Range Rules

PCSC RANGE RULES ( 08-06-10 )  

KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION

KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT

KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO SHOOT

 1.  Without exception - While on club property, membership/guest identification badges are required to be worn conspicuously and visibly displayed above the waist to the casual viewer.  

 2.  Members, guests, students/trainees are required to sign in and out of the PCSC facilities.  At no time are children or guests to be left unattended or unsupervised.  Members and Instructors are responsible for their guests.  A signature sheet is provided at the check in station.

3.  The use (intentional or accidental) of any controlled substance or alcohol is strictly forbidden.  If deemed under the influence of either, one will be required to leave the property and the appropriate authority will/may be notified.

4.  The RSO’s have absolute authority to address all situations.  They are expected to correct actions deemed unsafe or questionable and cite violations, which may result in the removal of individuals or groups from the facilities as well as face civil or criminal action.

5.  Police your area. Place shell casings in the “brass” barrel, dud or misfired ammo in the provided dud container, and dispose of trash accordingly.  Pick up your trash.

6.  The firing or discharge of a firearm at anything other than an approved target (as defined by club Safety Committee) on any range is strictly forbidden. See “Approved Targets & Ammunition (TBP).”

7.  Please observe the three fundamental rules of firearm safety at all times including when transporting firearms to and from a vehicle.  

8.  Target frames used or taken from the 100-yard range house for any reason are to be returned to the range storage area as soon as shooting is finished. (Likely to be moved to SOP.)

9.   Horse play of any kind will not be tolerated on any of the range facilities.  Please do not climb the berms.

10.  The practice of “cross firing” or firing diagonally fully across any range at any target is strictly forbidden.  This does not preclude firing upon multiple targets within the same shooting lane.

11. .50 cal. and larger center-fire rifles are prohibited from all but the 300-yard range.  They may only be fired at the 300-yard range.

12.   Ranges are available to all members during normal range hours unless a group or individual has obtained authorization in advance for exclusive use from the Vice President. (See scheduling  SOP section, TBP).  Members are reminded that they are expected to share the facilities with other members and their guests.  There is no “first-come, first served” on any PCSC facility.

13.  In the absence of a certified RSO and two or more persons are firing on a range, the shooters present shall select one person to act as a range safety officer.

14.  All club members are responsible for immediately calling CEASE FIRE COMMAND - MAKE SAFE - SHOW CLEAR - GROUND - STEP AWAY FROM THE FIRING LINE and informing a range officer of any violations they observe or may record the incident and present it to the RSO via email at the earliest opportunity.

15.  Observe the CEASE FIRE COMMAND - MAKE SAFE - SHOW CLEAR - GROUND - STEP AWAY FROM THE FIRING LINE.

16.  Eye and ear protection are required on all live firing ranges.

PLEASE NOTE:

Three-gun-type shooting allowed on the Whitfield and Ganley Ranges with the following restrictions:  No shotgun shot or projectiles larger than 7½-shot will be permitted, no center-fire, bottle-necked cartridge rifles may be shot any steel target.

 SAFETY IS EVERYBODY’S CONCERN  

Standard Operating Procedures

SCHEDULING TRAINING / INSTRUCTION  (Draft for Comment)

SCHEDULING:   Classes or training defined as commercial or for profit:

The requesting organization must contact, schedule and obtain the support services of at least one NRA Certified RSO or Instructor for every six (6) students in the class. Application must be made with as much prior notice so as to allow modification or scheduling on the PCSC website. 60 Days prior to the date of the event. The application is given to the Training Committee in order to schedule range time. Classes will not be scheduled until the approval date is verified and posted on the website. www.pcsc.us

REQUIREMENTS:               REGARDLESS OF CLASSIFICATION

Instructors are responsible for the safety of the class. Instructors must ensure that students/guests have signed in and out of the club, and policing their area. AT NO TIME shall any instructor leave the class or range unattended for any reason.  IF for ANY reason the instructor must leave the range, and does not have a certified replacement onsite, the class is OVER.  Participants must leave.

