Observing safety rules makes target shooting one of the safest sports

1.  ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED    (Even if they are not, treat them as if they are)

Do not deliberately load a gun on this range until you are on the line and ready to shoot. 

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

(for those who insist that this particular gun is unloaded, see rule 1.)

Don't ever point any gun at anyone – near or far.  Be aware of where your gun is pointed every moment it is in your hand.  If you cannot pick it up without pointing at something that shouldn't be shot, don't pick it up.    Uncase and case with the muzzle pointed downrange.  When presenting a firearm to shoot, it must never be pointed above the target.  All bullets fired from this range must safely come to rest within this range.   

 KEEP IT POINTED DOWNRANGE -  NEVER TURN IT SIDEWAYS

NEVER POINT THE MUZZLE HIGHER THAN THE TARGET

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

Keep your trigger finger in the “index position” alongside the frame above the trigger guard until your sights are on the target and you have decided to shoot.  The reverse is also true: your finger goes back to “index” the moment you come off target.   Nothing touches the trigger unless the sights are on target and you want to hear a loud noise.   This is the golden rule.  It’s violation is responsible for at least 60% of unintentional discharges.  Never place your support hand in front of the muzzle.  

4.  BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

Know what it is, what is behind it and what might cross in front of it.  Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified.  YOU are personally responsible for every bullet that you fire.   YOU must know where the bullet will land before you shoot.  Don’t point the gun at anything that doesn’t have a good earthen backstop behind it.   – Therefore do NOT point it up in the air.

The first four are the most important “UNIVERSAL SAFETY RULES” – please live by them. 

They were developed by LtC Jeff Cooper at Gunsite and have been adopted by the USMC, the U.S. Marshals, LAPD, IDPA, IPSC and top shooters everywhere.   

 If you disagree  “tell it to the Marines”. 

5.  PLEASE USE OUR THREE (3) RANGE COMMANDS.

COMMUNICATE your intentions.  If you want to go downrange, ASK all other shooters if it is OK to clear and go downrange.   

Be courteous.  If everyone agrees, then call “CEASE FIRE”.  Do not advance downrange until it is announced that 

“THE LINE IS CLEAR”.  

“CEASE FIRE”  MEANS:

ü      STOP FIRING IMMEDIATELY!   Do not take one more shot. 

ü      REMOVE DETACHABLE MAGAZINES

ü      REMOVE ALL AMMUNITION.   TRIPLE CHECK 

ü      OPEN THE ACTION AND PLACE YOUR FIREARM ON THE BENCH 

           If the action does not lock open, it is suggested that a “flag” type device

           be placed in the action to give visible indication that the action has been cleared.

ü      STEP BACK FROM THE BENCH 

If YOU see an unsafe condition YOU have the authority to call “CEASE FIRE” 

"THE LINE IS CLEAR"  MEANS:

ü      ALL AMMUNITION HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM ALL FIREARMS.

ü      ALL ACTIONS HAVE BEEN OPENED.

ü      EVERYONE HAS BACKED AWAY FROM FIREARMS AND WILL NOT TOUCH THEM.

ü      IT IS SAFE TO PROCEED DOWNRANGE 

ü      IT IS SAFE TO PICK UP BRASS

ü      WHEN PEOPLE ARE DOWNRANGE NO ONE WILL TOUCH ANY GUN: 

 The first person downrange will place the ORANGE FLAG in the forward flag holder pipe

The last person back will recover the ORANGE FLAG.

"THE LINE IS HOT -   EYES AND EARS”   MEANS:

.  

ü      NO ONE IS DOWNRANGE 

ü      EVERYONE – NOT JUST SHOOTERS, HAVE EYE AND EAR PROTECTION 

ü      YOU MAY HANDLE YOUR WEAPONS  OR RESUME SHOOTING 

ü      YOU MAY PACK YOUR FIREARMS TO LEAVE   Point each firearm safely downrange, verify that it contains no ammunition 

before moving it or casing it.  

A holstered pistol is safe – if worn by a properly trained person.   Shooters may work from a holster only if they prove that they have received formal competent instruction in working from a holster and are approved by the Pistol Committee Chairman.  A holstered pistol need not be unloaded or benched during cease fire or clear – no gun will be touched during clear.  

6.  NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS

Safe shooting requires clear minds.  No alcohol on the range.  Persons who are under the influence of alcoholic beverages, 

narcotics or who are taking any medication that suggests the user not drive or operate machinery must not use this range 

while so impaired. 

7.  NO DANGLING

Dangling is walking around behind the line with a handgun in your hand.   Please carry your handgun to and from the firing line in a case or holster.  Do not touch or handle any firearm behind the firing line or when people are downrange.   Uncase only when the line is “HOT” with the muzzle pointed downrange at the backstop with your finger off the trigger.   

8.  EYE AND EAR PROTECTION ARE REQUIRED WHILE THE LINE IS HOT

 Shooters and spectators need protection.  We recommend polycarbonate or Tri-Vex lenses.

9.  WASH HANDS AFTER SHOOTING 

We recommend that shooters wash hands in cold water or at least wipes, before drinking, eating or smoking to prevent the 

accidental ingestion of lead compounds from primers.  

10.  NO UNSUPERVISED MINORS

A responsible adult must supervise all children at all times, on and behind the firing line.  

11. GUNS & AMMUNITION

ü      NEVER COCK A FIREARM WHILE IT IS ELEVATED – as in stupid cowboy movies. 

ü      .50 caliber BMG is prohibited.

ü      SHOTGUNS: SLUGS ONLY, use the rack at skeet range to pattern your shotgun.

ü      Full auto or uncontrolled or un-aimed fire is prohibited.   

ü      Never touch anyone else’s gun without express permission.

12. RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS

By staying here to shoot or observe, you agree that you understand and will abide by the rules.  You also agree that you and your family will not sue the club, or the people who run the club, or the people who keep up the club, or instructors who teach here or those who make or enforce the rules.  IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND OR AGREE, LEAVE NOW!

Release Of Claims For Accidental Injuries or Death, Assumption Of Risk Agreement, Agreement Not To Sue, and Agreement To Hold Harmless, In Connection With Participation In Shooting Activities.   In consideration of their presence at and/or participation in any shooting activities at the North Side Sportsmen's Association (hereinafter “NSSA”) all individuals using or present at NSSA ranges and grounds and every shooter and observer agrees on behalf of themselves individually, their heirs, executors, and assigns, and any minor children who accompanies them that they  (1) do so at their own risk, and (2) assume responsibility for any injury to persons or property caused by them, and  (3) for themselves, their heirs, executors, and assigns, and for any minor children who accompanies them they agree that in the event any claim for damages is or in the future shall be prosecuted against NSSA or its officers, directors, committee members, instructors, range officer, coaches, agents, or employees as a result of their actions, omissions, or negligence, that they, or their estate, shall indemnify and save harmless NSSA, its officers, directors, committee members, instructors, agents, or employees from any and all claims or causes of action by whomever and wherever made or prosecuted for damages, including the cost and expense of defending the same.   BY REMAINING ON THESE PREMISES, YOU AGREE TO THE FOREGOING. 

 All range shooting is governed by these rules except that special rules may apply during special events or at the discretion of the Chairman of the Pistol Committee.  Rules may be changed by the NSSA Board of Directors or by the NSSA Pistol Committee Chairman.  

Non-compliance with ‘Pistol Range Safety Rules’ or ‘Pistol Range Procedures’ may result in disciplinary action up to forfeiture of membership and/or civil and/or criminal charges.

Please suggest revisions to Harry Schneider, Pistol Chairman   psa@pagunlaws.com    revised 07/02/2008