TCGC
2022 Range Rules
These Range Rules
were created to help ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting environment for
everyone at Tri-City Gun Club (TCGC).
While on TCGC property, everyone has the responsibility to handle
firearms in a safe manner. They are
based on the principles of safe gun handling and shooting as prescribed by the
NRA, various shooting discipline governing bodies, Oklahoma Hunter Education
and Tri-City Gun Club.
This includes the following:
- A. ALWAYS
keep your firearm / muzzle pointed in a SAFE direction and never at another
person.
- B. Keep
your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
- C. Keep
firearms unloaded until you are ready to shoot.
- D. Know
your target and what’s beyond, make sure your bullet hits the Backstop / Berm.
Administrative
Rules
- 1. Range Etiquette: Members are expected to conduct themselves in
a pleasant professional manner at all times while on the range, know the safety
rules and wear your TCGC ID Badge.
Members without their badges may be asked to leave. Violations of range rules and inappropriate
behavior reported to the Board will be investigated. Members involved in
inappropriate behavior and safety violations may be called to appear before the
Board to address these issues.
Violations should be reported to the Member at Large or the Chief Range
Safety Officer.
- 2. Club Publications: I acknowledge the
Hangfire whether it be delivered via USPS or e-mail, is an official publication
per the TCGC Bylaws. The TCGC Website
contains copies of the current and past Hangfire publications as well as other
policy-related information. I am expected to review them on a routine basis to
remain knowledgeable of club activities and policy updates / changes.
- 3. Hours of Operation: The official hours of operation for the TCGC
range are from fifteen (15) minutes after official sunrise to fifteen (15)
minutes before official sunset, except for the skeet and trap range and the air
gun range. The skeet and trap ranges and
air gun range will be operable until 9:30 each night. The light switch for the
Skeet Range is in the Stat House. This
does not include the informal shotgun range located on the northeast corner of
the skeet and trap field. The Archery
Range may be used until 10:00PM, the light switch is on the pole to the
rear. The Range complex will be closed
to all members from 11:00PM – 6:00AM unless a special event is scheduled and
approved by the Board.
- 4. Entry / Exit Gate: When you arrive at the TCGC gate to enter,
with the gate fully closed, enter the gate code slowly by pushing the numbers
firmly, followed by the # key. Give the
gate time to open. The gate is open for
20 seconds, do not tailgate. Never push
the gate open or closed. The speed limit
on the Range is 10 MPH. When leaving the
Range, approach the gate slowly, the automatic opening sensor will activate the
gate to open, wait to hear the gate opening signal, and wait for the gate to
fully open. Once open, proceed quickly
through the gate. When the Gate is
locked open for an event a sign will be posted outside the gate that reads
“Gate Open for Event Traffic. Never
enter the gate code while the gate is open, this will command it to close.
- 5. Accidents or Injuries: Report all accidents or injuries immediately
to a Range Safety Officer or Executive Committee Member. (Phone numbers posted on the range and in the
Red Range SOP Books). We have three
first aid boxes at TCGC: one in the stat house, one in the men's restroom, and
one in the women's restroom. There is an
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in the Stat House north wall. The
emergency 911 phone is located in the Red cabinet, outside, on the south side
of the Stat House. All information
needed is located inside the door of the phone.
- 6. Hunting: Hunting is prohibited on TCGC property. Do not take pot shots at varmints.
- 7. Range
Closures: Range closures will occur
during club events such as Sportsfest, Women on Target, Hunter Education
Clinic, YHEC, scheduled matches, and on work days. For shooting information, check the range
schedule in the Hangfire or on the website before driving to TCGC.
- 8. Water:
Potable water is available from the blue faucets and in the main
restrooms. Red faucets are non-potable
water and not safe to drink. Clean
drinking water is available from a cooler in the Stat House.