One N.R.A. certified RSO is dedicated to DIRECT the firing line, regardless of the total number of students shooting. Additional RSO’s or Instructors will be assigned to assist with the remaining students who will be removed from the firing line area. Non-shooting participants may review class instruction, lesson plans, or other material, eliminating background noise and distractions from the immediate shooting area.

 SPONSORED YOUTH GROUPS

 1.)            All Training is to be conducted by Certified N.R.A. instructors certified in that discipline and            follow NRA guidelines, PCSC rules and SOPs (Maintain training records) in addition to            requirements provided by such venues as B.S.A. merit badge, Venture Scout, Guide to Safe        Scouting directives & 4-H clubs.

 2.)            Live fire is to be conducted ONLY under the direction of an NRA certified Range Officer.

 3.) YOUTH shooting events:            

 *Youth shooting programs, recommend one coach per student (shooter). This is in addition to the required line officer(s).

 4.) ADULT LEADERS or sponsors will provide a current roster in the format indicating:

                 A.            Written & printed name of the student(s), Unit or Club affiliation (BSA - 4-H)

                B.            Method utilized to verify the identity of each student.

                C.            A signed statement that the students have read - understand and will comply with

                                 PCSC rules and procedures

                D.            Statement of insurances I.e. B.S.A. Tour Permit.

                E.             Name of Unit Leader present at the event

 5.) NON MEMBERS of Pickens County Sportsmen’s Club ATTENDING ANY TRAINING OR           INSTRUCTION PROGRAM MAY NOT LOAD or DISCHARGE any firearm on any range prior to, or immediately after any training.   

 All rules - directions and procedures as stated are specific to N.R.A. / PCSC range SOP’s. Activities are subject to modification should the situation arise. RSO’s are expected to execute the appropriate SOP or in the event of no current SOP, the RSO will evaluate the situation, make a decision, and take action as deemed appropriate. Your cooperation in these matters is appreciated.

* Directives may be found in the  B.S.A. Guide to Safe Scouting, B.S.A. Merit badge requirements booklet -

Venture Crew - Ranger Handbook as well as the N.R.A. Instructor Manual, RSO Training Manual and N.R.A.       Range Source book. These requirements are Mandatory and are not subject to personal interpretation.

 ** Venture Crews - Explorer Scouts are permitted to fire handguns ONLY if they present an NRA pistol Marksmanship completion card, signed by an active and current Certified Instructor. This course must be taken and completed in advance of any handgun shooting program. Cross registered scouts are not eligible for this program.

301-Yard Range Target Placement (Draft for Comment)

WARNING - EXTREME DANGER - WARNING

Procedure:

Before you enter the target placement area for any reason, follow these directions explicitly.

 STEP ONE:                       DECLARE CEASE FIRE!

 Before entering the 300 yard target area, ensure that the firing line is clear and that the cease fire condition has been observed. Take the time to declare a cease fire,  make safe , show clear and step away from the firing line. This is absolutely critical. Under no circumstance is there to be anyone on the firing line during the cease fire. No one is to be on the firing line without first ensuring the target area is clear.

 STEP TWO:                      PLACEMENT OF WARNING FLAGS*

 Place the warning flags* in an obvious position so as to be visible from all possible positions on the firing line, indicating a safe - or cold condition. If possible shoot in pairs so that one shooter may remain in the area to secure the firing line.

 Shooters on the firing line must be observant of the cease fire condition. Look for both flags. If either is present the line is not safe. Shooters in the target area look for activity on the firing line. Should you notice any activity - get out of the area immediately. Do not waste time yelling or waving, leave the area.                                             

It is far better to drive back to the firing line and secure it than run the risk of not being seen and perhaps hit by fragments or incoming rounds!

 After securing the firing line, proceed down to the target placement entry area. Go through the GATE near the plinking range and place the warning flag in a obvious area so as to be easily seen.

   2. Walk down to the berm (backstop) area enter through personnel opening in the barbed wire fencing around the 300 Yard Range target area, wave the Day-Glo flag to warn shooters at the 300-Yard Range firing point that someone is entering the target area. DO NOT (and I mean NEVER)  ASSUME ANYONE ON, OR IN THE FIRING LINE AREA  HAS, OR CAN SEE YOU!

