Your First Range Day: A Woman’s Guide to Getting Comfortable with Concealed Carry

By Ashley MalfitanoApril 10, 2025

Your First Range Day: A Woman’s Guide to Getting Comfortable with Concealed Carry

So, you’ve taken the first steps toward learning how to protect yourself—and now it’s time to practice. Feel those butterflies in your stomach? It's a moment you'll remember!

Heading to the range for the first time can feel exciting, empowering, and, let’s be honest… a little intimidating. But don’t worry, girl—we’ve got you covered.

At Kinsey Rhea, we believe every woman deserves to feel confident and capable. We're proud of moments like these when one more woman takes personal safety into your own hands!

Let's walk through everything you need to know for your first range day.

What to Pack for the Range

Let’s start with what’s going in your bag. Here’s a beginner-friendly checklist:

Your firearm (unloaded, in a secure case)
Ammunition (check with the range for allowed types/calibers)
Eye & ear protection (some ranges provide these, but it’s great to have your own)
Targets (most ranges have these for purchase, but bring your own if preferred)
Your ID and concealed carry permit (if required in your state)
Notebook or range log (optional, but you'll be encouraged later when you've tracked progress from the start!)
Range bag or backpack to carry everything

Bonus Tip: A Kinsey Rhea concealed carry purse is perfect for safely transporting your firearm to and from the range in style.

What to Wear

You don’t need tactical gear to go to the range, but you do want to dress smart:

Closed-toe shoes (protect your feet from hot brass)
High-neck shirt (you’ll thank us later—hot shell casings can go places they shouldn’t!)
Comfortable jeans or pants with belt loops (ideal for practicing with a holster)
Hair up, minimal jewelry—keep things secure and distraction-free

When You Arrive

Your range crew is there to help!

Check in at the counter. If it’s your first time, let them know. Most ranges are super friendly and happy to help beginners.
Review the rules. Every range has slightly different policies, so read any signs or handouts carefully.
Choose your lane. You’ll be assigned a lane and given instructions on where and how to set up.

Safety First, Always

Here are the four golden rules of firearm safety:

Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
Never point your gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire.
Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.

Take your time, double-check everything, and if you’re unsure—ask. No question is too small when it comes to safety.

Tips for a Successful First Range Day

Start slow. You’re not here to be perfect—you’re here to learn.
Focus on fundamentals. Stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control.
Don’t rush. Take breaks between shots if you need to.
Stay relaxed. Tension creates bad habits—breathe, reset, repeat.
Write it down. Track your progress in a notebook so you can see how far you’ve come.

Reminder: You are not expected to walk in a pro. Everyone was a beginner once.

Final Words of Encouragement

That first trip to the range is a big step. You’re showing up for yourself, your safety, and your strength—and that’s something to be proud of.

Every woman who chooses to carry starts somewhere. The more you practice, the more confident and in control you’ll feel—not just at the range, but in everyday life.

You’ve got this. 💪🏼

Need a stylish, functional way to carry your firearm before and after range day?

Explore our collection of Kinsey Rhea concealed carry purses designed for ladies like you—because you're taking personal safety into your own hands, and you're allowed to look good doing it!

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