How To Join A Range
How do I join a range? We imagine this is a question that will flash through your mind shortly after your PAL shows up in the mail - if not before. You’ll struggle to remember what we said in the course and you’ll start to get sweaty, really sweaty… in anticipation of the tests and hurdles to overcome.
Okay, maybe you’re not sweaty.
A gun range is only as good as how you can use it.
What we mean is the most important thing to consider is how you’re going to use a range. This helps you identify what kind of range is going to be best for you.
Are you going to shoot straight at paper targets indoors year-round? Or do you like dirty outdoors? Does 3-Gun, IPSIC, or LDS appeal to you?
Not all ranges do everything well, so your starting point will be what you plan to get into and then go from there.
Location, Location, Location
The first and most important thing you want to 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… good lucK!
Hours
Some ranges have very 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 longer hours, 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, better maintained, and 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.
Safety
You’ll find most ranges comparable in terms of safety however that said we’ve found ventilation systems vary wildly between ranges. Newer ranges tend to have state of the art ventilation and that sucks up the fumes from shooting very effectively. Older ranges tend to get smokey. Depending on your tolerance for the fumes, or your concern for your health, this might affect your decision.
Additionally, some ranges have what can only be described as funny rules in the name of “safety”. For example, one range we know of prohibits any rapid fire shooting. There’s nothing inherently unsafe about rapid fire, so long as your’e in control. It’s a skill worth practicing, in our opinion. Make sure you understand rules and ensure they’re compatible with the kind of shooting you like to do.
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. Sometimes you need to know someone to get a foot in the door. Don’t worry though, put your name on that waiting list and watch out for 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!
Range Safety Courses
Every range has to run its members through a safety refresher. In Ontario it’s only necessary when you first join. In Quebec, it’s required every year. The course should remind you of your ACTS PROVE, teach you that range’s particular policies, and then observe your safe shooting. The best of the courses we’ve experienced gave us a lot of value whereas the worst were structured as an intimidating test. Since it’s hard to know which you’ll encounter, and this could be your first time shooting live ammunition, we recommend taking a look at the CFSC manual ahead of time and reviewing your safety procedures. Even better, if it’s an option, go shooting with someone more experienced to practice before you have a to take a range safety course.
Communication
Keep in mind, ranges aren’t always operated by the most tech-savvy people. We’ve had best luck just calling up ranges to have a chat about how to become a member. Emails often get lost in transit… We don’t recommend just showing up without contacting a range. Most are behind a locked door and, depending on staffing, you might well be left standing in the cold if no one is even present.
Just tell me what range to join!
If only it were that easy! We can say we’ve been members at a handfull around the GTA and all have their pros and cons. We don’t want to bias anyone towards any range in particular and we don’t want to get into formally reviewing other businesses. But if you have any particular questions feel free to drop us an email.