 3. Replace, fix or paste your targets. Immediately leave the area. Remove the warning flags and return to the firing line. Follow standard safety procedures to re establish firing line condition.

 NOTE:

 * WARNING FLAGS are RED or ORANGE indicating a hot or live fire condition on the RANGE.

 A GREEN flag indicates the line and RANGE is safe, firearms are secured and there are no persons on the firing line----for ANY REASON.

IDPA – IPSC

RSOP

IDPA, IPSC and 3 gun have basically the same safety rules, as they all have a common origin.  In Competitions a cold range concept is used. That is to say, only the person actually shooting has a loaded Firearm.

 Range commands:  

Load and Make Ready: Command given to the shooter to load gun to either CoF specification or division capacity and re-holster.

 Shooter Ready: Question asked by SO/RSO to make sure the shooter is ready to engage the CoF.

 Standby: Command given to the shooter to freeze in the start position before the audible start signal.

 Unload and Show Clear: Command given to the shooter to unload his Firearm and show the RSO/SO a clear chamber or cylinder.

 Slide Down or Cylinder Closed: Command given to the shooter to lower the slide or close the cylinder of an empty Firearm.

 Hammer Down: Command given to shooter to dry fire into the berm to show a clear Firearm.

 Holster: Command given to the shooter to put the Firearm back in the holster.  

Range is Safe: Command stating that the shooter has holstered his Firearm and it is safe to proceed downrange.

IDPA IPSC

COMPETITION RULES

 The Four Universal Laws of Gun Safety are:

            The gun is always loaded.

            Never point a gun at something you are not prepared

            to destroy.

            Always be sure of your target and what is behind it.

            Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.

 Safety Rules:  

 1. Unsafe gun handling will result in immediate disqualification from the entire match.

Examples (but not limited to):

            A. Endangering any person, including yourself.

            B. Pointing muzzle beyond designated “Muzzle Safe Points”.

            C. Handling a loaded firearm except while on the firing line.

 Unloaded firearms may be handled only in designated “safe areas”.

 Note: There are only three instances in which the gun may be removed from the holster:

                 1. While engaging targets in a Course of Fire (CoF) under the

                     supervision of a safety officer.

2.       With verbal instruction from an RSO/SO. (Safety Officer)

3.       When in a designated “safe area”.

   DISQUALIFICATIONS

from participation/competitions

           1. Dropping a loaded firearm. If a contestant drops a loaded firearm during a stage or string of fire, the RSO/SO will immediately

yell “STOP”. It will then be the task of the RSO/SO to pick up/recover the dropped firearm and render it safe and unloaded before returning it to the contestant. The contestant will be disqualified from the entire event as well as any side events occurring with the match.

             2. Dangerous or repeated “finger in trigger guard” violations during loading, unloading, reloading, drawing, holstering, remedial action.

                        3. A premature shot: in the holster; striking behind (up range of) the firing line; into the ground downrange closer to the firing line than two yards; or over a berm.

             4. Dropping an unloaded firearm: may incur penalties at the discretion of the RSO/SO and/or MD.(Match Director)

             5. Pistols will be loaded only when directed by the RSO/SO. (See note at end of Safety Rules regarding Hot and Cold ranges.)

             6. Shock resistant eye protection and ear protection are required to be used by ANYONE at the range facility.PCSC RULE.

             7. Upon completing any CoF, the shooter must unload, show clear and re-holster before turning up-range or leaving the firing line. (See note at end of Safety Rules regarding Hot and Cold ranges.)

             8. Pistols used in competition will be serviceable and safe. The MD will require a competitor to withdraw any pistol observed to be unserviceable or unsafe. In the event that a pistol cannot be loaded or unloaded due to a broken or failed mechanism, the shooter must notify the RSO/SO, who will take such action he thinks safest.

             9. Fingers must be outside the trigger guard during loading, unloading, drawing, re-holstering, while moving (unless engaging targets) or during remedial action.  

Failure to comply will result in a three (3) second procedural error penalty.

