| There aren't many things as enjoyable as | | | | detachable), and the rifle is either set upon |
| strapping on your holster with your favorite | | | | a table or placed in a gun rack. |
| pistol and grabbing your rifle with its new | | | | |
| leather sling and heading to the shooting | | | | For pistols: The action is opened by opening |
| range. There are standard safety procedures | | | | the loading gate (single action), positioning |
| regarding firearms and the following safety | | | | the empty cylinder open (double action), or |
| and operational policies are in effect at | | | | slide back (self loading), the magazine is |
| most shooting ranges. It is incumbent upon | | | | emptied of any ammunition (if attached) or |
| you to read and follow the local rules that | | | | removed (if detachable), and the pistol |
| are in effect at your particular shooting | | | | placed on a table or bench. |
| range. Most shooting ranges have rules that | | | | |
| are for your safety and are very strict about | | | | There is no handling of firearms permitted |
| the adherence to those rules. So please | | | | when anyone is beyond the firing line. |
| check with the Range Master for local rules | | | | |
| and etiquette. | | | | If anyone observes an unsafe situation they |
| | | | are to immediately declare a cease fire! |
| Cooperation is expected by all shooters. | | | | |
| | | | The cease fire command is to be obeyed by all |
| The Range Master usually has the final say in | | | | shooters on that specific range-immediately. |
| all disputes regarding range operations. This | | | | The unsafe situation is to be addressed and |
| rule is in effect for the safety of all | | | | rectified before any gun handling or firing |
| concerned and I have found most Range Masters | | | | continues. |
| to be fair and easy to work with. We all | | | | |
| must be willing to work with the people in | | | | All shooting shall be done from the firing |
| charge of our safety and well being. Ear and | | | | line. |
| eye protection are required of all shooters | | | | |
| and spectators at the firing line at all | | | | Do not go beyond the firing line to discharge |
| times (except during cease fires).This is jut | | | | firearms! This is allowed only during regular |
| common sense! When anyone is shooting either | | | | scheduled match competitions. Don't take the |
| on a range or just plinking out on a ranch | | | | presence of spent brass beyond the firing |
| you will later appreciate your decision to | | | | line as an invitation to venture down range |
| take this very important step in protecting | | | | to shoot. |
| your sight and hearing. Anyone on the firing | | | | |
| line should understand that during normal | | | | Shoot only at authorized targets that are |
| shooting situations your hearing is at risk. | | | | down range. |
| Always wear ear and eye protection.When | | | | |
| anyone wishes to go down range, they must | | | | Every target on the range is not yours! In |
| first call a cease fire among those shooters | | | | most cases you will be assigned certain |
| using that range. | | | | targets. Shoot only at those targets. It is |
| | | | not good shooting etiquette to shoot other |
| Again, this is a common sense rule and should | | | | people's targets. If you can't resist, you'd |
| be observed by all on the firing line. When | | | | be better off just leaving your handgun in |
| a cease fire is requested it then must be | | | | its holster! |
| OK'd by the Range Master. He then will make | | | | |
| the call for the cease fire. | | | | Shoot only at right angles to the target. |
| | | | |
| The line is to be made safe before anyone | | | | Shooting at targets that are not at right |
| goes down range to service targets. | | | | angles to you will increase the chance of |
| | | | ricochet. That means there can be |
| Prior to ANYONE proceeding beyond the firing | | | | uncontrolled projectiles. Not a good recipe! |
| line the Range Master must declare the line | | | | |
| to be safe! Do not go beyond the firing line | | | | SUMMARY: |
| until this declaration is made. A safe line | | | | |
| is usually a result of, but not limited to, | | | | Going to a shooting range can be a time of |
| the following steps. | | | | fun and excitement for you and your family - |
| | | | a good excuse to show off your new handmade |
| All firearms are to be cleared and benched | | | | leather holster. The rules at the ranges are |
| when anyone is beyond the firing line. | | | | very important and vital to everyone's |
| | | | safety. With the help of all those involved, |
| For rifles: The bolt action, lever action or | | | | shooting ranges can be as safe as any hobby |
| receiver is opened, open bolt indicator is | | | | you can become involved with. So observe all |
| placed in chamber, the magazine is emptied of | | | | the range's rules and follow them for the |
| any ammunition (if attached) or removed (if | | | | most enjoyable time possible. |