Today was range day—and for us, it wasn’t just another day of sending rounds downrange. It was a family affair. My wife, my son, and I spent the morning under blue Texas skies at a local outdoor shooting range, working through everything from 9mm pistols to AR-15s to a classic Rossi lever-action .357. Whether it’s your first time heading to the range or you’re just looking to bring the family into the sport, I want to walk you through what to expect—based on our firsthand experience.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Ranges: What’s the Difference?
Before you pack up your range bag, it’s good to understand the key differences between indoor and outdoor ranges:
Indoor Ranges
- Pros: Climate-controlled, generally more accessible, great for pistol shooting and shorter distances (often 15–25 yards).
- Cons: Louder (sound reflects off walls), may restrict caliber or rapid fire, usually cost a bit more per hour.
Outdoor Ranges
- Pros: Longer distances (perfect for rifles), more relaxed atmosphere, less noise bounce.
- Cons: Exposed to weather, terrain may be uneven, you’ll need sunblock and bug spray.
We opted for an outdoor range today—there’s something about fresh air, wide-open lanes, and the ping of steel targets that just hits different.
What We Brought (and Why You Might, Too)
Our loadout today offered a good mix for beginners and seasoned shooters alike:
- HK VP9A1K – Smooth, accurate, and great ergonomics. Perfect for introducing my wife to a 9mm with just enough recoil to be exciting without being overwhelming.
- Beretta M9A3 – A little heavier, a little more nostalgic. My son liked the solid feel, and it’s a fun way to experience a military-style handgun.
- AR-15 Rifles – Versatile, low recoil, and ideal for getting comfortable with rifle fundamentals. Everyone got trigger time here.
- Rossi 92 Lever Action in .357/.38 Special – A total crowd-pleaser. The cowboy action added some old-school fun and helped demonstrate just how far the platform has come (or not!) since its early days.
Tips for First-Timers
Whether you’re heading out solo or planning a family range day like we did, here are a few tips we picked up (or remembered) along the way:
1. Safety First, Always
This can’t be overstated. Firearm safety is the foundation of an enjoyable range experience. Before we even left the house, we reviewed the Four Rules of Gun Safety:
- Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
- Never point the muzzle at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
- Know your target—and what’s beyond it.
At the range, we reinforced those rules every time someone picked up a new firearm. For my son, this was especially important. We took time between each gun to talk about safety features, how to properly clear the chamber, and the importance of muzzle awareness, especially on a firing line with others nearby.
We also made sure everyone wore eye and ear protection, no exceptions. If you’re at an outdoor range, don’t let the open space fool you—shooting is loud, and your ears will thank you later.
Lastly, respect range commands and posted rules. Outdoor ranges can be more casual, but the range safety officer (RSO) is still in charge. When they call a ceasefire, make sure your firearm is cleared and benched with the action open, and step away. Simple habits like this not only keep you safe—they set the tone for a respectful shooting culture.
2. Go at Your Own Pace
Don’t rush through mags or try to “keep up” with others. Today was about comfort, not competition.
3. Ask Questions
Range officers are usually more than happy to help out. We had a quick chat with one about sight adjustments and left with some great advice.
4. Bring the Right Gear
Eyes and ears for everyone, plenty of ammo, a few targets, and hydration. Outdoor ranges in Texas don’t play when it comes to heat.
5. Keep It Fun
We cheered each other on and took turns with every firearm. By the end of the day, even the lever-action had a fan club.
Final Thoughts
Shooting sports can be intimidating at first—but they don’t have to be. Today’s range day was a reminder of why I started Blackbox Ballistics in the first place: to help make firearms knowledge accessible, fun, and rooted in responsibility.
Watching my wife smile after nailing her first group with the VP9 and seeing my son confidently work the AR-15’s safety and trigger reset—it was a proud moment. Not because we hit every bullseye, but because we shared something that brought us together.
Whether you’re a beginner or getting back into the swing of things, there’s a place for you at the range. Just remember: safety, patience, and good company make for a perfect first shot.