Taking Your Date to the Gun Range

You guys really seemed to enjoy our blog post last week on the best Valentine’s Day gifts for gun lovers. So before we go back to our regular concealed carry content, we put together another fun blog post for the month of love!

I know some of you (me included) are planning on taking their partner out on a date to the shooting range for Valentine’s Day. It’s definitely one of the best date destinations - here’s why.

Why the Gun Range is the Perfect Date Destination

Going to the gun range will make for a unique and exciting first date! It’ll leave quite the thrilling impression compared to your usual move and dinner. This will be something both you and your date will remember.

The gun range just isn’t for first dates either. You can strengthen your bond with your long-term partner by bringing in a little adventure. It’s also a great way to connect as a couple by spending time together exploring a hobby - in this case, it’s shooting!

Before you get your adrenaline pumping and push each other to get better with each shot… Just like any date, you need to prepare!

Teach Your Date Proper Gun Etiquette

If your date isn’t a gun enthusiast, teach them the basic firearm safety rules. We put it together for easy reference, so you can just send them this blog post!

1. Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction. It does not matter if the gun is loaded or not. You MUST make sure the muzzle is pointed downrange. The only time you should point the gun at anything (and you should only point at the items you intend to hit) would be when you’re ready to shoot. When you need to put it down on your bench, unload it and place it in a position facing the targets.
2. Keep your eyes and ears open. You need to stay aware of your surroundings - this includes both your actions and those of other shooters on the range. Somebody might call for a ceasefire, so you have to be able to hear it. You should also familiarize yourself with the targets and what goes beyond it.
3. Keep your hands off the trigger unless you’re planning on shooting.This way, you can avoid any mistakes or accidental discharge. You can also keep the safety on when you’re in between rounds or if you aren’t ready to shoot as an added precaution.
4. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.Even if you are 200% sure that your firearm has an empty chamber, you should still handle it like it’s loaded - with care. This will both help you stay safe and develop good habits.

Prepare All the Equipment You Need

You also need to make sure that both you and your partner have the necessary equipment. Check the list below to make sure you miss nothing. 

1. Bring a shooting bagif you plan on bringing your own equipment instead of renting. It will be easier for you to store and transport your belongings. You’ll also be sure your firearms, ammunition and safety gear stay in one place. A convenient way to keep your pistol (and other items like medical kits and utility knives) would be with abelly band holster.
2. Speaking of belly band holsters, take it to the range if you plan on consistently concealed carry using it. You need to train with it to polish your technique for gripping, drawing, presenting and firing. These meaningful repetitions will help you develop the skills to protect yourself and loved ones.
3. You can transport your firearm with a gun case. This will both protect the firearm and help you avoid making anyone uncomfortable on the way to the range. Make sure the gun is unloaded and the action is locked open before you pack it up.
4. Protect your eyes with the propersafety glasses. This will help keep any debris from getting in your eyes. Prescription glasses and sunglasses don’t count! If you don’t have one, some ranges will let you rent one.
5. Prevent permanent hearing damage from loud gun ranges by wearinghearing protection. These can be earmuffs, foam earplugs, or even high-end electronic headphones. You can protect your ears and actually have an engaging conversation with your date!
6. Bring amaintenance and repair kitto ensure your gun is functioning properly at the range.

Spice Things Up With Challenges

What about a little friendly competition between you and your date? You can challenge each other to see who has the better shooting speed or aim. A fun thing to do is make bets on who gets to pick out the next date night.

You can also get a little more creative. Armscor previously did a video on different live action shooting games you can do at the shooting range. I liked the “Balloon Shoot” they did. You can get a bag of balloons in different colors and attach them to the target area. Turn your backs to the target, have someone call out a color, and turn around to shoot the balloon of that color. With the shooter’s back turned to the target, simply call out a color that the shooters will need to turn and shoot. The shooter with the best accuracy and speed wins.

You can also get to know your date while you’re doing a challenge! Prepare questions that share info about yourself, and a row of targets for you and your date. Ask a question, like “What is my favorite color?” If they guess right, they get a chance to shoot down your targets. Then it’s their turn to ask a question.

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