PALO ALTO RIFLE & PISTOL CLUB

P.0. Box 248 1393 Hwy 943 N

Baton Rouge, LA70821 Donaldsonville, LA70346

RANGE RULES

I. GATE:

A. Make sure that the gate is closed and/or locked behind you when entering or exiting the property. The gate is to remain closed and locked at all times except for match days.

B. No member is to give out the gate combination to any non-member. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. Violation of this rule will result in immediate expulsion of the offending member.

II. RANGE OPERATING HOURS

Start at 8:00AM until a half hour before sunset.

III. SIGN-IN BOOK

  1. Upon arrival, each member will sign-in using the book located on the 100 meter range and record the arrival time and leaving time.
  2. Use the book to record the names of any guests you bring. Also, use the book to record any work you do.
  3. Failure to sign-in will subject the member to penalties as follows:

1st offense – a $25 fine for the member and each of his guests;

2nd offense – suspension of membership privileges for a period of 30 days;

Repeated violations of this rule will result in referral of the member to the board of directors for disciplinary action up to and including revocation of membership privileges.

IV. REFUSE

  1. There is no regular trash collection at Palo Alto. Trash barrels have to be emptied by local volunteers. Whenever possible, take your refuse home. If this is not possible, make sure to place trash in the trash barrels. DO NOT put brass in the trash barrels.
  2. Pick up your spent brass and place in the small containers marked BRASS.
  3. Do not place live ammo in the trash or brass barrels.
  4. Do your part to keep the range clean. Pick up trash you find and dispose it in the trash barrels.

V. TARGET FRAMES

  1. All target frames must be made of material that will not promote ricochet. All target frames must be positioned so the fired projectile will impact berm. DO NOT position targets so the fired projectile will impact the side berm. DO NOT position targets so the fired projectile will impact the ground in a manner in which it could ricochet and leave the confines of the protective berms or the range complex. The target frames supplied by the club when placed in accordance with Section VII fulfill these requirements. If you use your own target frames, they must meet these specifications.
  2. Paper targets are to be secured to the backer with staples, pins, or tape. Do not place targets on the backer supports.
  3. When firing is complete, remove the target, the staples pins and/or tape before you return the target frame to the target shed. DO NOT leave target frame on the range. Dispose of the paper target in an acceptable manner.
  4. No shotguns are to be fired at club target frames. To pattern shotgun, member must supply approved frame.

VI. TARGETS

A.Only paper targets are to be used. NO steel, bottles, cans, etc can be used as targets. Steel targets will be allowed at a match ONLY when the Match Director has demonstrated to the Range Officer that safety concerns are met and that the club is covered by adequate liability insurance.

B.The Highpower targets located in the container on the 600 yard range are to be used only by members who have received the special orientation regarding that range and they are to be used only for highpower competition or practice. DO NOT place other targets on the highpower target backers. A target board is available for members to attach non-highpower targets for use on the 600 yard range.

C.The smallbore targets and frames contained in the green container near the 50 yard range are to be used for smallbore competition only.

VII. RANGE USE

  1. The 25 yard range can be used for rifle, pistol or shotgun. Targets can be placed at any distance provided a sanctioned target frame is used. All firing must be done from the firing line (the end of the cement slab). Shotguns should not be fired at club frames. The shooter must insure that the fired round will terminate at the impact berm.
  2. The 100 meter range can be used for rifle or pistol. Targets must be no closer than the 50 yard line. Sanctioned frames must be used. All firing must be done from the firing line (the end of the cement slab). The shooter must insure that the round will terminate at the impact berm.
  3. The 600 yard range is only available to members who have received special orientation on the use, rules, and safety concerns of the 600 yard range. See the Range Officer for this special orientation. DO NOT use this range until you have received these instructions.

VIII:CONDUCT OF FIRING LINE

  1. Club member responsibilities on firing line:
  2. The member the farthest right is the Default Range Safety Officer (RSO) and assumes the responsibility of calling ALL range commands.
  3. Range commands are posted next to each firing lane on the vertical support pole.
  4. ONLY the Default RSO (shooter on the right) or Club Certified RSO will call range commands.
  5. Guests will NOT call range commands under any circumstance.
  6. Anyone on the range complex can call a “cease fire” at any time.
  7. Club Certified RSO’s may assist conduct of the firing line from any position on the firing line if coordinated with the Default RSO.
  8. Basic rules of conduct while on the firing line:

RULE 1:All personnel must treat all firearms as if they were loaded at all times.

RULE 2:All personnel will be thoroughly familiar with their firearms and will follow all manufacturer’s operating instructions.

RULE 3:Shooters experiencing a malfunction of any kind will keep their muzzle pointed down range at the berm at all times and will clear the malfunction in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

RULE 4:Any shooter experiencing an “abnormal report” or misfire will keep their muzzle pointed at the target for a minimum period of 30 seconds to preclude the possibility of a hang fire (delayed ignition).

RULE 5:Personnel must keep all uncased firearms on the benches and pointed down range at all times unless the firearms are clear, actions open, safeties engaged, magazines removed, and Empty Chamber Indicators (ECI) installed.

