Walking into a gun store for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know much about firearms training. Whether you’re taking concealed carry classes or shopping for guns, you’ll want to follow a few etiquette rules. Doing so will avoid offending anyone or making them feel unsafe.

Do:

Check that your gun is unloaded.

A store clerk should never hand you a loaded firearm, but you should always check. Also, make sure that your gun is unloaded before giving it to anyone else. At the firing range, when someone calls a ceasefire, you must stop firing, set your gun down and back away from the lane until you are given the all clear.

Ask all the questions you want.

No one will judge you or be upset if you tell them that you don’t know much about guns. Whether you’re shopping or at the range, tell the employees that you’re new. They’ll answer all of your questions and help you understand appropriate behavior.

Don’t:

Point a gun at someone.

It doesn’t matter if a gun is unloaded, and you know that it’s unloaded. Always treat firearms as if they have live rounds in them. Never point it at anyone or wave it around the store. If you’re holding a firearm, always watch which way the muzzle is pointed. You should only point it toward the floor or a target.

Dry fire a weapon.

Dry firing a weapon is when you pull the trigger when it doesn’t have ammunition in it. Doing so will damage certain weapons. If you want to know what pulling the trigger is like, ask the clerk for permission before doing so.

The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Shooter’s Firearms & Indoor Range will gladly help you learn the ropes of gun ownership. This shop carries an impressive selection of firearms, offers repairs, and has a full-service indoor shooting range in Columbia, IL. Learn more about their services on their website, and call (618) 281-6393 with any questions.