Range Rules

The Columbia Green Valley Rifle &Pistol Club, Inc.

Range Safety And Operating Rules

Purpose

The purpose of these rules and procedures is to provide the members and their guests a safe useable facility.

These operating and range safety rules adopted by the Board of Directors March 3, 1998, as authorized by the bylaws.

All users (members and their guests) must abide by these rules and any posted notices, along with discipline or event specific rules.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sec 1 MEMBER ACCESS AND USE PAGE 1

Sec 2 GUEST ACCESS AND USE PAGE 3

Sec 3 GENERAL RANGE SAFETY AND OPERATING RULES PAGE 4-11

3.1 - 3.6 HANDLING OF FIREARMS PAGE 4-5

3.7 IMPACTING OF ROUNDS PAGE 5

3.8 ESTABLISHED FIRING LINES PAGE 5

3.9 ACTING RANGE OFFICER PAGE 5

3.10 GOING FORWARD OF FIRING LINE PAGE 6

3.11 DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR PAGE 6

3.12 RULES GOVERNING HOSTED EVENTS PAGE 6

3.13 FIREARMS THAT MAY BE USED PAGE 7

3.14 FULL AUTO FIREARMS PAGE 7

3.15 USE OF ARMOR PIERCING AND TRACER AMMUNITION USE PAGE 7

3.16 AERIAL SHOOTING PAGE 7

3.17 APPROVED TARGETS PAGE 8

3.18 TARGET MOUNTING PAGE 8

3.19 LITTERING PAGE 8

3.20 VEHICLES DRIVEN ON RANGES PAGE 8

3.21 CHECKING OUT CLUB EQUIPMENT PAGE 8.

3.22 RETURNING OF CLUB EQUIPMENT PAGE 9

3.23 GATES PAGE 9

3.24 USE OF CLUB FACILITIES, FAMILY PICNICS OUTINGS ETC. PAGE 10

3.25 CLUB MEMBERS RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RULE ENFORCEMENT. PAGE 10

3.26 REPORTING OF VIOLATIONS AND

TYPES. PAGE 16

COLUMBIA INDIVIDUAL RANGESSECTIONS 4 -- 12

SEC 4 VERMILLION RIFLE RANGE PAGE 11

SEC 5 50 YARD OUTDOOR RANGE PAGE 12

SEC 6 50 FOOT INDOOR RANGE PAGE 13

SEC 7 ARCHERY RANGE PAGE 15

SEC 8 MOVING TARGET RANGE PAGE 16

SEC 9 25 YARD INDOOR/OUTDOOR RANGE PAGE 17

SEC 10 BARRICADE RANGE PAGE 18

SEC 11 OPEN

SEC 12 OPEN

HALLSVILLE INDIVIDUAL RANGESSECTIONS 13-21

SEC 13 LOWER MOVING TARGET RANGE PAGE 18

SEC 14 FALLING PLATE RANGE PAGE 20

SEC 15 BARRICADE RANGE PAGE 21

SEC 16 LOWER 50 YARD RANGE PAGE 22

SEC 17 200 YARD MULTI-PURPOSE RANGE PAGE 23

SEC 18 UPPER 50 YARD RANGE PAGE 25

SEC 19 UPPER MOVING TARGET RANGE PAGE 26

SEC 20 SPECTATOR PARKING LOT/RANGE PAGE 27

SEC 21 BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT PAGE 28

THE COLUMBIA GREEN VALLEY

RIFLE & PISTOL CLUB

RANGE SAFETY AND OPERATING RULES

Section 1 Member Access and Use

1.1 Columbia Facility: Every member in good standing will be given the combination to the locks on the gate and indoor range upon payment of their dues.

1.2 Hallsville Facility: All members in good standing shall have access to the Hallsville facility. Those who complete the orientation program will also receive the combination to that gate. Access to the buildings and other facilities will strongly depend upon scheduled activities and so should be coordinated with the Director of Range Operations Hallsville (Hereafter referred to as DRO).

Due to the need to conduct training classes and other activities at the Hallsville facility and a constantly changing schedule, it is recommended that members call ahead.

