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Shooting sports are common in Michigan and vary in terms of the guns used and whether they take place indoors or outdoors. They also differ in price and the access allowed.
For example, there are free shooting ranges, day pass ranges and membership-only shooting clubs. The facilities can also be private or accessible to the public depending on the rules and regulations that they have in place.
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Do You Need a Gun Permit to Shoot at a Gun Range in Michigan?
No, you do not need a gun permit to shoot at a gun range in Michigan because the gun laws of the state are not too strict. Michigan is a ‘shall issue’ and an open carry state. This means that law enforcement authorities must issue licenses if the applicant meets all the required standards.
Furthermore, one may openly carry a firearm in public in Michigan provided it is properly licensed, they have no harmful intent and it is not concealed. All you need to visit a gun range in Michigan is your fee, protective equipment, personal gun accessories and targets.
The top three things to pay attention to are:
- Targets requirements
- Prohibited groups
- Safety rules
Target Requirements
Although Michigan is not too strict with its gun laws, some ranges do not allow human silhouette targets. Depending on the range, you may have the option of bringing your own target or buying one from the range. In such ranges, only paper targets with the bull’s eye pattern are allowed.
Metal targets are discouraged in most indoor shooting ranges but may be allowed in outdoor ranges depending on the rules set by management. This is probably because there is more space outside for metal targets to be set at a safer distance for the shooter.
All ranges are different. For instance, the Department of Natural Resources Michigan prohibits the use of both human silhouettes and metal targets.
Prohibited Groups
For the safety of all individuals using the gun range, some special groups may not be allowed to visit a gun range. This may include felons, pregnant women and small children.
According to the Barone Defense Firm, a felon is not allowed to possess, carry, use, transport, or buy any firearms for three to five years as per the laws of Michigan.
After that, your firearms rights will either be restored automatically or you can apply to have them restored. Thus, you will not be allowed in any gun range if you are a felon.
For the sake of safety, pregnant women and small children are usually banned from many gun ranges. The age limit depends on the range but generally in Michigan, shooters under the age of 16 years old should be under the supervision of a parent or guardian.
Safety Rules
In order to enjoy your time at any gun range, you must make sure that you follow all the safety protocols in place. Most ranges put certain guidelines in place to make sure that everybody has a great time without harming themselves or others.
According to Michigan Shooting Centers, some of the crucial safety rules include:
- Treating all weapons as if they were loaded with gun ammunition
- Keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
- Wearing protective equipment at all times while at the range
- Keeping your weapon unloaded until ready to shoot
- Keeping your muzzle pointing downrange at all times
Conclusion
Michigan has a variety of gun ranges to choose from with numerous registered gun owners. Due to its slightly favorable gun laws, going to a range is easier as you don’t require any permit. However, you need to make sure that you observe all safety rules for the sake of yourself and others.
