In the eyes of a beginner, firearms can come across as loud, scary, and dangerous. I can attest to this because I used to have the same thought. Once exposed, I found my views on them changed. Firearms suddenly were not that loud if I was shooting them, nor were they as scary and dangerous as I presumed. Plus, I learned the importance of safety. Indoor and outdoor ranges are great places to accustom yourself to firearms further. But they have their pros and cons, which we look into here.

A Beginner’s View of Indoor and Outdoor Ranges

As for their ranking on the scary meter, I ask myself, “How can something be scary if I control it?”

The more I familiarized myself with firearms, the less uncomfortable I became around them. The absence of fear provided a new understanding that they are tools used for sport, hobby, and personal protection. Shooting firearms has become a form of therapy for me, and I am thankful it is in my life now. 

In terms of making a novice shooter comfortable, the environment around you matters. With shooting, you have your options to shoot boiled down to two places— an indoor or outdoor gun range.

So, what type of range is better for a beginner to ensure their comfort while learning to shoot?

What to Expect

A shooting range is classified as a specialized facility that is designed to shoot firearms in a safe environment. Ranges can be used for several reasons, such as training, practice, and competitions. Some ranges are overseen by a range safety officer (RSO) who enforces all safety rules and government regulations.

Indoor ranges are enclosed environments to get out of the elements. On days that are stormy, rainy, or just not a good day to be outside, an indoor gun range can become your best friend.

However, when the sun is shining, and you want to be outside, outdoor gun ranges are found—you guessed it—outside. They are typically found in areas that are away from heavily populated areas to control noise. 

Typically, anyone older than 18 can use indoor or outdoor ranges by themselves, but kids aged 9-17 should be accompanied by an adult. However, it is wise to check with the range safety officer if you are unsure.

Upon entering a range, you will typically have to sign a waiver; some ranges may check your identification. Checking your ID is done for three reasons: to make sure you meet the age requirement, to keep note of who is entering their range in case damage is done, or to do a quick background check. 

Targets & Layout

Regardless of the range, you are there to shoot. Plain and simple. This requires a target. Each range has the same layout of shooting in the comfort of your own personal booth or lane. However, when comparing the two, you will see they are very different. 

An indoor range typically has a cardboard backing that you place your target on. Then, you send the target downrange at the distance you want to shoot. You can set it as far as 50 to 75 feet downrange, depending on the size of the range.

When you are ready to see your target, you can bring it back to the booth, inspect it, and either switch out targets or send it back out. 

This process is different when you attend an outdoor range. An outdoor range requires a bit more work on your end.

When a range safety officer calls a ceasefire (range is cold) and then gives the okay, you have to walk downrange to your target, set it up yourself, and walk back to your booth. During these times, all participants are required to stand behind a line away from all unloaded firearms.

Every so often, this process will be repeated, allowing each shooter to walk downrange and inspect their target. This is a good way to get your steps in for the day. However, I can see how this can get a bit annoying with all the interruptions.

Granted, it is all for the safety of others, so I can understand why they do this. You do not need to worry about this at an indoor range and can check your target whenever without disturbing other shooters. 

Indoor ranges cater mainly to paper targets, while outdoor ranges allow paper and steel targets. 

Weighing the Options 

Outdoor ranges allow for a larger variety of the types of firearms you can shoot. However, most indoor ranges cater mainly to handguns, with some ranges allowing the use of rifles and shotguns.

Likewise, some indoor ranges restrict the type of ammo you are allowed to use. Conversely, outdoor ranges are typically more relaxed about ammunition. If you are unsure, it never hurts to ask. It’s best not to bring the wrong type of ammo accidentally. 

For training purposes, the environment matters. Indoor gun ranges offer a more versatile training experience. Many indoor ranges allow you to control lighting, have strobe lighting, and set a series of intervals for how the target moves.

However, sometimes, you need to embrace the elements to simulate the real world. This is what outdoor ranges offer.

Guns are loud. Yes, wearing the proper ear protection will save your ears in the long run. However, they are still loud even when taking the proper precautions. Sound is measured in decibels—anything above 70 decibels may damage your hearing, while noises above 120 dB can immediately harm your ears. 

Outdoor ranges are less harmful to your hearing compared to indoor ranges. On an outdoor range, the sound has more room to dissipate. However, in an indoor range, you are in an enclosed area, and the sound will deflect off flat surfaces.

That is not to say that indoor gun ranges do not take the proper precautions to help ward off sound. Indoor ranges will soundproof the room with foam padding enclosed around to help control noise. 

Indoor or Outdoor? Parting Shots

My first time shooting was at my grandfather’s property. My second time shooting was at a legit outdoor range. Eventually, I worked my way up to head into an indoor range. Through my own experiences, I witnessed the differences and was able to note the similarities and form my own opinion on what I preferred. 

I will choose outdoor gun ranges all day long if the conditions allow it. As a picky gal, the weather conditions must meet my standards. However, the weather doesn’t always cooperate, and indoor ranges are great when I want to be inside a climate-controlled building.

My advice to a new shooter is to begin at an outdoor range. Being outside gives a calmer atmosphere, which is less hectic and less loud. Loudness is a big factor for me when shooting. I despise loud noises, and indoor gun ranges are not the ideal environment for me when asking questions or requesting help.

I started my journey outside and am thankful I did. It was the best environment for me to get the most comfortable around firearms. 

Each range has its pros and cons. Each is a place to have fun, learn some life lessons, and remain safe with fellow shooters. At the end of the day, it comes down to each person’s preference. We all have different comfort levels, and finding what suits and works best for you is important.

You never know your favorite location or setting until you try both shooting environments for yourself.