Perhaps they never got the memo or maybe they just didnt know any better.
Then we will cover some of the things you should consider wearing to the range.
Note: All images have been recreated to protect thenot soinnocent.
If you are new to firearms, you may not be sure about what to wear at the shooting range. In this article, we hope to help you understand what is – and is not – appropriate clothing.
Lets go over a few of the clothing items that I think you should avoid.
You should also avoid sandals and open-toed or peep toe shoes.
Closed-toed shoes are the way to go.
Flip-flops and other open toe shoes are generally not good attire for the gun range. They might be stylish, but do not offer any protection for your feet and toes.
When training, we emphasize safety.
That includes having a stable platform for your shooting.
Ricochets or splash-back happen more than many people realize.
Shooting ranges can have a variety of debris that could injure your unprotected feet. Please wear appropriate closed toe shoes on the range.
Long pants help with all of these situations.
A better choice is long pants on a range when dynamic shooting or steel is involved.
Which brings us to the next concern pants without belt loops.
Carefully consider what to wear when you head to the range for gun training. A legitimate gun belt should be used to anchor a holster to your body.
The belt needs to stay in place so the holster is always where it needs to be.
You shouldnt have to hold your belt down on your hips while you attempt to draw your pistol.
Find pants with belt loops that are strong and wide enough for the belt to fit through.
Hot brass burns! Imagine if this went down your shirt.
During a full day of firearms training there will be numerous draws from the holster.
A sturdy gun belt, made specifically for use with a holster is a much better choice.
Low-cut and V-neck Shirts
Ladies should avoid v-neck shirts.
These fashionable sunglasses are NOT safe for the range. Image: Julia Horner
If its a button down shirt, keep it buttoned up.
A better choice is a higher neck shirt or even a neck gaiter to keep the hot brass out.
Stylish Sunglasses
Everyone knows eye protection is mandatory on a range.
However, some students dont realize the importance of wearing glasses specific to shooting.
Those fashionable sunglasses worn at the beach arent designed to stop high velocity objects flying toward your eyes.
Im not saying students have to be tacti-cool or even tactical when attending firearms training classes.
Hopefully this gave you a little giggle and you didnt recognize yourself as one of the offenders.
Heres a detailed rundown of what I consider the best attire for this purpose.
Headgear
To start with, I always wear a brimmed hat or cap.
This headgear is particularly useful for protecting my face and eyes from the sun when Im training outdoors.
Eye Protection
Next on my list is a pair of safety glasses.
I check that they are rated for impact resistance (ANSI Z87.1 or better).
Hearing Protection
Hearing protectionis another must-have.
I switch between earmuffs and earplugs, depending on the situation.
High-quality hearing protection is essential to prevent hearing damage from gunfire.
Upper Body Clothing
For my upper body, I always opt for high-collared shirts.
A high collar is great for helping to prevent hot brass casings from falling inside my shirt.
Long-sleeved shirts offer additional protection for my arms, shielding them from potential burns and scratches.
I prefer shirts made from durable and breathable fabrics like cotton, polyester blends, or tactical materials.
These materials offer some resistance to wear and tear, making them ideal for shooting activities.
Dressing in layers is another strategy I use, especially when the weather is variable.
This allows me to maintain comfort by adding or removing layers as needed.
These pants protect my legs and provide better resistance against environmental elements and rough ground conditions.
A strong, stiff belt designed to carry a holster is also indispensable.
It has to be robust enough to support the weight of my firearm and any additional gear.
Footwear
For footwear, I always go with closed-toe shoes or boots.
Athletic shoes or tactical boots offer excellent support, protection, and comfort.
The non-slip soles are particularly important for maintaining stability on different surfaces.
These can get in the way or become entangled, posing safety risks and distractions.
In summary, appropriate clothing for a shooting range involves prioritizing safety, comfort, and practicality.
