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