You arrive with the guns empty. Most don't allow loaded guns to go through the entrance. Some do, but assume they won't and you won't be surprised. Bass Pro, it is worth noting, will place a lock on every gun you bring in the store entrance which will be removed once you get to the indoor range. However, they allow you to conceal carry in the store and you don't have to take that one out. If you want to shoot that one, you might have a problem at the other end when you pull it out loaded without a lock--I don't know. When you get to the other side, you can load the gun on the range.
Many require you to sit through a newcomer's orientation of some sort, though not all. If they have an orientation, it goes over the range's rules.
When you get there, at an indoor range you pull the target backstop up and attach your target to it and then send it back out. Some have very specific rules on what targets are allowed (no paper plates, no people, only this type, etc) while some don't care at all. Some have push pins to attach the targets and some expect you to have a stapler to use to attach them. I haven't seen a range that doesn't have an ample supply of targets available for sale for 25 cents to $2.50, depending on the target chosen. Most also sell cheap eye and ear protection, some common ammos, and similar accessories. Some also rent scopes, guns, etc.
At an outdoor range, you can choose your spot and get everything ready, but you obviously can't walk down range to put up your target when everyone else is shooting down range. Once you're situated, step behind the line to let people know you are waiting for a cease fire/cold range. Some ranges call cease fires on a specific schedule and some call them whenever there is a need. You can ask the range officer if you're unclear on that range's cease fire procedures.
Once the cease fire is called, the range officer will give you instructions on what to do. In my very limited experience, they expect all people to go behind the line to indicate that they are ready and have acknowledged the cease fire. They might also want the guns empty and chambers back. The range officer will then announce that the range is cold and you're free to go down to put up or check out your target. They expect you to then stay away from the shooting bench and when you're finished to go stand behind the line again. At Elm Fork, you can move the distance of your target during this time. This is not the ideal time to move bays if you're at a range with fixed distance targets because you can't go back to the bench to move your stuff, so if you want to move aisles, do it before the cease fire. Some ranges assign you to a specific lane and some allow you to choose your own. If you're assigned a lane, make sure you let them know when you move lanes for whatever reason. Once everything is clear, the range officer will announce that the range is hot again and you're free to go back to the shooting bench and knock out some more rounds.
Repeat until you're done.