1.3 The access privileges granted to members requires the safe, legal and sportsmanlike behavior of all. Serious offenders are subject to immediate suspension by: any Board member, the DRO or any discipline head or range officer on duty. Such a suspension will be temporary, pending review by the Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as the “Board”)

1.4 The security of the club and availability of equipment to all members depends upon controlling unauthorized use. Therefore, all keys and combinations issued only with Board approval by the Executive Officer for the Columbia range and by the DRO at Hallsville. In the case of discipline specific situations, combinations and keys may be issued by the discipline head with Board approval. Members should make their request to the Board at the monthly board meeting.

1.5 Access to and the reserving of facilities by members for specific events or purposes is on a first come first served basis. Any scheduled activity shall have priority on range usage. However, members may use ranges not in use providing that such activity does not interfere with the scheduled activity. (For example, firing on the plate range when a class is being conducted on the lower moving target range) The reserving of facilities is to be done through the DRO.

1.6 The hours for firing on all ranges is 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Ranges will be available seven days a week, 365 days a year. An exception to this rule would be when there is a conflict with a scheduled event or other activity.

Section 2 Guest Access and Use

2.1 Members must accompany their guests, which includes immediate family members. (Immediate family defined: Spouses and those persons under the age of 21, living in the member's house.)

2.3 A person may shoot as a guest three times during a calendar year, after which time they should apply for membership. (This restriction does NOT apply to immediate family members.)

2.4 Guests must abide by all safety rules and conduct themselves in a safe, legal and sportsmanlike manner. Hosting members are responsible for the actions of their guest.

Section 3 GENERAL RANGE SAFETY AND OPERATING RULES

3.1 These rules apply to all club activities, facilities and property.

3.2 ALWAYS keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.(Safe direction defined: A direction where an unauthorized or unintentional discharge would cause no harm or place anyone in jeopardy.)

3.3 ALWAYS keep your firearm unloaded and the action open (if possible) until preparing to shoot.

3.4 ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard, until your sights are on the target.

3.5 ALWAYS wear proper eye and ear protection when shooting or in the area where firing is taking place.

3.6 NEVER use or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs before or during shooting activities, or when handling firearms. Members found in violation of this rule are subject to immediate suspension.

3.7 All rounds including ricochets MUST impact within the boundaries of Green Valley.

(There are some homes located down range within a quarter mile of some ranges.)

3.8 The firing on all ranges is to be done from the established firing lines, never from behind them. In the event there is more than one shooter firing on a range, all shooters must fire from the same distance. On ranges that have established target lines, targets may not to be positioned in any other place, except as pre-approved by the Board.

3.9 If more than one shooter is using a range, one should assume the role of acting range officer, to keep shooting safe and orderly. Posted range rules will govern such activities.

3.10 Shooters desiring to go forward of the firing line may do so only when the line has been declared “Safe." Under no circumstance are firearms to be handled until the line has been declared “clear." It shall be the duty of the acting range officer to declare the line safe or clear.

(Definition: “Line Safe” All un-holstered firearms unloaded and benched with the action open, safety on, or holstered safely.)

(Definition: “Line Clear” there is no one down range or in front of the firing line.)

3.11 All loud offensive or disruptive language and behavior interfering with the safe operation of a firing line is prohibited. Horseplay is also prohibited.

3.12 During club hosted competitions the rules governing that event shall be the rules enforced. The Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club authorizes the range officer(s) associated with that event to enforce those rules with all on the range.

3.13 Only those firearms legally possessed under the current state and federal laws are permitted on club property.

3.14 Fully automatic firearms maybe fired in semi-automatic mode only at the Columbia range. All full automatic fire is to be done at the Hallsville range.

3.15 All firearms being transported at the range shall be cased, boxed or holstered. Firearms that are un-cased or un-holstered and hand carried must be carried with the muzzle straight up or straight down and the action open. This rule applies to firearms being taken from vehicles to ranges or range to range.

3.16 Armor piercing and tracer ammunition is never to be fired at steel targets. Tracer or similar type ammunition is not to be used if there is the possibly of creating a fire.

3.17 Only paper, cardboard and club approved steel targets are approved for use. Exceptions must be pre-approved by a Board member or DRO. Under NO circumstances are rocks, glass or other hazardous debris producing items permitted for use as targets.

