noob going to range for the first time

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Kryptonnyc

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So, yes im one of those people that bought guns during the pandemic(but i also only moved up to westchester somewhat recently)

i have my pistol license (sport target)

my question is, what is the proper way to travel to the range with my gun?

its a glock 17, so it came with a case.. do i leave it in that case, with ammo separate? ammo in same case? spare ammo in bag?

same question for shotgun/rifle. locked separately in different compartments in the car?


thanks
 
Phazer

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Kryptonnyc said:
So, yes im one of those people that bought guns during the pandemic(but i also only moved up to westchester somewhat recently)

i have my pistol license (sport target)

my question is, what is the proper way to travel to the range with my gun?

its a glock 17, so it came with a case.. do i leave it in that case, with ammo separate? ammo in same case? spare ammo in bag?

same question for shotgun/rifle. locked separately in different compartments in the car?


thanks
Click to expand...
According to the Westchester Pistol License and Safety Handbook (chapter 6):

Regardless of the type of firearm license held, the licensee may legally transport a firearm between the location where the firearm is kept or stored to/ from any place where the firearm will be bought, sold, repaired, used for familiarization, target practice or other incidental purpose. Unless the licensee holds a carry license, during such transport, the firearm must be kept unloaded in a locked case. Ammunition, if any, must be kept separate from the firearm
 
Xae289

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You can carry concealed to the range. If you're uncomfortable with that, then put it in a case, unloaded,and with the ammo separate.

As a practical matter, until you get some familiarity and trust with your Glock, I would say it might not be the best thing to carry it. If you're going to carry it, get a good kydex holster that conceals the firearm well. You can practice at home with the weapon completely unloaded, getting past its concealment to draw it at a target in a safe direction. At a minimum, I'd say do that a few hundred times over a half dozen sessions, without even once accidentally putting your finger on the trigger, before putting it on loaded and walking out the house with it. I also wouldn't carry without going to the range several times and doing some live fire.

None of that is an actual requirement, mind you. Legally, you can carry concealed to the range. That's just my personal bare minimum standard for carry as some random dude online.
 
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spat

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Xae289 said:
You can carry concealed to the range. If you're uncomfortable with that, then put it in a case, unloaded,and with the ammo separate.

As a practical matter, until you get some familiarity and trust with your Glock, I would say it might not be the best thing to carry it. If you're going to carry it, get a good kydex holster that conceals the firearm well. You can practice at home with the weapon completely unloaded, getting past its concealment to draw it at a target in a safe direction. At a minimum, I'd say do that a few hundred times over a half dozen sessions, without even once accidentally putting your finger on the trigger, before putting it on loaded and walking out the house with it. I also wouldn't carry without going to the range several times and doing some live fire.

None of that is an actual requirement, mind you. Legally, you can carry concealed to the range. That's just my personal bare minimum standard for carry as some random dude online.
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Not sure where he's taking it. Many ranges do not allow you to draw from a holster.

That makes it a practical issue that prevents carrying to the range. I end up transferring from holster to case in the car then walking in.
 
Carlos Hathcock

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XAE is correct. Learn the basic rules of firearm safety. (Treat ALL firearms as if loaded, finger off trigger, verify your target and beyond, etc.) Make them habit and muscle memory....but never get comfortable and complacent. No matter what range I'm at I also pay close attention the the other shooters and look for any bad habits and unsafe practices. Just because you're at a range, doesn't mean you're safe. Situational awareness.
 
Xae289

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spat said:
Not sure where he's taking it. Many ranges do not allow you to draw from a holster.

That makes it a practical issue that prevents carrying to the range. I end up transferring from holster to case in the car then walking in.
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Fair point. Speaking for the ranges in Westchester, I've never had an issue with any of the ones I've been to here. Even the ones that don't allow firing from the draw allow you to bring it in holstered. But I did run into that once up at a range by Lake George, so it's definitely worth it to check ahead to see if you would be allowed to bring the pistol you want to shoot, holstered.
 
TheMoneyPit

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If your going to a range I’d recommend carrying it unloaded, ammo separate.

If I’m bringing a pistol to the range even if I’m concealed carrying I stop outside the gate, unload it and put it in my range bag.
 
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Kryptonnyc

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thanks for all the tips guys.. guess ill look into a holster for future. gonna bring in a case for now until i get more comfortable with it.
i kinda knew i can conceal carry, but wasnt sure on range ettiequte.

planning on taking a couple courses in the future. now my wife wants to apply for a license since i got mine .. gonna be a long wait for her
 
dwa12479

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First off, congrats on making the plunge and becoming a gun owner.

As was said above, a lot of ranges don't let people draw from holsters, so if that's the situation with the range you're headed to, then I would suggest you transport unloaded in a case of some sort with the slide locked open. WHen you open up at the range, make sure muzzle is downrange. Happy shooting!

I do the same with long gun transport. I have an arrow taped on all my cases so I know which is end is the "front".
 
Cooolone

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Lots of good and bad information you'll find by asking questions on the internet! Experience will be your best teacher! Lmao!

That said ... Congrats! Hope you enjoy your new firearms and use them often (target, lol)...

Know the Firearm Safety Rules first and foremost! And think about getting some lessons too if that's something you'd do. Is worth a few bucks in the beginning if you're uncomfortable. If you have some prior experience, but just haven't owned firearms before, then you'll probably be ok.

There is "No Law" requiring you to keep your handgun locked in your trunk and separated from it's ammo. You are legally allowed to transport the firearm concealed to the range and use it, same for the return trip. Don't put it in the glove box and leave the car, especially if someone else is there. That could create a problem... Anyways...

