Do you really need experience to shoot a gun at the shooting range?

Question

so today we went there and they asked if we ever shot a gun before...and i told them that not a real gunpowerdered gun but ive sht bbs oxygen propeled metal bulet ones even a paint ball....i know the safety,i know how you have to hold it firmly for the recoil...i know to always treat it as if its loaded...and i feel like i dont need a class just to go shoot...did they just want me to spend more money for clases?do clases really help? can i say no and still rent a gun ang shoot without the class?

Answer 1

Classes can help, but legally there is no requirement to be allowed to shoot guns.  Now that particular range could make a rule that says "You can't rent our guns until you pass a safety test."  That would be possible and probably not a bad idea.

For the ranges, it's a matter of safety.  Shooters are very very safety conscious.  Not to mention, if someone is accidentally gets killed, the media will be all over it and the anti-gun people will go nuts.  Bad PR is bad for their business and our sport.

Don't take it personally... he didn't know your background and even if he did, for your sake and the other customers there he was just being responsible.  Don't forget more shooting accidents are caused by "unloaded" guns (ie, people thought the gun was unloaded, but didn't take the time to check... and someone or something gets shot) than probably any other reason.

Answer 2

They will probably let you rent a gun and shoot without a class, but, yes, a class can help. Classes teach you things like how and when to breath...squeezing instead of pulling the trigger, etc. There is a lot of good info to be learned in a shooting class.

Answer 3

The guys at the range should help you out with weapons familiarization. Without sounding like a bore, you really need to learn to make safe your weapon, ie safety, magazine, c**k, hook look, clear. That's what we learnt in the British Army.  Keep the weapon safe at all times, especially if you are a civilian and have never fired a loaded real weapon.  just speak to the range guys, dont let your nievity get in the way of your safety.  uphold the 2nd amendment guys and have fun.  But yes classes really do help and are not that expensive and will give you more credibility in the range guys eyes.  Treat that place like a martial arts gym, seriously you are learing a great art.

Answer 4

Even if you've taken many hours of classes and had hours of experience on another range, the gun you are about to handle is new to you.

It's a good idea to have a qualified instructor familiarize you with new equipment before handling it yourself.  

Be patient and polite.  The minimal effort and time involved is a wise investment.  There's no harm in refreshing ones knowledge and there is an opportunity to learn something new.

When you're in someone else's house, it is expected that you abide by the rules established by the owner of the house.

Answer 5

ive never taken classes, a guy there just gave me a rundown of what to do and what not to do etc. no you dont need experience but knowledge and common sense is needed

Answer 6

Why would you not want to learn and be as safe as you possibly can be?  I would like to know the shooter beside me shooting any firearm has at least the basic safety knowledge and skills to make the session

enjoyable and safe for all.

Answer 7

it depends on the range. a range that i go to requires that we take a short (about 30 min) class on general safety and range procedures for like $10, then they issue you a card that that you show them everytime you go, and its good for 5 years. then theres another range that all you do is pay and shoot. i have full respect for ranges that wont allow people to shoot without proper experience because they are being wise on safety. though i can care less where i go and shoot. i would not want to stand next to a inexperienced person who can do a stupid error that could put me or others life in danger. im not saying you are incompetent but there are stupid people out there who will swing a gun around when it wont shoot and look down the barrel. basically its the range covering their own *** to prevent any accidents. simply put, if you dont like how they run their business, go elsewhere.  

Answer 8

No, that's where I learned to shoot. But I went out to a range in the country somewhere.....in the cities they might have different rules.

Answer 9

Most states require ppl to go through hunter's safety classes or to get certified...and while the ranges do need and want to make money it's more about educating and safety than about the money. Short version...my dad started hunting at 8 yrs old way back when...at 28 yrs old...my grandfather wandered off his "stand"..the deer jumped in the road and my dad thinking he had a clear shot, took it. My grandfather also saw it as a clear shot and jumped into the road way and fired. Eight days later my grandfather died from (1) one piece of lead shot to the heart (this was 1979..medical advances weren't in place). My dad and the rest of the family will live with it forever. The classes may cost a little...but may save a life in the long run....accidents do happen, classes can help, you never know??

Answer 10

h**l no.  Just pay your money and blast away.

Answer 11

They are probably just making sure some Johnny/Jane Know-nothing doesn't walk in and end up shooting him/herself or a bystander because they can't work the gun they use. Just take the classes, you may actually learn a lot and you will be up to snuff the next time someone asks if you've had experience. You may be allowed to say shove your rules and just start shooting anyway, but it is ultimately the person in charge's decision to make.

Answer 12

OK, don't take this the wrong way, but you are going to a range, want to rent their gun. You answer the question about experience in the negative. Well if your in my range, I want to know that you know, what you are doing. The only thing shooting BB's and paint ball guns do, is prepare you for the recoil of a .22. Depending on what you are trying to rent. The recoil is going to be greatly different. You can never have too much knowledge. I'm 47 years old and a gunsmith. I'm still taking classes on guns. I started shooting at the age of 8 years old. Bad thing is, just about the time you convince yourself that you know it all, all you really know is just enough to get someone and/or yourself hurt. As far as not taking the class and shooting anyway. That really depends on the rules set by the owners of the range that you go to. Good Luck!!

Answer 13

Did you get any lessons when you learned how to drive a car or did you just jump in and start driving,  thinking you know it all?

A gun is just as dangerous.  

I recommend you get some lessons so you do not go do something stupid.   One mistake could ruin your whole life...and someone else's.