3.18 When mounting targets use care to ensure they are properly mounted. Under NO circumstances are targets to be attached to structures, trees or placed so that fired rounds cause damage or create a hazard to club property or exit club grounds.

3.19 Littering on club property is prohibited. It is the responsibility of the shooter or discipline hosting an event to clean up all trash and dispose of it properly. Paper and wood items may be burned in the barrels. Un-burnable trash is to be disposed of in the containers provided. All burning must be attended and kept strictly under control. Warning: Live rounds are NOT to be put in burn barrels.

3.20 Only service vehicles or those needed for training are permitted on the ranges. Personal vehicles are not to be driven onto any range.

3.21 Timers and chronographs are available to members for use at the range. This equipment is not for loan nor is it to be removed from the range. All equipment is to be returned or replaced before leaving the range. Equipment at Columbia may be checked out by contacting a Board member or the discipline head having control. Equipment at Hallsville can be checked out from the DRO.

3.22 The Club’s portable range equipment, steel targets, tables, benches and props are not to be left down range. Members should notify the DRO of equipment that is damaged or in need of repair. This will ensure that it will be available for others to use. Members should move all equipment to the side of the range or behind the firing line when finished. Under NO circumstances are items to remain down range.

3.23 Gates at both facilities are to remain closed and locked, except during scheduled events or other activities requiring open access.

3.23 a The gate (s) at Hallsville will be closed and locked except during business hours or when open access is required.

3.24 Club facilities are available to members for family picnics or outings, provided it does not interfere with shooting activities.

3.25 All members are responsible for enforcement of the club and other appropriate range safety rules. A written report as complete as possible documenting the violation (s) is to be given to the Secretary. The secretary in turn will notify the President and remainder of the Board of the violations. The Board will review the report and take action as it finds necessary and appropriate, as provided for in the bylaws of the club.

3.26 There will be two categories of violations considered in such a report or complaint: safety related and property misuse.

a) For property misuse violations (which could include abuse, damage, loss or other misuse of club property) the board may require repairs, replacement or payment for the affected property at the offender’s expense.

b) For safety related violations, The Board may revoke the membership privileges of the offender on the first violation, if the violation is considered a serious infraction.

c) A second safety related violation occurring within one year of the first is cause for permanent revocation of membership.

d) A third violation of any type within five years is also cause for permanent revocation of membership.

e) The secretary will notify (in writing) all involved persons of any action or decision of the Board relating to a complaint.

f) All cases, actions and decisions of the board are governed by the clubs bylaws. A permanent record of infractions and actions will be kept by the secretary.

COLUMBIA FACILITY RANGE SPECIFIC RULES

SECTION 4 VERMILLION 100 AND 200 YARD RIFLE & SILHOUETTE RANGES. (Columbia)

4.1 The primary use (s) for this range: The firing of small bore and center fire rifles at paper or approved steel targets, the conducting of metallic silhouette matches, general recreational shooting by members.

4.2 Firearms approved for this range: All (No full automatic firing permitted)

4.4 Members should report any need for range supplies or target stand repair to the Executive Officer.

4.5 Anyone going down range should use extreme caution because the down range area is cross fired by the 50 yard range.

SECTION 5 50 YARD OUTDOOR RANGE (Columbia)

5.1 The primary use (s) for this range: The firing of center fire and small bore rifles, (center fire rifle shooters are encouraged to use the Vermillion rifle range). The test firing and chronographing of loads, the conducting of conventional pistol (Bullseye) matches.

5.2 Firearms approved for this range: All center fire and small bore rifles, all handguns, black powder or muzzle loading firearms. Shotguns are not permitted.

5.3 Targets approved for this range: Paper or cardboard only. Targets should be mounted in the frames correctly to prevent damage to the frames. Members should report the need for repairs to the Executive Officer.

5.4 Anyone going down range should use extreme caution because the down range area is cross fired by the rifle range.

SECTION 6 50 FOOT INDOOR RANGE (Columbia)

THE INDOOR RANGE, BECAUSE OF ITS NATURE REQUIRES MEMBERS TO BECOME VERY FAMILIAR WITH THESE PROCEDURES AND LIMITATIONS.

6.1 The primary use(s) for this range: The general recreational use by members and the conducting of conventional pistol (Bullseye) competitions.

