You won't be able to get better with your gun if you don't practice at the shooting range. You won't know if the ammunition you've reloaded is working, if your scope is tuned, or if you're achieving your desired comfort level with your firearm if you're not using it. Target practice experience is only gained if you go out and hole or hit targets.
If you're a homesteader and have a few acres of land and distant neighbors, you're pretty much covered and can shoot targets on your property whenever you feel like it. However, if you're a city dweller, you probably won't be able to shoot a few rounds in your backyard. In such a case, your best option would be to go to an indoor or outdoor shooting range.
Even so, these local ranges sometimes have high fees for equipment and ammunition, perhaps odd hours, and often draconian regulations. So what can you do to save money while continuing to complete your training?
The best solution is to load up your truck with everything you need and head for the hills, where you can create your own shooting range. To do it right and for your DIY range to be a successful experience, you will need a few things.
Where should you go?
When it comes to 2nd Amendment, the laws are different across this great country of ours. Under ideal conditions, you can set up a shooting range just about anywhere it's safe to do so and the sound of your firearms won't disturb anyone nearby. However, nowadays more and more people panic at the sight of a gun, and they will pick up the phone and call the local authorities.
To be careful and avoid putting yourself in a scenario with legal implications, it is better to improvise a firing range as far as possible from society. If you do, you'll probably only meet people with the same interests as yours.
Look for wide open spaces or areas with a stretch of land with a rising hill at the end. You'll have to look for geographical features that would stop your advance if bullets were unleashed. You could be on public land, or you should get permission from the landowner. And finally, use common sense and clean up after yourself. Once you're done shredding your targets, clean up, including your brass, and leave the field better than you found it.
What should you bring?
Although you may be inclined to bring the bare minimum, such as your firearms and ammo, the goal is to make the day as enjoyable as possible, you may want to consider bringing something extra.
Food and water: Since you'll be in the middle of nowhere, consider that not only do your handguns and rifles need feeding, but you also need to keep your body in top working order. Staying nourished and well hydrated will help you stay focused on the main activity. If you don't worry about food and water, you'll have better concentration and focus on your workout.
Do not bring alcohol and leave it at home or at the bar where you can enjoy it after a day of filming. I used to go hunting a lot in my youth with my grandfather and my father, and they always said that bullets and booze don't mix, and that goes for every scenario you can imagine. The last thing you want to do is explain why your breath smells like an open bar if local authorities show up.
Safety equipment: One thing you learn from going to the range is that safety comes first. This aspect should not be ignored, whether you are in the local shooting range or your improvised shooting range in the wilderness. Shooting is fun, but losing an eye or your hearing because you weren't properly equipped surely isn't. You should bring a pair or two of shooting glasses and a pair of earplugs. You shouldn't buy your gear cheap, and if money is an issue, start with something cheaper and move up to something more fancy when you can afford it.
FIRST AID: Like it or not, accidents happen, and we are not bulletproof. Experienced shooters know that ricochets happen without any warning, and they also know that firearms can fail in surprising ways. Now, whether you're a beginner or an experienced shooter, first aid should also be a priority, especially if you're miles away from medical assistance. You shouldn't leave home without a first aid kit, one that contains all the items you might need to treat a gunshot wound. It goes without saying that this first aid kit should include a tourniquet.
Ammo Crates: Some people bring the traditional army surplus metal ammo boxes, and it's ok for transporting ammo boxes. However, there is also a wide range of ammo crates and storage options available on the market that make transporting and organizing your ammo much easier. It helps you save time and you know where each ammo type is when you need it.
Range bags: Since you're going to a place where you never know what elements of society may wander, it's best not to advertise that you have guns in your truck and keep them out of sight. Ideally, you should have bags or cases that can be locked. Keep them out of sight, under the back seat.
Targets: Some people shoot at trees, trash they find on the side of the road, and anything they think is worth shooting. However, it's much more enjoyable if you have something to shoot at, something that doesn't involve improvisation. There are several companies that make different types of targets, and you can choose paper or steel targets specific to your firearms, training scenario, etc.
Tools: I recommend that you bring some tools that would help you deal with small inconveniences and various mishaps. You may have to deal with malfunctions, or maybe you have to adjust your guns. There are all kinds of versatile tools for these jobs, and you shouldn't leave them at home. For example, when I shoot targets on my father-in-law's property, I often bring duct tape, which I use to tape targets and to cover up previous shots at my targets. Also remember to bring a cleaning kit and lubricant.
What should you wear?
When it comes to what you should wear to the range, fashion trends aren't important, and you should stick to the clothes that suit you best with the weather you anticipate that day.
A long-sleeved shirt and long pants are adequate barriers against lead splatter and will protect your skin from contact with hot brass. For my part, I always bring a brim hat because not only does it protect my head from the sun, but it also prevents the brass from falling between my forehead and my glasses or from raining on my head.
Choose t-shirts that are fitted, comfortable and manageable, and wear closed shoes. Your gear for the range should be both comfortable and practical to protect you from a wide variety of hazards.
A few things to keep in mind
Everything must be prepared before arriving at your DIY range
Load your magazines, lubricate your firearms, and perform any other task that takes time and requires your attention. You don't want to burn out daylight doing such tasks when you're within range, and you want to spend as much time as possible shooting targets. Your mental energy needs to be expended during the practice session, and you need to avoid distracting yourself by wondering where your magazines are, if you've got the guns set, etc.
Bring all kinds of targets
Some people will often bring big targets and call it a day, but bringing smaller targets will help develop your skills and help you get rid of any false positive feedback you might get from only shooting full size silhouette targets .
Save ammo while working on hand speed
Some of you may run out of ammo, which will reduce your time at the range. How about focusing on hand speed or performing bench exercises? For example, a table drill, where you have to pick a gun in front of you, load it, and fire, is great for improving your speed by changing the focus of the draw motions.
Call it a day when you notice more and more bad results
A big mistake I made, like many other people, was assuming that if I fired more ammo I would improve my skills for the day. It was a bad mindset that only helped me waste money with no return on investment, so to speak. You may notice your performance slowing down towards the end of the day, and that should prompt you to pack your bags and head home. If you get stubborn and keep going, you'll just waste ammo and get even more frustrated. You should be able to understand when you need to slow down to make things better and when your energy is depleted and you need to stop.
One last word
Marksmanship training and the handling of firearms are serious matters and should be treated as such. You can have fun at the shooting range and improve your shooting skills while doing it, but always remember that safety comes first. Hopefully the suggestions in this article will make your day better and more productive the next time you visit your DIY range.