Outdoor Range Safety BASICS

As you visit different ranges, you'll find many similarities in their rules and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Most ranges provide their SOPs online or at the facility. If it's your first time visiting, take a moment to review these to ensure a smooth, safe range day. Remember to take that eye and ear protection and wear them both.

Key Roles on the Range

• Range Master: The person in charge—what they say goes.

• Range Officer: To assist Range Master with Range Activities

• Range Safety Officers (RSOs): Assist the Range Master and ensure everyone's safety. Look for their red hats or shirts.

Understanding the Range Layout

• Berm (Backstop): The designated area for bullets to impact. Markers on the left and right often indicate boundaries.

• Target Positioning: Most ranges require targets near the berm, but rules can vary.

Essential Safety Rules

1. Point Firearms Safely

   • Keep your firearm pointed downrange or at the ground when not shooting.

   • Never handle firearms when someone is downrange.

2. Trigger Discipline

   • Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

3. Firearm Status

   • Keep firearms unloaded until ready to shoot.

4. Call a Ceasefire

   • Anyone can call a Ceasefire if they spot a safety issue. At this command, stop shooting immediately and wait for instructions.

Other Tips

• Use downtime for practice, like reloading drills with an unloaded firearm.

• Stay aware and courteous—everyone’s safety depends on teamwork.

We encourage you to explore your local ranges. Stay safe, smart, and always enjoy the experience!

Back Berm to Fire Into. "Down Rage" if that's your location. Pictures below indicating where we fire into.

Left Side Range Marker "Impact Area" to RIGHT ONLY

RIGHT Side Range Marker "Impact Area" to LEFT of ONLY