Rules of Conduct and Safety

Members are always required to know all range and club rules and exercise them.  Ignorance of a rule is no excuse and members are encouraged to revisit these rules frequently to keep informed should there be any changes.  Membership in good standing implies that each individual member knows and exhibits the rules and behaviors expected of them.  Members are also responsible for any guests brought to the range and should be aware that any behavior that is detrimental to safety or protection of club property is grounds for immediate expulsion. 

Sheboygan Rifle and Pistol Club Outdoor Range Rules of Conduct 

 

I. General Rules 

1. Firearms must be brought to the firing line unloaded and, in a case, or holster.
2. Always keep a benched or holstered firearm pointed in a safe direction. Firearm actions must always be open on the firing line, except while shooting. Never allow the muzzle to point in any direction where a discharge would allow the projectile to escape the range boundaries.
3. Firing will be down-range directly into a berm or backstop.  Ensure that targets are placed at the proper level/height where all projectiles will pass through the target and enter the backstop, berm, or bullet trap. Thrown targets and explosive targets (such as tannerite) are prohibited.
4. It is the responsibility of every shooter to select the correct benches, shooting rests, and or shooting stances that ensure that ALL firearm (handgun or rifle) muzzles are forward of the firing line when loaded.
5. Before proceeding down range, ensure that everyone observes and obeys the cease fire.  Ascertain that firearms are clear and safe (action open, magazine removed, and the firearm pointed in a safe direction). Upon verbal agreement, activate the light system and horn.
6. While others are down range DO NOT handle any firearm and do not stand at the firing line where firearms are present.
7. When it has been ascertained that all parties down range have returned to the firing line, the range may be returned to active status.
8. No person impaired to any degree by alcohol or drugs shall be permitted to handle or discharge a firearm on Club property. No open containers of alcohol or consumption of alcohol is permitted on Club grounds.
9. All shooting must take place between the hours of 7:30 am and sunset for safe shooting. State law prohibits shooting on any range after 11:00 pm.
10. Federal, State, and Local laws as they relate to firearms and ranges must be obeyed. 

 
II. Special Considerations 

1. Use of Holsters                                 
   a. Firearms must not be removed from the holster except when on the firing line. 
   b. Only strong side hip holsters are allowed when presenting a firearm on the firing line. 
   c. When drawing from a holster, the trigger finger must remain outside of the trigger guard until the firearm is pointed down range and aligned on the target. 
   d. The area between the shooter and the target must be free of obstacles (e. g. shooting benches and rests) and shooting lane restrictions must be observed. 
   e. No one is allowed to carry a loaded firearm in a holster anywhere but at the firing line with exception of law enforcement personnel who must display their badge while armed on Club property and Concealed Carry permit holders.  Law enforcement personnel will observe the same rules as the general membership (officers wearing ankle holsters, for example, are not permitted to fire from the prone position since their holstered firearm would point in an unsafe direction).
2. Informal Target Shooting (Plinking) 
   a. All informal target shooting at the range will be done using the trap.      
   b. Shooters firing into the trap must observe the shooting lanes and must ensure that all projectiles are contained within the trap.
3. Moving the Firing Line 
   a. Moving the firing line is permissible upon consensus of all shooters on the line if safety rules are observed at the new firing line. 
   b. “No Shooting” signs must be placed at the permanent firing line and the cease fire light system must be activated and remain activated while the firing line remains down range.  
   c. When the activities requiring the relocation of the firing line are completed, the firing line will be returned to the permanent firing line and any equipment (e.g. sandbags, signs, and benches) will be returned to the appropriate location.
4. Special Shooting Disciplines 
   a. Club approved Shooting Disciplines that require modified range safety rules such as Practical Pistol and Cowboy Action can only be performed on a controlled range and must follow their own modified rules.  These modified rules will be made available to participants.  Though some of these modified rules may not be consistent with all the General Rules, the General Rules that apply must be observed.                                
   b. Non-participants are not permitted on the firing line.  

 
III. Range Administrative Rules 

1. Only members and their guests may use range facilities. The Club may designate certain days and hours when the range is open to the public.  Public events will be supervised by Club safety personnel.
2. Members are required to carry Club membership cards.  They must present them when requested by another member.
3. Range keys and fobs are to be used by members only.
4. Club members have priority over non-member guests for the use of the range.
5. Minors are not permitted on the range without a parent, parent designated adult, (i.e. Scoutmaster) or a Club instructor.
6. Hunting or shooting of any wildlife on Club property is strictly prohibited.
7. Wear eye and hearing protection, as appropriate, always.
8. Individual or group use of the range must not interfere with scheduled Club activities.
9. Members are liable for damage to the range or range equipment caused by members or their guests.
10. Return range equipment to its proper place (e.g. sandbags, signs, and targets).
11. Police range of shells, boxes, and other trash before leaving.
12. Ensure that the buildings and gate are locked when leaving the range.  

All members are required to police the range.  This includes sweeping up of empty cartridge casings, putting away targets to proper place in target shack, picking up all debris and leaving range in good status for the next shooter.  Should any incidental damage occur notify the Executive Officer immediately so that it can be accounted of without penalty.