Multiple violations of these rules could result in additional penalties or disqualification from the entire match at the discretion of the MD

 The normal condition of pistols not actually engaged in active shooting is holstered and unloaded, with hammer down and magazine removed. Loaded firearms may only be handled in the safe area when supervised by the MD or a RSO/SO. Magazines and speedloaders may be reloaded while off the firing line, but the contestant’s firearm may be loaded or unloaded only under the direction of the RSO/SO. (See note at end of Safety Rules regarding Hot and Cold ranges.)

 All CoF will be started with the pistol holstered and safe, hands clear of equipment as directed by the RSO/SO unless other positions for the pistol are stipulated (table top, drawer, pack, purse, or in the firing hand).

                              Safety Officer- Range Safety Officer.

 Certified Range Safety Officers are the people whose purpose and goal is for all the shooters at the match to have a safe and enjoyable day at the range by directing the shooter through the course of fire.

Range Safety Officers must be at least 21 to be IDPA certified. To become a certified Safety Officer, you must participate in a safety officer class taught by one of the safety officer instructors listed on the IDPA web site or an area coordinator. Pickens County Sportsman's Club currently has six:  

1.       Mike Benedict – Instructor – Range Director

2.       Rosie Ruschman - RSO

3.       Michele Wardel -  RSO

4.       Sean Murphy -

5.       Brian Murphy -

6.       Chris Wardel -

 The Safety Officer is one of the most vital and visual representatives of IDPA. Contestants interact with the Safety Officers more than any other official at a match.

 IDPA - RSOP

 Safety Officer (SO/RSO) Responsibilities.

 1. Focus on the shooter’s firing hand and gun.

 2. Remember that the shooter is always given the benefit of any doubt.

 3. Run contestants through a course of fire safely and smoothly so that the shooter may enjoy the shooting experience.

 4. Treat the shooter with courtesy and respect.

 5. Answer all questions regarding the CoF.

 6. Control all details of the CoF.

 7. Define all muzzle safe points as directed by the CoF and range.

 8. SO/RSO should generally stand about three (3) feet to the side and three (3) feet to the rear of the shooter. The safety officer must be aware of his position as the competitor re holsters.  

9. The SO/RSO should be on the gun hand side of the shooter. The gun-hand side changes depending on CoF requirements.

 10. SO/RSO should make sure they stay with the shooter, but not in the shooter’s way.

RSOP

PISTOL & CARBINE TRAINING

Pistol and carbine classes/exercises.

Classes differ from matches as in there are several shooters shooting at any given time, therefore we run a Hot Range where all shooters have a loaded and holstered pistol and or a loaded and slung carbine. All class start with a safety briefing each day. Each student receives a hand out of the briefing below and the must sign a release form.

The safety rules we use are:

1.       ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED.

2.       NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

3.       KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET.

4.       BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYONd.

Class rules there will be no handling of weapons behind the firing line. Firearms maintenance may only be done after the firing line is cleared and you have been cleared to perform maintenance by the instructor.

 All Carbine/Firearms are to be slung muzzle down or holstered, if you are not actually shooting. You will clear all Firearms in the presence of the SO into a berm if you wish to set them down for any reason. We will run a hot range once you finish shooting any drill, you will reload and holster your pistol and or reload and sling your carbine.

 In the event of a malfunction that cannot be immediately cleared, the shooter will  move to a side berm and perform whatever remedial action necessary. If you cannot clear the malfunction see Training Instructor or RSO who will determine the course of action. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE IS A Loaded carbine EVER to be taken off of the range.    

IDPA – IPSC

VOCABULARY

Note to RSO's and non IDPA-IPSC qualified/certified range personnel:

            Range commands and instructions are specific.

            Please take the time to become familiar with the specific vocabulary utilized on this range under the direction of the Instructor -  range officer or when IDPA or IPSC training classed or competitions are being held. Although the commands may sound different – the purpose is the same as any other PCSC range command and the end result is range and shooter control, in a safe environment.

Reviewed and approved 08/08/2010

Copyright: C.A. "Barney" Gruggel, Pickens County Sportsman's Club.
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Last updated: August 06, 2010 .