6.2 Firearms approved for this range: All handguns and any rim fire rifle.

6.3 Because of the steel bullet stop there are ammunition and bullet type restrictions. Jacketed, magnum, shotgun, and center fire rifle rounds are prohibited. Handgun rounds must be lead only and have a muzzle energy of less than 400 foot pounds.

The formula for calculating muzzle energy is: weight of the bullet in grains X the velocity squared (velocity x velocity) divided by 450400.

6.4 Shooters must position themselves in a direct line with their targets cross firing is prohibited. (The sheet metal walls do not stop bullets.)

6.5 Targets approved for this range, paper and cardboard only. All targets are to be hung by the metal clips other methods are prohibited.

6.6 The discharging of firearms in the in-door range requires the continuous running of the exhaust fan. This also requires that the side vents be open.

6.7 Operation of the furnace by qualified members only. Members should contact a board member or the Conventional pistol discipline head for instructions on using the furnace.

6.8 At the conclusion of use: (1) Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. (2) Close wall vents. (3) Turn off exhaust fan and range lights at the breaker box. (4) Turn off the ceiling lights at the wall switch. (5) Lock the door.

NOTE: The outdoor lights operate on a time delay, with light and motion sensors, leave them on.

SECTION 7 ARCHERY RANGE (Columbia) (Those ranges formerly known as the General Eastern Recreation Areas.)

7.1 At this time the Board does not feel it has the expertise to establish rules for an archery range. An addendum will be added when such expertise is available.

SECTION 8 MOVING TARGET RANGE (Columbia)

8.1 The primary use (s) for this range is the conducting of and practices for, action pistol matches, other types of pistol competitions and the general recreational use by members.

8.2 Firearms approved for this range: All handguns and small bore rifles. Shotguns and center fire rifles prohibited except during supervised activities.

8.3 The moving target system requires knowledge and training in its operation and maintenance. Only members who are trained and approved by a board member, DRO or the Action Pistol Discipline head will have access.

8.4 Members should make repairs, strings and rope's, etc. before leaving the range.

8.5 If supplies, string, ropes or target sticks are needed, members should contact the DRO or Executive Officer.

SECTION 9 25 YARD INDOOR/OUTDOOR RANGE (Columbia)

9.1 The primary use(s) for this range: The conducting of Conventional (Bullseye) matches, small bore rifle position shooting, sighting in or test firing of center fire rifles, including muzzle loaders.

9.2 Firearms approved for this range: All handguns, small bore rifles, center fire rifles and muzzle loading firearms. SHOTGUNS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

9.3 The down range lights may be used only when the light boxes are open.

9.4 The operation of the turning target controls requires training, therefore use of this equipment is only with prior approval of the Conventional (Bullseye) head.

9.5 After using this range members are expected: to turn out all lights, close and lock all doors and windows and pick up their trash.

SECTION 10 BARRICADE RANGE (Columbia)

10.1 The primary use (s) for this range: The conducting of and practice for NRA action pistol matches, other types of practical pistol matches, the general recreational shooting by members.

10.2 Firearms approved for this range: All handguns and small bore rifles. Shotguns permitted only during supervised activities.

SECTION 11 OPEN

SECTION 12 OPEN

HALLSVILLE FACILITY SPECIFIC RANGE RULES

SECTION 13 LOWER MOVING TARGET RANGE (Hallsville)

13.1 The primary use(s) for this range: The teaching of basic handgun marksmanship on stationary and moving targets, the conducting of NRA action pistol matches and practices, the conducting of other forms of competitive shooting, the general recreational shooting by members.

13.2 Firearms approved for this range: All handguns, small bore and center fire rifles, full auto firearms, and shotguns. The firing of full auto and shotguns is to be done only during supervised activities or with the approval of a Board member or the DRO.

13.3 Members who wish to operate the moving target system, should contact the DRO for instructions, BEFORE OPERATING THE EQUIPMENT.

13.4 In the event strings, cables or ropes, become damaged during operation, members should make the needed repairs, but only if they know the correct procedures. If not, they should contact the DRO.