RULE 6:Members will not point any firearm at anything they don’t intend to shoot.

RULE 7:All shooters must keep their finger off the trigger until sight alignment has been accomplished.

RULE 8:All shooters must maintain azimuth and elevation muzzle limits within the confines of their established firing lane/berm position.

RULE 9:Firearms can only be handled while the line is declared “HOT”. When the line is “COLD”, firearms will not be handled, cased, uncased, moved or even touched.

RULE 10:All uncased firearms must have Empty Chamber Indicators (ECI) installed IN THE CHAMBER at all times when the firing line is “COLD”. ECI’s can be purchased from the Club or shooting supply retailers.

RULE 11:All personnel must remain behind the firing line when the range is HOT.

RULE 12:All personnel must remain behind the benches whenever personnel are down range and the line is “COLD”.

  1. Ear and eye protection:
  2. Hearing protection will be worn at all times when the range is “HOT”.
  3. Eye protection with side or temple protection is strongly recommended.
  4. Use of eye protection may be mandated by procedures of specific classes or competitions.
  5. Transporting firearms on range:
  6. Uncleared firearms will not be uncased, pointed, aimed, dry-fired, etc., anywhere other than forward of the yellow line, and only while the firing line is declared “HOT”.
  7. Transporting uncased firearms to and from the parking area to the ranges must clear of all ammunition, have actions locked open (if possible), an open chamber indicator (ECI) installed, the safety engaged, and magazine removed (if applicable).
  8. Casing and uncasing firearms:
  9. Firearms will be cased/uncased only when the firing line is “HOT”.
  10. Personnel will NOT handle (or even touch) ANY firearms when the line is “COLD”.
  11. Uncased firearms are not allowed behind the benches unless they are clear of all ammunition, have empty chamber indicators installed, actions held open, safeties engaged (if applicable), and detachable magazines removed.
  12. Firearms meeting these criteria may be taken on/off the range regardless of “HOT” or “COLD” status provided they were behind the benches before the firing line was declared “COLD”.

IX.CONDUCT OF RANGE COMMANDS

  1. WARNING: A mandatory twp person clearing check will be made on every firearm on the firing line before the line is declared “COLD” and before any firearm leaves the firing line.
  2. The Default Range Safety Officer (RSO) can be any current club member and is (by default) always the member farthest to the right of the firing line. The Default RSO is the only one allowed to call the line “HOT” or “COLD”.
  3. The Default RSO will ALWAYS be a current club member. Guests CANNOT issue range commands.
  4. The Default RSO accepts the responsibility for checking the status of each and every firearm on the line prior to calling the line “COLD”. Club members not wishing to accept this responsibility should not assume the Default RSO lane (farthest right shooter).
  5. The Default RSO will double check each and every firearm for compliance with this SOP prior to calling the line “COLD”.
  6. Each shooter will “buddy check” fellow shooters on both sides of their position to ensure all firearms are safe, clear, and have Empty Chamber Indicators (ECI) installed prior to the Default RSO calling the line “COLD” or removing any firearm from the line. Members wishing to case a firearm will do so only after it has been checked for clear status by two members and only when the line is “HOT”.
  7. After all firearms are checked and are in compliance with this SOP, the Default RSO will declare the line “COLD”.
  8. WARNING: If a malfunction occurs that will not allow a firearm to be cleared, it must be trained in a safe direction at all times and considered “HOT” until it can be cleared.
  9. At no time will anyone walk in front of an uncleared firearm or will it be pointed at anyone, or removed from the range.
  10. Range Commands:

1.“CLEAR THE IMPACT AREA” (called by default RSO).

All shooters must visually clear the impact area for personnel, animals, and/or equipment before handling firearms.

2.“ALL READ ON THE FIRING LINE” (called by default RSO)

3.“THE LINE IS HOT” (called by default RSO)

Shooters may handle firearms and fire when ready.

4.“CEASE FIRE…MAKE THE LINE SAFE” (normally the default RSO however, anyone can make this call for safety reasons).

a.All firearms forward of the ready line must be grounded.

b.All firearms must be trained down range and visible to others.

c.All firearms will be placed in the following condition and will be checked by the default RSO (shooter on the right) for compliance BEFORE declaring the line “COLD”.

  1. Safety selector: ENGAGED (if applicable)
  2. Detachable magazines: REMOVED.
  3. Fixed or tubular magazine: EMPTY
  4. Chamber, EMPTY/CLEAR
  5. Actions/cylinders: OPEN (actions that do not lock open by factory design, must be blocked open or out of battery with an ECI or similar device).
  6. Black power firearms: DISCHARGED/EMPTY
  7. Empty Chamber Indicators (ECI) installed

ECI is installed in the chamber or barrel of all firearms except for firearms where the barrel is not accessible (i.e. single action revolvers). If an ECI cannot be inserted in the chamber of any firearm, it will instead be placed in a position to restrict operation of the firearm (i.e. open loading gate of SA revolvers or nipple port of most black power firearms).

