Whether you’re a first-time shooter or an experienced marksman, understanding the rules, etiquette, and best practices will make your shooting range experience safer and more enjoyable.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about shooting on a shooting range so you can confidently step up to the line and hit your target.

How Old do you have to be to go to a Shooting Range?

To know how old you have to be to go to a shooting range, contact the specific range you plan to visit to confirm their age requirements and policies.​

• In most states, minors (under 18 years old) are allowed to use a shooting range but must do so under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
• Most ranges allow children from 10 years old to shoot firearms as long as they are under the supervision of a parent or a legal guardian.

State Regulations

Texas, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Michigan, and many other states allow minors (under 18) to shoot at a gun range as long as they do so under parental guidance or the supervision of a legal guardian.  

In New York, the minimum for using a shooting range is 12 (under supervision) as per the NYS Penal Law § 265.20, Subdivision 7-c.

Buying a Gun vs Using a Gun at a Shooting Range

Purchasing a rifle or shotgun for personal use is different from temporarily using a firearm at a range. 

Federal law mandates that individuals must be 18 to purchase rifles and shotguns and 21 to purchase handguns. 

However, federal age requirements do not necessarily dictate the age at which someone can use a firearm under supervision at a range.

Examples of Range Policies 

The minimum age for using a shooting range can vary from one range to another, even within the same state.

• In Mayland, for example, FRED’S OUTDOORS does not permit users to shoot firearms unless they are 21 and under competent supervision. 
• GUNTRY, on the other hand, permits users under 18 (under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian who signs a waiver)

These are all shooting ranges within the state of Maryland, but they have different rules for how old children have to be to be permitted to shoot firearms in the shooting range.

The same applies to shooting ranges in many other states in the U.S.

• COLONIAL SHOOTING (Virginia) requires children to be at least 10 years old to shoot firearms on the range. 

So, it depends on the laws of the shooting range in question. 

Do You Need a Gun License to Shoot at a Range?

Federal law does not require a license to shoot at a gun range. Whether or not you need a gun license to shoot at a range is determined by the state laws and individual range policies. 

• Some states like Massachusetts require individuals to have a permit or license to possess or handle firearms, which may extend to shooting at ranges, but many states do not.
• In most states, you can rent firearms and shoot under the supervision of range staff without any prior licensing.

However, individual ranges may have their policies, so it's essential to check with the specific range beforehand.​

How Much Does it Cost to Go to a Shooting Range?

Without a membership, or having a friend with a membership or trial membership, generally costs about  $20-$30 for a single shooter. 

This is assuming you're renting a handgun, using their ammo, and getting a lane for 1/2 an hour. 

The price will go up the more you shoot and the longer you have a lane.

If you are going to a shooting range for the first time, make a budget of about $250. For this price, you can get the following important services within about 2  hours:

• A private instructor to teach you how a handgun works, 
• A handgun safety class, 
• Practice draw/grip/stance/trigger pull, handgun rental (several models),
• 1-on-1 coaching on the range. 

Here are some fees you might pay at a shooting range

• Lane rental fees ($17.50 to $28 per hour) ​
• Firearm rental fees ($9.99 to $15)​
• Targets ($1 to $5 each, depending on the type and size).​
• Training sessions or classes ($50 to over $100, depending on the course length and content).​

It's advisable to contact the specific shooting range you plan to visit for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.​

What to Wear to a Gun Range

Safety and comfort should be your top priorities when deciding what to wear to a shooting range. Here’s a general guide on what to wear for both men and women:

i. Long-Sleeved Shirts and Jackets 

• If you are at an outdoor range, wear moisture-wicking or breathable fabric to keep you cool or warm, depending on the weather.
• Wear long sleeves for extra protection from hot brass. 
• Avoid low-cut or loose-fitting tops: Hot shell casings can fly back and land inside your clothing, which can be painful and distracting.

ii. Full-length Pants and Shorts 

• Wear full-length pants. Jeans, tactical pants, or any sturdy, non-flammable material are best. 
• Avoid shorts, as hot shell casings can land on your legs.
• Avoid ripped jeans or open-fabric materials that can allow brass to fall into the openings.

iii. Closed-to Footwear

• Wear closed-toe shoes, preferably sneakers, boots, or tactical shoes. 
• Avoid sandals, flip-flops, or open-toe shoes: they provide no protection.
• Shooting ranges may have spent casings on the ground, so wear shoes with good grip and support.

iv. Headgear (Optional for Adults) 

Wear a baseball cap or hat to keep hot brass from landing on your head or behind your glasses.

v. Appropriate Eye and Ear Protection 

When shooting going to a shooting range, wear ANSI Z87.1-rated safety glasses or military-grade ballistic-rated eyewear to protect your eyes from potential hazards like flying brass, debris, and gunpowder particles

Here are some recommended types of eye protection to wear when shooting a firearm

• Safety Glasses that meet ANSI Z87.1 standards and have polycarbonate lenses.
• Ballistic-rated shooting glasses that meet MIL-PRF-31013 or MIL-PRF-32432 standards
• Prescription glasses must be ANSI-rated or ballistic-rated

Use over-ear muffs or in-ear plugs to help protect your hearing from loud gunfire. 

Electronic hearing protection is also a great option because it provides better situational awareness.

vi. Avoid Accessories or Jewelry

• Do not wear accessories or jewelry when going to a gun range. Dangling necklaces, hoop earrings, or bracelets can get in the way.
• If you have long hair, tie it back to prevent it from interfering with your shooting stance or getting caught in your gear.

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