And also, "drawing from a holster" restrictions at a range mean practicing drawing from the holster to shoot downrange repeatedly! This is not the same as drawing from your holster, to place your weapon on the stall safely, so you may use it. Know that upon drawing, you should (always pointing downrange) remove your mag, and unload the weapon, keeping the action open and place it on the table in the stall rested and pointing down range! Always be aware of what's going on around you and always listen to and obey the direction of the range officer!

As for long guns, they must not be inside the car, even with ammo separate. They must be in the trunk, ammo separate and unloaded... Just sayin!

Don't forget to get good ear protection, don't skimp hear (pun intended) and shooting (ballistic rated) safety glasses, they can be found cheap and with good optics. Don't wear clothes that can catch and keep the hot spent shell casing like a hoodie, lol...

And please, make sure after you enjoy your time there, you clean up and leave it in good condition for the next guy, always be considerate! Save the brass if you have a spot to keep it all, some places will give you credit (by weight) for once used brass when buying reloads. And lastly, clean your firearms after each use. Especially if it's a carry!!! Just my opinion... To get familiar with your firearm prior to going to the range is advisable as well. At home handling (unloaded), placing and removing magazine, locking open, disassembling (slide, etc), and DRY FIRING all provide some familiarity before going to the range. A nice small range bag is a worthy investment too. It'll keep all your stuff together and you won't arrive looking like a bag lady, hahaha!

Just some thoughts ... Good luck and have fun!

Regards!
 
ikilledkenny

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for long guns,
i generally leave the action open and/or magazine detached, unloaded, throw it in a bag, leave it the trunk [like a car, for SUV, good measure lock it].

ammo throw it in the backseat.

if you can lock it, do it. otherwise buy a cheap lock and just 'lock' the bag.

oh yea, save the payment receipts from range, until you reach your destination/home. just in case.
 
Calculon

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Enjoy your first trip to the range. Keep it simple until you're more comfortable - keep Glock unloaded in its case. Keep ammo in separate bag/ammo can. Load once you get to firing line. Will give you time to acclimate to the environment without concern of handling a loaded pistol. Once ready stay present/focused on what you are doing.
 
MikeM

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Cooolone has it right, every range I have ever gone to that doesnt allow holster draw still allows you to carry it to the line and upholster it.

I would suggest you tell the RSO (range safety officer) that it's your first time at the range and first time shooting. They will give you a run down on the range rules and keep close watch on you for safety. They might also offer pointers which will help you get familiar with shooting and with your handgun.

Absorb their pointers, they have lots of experience but remember, everyone shoots differently and their stance and grip may not be what's best for you.
 
togmaster

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Kryptonnyc said:
thanks for all the tips guys.. guess ill look into a holster for future. gonna bring in a case for now until i get more comfortable with it.
i kinda knew i can conceal carry, but wasnt sure on range ettiequte.

planning on taking a couple courses in the future. now my wife wants to apply for a license since i got mine .. gonna be a long wait for her
Click to expand...

Cool. Contact Ben @OnSight Firearms Training if you haven't already. Great source for training in our area.
 
Acer-m14

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Cooolone said:
As for long guns, they must not be inside the car, even with ammo separate. They must be in the trunk, ammo separate and unloaded... Just sayin!
Click to expand...

my 4x4 has no trunk and my pt cruiser is a hatch back .. no trunk .. how the fk could i go hunting then with my autos

PS .. my musket / inline long gun is not loaded till i put the percussion cap or primer in/on it .. just saying .. while it has powder and bullet in it ..
 
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OnSight Firearms Training

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Kryptonnyc said:
thanks for all the tips guys.. guess ill look into a holster for future. gonna bring in a case for now until i get more comfortable with it.
i kinda knew i can conceal carry, but wasnt sure on range ettiequte.

planning on taking a couple courses in the future. now my wife wants to apply for a license since i got mine .. gonna be a long wait for her
Click to expand...

info@oftllc.us
 
spat

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Kryptonnyc said:
So, yes im one of those people that bought guns during the pandemic(but i also only moved up to westchester somewhat recently)

i have my pistol license (sport target)

my question is, what is the proper way to travel to the range with my gun?

its a glock 17, so it came with a case.. do i leave it in that case, with ammo separate? ammo in same case? spare ammo in bag?

same question for shotgun/rifle. locked separately in different compartments in the car?


thanks
Click to expand...
Best advice is to take a class.

I'd been shooting guns since I was a kid, The wife and I still took a class when we got our permits. There is a difference between someone who knows how to shoot well, and someone who knows how to teach *you* to shoot well.

It's like the difference between a coach and a quarterback. Vince Lombardi and Joe Montana are both legends, but you want to make sure they are each on the correct side of the sidelines...
 
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If you plan on going to Blue Mountain, you cannot bring your gun into the lodge when you sign in. The safest thing , in my opinion, is to keep the gun in a locked case and carry that case to the shooting line. Walter at Blue Mountain is a great RSO and will guide you through safely handling and shooting your new gun. Going luck and welcome to the fold.
 
Cooolone

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stretch178 said:
If you plan on going to Blue Mountain, you cannot bring your gun into the lodge when you sign in. The safest thing , in my opinion, is to keep the gun in a locked case and carry that case to the shooting line. Walter at Blue Mountain is a great RSO and will guide you through safely handling and shooting your new gun. Going luck and welcome to the fold.
Click to expand...

Excuse me?
Lmao!

Been there dozens of times, I'm not taking my sidearm off for anyone!

Concealed is concealed!

Have a nice day!
;)
 
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