5.“THE LINE IS COLD” (default RSO)

Shooters are cleared down range at this time.

X. PROHIBITED ITEMS

  1. Steel targets except during approved matches.
  2. Bottles, cans, etc. used as targets.
  3. Fully automatic weapons
  4. Any semi-automatic firearm equipped with a “Hellfire” or similar trigger device that preempts factory designed safety features to permit rapid firing
  5. .50 cal center fire rifles
  6. Armor piercing, tracer, explosive or incendiary ammunition
  7. Any firearm not equipped with sights or an adequate aiming/sighting apparatus
  8. Long guns without a shoulder stock (including folding stock firearms with the stock folded)
  9. Illegal drugs or prescription drugs that may impair a person’s senses or ability to conduct himself in a safe manner
  10. Alcohol

XI. FIRING LIMITATIONS AND PROHIBITIONS

A.Prohibition against indiscriminate fire:

1.Un-aimed or indiscriminate fire has a high probability of impacting target frames and other range equipment or impacting outside of the safety berms, and is therefore prohibited.

2.Members discovered firing indiscriminately will be requested to cease fire and leave the range complex and will be referred to the board of directors for disciplinary action.

3.Violators will have their membership privileges suspended for a minimum of 30 days and are subject to the revocation of their membership privileges at the discretion of the board of directors depending on the severity of the act.

4.The board of directors’ disciplinary action is final.

B.Indiscriminate fire is defined as:

1.Using any firearm without sights or without employing sighting devices.

2.Firing from the hip, chest, or any other position which does not allow for proper visual sighting.

3.Firing “quick draw” style without using sights or bringing the firearm’s sights into the shooter’s visual sighting plane.

4.Firing any firearm “gangster style” i.e. holding the firearm sideways without using sights.

5.Any fire that is done in violation of the Range Rules that increases the likelihood that bullets will impact outside of the safety berms or range complex.

6.Any fire that is intended to damage club property.

7.If indiscriminate fire is intentional with the willful intent to damage club property, immediate revocation of membership privileges will occur.

8.Firing sustained “bursts” of ammunition from any firearm at rates faster than one round per second.

C. Shooters demonstrating a lack of ability to hit their target must immediately comply with instructions of the range safety officer or member acting in the capacity of a range safety officer. Failure to comply with such instructions will result in the shooter being referred to the board of directors for disciplinary action.

XII. GUESTS

  1. Guests are limited to 2 guests per day per member. Each guest is limited to three visits.
  2. Each guest fee is $5.00 per day. The fee is to be mailed to the Palo Alto Rifle and Pistol Club. Envelopes are provided and located in the cabinet where the sign-in book is located (at the 100 meter range). Failure to pay guest fees within 10 days will result in a $5.00 penalty per guest. Repeated failure to pay guest fees will result in the revocation of the member’s privilege to bring guests.
  3. Members are responsible for guest’s behavior while on club property.
  4. Guests must adhere to all range rules.

XIII.SAFETY AND RULES ENFORCEMENT

  1. It is every member’s responsibility to ensure strict compliance with the Range Rules.
  2. Any member found violating the Range Rules will be subject to reprimand, fines, and/or suspension or revocation of membership privileges based upon the severity of the violation. The Board of Directors shall determine the appropriate penalty after a hearing of the facts.
  3. Any safety violation resulting in bullets impacting outside of the confines of the berms or otherwise endangering other club members or guests will result in an immediate suspension of membership privileges pending an inquiry by the Board of Directors to determine an appropriate penalty.
  4. Any member who willfully damages club property will be subject to immediate revocation of membership privileges.
  5. Any violation of the Range Rules by a guest will be deemed a violation by his sponsoring member and subject the member the appropriate penalty including but not limited to suspension or revocation of the member’s privilege to bring guests.

I, ______, have read the above Range Rules and have attended the mandatory range safety training session. I understand that membership in the Palo Alto Rifle and Pistol Club is a privilege and is conditioned on my obeying the Range Rules. I further understand that violation of the rules could subject me to fines or suspension or revocation of my membership privileges in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. In addition, I understand that I am to act as a Range Safety Officer while on club property. As a Range Safety Officer, it is my duty to conduct myself and see to it that others conduct themselves in compliance with the Range Rules. In addition, as a Range Safety Officer, it is my duty to approach any person who I observe violating the Range Rules and in a non-confrontational manner request that he cease fire and comply with the Range Rules. I further understand that it is my duty as a Range Safety Officer and member of Palo Alto Rifle and Pistol Club to report any violation of the Range Rules to an officer of the Club. This report shall include the name of the violator, the time and date and a description of the violation. Failure to report a violation of the Range Rules will subject me to reprimand by the Board of Directors and possibly other disciplinary measures. I acknowledge that the Range Rules are for the safety of all members and guests and that the Board of Directors has the authority to interpret and enforce the range rules. I agree to obey the Range Rules, perform my duties as a Range Safety Officer and abide by the decisions of the Board of Directors.