Joining A Range, Part 1
When Should I Join A Range?
Right after thinking, “FINALLY!”, and "googling your local gun store, we imagine this is a question that will flash through your mind shortly after your PAL shows up in the mail.
Any time after getting your licence is a great time to join a range. Once you start looking though, you’ll find the options aren’t necessarily easy to understand. Below we’re going to discuss a few of the considerations in finding the perfect range for you.
Things to Consider
Here’s the key thing to think about as you narrow down your options: A gun range is only as good as how often you can use it. With that guiding principle in mind, here are the details for you to mull over.
Location, Location, Location
The first and most important thing we look for is proximity to you. If your range is too far for you to get to regularly, you’re never going to use it. Make sure the range is easy for you to get to from either work or home, so you don’t have to plan special trips to get out shooting. Becoming a better shot is all about practice and if you never get to the range… well, then not much is accomplished!
Hours
Some ranges have limited hours whereas others operate 24/7, with the latter tending to come at a premium in both cost and location. We’re nighthawks anyway so we prefer the 24-hour variety, but the important thing is to make sure you have access to the range at times that are convenient for you. Some ranges even have different hours for different classes of members, so take a careful look and make sure you’re going after the right membership for you.
Community vs. Private
Ranges typically fall into two categories: Non-profit Community Clubs or Private Members Clubs. The Non-profit model tends to be cheaper but also has fewer amenities and limited access.
The Private Clubs tend to cost more but also tend to be open longer hours, be better maintained, and be higher-tech (think returning targets, key-fob entry, more security).
On the other hand Community Clubs often focus on interesting events and community, all with a lower cost. So, it’s not to say one is better than the other. The answer for the keen is sometimes ‘both’.
Shooting
What kind of shooting you will be doing? Trap and Skeet? Pistol,? Long-range rifle? These all require different set-ups.
Is the range indoor, outdoor, or some combination of both? Some ranges will have multiple areas available for different kinds of shooting.
Make sure you align the range with the type of shooting you’d like to focus on. You’ll also find like-minded individuals at those ranges who can help you progress in your focus.
Membership
Becoming a member is the last hurdle. Most Private Clubs are always taking in new members. It's the Community Clubs which tend to fill up quickly. Don’t worry though, out your name on that waiting list and get out to a drop-in night and make some friends. You’ll move up that list and you’ll be taking their range safety course - which you tend to need to taken to be cleared to use a range - before you know it.
If you want to read more about joining - read Joining A Range, Part 2
