Law Enforcement Educators: Gun Range Rules

Gun Range Rules

Range Rules

  1. Check in with Gun Range staff before proceeding to the shooting ranges. The staff should know which range(s) you plan to use and what type of weapon(s) you are using. This is particularly important to avoid accidents when multiple shooters are present on the range. Attention Gun Club Memebers: If staff is not present, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for checking all ranges before you begin your shooting session.
  2. If you are a first time or infrequent visitor to the range, discuss your level of firearms safety knowledge with the gun range staff before proceeding to the ranges. This is required both for your safety and the safety of others. You should know basic firearms safety rules (e.g. The 10 Commandments of Gun Safety) and how to handle common problems such as misfires, barrel obstructions, and jams. Our staff will help make sure that you have a pleasant, SAFE time while shooting.
  3. Make certain that you are familiar with the proper operation of any weapon(s) that you plan to use. Not all guns are alike; there are a wide variety of operating and safety systems which necessitate user education before use. You should be certain that the weapon is in good working condition and fully understand it's operation and safety features before attempting to use it. Also be sure that you have the proper ammunition for your weapon; using the wrong ammo may damage your weapon and/or cause you physical harm.
  4. Always keep the business end (muzzle) of the weapon from passing by or stopping on ANYTHING you are not totally prepared to kill or destroy. This will help minimize the risk of personal injury or property damage in the event of an accidental discharge.
  5. Always call a "halt" before walking down range to change or check targets. Never walk down range or in front of the shooting line until you are sure that all shooters present are aware that you are going down range and have safely secured their weapons.
  6. Be familiar with what a berm or acceptable backstop is, before shooting. Failure to use an appropriate backstop may result in a bullet penetrating or missing the backstop and causing unintended damage. Always make sure the range is free of any debris; bullets can ricochet off rocks, etc. and cause unintended damage. Range staff can advise you of the appropriate location to shoot your weapon(s).
  7. Never handle any weapon if your mental abilities are impaired. Just as you shouldn't drive a car while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, you should not use a gun.
  8. All shooters must have a liability release form on file with the gun range before using the ranges.
  9. Wear eye and ear protection when shooting. If you do not have your own, safety goggles and ear phones are available for FREE loan at the the gun shop.
  10. Failure to observe the rules listed above may result in your expulsion from the range.

Ten Commandments Of Gun Saftey

It benefits us all to top for a minute and reflect on the 10 Commandments of Gun Safety. If you visibly practice safe gun handling, you'll be amazed at how it rubs off on those around you.

  1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. Know where that muzzle is at all times. Sometimes muzzle up may not be a good thing.
  2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. The trigger is designed to fire the gun, so stay away from it until the gun is pointed at an appropriate target.
  3. Always keep the gun unloaded until it is ready to use. Never assume anything when it comes to safety. Always check the magazine and chamber before handing over a firearm or handling it yourself.
  4. Be sure the gun is safe to operate. If in doubt, don't use it. Have it professionally checked.
  5. Know how to use the gun safely. Take a few minutes to understand how the safeties work and how to safely load and unload the firearm. If you've lost your instruction manual, write the manufacturer for another one. It's free!
  6. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
  7. Know your target and what is beyond. Never shoot at a skylined animal or target. Never shoot over water or ice, as bullets can ricochet.
  8. Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. Good eyewear is worth its weight in gold, As you cannot replace your eyes. You'll want to wear ear protection as well. Since every time you are exposed to noise levels above 90 decibels or so (and virtually every gunshot far exceeds that) you lose a little more hearing.
  9. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
  10. Store guns unloaded and not accessible to unauthorized persons. Especially keep guns way from the little ones. Children and those unfamiliar with guns are often quite curious about them. Always let them know that they may only handle a firearm with your supervision. Take them shooting, and show them how practice good gun safety habits. But make sure that your guns are locked away when not in use.

These 10 items are a pretty good start at making sure you and your loved ones are safe from accidents with a firearm. But they are not all of the safety measures necessary. Certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions. If it doesn't seem safe,It probably isn't. Think it through first, rather than being sorry.