Joining A Range, Part 2
Recap
In Joining a Range, Part 1, we wrote about a few of the considerations when selecting a range: Location, location, location! Hours, community clubs vs. private clubs, and shooting activities that suit your preferences.
While these are all important considerations, the reality is that not every range you’ll be interested in is simple and straightforward to access.
Sometimes new shooters become discouraged when looking for a range which suits their needs. Below we’ll discuss ‘road blocks’ to joining a range and strategies for overcoming them.
We’ll also look at the general process you can expect to encounter as you join a range for the first time.
Road Blocks
Let’s say you’re at home, it’s late at night, and you’re ‘googling’ ranges you’d like to join. You find one you like the looks of and dig deep into its website to find information about membership. You finally discover the right webpage, tucked deep down in the footer section, only to find - surprise, surprise, surprise! - they’re not accepting any new members!
This is very common scene and can be very discouraging. The fact of the matter is that in some areas there are more people hoping to join a range than ranges available to join.
Member Limits: Why do ranges limit members at all? Usually it’s about ensuring their members will have equitable access to the facilities. No one wants to join a range that is so crowded they can never actually shoot. Whereas there might be some novel technological solutions to this problem out there at newer ranges, a lot of the shooting world is gleefully low-tech. It’s just the way it is (we’re working on it!).
Waiting Lists: Aside a range that is closed to new members, another common road block is the dreaded ‘waiting list’. You’ll see ranges say their memberships for the season are full and there is a long, long waiting list. At least this gives you something to hope for, and as we all know, we all gotta hope for something, so why not this?
Unclear Either Way: Other times, it’s just not clear what’s going on. Is it accepting new members? How do I join? Where’s that email address listed? You’d think a business looking for customers would be waving their arms, posting ads everywhere - not necessarily so in the shooting world. Remember, ranges are often volunteer-led community clubs, or attached to a store which is the primary concern. They’re not necessarily worried about properly advertising availability because often they just don’t need to.
Strategies
Fear not! We’ve got a few ideas about how you can have an easier time.
Telephones: This might seem a bit obvious, but to those who are really tech-savvy and used to looking for email addresses and online contact forms (the kind we love here at Range Arts)… go old school. Make that late night google list of ranges you’re going to contact - and call them in the morning.
Make a ‘gentle’ inquiry with your actual voice. Ranges are sometimes a little behind on their public facing information - who knows if what you read on the website was totally up to date. They could be accepting new members even if the website says they aren’t.
What do we mean by ‘gentle inquiry’? We mean: respectful. Not like a bull in a china shop with “How do I join?” Try, “Are you accepting new members?” And follow up with, “What is your process for joining?” “How can I get started? Or, “What will you need from me?”
These questions politely open up the conversation. Listen carefully to their response and remember, even if they say "No”, all is not lost. Ask if there’s a good time of year to follow up.
Waiting Lists: Waiting lists might feel like another road block, but once you’re on one time flies… next thing you know your number is being called. Always ask a range that is full if there’s a waiting list, how long it is, and, importantly, how it works season-to-season.
Sometimes ranges clear the list each season, which means you’ll want to ascertain when that clearing happens and when to get back in touch to add your name to the next season’s list. Stay on top of that and you’ll vastly increase your changes of being ‘called up’ to member status.
Taking Names: When you’re talking with people at ranges, be sure to ask their names. Tell the person your name, and ask theirs. Ranges are often like clubs, and people get to know each other. Show them right away you’re someone who wants to get to know them and be a part of their community and that you’d like them to get to know you.
Be friendly and polite, even if you’re frustrated you can’t get a membership right away. Let them know you’re a team-player they’ll love to have around. This helps particularly when a condition of membership application is to be ‘sponsored’ by an existing member.
Open Events: Even if not accepting new members, some ranges will have events for non-members. Watch out for these because they’re a great opportunity to meet members. Not only is it a great way of deciding if this is the community that is right for you, you might even meet someone who could sponsor your membership application. Sometimes knowing the right people can help a lot!
Membership Onboarding
Once you’ve found a range that will accept your membership application, you’ll find there will be an onboarding process. This is going to be slightly different range-to-range, but in general they’re going to take a similar format:
Collecting your information: They’re going to need you to tell them about yourself and your licence history. Pay great attention to details to minimize ‘back and forth’. Read and consider all the information they send you carefully.
Taking payment: You’ll need to pay them, potentially monthly or up-front for the season (often this is a year). This might be arranged prior to completing your range safety course.
Liability waivers: You’ve seen them before, and you’ll see them again. Waivers galore! Read them carefully so you know what you’re agreeing to.
Range Safety Course: Typically this is an in-person course designed to teach you the range’s specific safety measures. Usually a range will charge you a fee for the course - that’s just the way it is! Think of it like a rite of passage at each range.
Proficiency Test: Generally they’ll complete the range safety courses with a test your proficiency at safe handling and shooting targets. Passing this test is usually a condition of membership so you’ll be able to use the range unsupervised. You won’t need to be a great shot, but you’ll usually need to be able to hit targets. If you’re really worried about this ask how you might be able to get a little practice first.
As you might imagine, this process can take a few weeks from beginning to end.
Hopefully this helps those of you who are on the hunt for ranges. Let us know how your search is going. Let us know if you’ve got advice we should add to this article. We’re always interested in gleaning more about the landscape out there right now, especially with covid restrictions still in effect. Happy shooting!
Cased Colt Dragoon Model 1848 (1st issue) Revolver