What to expect my first time at a shooting range?

See, some of these guys go to the commercial ranges.They are there to take your money, and then sell you guns, and the ammo for them. Just like the common tourist trap. Money for this, more money for that, OH, you would like to look at this also, more money. Those who REALLY know, and do this all the time would tell you to find your local sportsman's club. There you will find people who will honestly help you. Go visit sportsmen, you will always be welcome. Not one is there to take your money.

Go watch be, polite and speak with people like you have known them your entire life, and make friends. If you are a nice guy, I bet as often happens at clubs I belong to, it won't be long till someone hands you a beautiful shotgun, and a box of shells, and says, here try mine.

I fit in many walks of life, am welcome among business people, community leaders, the elite in society, but am most proud and comfortable to be among sportsmen.

The cost adds up pretty quick.. bring $200 and you should have plenty. You probably have to be at least 18 (possibly older depending on the place) also nowadays they have to do a background check to do gun rentals (at least where I am). Ammo is expensive so prepare for that to hurt your pocketbook.

The shooting range is far cheaper when you own the gun and already have at least one box of ammo.

One thing to consider is the cost of each bullet... divide the cost of the box by typically 100 bullets inside and that's the cost of each round... it makes you consider each shot more carefully instead of just randomly shooting and not focusing on aim etc.

You can wear whatever you want. Make sure to bring an ID.

EDIT: It appears that many of the answers below didn't take the time to actually read your question which said you planned on renting the gun... which is the whole reason for the extra cost.

costs vary by range, call or visit their website for more info.

my local range, $16 per person, $8 per handgun rental, and (really expensive) ammo due to current situation. targets are usually 3 for a buck or something. 3-4 targets is plenty for one visit. eye and protection is provided free or charge. they have rules, be sure to know and follow them! most ranges are very strict about the rules, which keeps everyone safe.

if you don't own a gun you cannot go by yourself, most ranges in the country require someone to accompany you to rent a gun... insurance reasons

you need your ID at the minimum, money to pay for stuff, 18 to rent/shoot rifles/shotguns and 21 to shoot handguns.

some recommendations-

- if it's an indoor range, they allow rifles or people are shooting rifles request to 'double up' which is earplugs and earmuffs. rifles are very loud indoors and muffs are usually not enough.

- first time shooting a gun, get bigger targets, you will probably not shoot very well.

- some outdoor ranges really out there are cash only or charges 3% fee for credit/debit card. bring cash.

- up to date state ID or DL required. dunno why expired ID doesn't work.

- if you don't know what you're doing please put down the gun and find the RSO (Range Safety Officer) or a range employee.

- make sure the ear muffs work well and fit well prior to entering shooting area.

- do not remove ear protection at any time in the shooting area.

- outdoor ranges have cease fires where everyone stops shooting to place targets or check targets. typically 10 to 20 minute intervals.

- if your gun has a problem put it down and find a range employee/RSO. do not bring the gun out of the shooting area!

- if at any time the ear protection seems to not work cease fire immediately and leave the area, to determine if you need to change ear protection or switch toe ear plugs. this is common shooting heavy recoiling rifles or shotguns, the muffs by interfere with shouldering of the gun and be knocked out of place by recoil.

- if at indoor range and you lane is next to some guy shooting a really loud rifle that really bothers you you can request a lane change or shoot when he's not shooting

- if hot brass falls down your shirt, bear the pain long enough to put down the gun, a lot of unsafe situations are caused by doing the "hot brass dance"

Ranges where you can rent and will have to buy range ammo will be considerably expensive. Expect to pay around $200 just for that one outing if you do it like that because they can get away with it.

Yu bring money and ID. And the minimum ager requirement is going to be at least 18 or be accompanied by someone who is.

Intention the attractions and easily pull the set off. In no way factor the gun at something you would not wish to shoot and always maintain it pointed DOWN variety. It is going to be VERY loud specifically if its indoors. However it is very enjoyable. Revel in :)

use google call local range and ask....

here it's 15 bucks per 30 minutes if u bring ur own gun at indoor range.......30 bucks per 30 minutes if u don't.......ammo depends on what ur shooting...but 20 bucks per 20 rounds is average....but u can bring ur own as long as it's new brass cased ammo.....50 bucks +ammo if u rent the full auto.....

out door range its 5 bucks per day .....or 25 for the year...only open on weekends when range master is avail......

