Find Your Range

This week Gun Talk begins filming the tenth season of Guns & Gear. Our first stop is at the Boondocks Firearms Training Academy in Raymond, Mississippi. Looking at the Boondocks facilities, I’m reminded how important it is to find a range to call home. Here are five things to look for when choosing your home range.

Facilities
Few ranges rival what Boondocks Firearm Training Academy offers. Facilities don’t have to be the nicest, but they need to be well thought out. Range and facility layout remains a significant factor. Poorly placed ranges can cause accidents.

Education
When looking at new ranges, consider that most good ranges offer an opportunity to advance skills needed. Take a class or two before signing on the dotted line. If they don’t offer full-blown courses, find out if they have any private training. Who knows, that might work out better for a busy schedule.

Safety
Range safety remains a top priority for any newcomer. Each range strives to be as safe as possible. However, many ranges take safety for granted. Safe ranges make for a happy home. Take a day to visit the range and sit back and watch the interaction of staff members and their procedures. You’ll get a quick feel for safety.

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Staff
Spending a week or two at a range like Boondocks spoils a shooter. The entire staff accommodates shooters and attends to the needs of all shooters. Plus, a great staff is knowledgeable over many different platforms and seeks to educate those newbies. Spend a little time with staff members and find out their background. This gives shooters insight into what they can expect at their new home.

Location
Don’t pay so much attention to the time it takes to drive to a good range that it overshadows other important factors. For me, as long as the drive time reasonable, it’s the least of my worries.

A home range develops positive shooting habits and enhances the shooting experience. Take time when seeking out a home. If you drive a bit longer but it meets or exceeds standards you’ve set, make the drive. It will be completely worth it when you finally find your range. ~ KJ

Kevin Jarnagin
Kevin Jarnagin (KJ) hails from Oklahoma, but quickly established Louisiana roots after joining the Gun Talk team. KJ grew up as a big game hunter, and knows his way around a bass boat. Whether it’s making his way to British Columbia for elk or training with pistols, Jarnagin always seems to find a gun in his hands and adventure on his mind.

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