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Range Safety Rules

Learn about gun safety and shooting range safety and etiquette

This video offers tips on safe firearms handling and shooting range safety for those using FWC rifle and pistol ranges and shotgun facilities such as trap, 5-stand and sporting clays. The FWC manages several target shooting ranges across the state.

Tips on gun safety and shooting range etiquette

To find a FWC Public Shooting Range near you, visit http://MyFWC.com/ranges

General Range Safety Rules

  1. Always keep firearms pointed in a safe direction.
  2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
  3. Always keep your gun unloaded until you are at the firing line and the range is declared "HOT." Firearms must be safe (unloaded - magazines removed and actions opened) when entering or exiting the range.
  4. Cease Firing: Immediately stop shooting when anyone calls "Cease firing."
  5. COLD Range: Shooters must check with others to ensure firearms are unloaded, actions open and firearms laid down on the shooting bench before going down range. No one is permitted to handle firearms or stand at the firing line while there is a cold range.
  6. HOT Range: Shooters must check with others to ensure there is no one down range; when the range is declared "HOT" shooters are permitted to commence firing. Only shooters are permitted on the firing line. Shooters may move safe guns to and from the firing line only when the range is "HOT."
  7. All shooters are responsible for their rounds staying within the confines of this range. Shooters may shoot only from the firing line at the target in line with their position. Shooting at items placed on the ground or at targets not posted at the appropriate height on the target frame enables rounds to escape the range.
  8. Respect the Range: Please place your trash into the trash receptacles and your spent brass into the recycling receptacles. Tracer, armor piercing and incendiary ammunition is prohibited. When going downrange, stay on the walkways to and from the targets-access to the backstop and all areas outside of the target lines and walkways is prohibited.
  9. Respect Yourself: Wear eye and ear protection. Food, beverages and smoking are not allowed on the firing line. You should wash your hands and face after shooting.
  10. Respect Others: There is a one-hour time limit for use of the range if patrons are waiting.