Where the heck are you. I pay 35 bucks a year, get my own key and just drive to the range, find an open place on the line and shoot. Observe safety and respect other shooters. It's a blast.

Okay, I grew up shooting on private property and started shooting at public ranges when I started college in the big city a few years ago. It was a new experience for me too. $200 is WAY overkill, but bringing as much money as possible will guarantee you have the absolute funnest time because you won't be constrained by running out of ammo, targets, or time.

From the ranges I've been to (about six different ones), here's what I've gathered. All ranges are different though, and calling ahead and asking about pricing will save you a ton of headaches and money. These are the prices I consider when planning a day at the range:

On average, the time will cost you between $5 and $8 per hour or between $15 and $25 per day. I like to shoot for 2 or 3 hours so I just put $30 to it so I won't worry about being rushed.

Bringing my own ammo will save money every time just because if I shop around, I can usually find a lower price than the ranges. But normally, I think $20 to $40 for my centerfire ammo. That's either one or two 50 round packs of ammo. And about $10 of rimfire ammo, that's another 100 rounds.

Then if I rent a gun, I always rent their rimfire guns because the cheap ammo keeps me on the range longer and most indoor ranges are 30 yards or less and that's well within the range of 22lr. That's another $15 right there.

Targets are usually $1 to $3 a piece. Get paper with multiple targets on them. My favorite range has paper with an entire deck of cards lined up on it. That's 52 targets for me and it's only $1.

Most of the time hearing and eye protection is free, but I've seen ranges charge $2 to rent earbuds and $1 to rent glasses.

I've learned that I save most money when bringing my own gear. I don't rent guns. I just bring the guns that I want to shoot. I shop around at a local gun shop whose ammo prices are lower than Wal-Marts. They have ammo in stock too! It's 2 packs per day per customer, but that means Monday is my .30 carbine ammo day, Tuesday is my 22lr ammo day, etc. I buy the ranges targets just because I don't like hauling my paper around and it's only $1 a piece. And I found a good range and paid for six months of membership. Depending on how much they charge members to shoot and how often you shoot, it may be cheaper for you to just get a membership. Lastly, I went to Wal-Mart and bought my own hearing and eye protection. When I go shoot, I try to set aside $50 for gas, ammo, range time, and targets.

Age? If you are 21 or older, you shouldn't have any problems. Some ranges say only those 21 and older may shoot. Anyone under 21 must be with an authorized adult. Some ranges say only be over 18. Some ranges say be 21 and over to shoot a handgun and 18 and over to shoot a rifle. It really depends. If you are under 21, don't go expecting to rent a handgun and shoot it. They can't sell you the ammo for it. If you think age will be an issue, it will be worth your time to call ahead and ask.

Most ranges don't have too many rules on clothing. When I go shooting, I wear long sleeves or a jacket, closed toe shoes, and pants that cover all of my legs. The only reason for that is because of ejected shell cases. Those little buggers can get hot if you are shooting the right kinda ammo. Then when you go in the booth, it gets ejected out of your gun and bounces off the wall and then you have your neighbor shooting next to you. It's not a big deal and not many people complains about it, but it messes with my concentration when a hot shell case lands on my arm.

I was in the range one day and a fella was shooting his AK47. A shell casing bounced off the wall and landed on his arm while he was shooting. I guess the little sting from it caught him off-guard and he smacked it off, but in the process he fired his gun. That was a negligent discharge and those can be dangerous to the shooter and everybody around him. I told the range officer on my way out and he said that he would have a word with the fella.

My best advice is to take all of these questions (because they are great questions to have) and call whatever range you plan to visit and ask them. Then plan accordingly. Whatever amount of money you think you will need for the range, multiply it by 1.5 and bring that. You don't want to run out of money before you shooting thirst is satisfied.