Notify the RSO when there is a firearm stoppage malfunction.
Dry firing is only permitted at the firing line and only when authorized.
All firearms must remain unloaded with actions open except when on the firing
line and authorized to be loaded.
When firearms are benched or grounded, keep the actions open and ejection
ports facing upward so chambers are visible.
Ammunition is not permitted in the cleaning area.
Ask: Why are shooters required to leave dropped ammunition on the floor until firing is
completed and firearms are benched or grounded?
This policy prevents shooters from unintentionally pointing the firearm at other
users while retrieving dropped ammunition, or inadvertently moving in front of
the firing line.
Ask: Why are shooters required to notify the RSO of firearm stoppage or malfunctions?
Notification is critical for safety at the end of the course of fire.
Administrative Range Rules
Example: Did everyone park his car in the shooters' parking area?
4.
FIRING LINE COMMANDS
State and explain standard range commands that will be used for specific shooting event(s),
E.g., formal competition rules are specified in NRA Rulebooks.
"As you were" means to disregard the command just given.
"Carry on" means to proceed with what was being done before an interruption.
“Relay No. __, Match No. (or naming the match), on the firing line" means shooters are
to move to their firing points.
"The preparation period starts now" means shooters may occupy their firing points,
prepare, and dry fire at the targets.
"The preparation period has ended" means shooters must stop preparation activities.
"Load" means shooters are given permission to load authorized number of rounds and
prepare for the shooting event.
If magazines are used, “Magazines out after firing all of your shots”.
"Is the line ready?" allows a shooter with problems to raise an arm and call "Not ready on
target...."
"The line is ready" means all shooters are ready to begin.
"Ready on the right!"; "Ready on the left!"; "Ready on the firing line!" is the sequence of
commands that gives shooters their last chance to signal "Not ready." "Ready on the
firing line!" means that targets will be exposed in three to five seconds.
"Commence firing!" signals shooters to begin shooting. This command may be signaled
verbally, by a whistle or horn blast, or by moving the targets into view.
"Snap Caps" (muzzleloading firearms only) directs the shooter to move to the firing line,
affix a primer cap, point the firearm downrange, and “snap” the cap to ensure that the
flash hole is open and that the barrel is free of any material capable of causing a
hangfire. Snap 3-5 caps.
"Misfire" is called by a shooter or instructor to inform the RSO and other shooters that a
firearm failed to fire and a hazardous condition may exist. Due to the possibility of a
hangfire (a delay in the ignition of the cartridge), keep the firearm pointed downrange
and wait at least 30 seconds for modern firearms,
or at least two minutes for
muzzleloading firearms
, prior to correcting the malfunction.
Muzzleloading firearms
require extra time due the nature of the ignition system combined with shooting from a
standing position as the norm.
"Cease firing!" notifies shooters to stop firing immediately and await further
instructions. "Cease firing" may be signaled verbally, by a whistle or horn blast, or by