Coastal 101: The Best Place to Test Your Aim

If you live outside the city limits and own your own ranch (or know someone who does), a little target practice isn’t a big deal. But for most Americans, sighting your rifles or getting a feel for your handgun means choosing from an outdoor or indoor shooting range. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you choose the range that’s right for you.

Outdoor

Most outdoor ranges offer the chance to fire just about any handgun, rife, or shotgun you own. In addition, outdoor ranges are typically more lenient when it comes to bringing your own ammunition. Other advantages include long-distance shooting, the chance to use incendiary rounds (at some locations), and clay pigeon target practice.

Bonus: Some outdoor ranges offer Concealed Handgun Licensing (CHL) classes for your state as well as the opportunity to practice with multiple targets at one time. 

Indoor

Driving to an indoor range can be a bit easier than trekking to an outdoor location if you live in the city or suburbs. Indoor ranges offer the chance to target practice in a temperature controlled environment. Plus, many purify the air to cut down on particulates. Be sure to bring proper ear and eye protection, as nearly all will require it. Thanks to automatic tracks, you can instantly set your target to any distance from 5 to 30 yards. Indoor ranges often put limits on the caliber and type of bullet you can use.

Bonus: Many indoor ranges offer Concealed Handgun Licensing (CHL) classes for your state. Increasingly, indoor ranges are offering virtual firing ranges as well as 360º interactive scenarios using immersive screens in specially designed rooms. 

Find a Range Near You

Finding an outdoor or indoor range is as easy as a quick online search. Looking for a local favorite? Stop by your Northwest owned and operated Coastal. Our folks can point you in the right direction. While you’re at the store, be sure to check out our handguns, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, gun safes, cleaning supplies, and hunting gear available at select stores. Stock up on everything you need, including boots that perform in any weather.

Gun Safety Rules at Coastal

Rule #1 – All guns are always loaded – Always. This simply means you must always treat every gun as if it’s loaded. Always assume that every gun you come into contact with is loaded until you have physically verified it for yourself. Don’t ever rely on anyone’s word for it. When you hold a gun in your hand, you are responsible for it and anything that occurs while in your possession. If you don’t know how a gun works, leave it alone and find a knowledgeable person to show you.

Rule #2 – Never point a firearm at anything you’re not willing to shoot – Ever. You must always be aware of where your gun is pointed at all times. Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy. This is the rule that saves lives. You MUST exercise due caution and diligence when handling a firearm.

Rule #3 – Keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard. Always keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until your sights are on target and you have made the conscious decision to shoot. If you have your finger on the trigger and you are startled in some way, your brain will react with a primitive response that will tighten every muscle in the body, including the trigger finger.

Rule #4 – Be sure of your target and what’s beyond and around it. The hand that holds the gun is responsible for whatever is done by that gun. If you fire a gun, you are responsible – no matter where it lands or what it hits. You must know where your shot will go when you fire it. You must know what it might hit if you miss your intended target. And you must know what it can go through and still have enough energy/power to kill or hurt.

Rule #5 – Always lock up your guns. Whether you use a trigger lock, handgun safe or a cabinet safe, always keep your firearms locked. As a responsible gun owner, you know that your gun is always loaded (refer to Rule #1), but not everyone is aware of these rules. Children are naturally curious and there’s always a chance someone could find your firearms. Keep them locked and away – it’s smart, and it’s easy.