What to Bring to a Shooting Range (The Complete Checklist)

Your first trip to a shooting range is a lot smoother when you show up with the right gear — and know what to leave in the truck. This checklist covers everything most ranges expect you to bring, what they'll rent or sell you if you forget, and the handful of items that will get you turned away at the counter.

If you don't have a home range yet, find one near you first and check its website or give them a call — every range has its own house rules, and five minutes of reading saves an awkward conversation at the front desk.

The quick checklist

• Eye protection (impact-rated safety glasses)
• Ear protection (muffs, plugs, or both)
• Your firearm, unloaded, in a case
• Ammunition the range allows for your caliber
• Magazines (two or more saves reloading time)
• Targets (or buy at the counter)
• Valid government-issued ID
• Range membership card, if you have one
• Cash or card for lane fees and extras
• Closed-toe shoes and a crew-neck shirt
• A hat with a brim

Everything else is nice-to-have. Let's go through the items that matter most.

Eye and ear protection

This is the non-negotiable pair. No range will let you on the firing line without both, and most will rent them for a few dollars if you forget.

Eyes: any safety glasses rated ANSI Z87.1 or better will do. Prescription glasses alone usually aren't rated for impact — pick up a pair of over-glasses safety frames that fit on top. Clear lenses work everywhere; tinted lenses help on bright outdoor ranges.

Ears: gunfire runs roughly 140–170 decibels — loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage from a single unprotected shot. Look for hearing protection with a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) in the 22–33 dB band.

Indoor tip: double up. Foam plugs under earmuffs is standard practice at indoor ranges, where concrete walls make every shot louder and you're often a lane away from someone shooting a muzzle-braked rifle. Electronic muffs are worth the upgrade eventually — they block shots while letting you hear range commands.

Ammunition — check the rules before you buy

Ammo is where first-timers most often get tripped up, because ranges restrict what you can shoot for good reasons:

• Indoor ranges commonly ban steel-core, steel-jacket (bi-metal), tracer, and incendiary ammunition. Steel sparks against backstops and destroys bullet traps; tracers start fires. Many indoor ranges keep a magnet at the counter and will check your rounds.
• Some ranges require you to shoot ammo purchased on site for rental guns — a fraud-prevention policy that's very common.
• Outdoor ranges may restrict magnum calibers, .50 BMG, or armor-piercing rounds depending on their backstops.

Standard brass-cased FMJ ("ball") ammo in common calibers is welcome almost everywhere. Bring more than you think you'll shoot — a box of 50 goes fast — but know that any range will happily sell you more.

Your firearm (and how to transport it)

Arrive with your firearm unloaded and cased. A soft case is fine; what matters is that you don't walk through the front door with an uncased or loaded gun — that's the fastest way to make a range officer's day worse. Transport laws vary by state, so know your local rules for carrying firearms in a vehicle before you head out.

Renting instead? Most commercial indoor ranges have rental counters with pistols and often rifles. Note that many ranges require renters to either bring a buddy or show a firearm of their own — a common industry safety policy — so call ahead if you're planning a solo first visit.

Bring at least two magazines if you have them. Loading magazines eats range time, and pre-loading a few before your lane goes hot keeps the session moving.

Targets

Most ranges sell paper targets for a dollar or three, and some include one with your lane fee. If you bring your own, stick to paper or cardboard — many ranges prohibit:

• Metal or homemade reactive targets
• Bottles, cans, clay pigeons on the berm, or anything that leaves debris
• Human-silhouette targets at some club ranges (check first)

Outdoor ranges often have target stands at fixed distances; a staple gun or masking tape for hanging targets is the single most-forgotten item in shooting. Toss one in your range bag.

ID, paperwork, and money

• Government-issued photo ID — required at essentially every commercial range, both for age verification and rentals.
• Age rules vary: shooters under 18 or 21 usually need a parent or guardian present, and rental age minimums are often 21 for handguns.
• Waivers: expect to sign one on your first visit; some ranges let you do it online ahead of time.
• Payment: lane fees typically run $15–$30 per hour indoors (full cost breakdown here). Small clubs and outdoor ranges are sometimes cash-only.

What to wear

Hot brass is the range's favorite prank, and it wins every time against the wrong outfit:

• Crew-neck or high-collar shirt. A spent casing down a low-cut collar burns — and worse, it makes people jerk around with a loaded gun in hand.
• Closed-toe shoes. Required at most ranges; brass on bare toes is no fun either.
• A brimmed hat keeps brass from lodging between your glasses and your eyebrow (it happens more than you'd think).
• Avoid loose scarves, big hoods, and dangling jewelry.

Nice-to-haves for your range bag

None of these are required, but experienced shooters carry most of them:

• Stapler/tape and a marker (for scoring and labeling targets)
• A small first-aid kit
• Bore snake or basic cleaning kit
• UpLULA-style magazine loader (your thumbs will thank you)
• Water and a snack for longer outdoor sessions — plus sunscreen
• A brass bag if your range lets you collect your own brass
• Hand wipes or lead-removal wipes for after you shoot — wash up before eating

What NOT to bring

• Alcohol or anything intoxicating. Universal, zero-tolerance. Many ranges will refuse service if they even suspect you've been drinking.
• Loaded, uncased firearms (outside of a legally carried and holstered firearm where the range permits it — ask about their carry policy).
• Prohibited ammo — steel-core, tracer, incendiary (see above).
• An audience of distractions: young kids who can't follow range commands, pets, or a group bigger than your lane allows.
• A bad attitude about safety corrections. Range officers correct everyone, from first-timers to competitive shooters. Take it well.

First-timer tips

1. Tell the counter staff it's your first visit. They'll walk you through the rules, and many ranges will have a range safety officer (RSO) get you set up in your lane. Nobody judges a new shooter who asks questions — they judge the one who doesn't.
2. Learn the commands before you go. "Cease fire" means stop shooting immediately, unload, and step back. Our range etiquette guide covers the full command set and the unwritten rules.
3. Book a lesson if it's your very first time shooting. An hour with an instructor beats a hundred YouTube videos. Many training facilities and CCW class providers offer intro sessions for new shooters.
4. Start indoors if you're nervous. Indoor ranges are controlled, supervised, and beginner-friendly — short pistol distances, staff nearby, and no weather to fight.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own gun?

No. Most commercial ranges rent handguns and often rifles for $10–$25 plus ammo. It's actually a smart way to try different models before buying. Solo-renter restrictions apply at many ranges, so bring a friend or call ahead.

Can I bring my own ammo?

Usually yes for your own firearm, with restrictions on steel-core/tracer/incendiary rounds. For rental guns, many ranges require range-purchased ammo.

What if I forget my ear or eye protection?

Every commercial range rents or sells both at the counter. You won't be turned away — just charged a few dollars.

Is there a dress code?

Not formally, but closed-toe shoes are typically required, and a high-neck shirt plus a brimmed hat will save you from hot-brass burns.

How much money should I bring?

For one shooter with their own gun: lane fee ($15–$30/hr indoor), a couple boxes of ammo, and a few targets — plan on $50–$80 for a comfortable session. See our complete cost guide for the full math.