13.5 Repair or target supplies are available from the DRO.

13.6 In the event motors or other parts of the system need repair, members should notify the DRO.

SECTION 14 FALLING PLATE RANGE (Hallsville)

14.1 The primary use(s) of this range: The teaching of marksmanship skills, the conducting of and practice for competitions of all types, the general recreational use by members.

14.2 Firearms approved for this range: All handguns, rim fire firearms or sub-machine guns firing a handgun round, shotguns when firing shot only. ABSOLUTELY NO center fire RIFLEs OR SHOTGUNS FIRING SLUGS PERMITTED.

14.3 Damaged, or equipment in need of repair should be reported to the DRO.

14.4 A supply of spray paint is in the cabinet located under the roof. It is used to paint targets only, not tables, walls, etc.

14.5 There are a number of portable steel targets on this range. They are to be fired upon only with the firearms approved for this range. Members are encouraged to use them, but when finished they should be move off the range.

14.6 When positioning portable targets on this range, use care to ensure lead fragments and misses do not cause damage to other equipment on the range.

SECTION 15 BARRICADE RANGE (Hallsville)

15.1 The primary use (s) for this range: The teaching of cover shooting techniques, the conducting of action pistol and other forms of competitions, the general recreational shooting by members.

15.2 Firearms approved for this range: All handguns, small bore and center fire rifles, full auto firearms with approval of DRO, shotguns when firing slugs or shot.

15.3 All paper or cardboard targets used on the range must hang from the 2 x 6 over the target line or be mounted to portable target stands. Portable targets are to be positioned in the safest manner possible, ensuring that fired rounds impact safety.

SECTION 16 LOWER 50 YARD RANGE (Hallsville)

16.1 The primary use(s) for this range: The teaching of firearms skills at all levels, the conducting of various forms of competitions, the sighting-in of rifles at a maximum distance of 50 yards, the patterning of shotguns, the general recreational use of members.

16.2 Firearms approved for this range: All handguns, small bore and center fire rifles, pre-approved full automatic firearms, shotguns firing slugs and shot of any size.

16.3 Portable targets and other props can be used on this range, but removed when firing is completed.

16.4 All firing on this range must be directly down range or to the right, as you face down range.

16.5 Extreme caution must be exercised when firing from the 25 and 50 yard lines. If people are visible coming or going from the 200 Yard Multi-Purpose range, all firing must cease

16.6 Any time people are visible on the road to the 200 Yard Multi-Purpose range. All firing from the 25 and 50 yard lines must be from the prone position. The handling of all firearms is to stop until people are no longer visible.

SECTION 17 200 YARD MULTI-PURPOSE RANGE(Hallsville)

17.1 The primary use (s) for this range: The firing of rifles of all calibers, the teaching of tactical shooting skills with various types of firearms, the conducting of various forms of competitions, the general recreational use by members.

17.2 Firearms approved for this range: All handguns, rifles, full auto firearms, shotguns (slugs on paper only, shot on everything).

17.3 Some portable steel targets on this range maybe shot with 223 ball rounds, others will take 308 ball rounds, depending on the distance. The DRO will point out which ones are which.

DO NOT SHOOT center fire RIFLES AT ANY STEEL TARGET UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE CHECKED WITH THE DRO.

17.4 The steel targets on this range are portable, but have to be placed back where found. Other equipment is also to be replaced.

17.5 UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE THE VEHICLES ON THIS RANGE TO BE USED AS TARGETS, OR ARE TARGETS TO BE POSITIONED SO THAT MISSES OR BULLET FRAGMENTS HIT THEM

17.6 Caution must be exercised when coming or going from this range. Do not continue if you are able to see shooters at the 25 or 50 yard lines of the lower 50 yard range. Wait until they have completed their string of fire and they have seen you before proceeding.

17.7 This area may also be used for shooting at thrown clay targets with shotguns. All clay birds are to be biodegradable.

SECTION 18 UPPER 50 YARD RANGE (Hallsville)

18.1 The primary use(s) for this range: The teaching of firearms skills, the conducting of various forms of competitions, the general use by members.

18.2 Firearms approved for this range: All handguns, shotguns, rifles and full auto firearms.

18.3 All paper targets used on this range are to be hung from the 2 x 6 or mounted to portable target stands.

18.4 At any time people are using the upper moving target range, the maximum distance for firing is 25 yards.