber! No one wants that on their conscience.

• Handing it off to a friend: While this might sound like a solid idea, it’s fraught with miscommunication risks. Your friend may assume it’s unloaded without verifying it themselves, leading to a dangerous situation. It’s always best practice to take responsibility for your own gear.

Cultivating a Safe Habit

Making it a habit to open the action and visually inspect your firearm can do wonders beyond just safety. It reinforces your own awareness about the status of your firearm at all times. Think of it as building a routine—like checking your pockets before you leave the house. It adds an extra layer of preparedness that can’t be overemphasized.

Ultimately, the most responsible and safest practice you can adopt when finishing a shooting session at the range is to perform that simple, yet crucial inspection. By doing so, you’re not just following rules; you’re part of nurturing a culture of safety and respect within the shooting community.

The Bottom Line

So, next time you’re at the range, remember this mantra: open, inspect, and then pack up. Maintain that commitment to firearm safety and you’ll not only protect yourself but also contribute to a more secure environment for all. And that, my friends, is what responsible shooting looks like.

At a glance, it seems like a small step, but it carries a hefty weight in terms of ensuring everyone’s safety. So before you leave that shooting range, take a moment—open the action, take a look, and know that you’ve left your shooting spot safer than it was before.