What should I expect on my first visit to a California shooting range?

The California Department of Justice (DOJ) lists six in its FSC Study Guide:

1. Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
2. Keep the firearm pointed in the safest possible direction.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
4. Know your target, its surroundings, and beyond.
5. Know how to properly operate your firearm.
6. Store your firearm safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use.

The same guide adds that firearms do not mix with alcohol or drugs.

Yes. The DOJ guide says to always wear ear and eye protection when shooting, because the noise can damage hearing and debris and hot gas can injure eyes (FSC Study Guide).

Each range sets its own commands, and staff explain them before you shoot. In general terms, expect one command that stops all shooting so people can go forward to change targets, and another that reopens the firing line. If you do not understand a command, stop, keep the firearm pointed downrange, and ask.

For a malfunction, the DOJ guide describes the usual range procedure: keep the firearm pointed downrange, keep your finger off the trigger, and raise your non-shooting hand until a range official arrives (FSC Study Guide).

California normally requires firearm loans to go through a licensed dealer. An exception covers a loan to a person 18 or older, for target shooting, at a licensed target facility or shooting club, if the firearm stays on the premises at all times (PC 27910). A Firearm Safety Certificate is not required for that kind of loan (PC 31765).

Ranges can add their own rental policies, so ask ahead.

Yes, for use there. Ammunition sales normally go through a licensed vendor with an eligibility check. Both rules have an exception for a person who purchases or receives ammunition at a target facility holding a business or other regulatory license, "provided that the ammunition is at all times kept within the facility's premises" (PC 30312(c)(9), PC 30352(e)(3)).

• Handguns. The transport exemption covers a handgun that is unloaded and either locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container in the vehicle, or carried directly to or from the vehicle in a locked container, when it is transported for a purpose listed in Penal Code 25510 to 25595 (PC 25610).
• Range trips. One of those listed purposes is travel directly to or from a target range that holds a regulatory or business license, to practice shooting at that range (PC 25540). It also requires the firearm to be unloaded and in a locked container, with only reasonably necessary detours (PC 25505).
• Locked container. Fully enclosed and locked by a padlock, key lock, combination lock or similar device. The glove compartment does not count (PC 16850).
• Rifles and shotguns. DOJ says they are not generally required to be in a locked container, but must be unloaded during transport (DOJ).

California generally bars minors from possessing firearms (PC 29610), with exceptions for lawful recreational sport, including competitive shooting (PC 29615). The exceptions include a minor accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, a minor accompanied by a responsible adult with a parent's prior written consent, and a minor at least 16 with that written consent.

Separate rules govern loans to minors (PC 27505). The range loan exception in PC 27910 covers adults only. A range may set its own minimum age, so call first.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) says lead dust from shooting can be carried home on clothes, shoes, hair and skin. Its guidance:

• Do not eat, drink or smoke inside a shooting range or while around firearms.
• Wash your hands, arms and face with soap and warm water after shooting or handling ammunition.
• Change into clean clothes and shoes before going home, wash range clothes separately, and shower when you get home.

CDPH notes that lead is especially harmful for children under six and during pregnancy.

Ask a range whether it offers an introductory class. California DOJ also certifies instructors for the Firearm Safety Certificate program (DOJ FSC FAQ). CalGunHub lists ranges and training providers as directory information only and does not endorse any of them.