Also see, “The Buddy System and Ladies’ Day at the Range.”
Q: I’m new to shooting and don’t own a gun. What do I need in order to shoot at Ladies’ Day events?
To shoot at Ladies’ Day you will need:
1.Gun
2. Ammunition
3. Targets
4.”Eyes & Ears” (Hearing and Eye protection)
Which of these you have to purchase will depend on the range.
Shooter’s World
Shooter’s World has locations in Goodyear, Peoria, and Phoenix; they hold Ladies’ Day on Friday and offer women a free hour of range time and free firearms rentals. In this case, you would have to buy ammo from the range and targets, if you do not bring your own.
http://www.azshootersworld.com/Shooters-World-Ladies-Day-Free-Range-Fees-Free-Gun-Rentals.html
Scottsdale Gun Club [Removed]
Caswell’s Shooting Range
Caswells Shooting Range has its Ladies’ Days on Tuesdays and Thursdays; on these days, women are given free range time AND a free firearm rental. In this case, you would pay for ammo from the range and targets if you do not bring your own.
C2 Tactical
C2 Tactical has locations in Tempe and Scottsdale. They hold Ladies’ Day on Mondays and offer women free range time. In this case, you would have to pay for gun rental, ammo, and targets.*
Shooting Range Orientation & Liability Waivers:
Each range will require that you complete an orientation and sign a liability waiver. Often, these can be completed online before you visit. The range will have you watch a video about gun safety, range etiquette, and how to use the target carrier. Then you can sign a digital waiver, which they keep on file for a year or so. I might have included waiver links for different ranges in the event descriptions. By the time you get assigned a shooting lane, should have at least a gentle sense for your own next steps and what’s going on around you.
Ammunition:
If you rent a firearm, ranges typically require that you buy ammo from them to ensure a certain quality of ammo is being put through their rented guns. Some folks collect used ammo casings from the range and “reload” bullets, which means they make their own ammo, and this can be of varying quality. It can explode a gun if not done correctly, so ranges don’t want people using reloaded ammo in their rented guns.
I would recommend the cheapest ammo for target shooting, like FMJ (full metal jacket) –No hollow-point and no steel-core ammo. Steel-core ammo is problematic because it can spark and start fires at the range. Other ammo is more appropriate for home and self-defense than range practice. For example, hollow-point is less likely to exit a person and go through walls in your home. FMJ might exit the threat, go through walls, and enter other unintended targets. FMJ also tends to be cheaper, which makes it even more appropriate for range practice.
Buying ammo from the range will be more expensive in general due to business overhead, but you shouldn’t have to pay for the most expensive. $20-odd should be w/in tolerance. Tell the associate you want cheap ammo appropriate for range practice.
50-100 rounds is good for an hour of range time to start. Eventually, you become more intentional with range time and will use less or more depending on your desired outcomes.
Targets:
You can buy targets from the range or bring your own. I bought 3 for $5 from Shooter’s World. Some associates will give you one or two for free.
You can buy targets online or from sports and general retail stores like Walmart.
Eyes & Ears:
In addition to gun, ammo, and targets, you will also need “eyes and ears.” The range might provide eye and ear protection free or have a cheap little kit you can purchase for $5-$10. Otherwise, a good set of digital earmuffs with shooting glasses, and foam ear buds for under the muffs would be ideal.
RSO’s!
Range Safety Officers (RSO) will be on the range watching everyone to ensure that range safety measures are being upheld. They can also assist shooters with their firearms, the target carrier, and more. In my experience, they love to ‘teach.’
If you will be visiting alone, please also see, The Buddy System and Ladies’ Day at the Range.
The 4 Universal Rules of Firearms Safety
- 1. The gun is always loaded. If it’s not loaded, read this rule again.
2. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. Never point the gun at anything you’re not ready and willing to destroy.
4. Always know your target and what is beyond (For example, your target is a can on a stump, and behind this are cow grazing in a field).