What to Skip Wearing at the Range

[rg115]

I've been thinking about what to wear when heading to the range lately. Like, I know we're there to shoot and have a good time, but I can't help but wonder about the fashion choices. Not talking about full-on tactical gear or anything, just the regular stuff people throw on.

I've gone a few times recently, and I notice that camo tends to stand out in kind of an odd way, especially when people are just there for basic drills or plinking. Not saying it's bad—people can wear what they want—but it just feels a bit much for what we're doing, you know? Like save the camo for a hunting trip or something.

I'm leaning more toward simple stuff like jeans and a plain shirt. Boots too—definitely no sandals or flip-flops. Comfort is key, but I also don't want to look like I'm trying too hard with some "tacticool" vibe.

So, what do you all think? Is it just me? What do you usually wear to the range? Open to suggestions or even the 'don't-wear-this' kind of advice.

 

[Surrywoodman]

Interesting question and topic. I never really considered what other folks did but I will say that when I see someone out there dressed for CQB I keep an eye open because I don't go to ranges with a close quarters drill station. Some of it is fashion I suppose and some guys want to feel the part, like reenactors but in a different way, like immersion into what you are doing. I get that.

I don't judge it. My view is that the camo you wear should be relevant to the environment that you operate in if the goal is to disappear. My goal is to be comfortable at the range so that I can concentrate, so I wear weather appropriate and am mindful of safety. This time of year I am going to be wearing lightweight tee shirt and long pants with boots and a hat or head band (because I sweat). In colder weather I am wearing jeans, maybe a flannel over a shirt and a jacket if necessary. For hunting I do wear some old camo I have had for years because it is super warm, and a blaze orange hat of course.

I am not sure why people go to the range with flip flops like they just came from or are going to the beach, it doesn't seem safe to me with the possibility of hot brass flying, concrete benches and pads, used brass laying around, I never wear flip flops, but in the end, to each his own I guess.

 

[Virginia 01]

"Like save the camo for a hunting trip or something."

I must offer a different POV.

Judging fellow gun lovers by their choice of apparel coloration is the only flawed behavior. Alternatively, judging by safety standards of the apparel I would agree with, as I'm not a fan of flip flops at the range. Too easy to trip and fall on the range when wearing inappropriate footwear, potentially endangering others. Tank tops and short shorts or camo LARP-ing gear may be inappropriate at a black tie wedding, but at the range?? No way I want to judge a fellow enthusiast by his/her color choices or styles.

I for one, have once or twice had a camo tee shirt on when shooting, because my old and worn out hunting shirts are my most comfortable shirts.

 

[Furioso]

In NoVA, any hint of pro-2A tends to elicit looks of disdain. There's enough negativity from those who know nothing of shooting, so I tend not to wear things that scream it, though I always 'do me', which typically includes 'don't stand out' day to day.

I try to think of situations I might be in where I might have 'whatever' on. All shooting I do, I at least consider 'would I ever imagine having to shoot in these clothes'? To exaggerate, if I am foreseeably most likely to have to shoot while wearing a 3-piece suit, at least some of my practice/ range time should be done while wearing a 3-piece suit.

I also consider trying to designate certain clothes as range clothes, and wash after range, and not wear around young kids (lead/ etc. exposure).

Beyond that, range time is my most likely opportunity to talk w others about shooting, and I'm interested to do that. Wearing a particular logo or 'joke' shirt might indicate approachability or be a reason folks might (or might not, I realize) be more likely to make a comment, or smile at the shirt message, and that can lead to good conversations. I am open to learning about ranges, shops, firearms, techniques I didn't know about, or sharing what I know with others.

NRA range tends to have lots of new shooters walking in with a gun they just bought, in its factory cardboard box. I like to support the new interest, maybe share a few targets or pasters after noticing they brought 100 rds ammo and only 1 target. Plenty of folks get anxious when new to sport. Anything we can do to support folks learning and feeling comfortable that not everybody at the range is a hyper-prepper paranoid gun maniac they should be scared of, and encourage more training/ practice is good. And sometimes clothes can be part of that.

 

[Bob Lamons]

Summer at the range is shorts and flip flops.
Winter is boots.
The rest doesn't matter.