- 9. Security of Firearms and Equipment: Members
are responsible for the security of their firearms and shooting equipment. Shooting equipment, gun cases etc. should be
clearly marked with the member's contact information. If a member finds a
firearm left unattended, they should contact a member of the Executive
Committee or the Maintenance Manager immediately, who will take possession of
the firearm and secure it, then initiate action to find the owner. An audit trail / chain of custody must be
maintained. Equipment may be placed in
the Stat House with a note explaining the time and location it was found.
- 10. Pick Up After Yourself: Be proud of your range and pick up your
trash. Gray cans are for trash, small
red buckets are for smokers. Black brass
recycle cans on the range are for brass only.
When you depart the range you are expected to pick up your expended
brass / shotgun shells and put them in the trash or recycle bin.
- 11. Stat House: The Stat House is available
to all members. The door code is the
same as the gate code. The Stat House is
heated and air-conditioned, with drinking water available.
- 12. Video Surveillance: All areas on the Range are subject to
video surveillance to include the gate.
- 13. Guests: There are four requirements for
bringing guests onto TCGC property:
- A.
The TCGC member needs to directly supervise
guests and remain with them on the range where they are shooting. Children under the age of 14 must be in
direct control of the member. Direct control is defined as within an arm’s
reach of the member.
- B.
All TCGC members are required to review these
range rules and the Range Specific Rules located on the range with guests,
prior to shooting, to ensure they understand and comply.
- C.
All guests and non-members must sign the
insurance waiver form on their first visit to the range, each calendar year,
even if they are not shooting. Be sure the guest PRINTS their name, then signs
the form, finally you must add your name as the sponsoring member! It's your responsibility to make sure it’s
filled out correctly. Guest Waivers are
available online and in the black mail boxes on each range. Completed waivers
should be placed in the completed box in the black mail box.
- D. If
you have a group of more than 6 guests, contact the CRSO to coordinate support.
- 14. Commercial Use of Ranges by Members: TCGC facilities are for use by members and
guests only. Members always have
priority over commercial activities on the ranges. Members who wish to use the range for
commercial activities of any type are required to: 1) request approval through
CRSO, and 2) provide a certificate of liability coverage for $1 million dollars
that names TCGC as an additional insured.
The club does not endorse any particular commercial enterprise. Commercial enterprises may advertise in the
Hangfire.
- 15. Alcohol and Drugs: Alcohol and drugs are PROHIBITED on TCGC
property. If your medication affects your behavior, do not participate in
shooting activities.
- 16. Matches and Special Events: Match Directors, Event Coordinators and
Instructors are responsible for the coordination and conduct of their match /
shooting discipline and have the final word on how matches are to be conducted
and ensure safe shooting practices are followed. Matches should be conducted per the governing
body of the match.
Firing Range Rules
- 1. Specific Range Rules: Each Range has a
set of Range Rules posted in front of the Range that provides specific guidance
for that range.
- 2. Eye and Ear Protection: Eye and ear protection are mandatory for
everyone on all ranges except for the archery range. Eye protection is required on the air gun
range, and ear protection is recommended.
- 3. Non Smoking Areas: Smoking is not
allowed under the covered range areas of the Rifle, Pistol and Short Ranges,
down range or on the Trap and Skeet Complexes.
Red cans for cigarette butts designate a smoking area.
- 4. Range Safety Lighting: When the Red
Lights are On, the Range is "COLD".
If you are the last to leave the range, please turn the lights off.
- 5.
Range
Marking Lines:
- §
Firing Line / Red Line is the Firing Line. Shooters are not allowed to go forward of the
Firing Line / Red Line unless the Range is ‘Cold”.
- §
Ready Line / Yellow Line. Shooters must remain
behind the Ready Line / Yellow Line when the Range is Cold except to go down
range to set or replace targets. While
the range is "COLD", firearms are NOT to be handled. Shooters are not allowed at the shooting
bench for any reason.
- 6.
Hot and
Cold Range: To make a range
"HOT" or "COLD", communication is required on the firing
line.
