When at the shooting range, safety should always come first. Taking the proper measures will mitigate risks, and keep everyone safe. Learn how you can do the same in this Backyard Life video.
In the words of NASCAR star and lifelong hunter Austin Dillon, “The first part of having a good, successful day of shooting is, of course, safety.” In this Backyard Life video, Dillon provides an overview on shooting range safety as he tries out a new rifle. Here are some of the basics Dillon follows when he’s on the range:
Shooting Range Safety Tips
- ALWAYS keep your gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the primary rule of gun safety. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
- ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. When holding a gun, rest your finger alongside the frame and outside the trigger guard. Don’t touch the trigger until you’re actually ready to fire.
- ALWAYS keep your gun unloaded until you’re ready to use it. If you don’t know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.
Now that he’s taken aim on range safety, Dillon’s ready to do the same with some targets. But, he does have one more important tip, first: ear protection. “We want to take care of our ears,” he says, holding up a pair of foam earplugs. You’ll also want to look into a solid pair of noise-canceling headphones.
Remember to follow Dillon’s gun safety basics (including, covering your ears), then get ready for a great—and safe—day at the shooting range!