Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to let your significant other know just how much he or she means to you. You could do that via the usual chocolates, cards, or flowers. But why not take that special person in your life out to the shooting range this February 14? That’s what the NSSF suggests, and we have to admit, that sounds pretty good to us. I mean, it is a twist on the standard date night, and if your significant other has been itching to try something new, this is a great option.

Valentine’s Day at the Range Is Just What the NSSF Ordered

Below are a few tips from the (NSSF) for new and experienced shooters heading out to the range today. And remember: if you’re looking for a nearby range, try the NSSF’s wheretoshoot.org and WheretoShoot app. The app lets you search the NSSF’s database for literally thousands of indoor and outdoor shooting facilities in North America. It’s also fully customizable, giving you plenty of options for Valentine’s Day.

First-Time Shooters

Going to the shooting range is a lot of fun and a thrill for someone taking his or her first shots. New shooters typically shoot rental guns before investing in a firearm of their own. It is important to start with a low-caliber firearm, such as a .22 caliber handgun or long gun, to get comfortable with the operation.

Any beginner will be thrilled to simply pull the trigger, so it is best to keep it simple. Most importantly, always begin with a safety briefing and know the range’s safety rules. To get started, watch the NSSF’s Range and Etiquette video

Once everyone is comfortable with the basics of handling the firearm and target shooting, you might try adding a fun element like falling plates or a dueling tree, if the range allows this.

There are several ways you can get creative and challenge your partner. Try a carnival-style challenge where your partner can shoot for a prize. Offer a selection of larger prizes like a movie, dinner, tickets to an event or a new firearm to give him or her something to really shoot for. No matter how accurate the shooting ends up being, bring a teddy bear, flowers or another gift as a participation sentiment.

The point of going to the range is to have fun together! Make the day positively unforgettable.

Experienced Shooters

Moving targets are always an intriguing challenge for experienced target shooters. That’s where shotguns come into the equation. There’s no better way to go after moving targets than taking a shotgun out to a sporting clays course or a trap and skeet field. Some ranges have rental shotguns, but most require you to bring your own.

For many newcomers or those with a small body frame, using a smaller gauge shotgun like a 20 ga. that imparts less recoil is a good idea.

Many shooting ranges offer – even specialize – in providing unique opportunities to shoot some impressive firearms or try long-range target shooting, for example. Many ranges offer different packages to give shooters a taste of a variety of firearms that interest them.

Stepping Up Our Game

Valentine’s Day in ancient Roman times was when young men would seek to gain the attention of the object of their affection. However, this is America, and we do things differently. Now, the day of love here in the United States is designated a Hallmark holiday. As such, the day is celebrated by showering our loved ones with mass-produced valentines’ gifts.

Maybe it’s time to step up our game and take some advice from cupid NSSF. This St. Valentine’s Day, treat your better half to something even Roman Emperor Claudius II would approve of—a day at the range. Look at it this way, if he or she doesn’t like it, at least you got a day at the range.