A first trip to a staffed range is easy once you know the routine. Range safety officers run the line, call the commands and help new shooters, and nobody minds questions. This page covers what to bring, how a cold range works and how to shoot safely in the Tucson heat.
The four rules
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
- Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target
- Know your target and what is beyond it
What to bring
- Eye and ear protection; most ranges sell or rent them
- Firearms unloaded and cased, with actions open on arrival
- Ammunition that matches each firearm, and no steel-core, tracer or incendiary rounds
- Paper targets and a stapler, unless the range sells targets
- A chamber flag; several Tucson ranges hand them out for $1
- A card for county ranges, which are cashless, and cash for Sierra Vista
- Water, sunscreen and a hat, even in winter
How a cold range works
Tucson’s outdoor ranges run a hot and cold line. When the range is hot, shooters may handle firearms and fire at their own targets. When the officer calls the line cold, everyone stops, unloads, opens actions, inserts chamber flags and steps back behind the safety line. No one touches a firearm while anyone is downrange. Wait for the “range is hot” call before handling again.
| Command | What to do |
|---|---|
| “The line is hot” | Load and fire at your own target |
| “Cease fire” | Stop shooting immediately, finger off the trigger |
| “Make safe, the line is going cold” | Unload, open actions, flags in, step back |
| “The line is cold” | Go downrange; no handling at the bench |
| “Is the line ready?” | Speak up if you are still downrange |
Shooting in the heat
- Shoot early; summer outdoor ranges open at 7 am and close by early afternoon
- Bring at least a gallon of water per person, and drink before you are thirsty
- Metal benches, guns and brass get hot enough to burn
- Watch for dizziness, nausea or headache and get into shade fast
- Monsoon lightning closes outdoor ranges; leave when storms build
- Keep ammunition out of a closed car in direct sun
- On hot days, an indoor range is the smart call
Etiquette
- Shoot only your own lane and your own target
- Ask before picking up brass from another shooter’s area
- Pack out your trash and targets
- Follow the range officer, even if another range does it differently
Pick a range on the Tucson Range Map, or take a class first; see Training and Classes. Test your knowledge at Tactical Quiz.com, and get answers at Ask Gun Questions.com. Storage at home is covered by Gun Safe Buyers Guide.com.