Your first come-and-try day

A come-and-try day is a supervised introductory session that a club runs for people who have never shot, or don't hold a licence. You'll get a safety briefing, borrow the club's equipment and shoot a few rounds with an instructor or mentor close by. It lets you find out whether you enjoy the sport before you think about joining.

Before you go

Most clubs we checked ask you to book. Sessions depend on qualified instructors being available, and some clubs coach one-on-one while others use small squads, so book ahead. Check the range page on Where to Shoot for the club that runs it, then contact the club directly to book.

When you book, ask:

• what it costs, and whether ammunition and targets are included (at most of the clubs we checked they are, but not all)

• what's provided on the day, such as firearms, eye and ear protection

• whether there's a minimum age, and whether under-18s need a parent or guardian with them

• what identification to bring

What to bring

Clubs set their own dress rules. One Adelaide clay club recommends clothing that covers your shoulders, and Melbourne Gun Club asks visitors not to wear camouflage or singlets.

Don't drink alcohol before you go. Melbourne Gun Club and Sydney Clay Target Club both state a zero-alcohol rule, and every set of range rules we checked bars people affected by alcohol or drugs from shooting. The Sydney International Shooting Centre also asks people not to take drugs or medication that will impede their judgement before shooting.

On the day

Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your session starts. One clay club asks visitors to arrive 15 minutes before the start, and its safety briefing runs only once per session. Sessions usually follow the same steps.

1. 1

   Step 1: Sign in

   You'll show your ID and sign the visitor register or a declaration form.

2. 2

   Step 2: Safety briefing

   A range officer or coach explains the range rules and commands before anyone handles a firearm.

3. 3

   Step 3: Handling with an instructor

   Your instructor shows you how to hold, load and unload the firearm, always with the muzzle pointed downrange.

4. 4

   Step 4: Shoot a few strings

   You fire a set number of shots or targets with your instructor guiding you. One rifle club's introductory session, for example, is one stage of 10 shots.

5. 5

   Step 5: Questions

   Ask about membership, costs and which discipline might suit you. A come-and-try day doesn't commit you to anything. One rifle club, for example, says there's no obligation to join or get a licence.

Range commands you'll hear

The exact words vary by club and discipline, and your briefing covers the ones used on the day. These three come up often.

• “Load”

  Load only when you hear this, with the muzzle pointed downrange.

• “Cease fire”

  Stop shooting straight away. Keep the muzzle downrange, then unload, open the action and step back when told to.

• “Unload and show clear”

  Unload, open the action and let the range officer check it is empty.

Range commands and etiquette covers more commands and the etiquette behind them.

After your first session

If you enjoyed it, ask the club about membership. Some clubs, especially pistol clubs, start new members on a probationary or provisional period of training and recorded shoots before full membership. How that links to applying for a licence depends on your state and your discipline, and the club will explain its own process. Joining a club and getting licensed explains the general shape.

Following or saving a range on Where to Shoot is free and private. It isn't club membership, a booking or permission to shoot, so always book with the club.