- §
When the range is "HOT", you may
transport UNLOADED firearms to and from your vehicle, load, unload, adjust
firearms, and shoot at designated targets.
All firearms must be placed on the shooting bench, uncased, made safe
with an open chamber indicator inserted in the chamber and the muzzles pointing
down range. Do not case, uncase or place
firearms on tables or benches that are behind the “Yellow / Ready Line”.
- §
Calling the Range Cold is a coordinated event by
all shooters on the line: All firearms must be made safe with an open chamber
indicator inserted into the chamber. Targets & staple gun should be placed
behind yellow line before range is declared Cold. All individuals must be
behind the Yellow / Ready Line and all have agreed the Range is Cold. The Red Lights will be turned on and remain
on until the range is made Hot again.
When the Range is Cold, you may go down range to place or retrieve
targets.
Making Your Firearms Safe:
- Rifles,
Shotguns, and Semi-Automatic Pistols:
1. The Magazine / all ammunition must be
removed.
2. Semi-Automatic: The bolt is locked to the
rear. If the bolt will not lock to the
rear, the open
chamber indicator must be inserted at
this time.
3. Pump Action: The slide / bolt is to the rear
with the chamber visible.
4. Bolt Action and Lever Action Rifles: The
bolt is open and to the rear.
5. The chamber is inspected and is empty.
6. Open chamber indicator has been inserted
into the chamber.
7. Safety is activated if possible.
8. The firearm is placed on its side or in a
rest with the port up so the chamber can be easily seen.
9. The muzzle pointed down range or placed in
the rifle rack.
10. Break over shotguns the breach is opened,
checked, closed, safety on and placed in a rack.
- Revolvers
& Break Over Pistols:
1. Cylinder / breach open and all ammunition
removed
2. The hammer forward
3. Revolver / Pistol placed on its side with
the cylinder up and visible
4. Open chamber indicator placed in the
cylinder to prevent it from closing
- Revolvers with Loading Gates:
1. Loading gate open with all ammunition /
shell casings removed
2. Hammer forward or half cocked
3. Placed on its side with the loading gate up
and open
4. Open chamber indicator placed in the
cylinder to prevent it from closing
- Primitive
Firearms / Black Powder Rifles:
1. Caps / Primers / Powder and Balls removed
2. Rifles checked with the ram rod to make sure
no ball or powder is loaded. If the
rifle is loaded the range may not be declared Cold until the ball and powder
are removed or fired.
3. Primitive rifles are placed in the half-cock
position to expose the nibble or powder tray. In-Line Rifles are to have their
bolts to the rear or breach open to expose the primer hole.
Once cleared all black powder
rifles are to be placed in the rifle racks.
- 7. Cease Fire: Anyone may call a
"CEASE FIRE" for any reason.
Upon hearing the "CEASE FIRE" command, STOP shooting
immediately, take your finger off the trigger, place the firearm on safe, keep
the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and remain in control of your firearm.
Wait until you hear the next command.
The person who calls the cease fire or Range Safety Officer must also
give the all clear. In a match, when a
cease fire is called all commands will be given by the Match Director or Match
RSO.
- 8. Firearms Malfunctions: In the event of a firearms malfunction,
apply the appropriate immediate action making sure the muzzle of the firearm is
pointed down range toward the backstop at all times.
- 9. Oklahoma Self Defense Act (SDA) and
Constitutional Carry (HB2597): SDA
and Constitutional Carry concealed carry and open carry laws are applicable and
honored at TCGC. Individuals on our
range who are carrying a firearm, pursuant to the Constitutional Carry law,
will be required to follow the same rules currently listed in our Range Rules
for SDA carry, and only carry the types of firearms listed in the Oklahoma Self
Defense Act. All firearms / handguns
carried must have the muzzle pointed down range or at the ground at TCGC. Shoulder holsters that point the muzzle to
the rear are prohibited. If you decide to shoot your open carry or concealed handgun,
deliberate care and control must be taken when you remove your firearm from the
holster to ensure the muzzle remains pointed at the ground or down range. Once removed from the holster place it on the
shooting bench before shooting it. When
it's removed from the holster to shoot, it must remain on the bench until you
are through shooting and falls under the same rules for any firearm involved in
a shooting activity. When you have
completed your shooting activities you may reload and re-holster your firearm
at the shooting bench, then leave the range.
