6 Ways to Build Confidence at the Range 

Range regulars have the benefits of routine and muscle memory to help them not only make the most of their time, but look and feel confident while they practice their marksmanship. They’ve put in the time, and they’ve gotten a clear return on their investment. However, if you find that you don’t take advantage of your range membership as often as you’d like, you’re not doomed to feel underprepared. When you’re ready to hit the range, here are six ways that you can build confidence.   

Know Before You Go 

If you’re anything like me, you’re about 25 seconds into speed reading your way through this article. And while I hate to slow you down, I do have a side quest for you. Before you make your way through this blog, please check out my article on firing range safety if you haven’t already. It’s imperative that you’re aware of what the RSO is telling you, and how to protect yourself and those around you while you’re at the range. If you’re starting out really fresh, and you’re headed to the range for a firearm safety course, check out “The Four Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety” first. Don’t worry, these articles are short, and you’ll be glad that you gave them a look.  

Mastery Begins at Home 

Preparing for the range begins at home. Home is where you’re likely to be the most comfortable, and feel less concerned with your appearance. First and foremost, get a plastic training weapon and be mindful of how you handle it. Yes, it can feel a little unusual to convince yourself to use the utmost care with a thick plastic object, but it’s not just a stop gap for new comers. Welders train with dummy torches and modified equipment to build muscle memory. Pilots use flight simulators. Similarly, firearm users have training resources to build muscle memory and become more effective.  

When you’re using your training weapon, record yourself with your phone and see how well you’re following the four rules of firearm safety. If you want to be prepared for the range, this is the first step, and it cannot be overlooked. Once you feel confident with the training firearm, and after you’ve made sure that your real weapon and magazines are empty, you may be ready to dry fire your weapon- and, when you do, always remember the first rule of firearm safety! 

It may be worth investing in snap caps to protect your firearm if you’re planning on doing a lot of dry firing. They protect your firing pin from the stress of repeated dry fires, and increase its lifespan. Granted, you’re not going to experience any recoil or ignition from snap caps, but the tactile importance of loading your firearm correctly and confidently cannot be understated.   

For a deeper dive on how to choose the right snap caps, I recommend checking out “A Snap Cap Choosing Guide” from Gritr Sports. If you’re looking to work on your shooting stance, please check out Andrew Jackson’s “8 Rifle Shooting Stances You Should Know! (Hunting and Target)” if you’re using a rifle, and Eric Hung’s “Shooting Stances: Isosceles vs Weaver vs Chapman” if you’re concentrating on your handgun skills.  

Choose the Right Firearm 

Recoil is a visceral experience that has be prepared for carefully. As you’ve no doubt heard before, your stance and your grip are paramount to controlling your shot. Obviously, time and repetition are the only means to mastery, so it bears repeating: It can be beneficial to record yourself when dry firing. It’s essential if you intend to assess your technique effectively.  

Beyond that, the rest comes down to your choice of firearm and ammunition. If you’re looking to use something that has a minimal amount of kick, consider a .22LR. And if you want to minimize recoil further, consider a firearm with some weight to it. 

On average, heavier firearms absorb more recoil. Yes, there are examples of handguns that are heavier than some rifles, but in general, you can expect a rifle to be heavier. I know that someone is likely cracking their knuckles in preparation for sending me a scientific analysis on recoil and the folly of my overly generalized recommendation, but please keep in mind that rifles benefit from a completely different shooting stance than handguns. And that stance allows your shoulder to absorb some of the force of the recoil. On average, rifles have more manageable recoil, and can be a good choice if you’re resuming your journey after some time away or even just starting out. 

It’s also worth mentioning that there are accessories that can fine tune the recoil of some firearms. For example, there are compensators for handguns or muzzle brakes for rifles. But before you consider venturing too far down the retail rabbit hole, remember that your choice of firearm is more important than your choice of accessories.   

If you’re looking for a deeper dive on considerations to make before you go shopping, I recommend Spicetac’s “Best Handguns: Beginners & Home Defense [2026]” and “Best First Rifles” from guns.com. 

Master Your Mindset 

There’s a lot going on around you at the range, so being calm and collected is paramount. And one of the most effective ways of improving your state of mind is breath control. While there are those who argue against the effectiveness of breathing exercises, bear in mind that breathing exercises regulate tension in your in body, they can have a calming effect on the mind, and they can help you increase your concentration and effectiveness. That can translate into a better awareness of your posture and your your target. In short, breath control makes you more aware of your body, and it improves your state of mind.  

When it comes to mastering your mindset, it’s not simply a matter of having a good state of mind or a bad one; it’s a matter of being in a better state of mind today than you were yesterday. Whether you achieve that with a breathing exercise, a religious practice, or even a special object you carry with you, emotional grounding is a real thing. Whether or not you or anyone else finds it superstitious is beside the point. Your mindset and your emotional state will effect your concentration, and your ability to concentrate is key. 

Please check out Matt Robertson’s article, “How to Breathe for Better Marksmanship” if you’re looking to fine tune your breathing technique.  

Keep Good Company 

Approaching a kiosk at range should be a more personable exchange than ordering at a drive-through. If you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to the staff or your fellow patrons, I recommend taking it.  

You may learn about events, safe storage options, or even network with people who own gear that you’ve had your eye on. No matter where you are in your journey as a marksperson, everyone can benefit from the voice of experience. 

Broaden Your Horizons 

While it should first and foremost be your goal to become as proficient as you can with the tools you have, there’s a world of tools and expertise out there to familiarize yourself with. Craftspeople tend to work with a lot of different tools, and a marksman is no different. Gun shows, competitive shooting events, and classes are all great opportunities to expose yourself to new tools and techniques. And while not every opportunity may seem like the perfect fit for you, you never know who you’ll meet and what you might learn. 

Written by: Lanna Perkins, Educational Writer