11 People You’ll Meet at the Shooting Range

If you've ever been to the shooting range, you'll recognize at least a couple of these classic characters. How many have you experienced?

1. Guy who keeps his ear protection on during ceasefire

And...it's super effective. Kudos for being safe but you're kind of loud.

Firearm of choice: WHAT YOU SAY?!?

2. The guest

We were all one of them before so I'll go easy. They probably were invited by someone and are either a little scared/excited but ready to learn, or think they know everything since they prestiged a couple of times in Call of Duty. 

Hopefully, someone's taught them the 4 firearm rules and some basic grip and stance. If it goes well, we get to add another gun enthusiast to our tribe!

Firearm of choice: Start them off with a .22LR or a 12 ga pump loaded with slugs if they've been annoying.

3. Possibly gang affiliated guy

Good thing is...he's probably terrible. It's pretty hard to shoot one handed with brass spraying into your face.

Firearm of choice: Norinco or Hi-Point...the best $200 can buy

4. Unsafe guy

Could be anything from pointing the muzzle at people or keeping their fingers on the trigger during reloads. Makes the rest of us look bad if something happens...get away and tell the range officer!

Firearm of choice: Something with an external safety so they can say "don't worry, it's safe."

5. Guy with the best money can buy

You want to hate the guy...but damnit, does he have some good taste! Most likely a dentist or someone from IT.

Firearm of choice: GAP Rifle with a Schmidt & Bender PMII and an Atlas Bipod

6. Guy who brought 1 gun and 6 buddies

The goon squad is here to try out his new "assault rifle" and shoot off some "clips."

Firearm of choice: AR-15 with vertical foregrip and $30 red dot

7. Guy trying to sneak in some rapid fire

If you're at a range that requires 2 seconds between each shot... find a new range if you can.

If you're just trying to work in some bump-fire though, be careful!

Firearm of choice: AR-15 in .22 LR with a binary trigger

8. Range officer who is way too serious

I know keeping everyone safe is their job, but some go on a power trip and take all the fun out of shooting at the range.

Firearm of choice: 1911 in .45 ACP because it's a real man's gun

9. Guy practicing for his shooting competition

It might be 3-Gun, USPSA, IDPA, or Steel. Doesn't matter, he's ready with some double-taps and quick reloads.

Firearm of choice: 2011 .38 Super with a C-More sight

10. Tacticool guy

I know you've been waiting for this one. But no, I'll resist making fun of him. As long as they are safe I'm cool with them. BUT...some more extra points if they are in matching MultiCam top and bottom with a plate carrier.

Firearm of choice: 10 pound AR-15...SEARCH AND ASSESS!

11. The Noob

We were all the noob once. Don't stay one! Check out our Beginner Guides for everything to level up in firearms.

Firearm of choice: any gun is better than no gun

Conclusion

Most of these are just fun to see at your local range, but some are dangerous. Keep your head up and remember to stay safe out there.

With millions of new gun owners joining the shooting community in the past year or so there are a lot more people and a lot more people that are new to guns at the range these days. Be a friend and help them out when you can.

Which ones are you? Have any great shooting range stories? Let us know in the comments!