rifle policy feb 2011

MISSION & DISTRICT ROD & GUN CLUB

P.O. BOX 3027, MISSION, BC, V2V 4J3

www.missionrodandgun.com

Posted: Feb 2011

POLICY MANUAL – Rifle Range

The policy manual(s) are to be read in conjunction with all common Firearms and Range Safety Manuals as well as the directives and By-Laws of the Mission and District Rod and Gun Club. Members should be familiar with applicable Canadian and Provincial Firearms Legislation and govern themselves accordingly.

RIFLE RANGE – GENERAL

DESCRIPTION: The Rifle Range is 300 yards in length and provides target frames at 25, 50, 100, and 200 metres, as well as 300 yards. It is licensed for up to and including .338 Lapua Magnum calibre. The range has “butts” at 300 yards which include contain cantilevered target frames which are not to be used by members other than those authorized and with consideration of all posted safety concerns.

RANGE SAFETY OFFICERS: R.S.O’s are volunteer members of the club who are qualified to assist new shooters and to ensure that all Firearm Safety Rules and procedures are complied with and members and guests are signed in. The R.S.O. has the authority and support of the Club Executive and will report flagrant behavior to the Executive, which can result in suspension of membership. RSO’s can be identified by card or by wearing a range safety vest.

RANGE SCHEDULE: Scheduling of events is posted at the range as well as on the club calendar in the clubhouse. It is recommended that members check the club website before leaving for the range to avoid conflict with a scheduled event. Members interested in a particular shooting discipline can contact that discipline’s Chairman by clicking on the appropriate venue on the Club website Contact Page.

RANGE COURTESY:

Members firing semi-automatic firearms must be cognizant of members on

adjacent benches as regards their brass extraction.

Members should have only one firearm on the firing line at one time.

Members who are coaching youths must have direct “hands-on” control of that

young person and be responsible for all safety aspects expected.

Members shooting over chronographs should be given some reasonable safe

access to adjust the screens when setting up.

Tracer ammunition is prohibited.

Ammuniton that fails to fire should be placed in the respective containers.

TARGETS & TARGET FRAMES: Target frames are maintained by designated volunteers. Problems can be directed to the caretaker who will contact those designated for repairs. Targets should be affixed to the backing with short staples or map pins and positioned low enough that errant rounds do not impact the frames. Balloons may be used as targets but must be positioned so as to avoid the frames. No targets other than paper and balloons are permitted. Silhouette, humanoid or facial targets are prohibited. Club targets are available for sale at the clubhouse and may be available at the range itself. Payment is by the honour system and cost is 3 for $1.00.

RANGE SAFETY LIGHTS: Control of when and when not to discharge firearms is controlled by a series of paired coloured lights across the firing point and by the east entry door. When the GREEN LIGHTS are illuminated, the range is SAFE and no firearms are allowed on the shooting benches and they must be placed upright in the racks provided along the south wall. Under a green light condition, shooters may be downrange affixing or removing their targets. When the RED LIGHTS are on the range is “HOT” or ACTIVE and firing may take place. Firearms may only be moved between the racks and benches while the lights are RED. The switch controlling the safety lights is on the wall near the west entrance door. All shooters must be conversant with the coloured light system and obey same, even when shooting alone. When the range is vacant, all lights are to be switched off.

For obvious reasons, the Club recommends that appropriate eye and hearing protection be worn while on the range.

AMENITIES: The range “office” at the east end of the firing point is suitable for small group meetings or for those who prefer to load cartridges at the range for load development or cleaning firearms. In inclement weather, the office can be heated. The electrical panel and timer switch on the north wall control the baseboard heaters.

At the west end of the firing point there is a locked wood stove which can provide heat to the nearby benches. The padlock key is available to those who have access to the west storage lockup.

Carpeted Shooting platforms are available for those who prefer to shoot from a prone position. These are stacked at the east end of the firing point and must be returned to the stack by the member when finished shooting.

DEER & BEARS: On occasion, wildlife may appear on this range, in which case all firing will cease until the animals clear the range proper.

MISCELANEOUS: The Mission and District Rod and Gun Club is a Society with membership approaching 3000 members, all of which are volunteers. This is your Club and your assistance in keeping its facilities clean and undamaged is greatly appreciated.

Valid Membership Cards must be worn at all times while on Club Property