Hitting the gun range is supposed to be a focused and enjoyable experience, but we all know there are certain characters that can turn a good session into a frustrating ordeal. Whether they’re slowing things down, giving unsolicited advice, or just plain distracting, these types of people are present at ranges everywhere. Here’s a rundown of the nine types of people that tend to annoy everyone at the gun range.
1. Captain Camo

You’ll spot Captain Camo the moment he arrives because he’s the guy wearing full tactical gear, even though he’s just there for some casual shooting. He’s got the vest, the utility belt, the gloves, and maybe even knee pads. It’s like he’s preparing for a military operation, not a simple range day. The issue isn’t the gear – it’s the time it takes for him to suit up and then break it all down afterward. Every time he gets ready to shoot, you’ll be waiting for him to strap on his entire setup. We get it, you’re serious about your practice, but do you really need all that gear just to shoot at paper targets?
2. The Snack Shooter

The Snack Shooter treats the range like it’s his personal picnic spot. In between rounds, he’s munching on chips, sipping soda, and probably getting Cheetos dust all over his gear. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a snack or two, but when your lunch break is interrupting everyone else’s shooting time, it becomes a problem. Plus, all that grease on your hands can’t be great for your gun’s performance.
3. Mr. Last Minute

You’ll always find Mr. Last Minute scrambling around the range, late to every session, and holding everyone else up. His gear is never organized, his mags aren’t loaded, and he always has to make a trip back to his car to grab something he forgot. He swears he’ll be ready “in just a minute,” but by the time he finally joins the line, half the session is over. Mr. Last Minute isn’t intentionally trying to annoy anyone, but his lack of preparation definitely wears on people’s patience.
4. The Budget Expert

The Budget Expert loves to show off his gear, not because it’s great, but because it was cheap. His favorite phrase? “It’s basically the same thing.” He’ll proudly tell you how his $30 Amazon optic is “just as good” as a high-end one, or how his $20 knock-off accessory works just fine. While saving money is great, no one wants to hear a ten-minute monologue about how cheap your gear was, especially when it’s clearly not performing up to par.
5. The Oil Slick

There’s always that one person who thinks more oil equals better gun performance. Enter The Oil Slick. This shooter constantly stops to slather on another layer of gun oil, to the point where his firearm practically drips with it. The problem? When he fires, that oil sprays everywhere, and anyone in the vicinity might catch a splash. Sure, lubrication is important, but there’s a line between keeping things smooth and creating an oil spill.
6. The ‘American-Made’ Purist

Meet The Patriot. He’s proud to declare that he only shoots guns made in America. He’ll tell you it’s all about supporting local manufacturing and quality craftsmanship. The irony? Most of his firearms are actually assembled abroad, and some of the brands he touts as “all-American” are produced in places like Croatia. It’s one thing to have a preference, but it’s another to pretend your imported gear is domestic just to make a point.
7. The Backseat Shooter

The Backseat Shooter loves to give advice – whether you asked for it or not. He’s got an opinion on your stance, your grip, your trigger pull, and pretty much everything else. The problem is, most of the time, his tips are outdated, unhelpful, or just plain wrong. Even worse, he won’t take the hint when you politely nod and turn away. While his intentions might be good, his non-stop commentary makes it hard to focus and enjoy your time at the range.
8. The Brass Blamer

The Brass Blamer never takes responsibility for a bad shot. If his groupings are off, it’s definitely the gun’s fault, the ammo’s fault, or maybe even the weather’s fault. He’ll come up with a dozen reasons why things didn’t go well – “The magazine must be defective,” “I think the sight got knocked off alignment,” or “The cold air is affecting the ballistics.” It’s never because he needs more practice. While it’s fine to have an off day, constantly blaming everything but yourself just comes off as making excuses.
9. The Anti-Steel Shooter

The Anti-Steel Shooter avoids steel-cased ammo like it’s radioactive. Ask him why, and he’ll say, “You can’t reload it.” Fair enough, except this guy doesn’t reload his ammo anyway. It’s a weird hill to die on, especially when he doesn’t actually understand the benefits of brass over steel. If you’re not planning to reload, what’s the big deal? Yet he’ll lecture anyone who dares to load up some steel rounds, turning a non-issue into a point of unnecessary contention.
Who’s Your Least Favorite?

From The Backseat Shooter’s unsolicited advice to Mr. Last Minute’s constant delays, these gun range stereotypes are familiar to anyone who spends time around firearms. While they can be entertaining in small doses, they often make it harder for everyone else to enjoy their session. Next time you head out, make sure you’re not accidentally turning into one of these annoying characters. Or, if you spot one, just remember to take it in stride, smile, and keep shooting.
Your Experiences?

Have you ever encountered any of these personalities at your local range? How did it affect your experience? Which of these stereotypes do you think causes the most disruption during a shooting session, and why? Let us know in the comments.

Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.