Each person has specific training needs and preferences. It helps to research whatever training range you plan to visit to understand their requirements, offerings, and restrictions. If you are a newbie with no apparent training needs and preferences, having information about the pros and cons of indoor and outdoor ranges may help you choose. This post divides the key merits and demerits of each range type into three categories: accessibility, gear and firearms control, and training style. Read on to find your preferred option.
Accessibility
Indoor Ranges
The fact that indoor ranges have a roof over them has to be their most obvious pro. The cover this provides ensures your training is not affected by bad weather or seasonal changes. You can train at your indoor range all year round, even if it’s below freezing outside or raining. This makes it easier to practice regularly if you live in a region with unpredictable weather. If you are a victim of seasonal allergies, you know how much of a difference being indoors during lousy weather can make.
The other benefit of indoor ranges is that they can efficiently be run in urban and suburban areas with limited open space. This proximity to city dwellings ensures law enforcement officers and residents get the training and practice they need to be ready for situations that may require them to use their firearms.
Outdoor Ranges
Unlike indoor ranges, most outdoor ranges are located away from cities and other densely populated areas. That is because they often require a lot of open space within and around the range. This makes them harder to access than most indoor ranges. On the flip side, the inaccessibility ensures they are less crowded. That is why shooters who enjoy alone time and space prefer them.
Gear and Firearms Control
Indoor Ranges
Indoor ranges are great for new shooters with no defined preferences since they usually allow you to buy or rent every gear you need. The instructors will take you through different options and help you select the right gear depending on the kind of practice they notice you lean toward. This may make indoor ranges costlier, but the chance to try out different and new gear is a welcome bonus. Also, because you’ll only acquire approved ammo, targets, and other items, you do not have to worry about whether your gear will be allowed in or not.
Outdoor Ranges
Outdoor ranges ordinarily have fewer restrictions on the gear you can use. That is primarily because they have a lot of open space, and firing powerful long-range calibers is not as risky as in indoor ranges. If a bullet goes through the target, it will likely proceed to hit an earth embankment and stop, or continue in open space, lose velocity, and fall. With an indoor range, it could rebound and hit an unintended target. For that reason, outdoor ranges are ideal for hunter training. Besides, the loose rules also allow you to carry your everyday Glock pistol with its aftermarket Glock back plates or other customizations. That enables you to get more familiar with your usual carry gun.
Training Style
Indoor Ranges
Indoor ranges are not the best place for tactical routines and drills. Your space is limited, and there are often many other people practicing around you. They are perfect for basic shooting practice and firearm training, which is often all you require to start building your marksmanship. While mobility won’t be part of your drills, you’ll still comfortably work on your aim, speed, and precision.
Outdoor Ranges
Many people who prefer outdoor ranges love them for their training flexibility. You can move around and use different tactical and realistic angles and techniques. You also get to practice safe and speedy unholstering and reholstering. This is extremely useful in self-defense, as you will almost always have to unholster your everyday carry gun if an armed aggressor confronts you.
If you wear military surplus like plate carriers to specific errands, you may want to incorporate them in your training to accustom your body to the extra weight. To monitor the impact of the additional weight on your body function, you can put on a wearable fitness tracker during your shooting practice.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor and indoor ranges indeed have their unique strengths and weaknesses. As a new shooter, you may not know your shooting preferences. However, from the above information, you can see general elements you love about each alternative and start to form a picture of what range you would love to visit. Once you settle on any specific local range, always research what it offers and disallows before you commit. That’ll save you time and frustration.
Despite the notable differences between indoor and outdoor ranges, they both prioritize gun safety. No matter where you decide to go shooting, always follow the four rules of firearm safety:
- Treat all guns as if they were loaded
- Never point your weapon at anything you do not intend to destroy
- Only place your finger on the trigger when you’re ready to take a shot
- Always be sure of your target and whatever’s beyond it.
Pick a range and have fun shooting!