Again, care must be taken to ensure the muzzle remains pointed in a safe
direction and that it does not sweep the firing line or other shooters.
- 10. Release Triggers for Shotguns: Shotgun
Shooters are permitted to shoot a shotgun with a release-type trigger. To do so, all members of the squad must be
notified. Guns with release-type triggers must be clearly marked with
designated NSSA approved safety stickers. If a member of the squad or the
referee is concerned about the safety of the release trigger they may request
the release trigger shooter fire the round individually. Guests must be 18 years old or older to shoot
shotguns with release triggers. Stickers are available in the Center Skeet
House and Stat House.
- 11.
Prohibited
Firearms and Ammunition: Firearms
that are fully automatic, have bump triggers, hell fire devices, slide fire
stocks, rifles and handguns with release triggers, binary triggers and all
kinds of tracer, armor piercing and incendiary ammunition are prohibited.
- 12. Firearm Restrictions on the Pistol and
Short Ranges:
- Shotguns
are not allowed on the Pistol or Short Range. Handguns chambered in .410 such as a Governor or Judge are allowed on
the Pistol Range and may use .410 gauge shotgun shells to include self-defense,
slugs and bird shot.
- Handguns
are not allowed on the Short Range except during the conduct of a scheduled
match or practice session when an RSO to ensure the bullets are impacting the
berm.
- 50
BMG is not allowed on the Short Range
- 13. Shotgun Shot Size: Only lead shot size 7 ½, 8, 9 or 10 or size 7
steel is to be used on the Shotgun Ranges and on the patterning board which is
located on the north end of the Long Range.
Do not shoot slugs, rifles, or pistols at the patterning board. On the Long Range, size 7 shot or larger (7,
6, 4, 2, buckshot etc.) may be shot only at member-provided cardboard targets,
on wooden target frames, placed in front of a berm on the Long Range. Shotgun slugs may be fired at club-provided
targets.
- 14. Gong and Steel Plate Type Targets: Only club-provided steel targets may be
used. Gongs and Plates must be engaged
from designated firing points only on the Long Range and Pistol Range. Members
are not allowed to go forward of the firing line to engage in steel targets on
the pistol range. Gongs on the Long
Range may be shot with a handgun or rifle cartridges - EXCEPT for the 50
BMG. Gongs and Plates on the Pistol
Range may be shot with pistol calibers and 22 Rim Fire. Bullet velocity at the point of impact must
be less than 3000 FPS.
- 15. Pistol Range Firearms and Calibers: On the Pistol Range, only pistol caliber
handguns, e.g. 22, 25, 380, 38, 40, 44, 45 and 50 caliber as well as their
metric equivalents and rifles chambered for .17 HMR and .22 rim fire (short,
long, long rifle and WMR) are acceptable.
The following firearms with a stock (fixed, collapsible or folding) and
chambered in pistol calibers .380, 9mm, 40 SW, 10mm and 45 ACP may be used on
this Pistol Range. Examples of these
firearms are Pistol Caliber Carbines (PCC's), Bull Pups, Short Barrel Rifles
(SBR's), and Military Surplus Submachine guns modified to shoot only
semi-automatic and modern replicas' of the same. The priority of use for the Pistol Range is
for pistol shooters, consequently members shooting these firearms should use
another range when the pistol range is full. You may shoot .22 rim fire spinner
targets on the Pistol Range as long as they are placed at the base of the berm
to prevent ricochets. 22 Rim Fire Bullet
Traps are allowed on the pistol range for precision marksmanship shooters. Bullet Traps are to be mounted on member
provided non-metallic tables or frames. Handguns that are designed principally
to fire rifle cartridges such as the AK / AR styled pistols in 7.62 x 39 or
.223/5.56mm are not allowed.
- 16. Approved Targets: Paper targets (mounted to club-provided or
member provided wooden target frames), plastic bottles, soda cans, self-sealing
rubber spinner / gong type targets and clay targets placed at the base or
center of the berm may be shot on the Long Range and Pistol Range - cleanup is
required. Members are not allowed to
bring and shoot any target that could cause a ricochet, such as steel targets
and bowling pins. Glass, exploding,
pressurized plastic bottle type targets and concrete targets, as well as, golf
balls are also prohibited. Targets with
faces of real people and political figures are prohibited. Only paper targets are allowed on the Short
Range, placed on the wooden target frames, the placement of any other type
targets on the berm is prohibited. Small
steel animal targets are authorized for use on the Short Range during precision
air rifle matches and practice. Do not
move target stands from range to range.
- 17. Opening the Long Range: If shooting alone on the Long Range,
before you begin you must open the range by yelling out "IS ANYONE DOWN
RANGE?" three times and making sure no one is down range. Then announce
“The Long Range is Hot”.
- 18. Red Flags on the Long Range at the 50 and
150 Yard Berms: When going down
range to the 200 yard Back Stop, make sure the range is Cold, the Red Lights are turned on and raise
the Red Flags behind the 50 and 150 yard berms to let members know you are down
range. The Red Flag flying down range at
the 50 or 150 yard berms indicates someone is down range and the firing line on
the Long Range must remain COLD.
- 19. Driving Down Range on the Long Range: Shooters may drive down range on the Long
Range to place targets. To do so the
range must be Cold and all shooters on the range be informed the member is
driving down range. Drive on the road on the south end of the range. When going
down range, be sure to raise the 50 and 150 yard red flags so others will know
you are there. Once down range, raise
the red flag behind the 150 yard berm so others will know you are there. When you return, lower the flag, then make
sure all shooters know you have returned before making the range HOT. Do not drive on the backstops / berms.
- 20. Long Range Target Placement: All targets on the Long Range must be placed
immediately in front of a berm so when the bullet passes through it impacts the
berm. Short targets must be placed
immediately in front of a 25, 50 or 75 yard berm. Tall targets must be placed in front of a
berm to insure the bullet directly impacts the Berm.
- 21. Deflection Limiters on the Long Range
Shooting Benches: Deflection
limiters are being installed on the Long Range shooting benches to prevent
members from shooting out of safe to the north (toward Norman) and south. All loaded firearms must be placed between
these limiters. When engaging targets from the bench, all shooting must occur
between these limiters. All target
engagements must be straight ahead, and bullets must impact the back
stops. Do not cross fire.
- 22. Drawing Handguns: Members drawing and shooting handguns from a
holster are only allowed on the Pistol Range.
To do so, the range must be clear of all other shooters. The shooter
must be under the direct supervision of an RSO to provide support and over
watch for the shooter. Only hip holsters
are allowed. Pistols must have their
mechanical safeties engaged and revolvers must have their hammers forward when
the firearm is drawn from the holster.
Shooting from the hip or Cowboy shooting is not allowed. Shooters may move forward of the firing line
and must engage targets to their immediate front, movement from right to left is
not permitted. Targets must be placed
immediately in front of the berm. Members who want to draw from the hip and
engage targets moving from left to right should participate in the Practical
Pistol Matches. Members are not allowed to draw to engage steel targets or
engage them forward of the Firing Line.
- 23.
Shooting
from Non-TCGC Property: If you hear
shooting coming from anywhere but TCGC, please call the Norman Police Dept. at
321-1444.