Los Lunas Gun Club Member Guidebook Los Lunas Gun Club (LLGC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe, family-oriented, shooting sport facility for its members. We promote the use of small arms for hunting, competitive shooting, and recreation. LLGC requires its members to be eligible under state and federal law to possess and use firearms. Members must agree to abide by all safety and conduct rules. The LLGC does not discriminate on ANY other basis. LLGC is affiliated with the National Rifle Association (NRA), and our objectives are fully consistent with it. Membership in the NRA is encouraged. Inquiries about the LLGC can be made at: http://www.llgc.wildapricot.org. Los Lunas Gun Club Policies and Procedures A deliberate violation of safety rules will result in appearance before the Board and repetition of the range safety course. A second deliberate infraction can result in dismissal from the Club. Every adult member is entitled to a range pass and the lock combination to the gates and storage containers. a. Membership in LLGC is renewed annually and expires March 31st of each year. Lock combinations are changed on April 1st. b. Lock combinations can also be changed at the discretion of the Board for any reason. c. The gate on Highway 6 is to be locked at all times unless a guard is posted to verify membership, guest, or event participant status. Los Lunas Gun Club, P.O. Box 1598, Peralta, NM 87042 www.llgc.wildapricot.org
d. No member may give the combination to a non-member. Giving the range combination to a non-member is grounds for dismissal. An LLCG member must escort all guests. e. Replacement range passes will be replaced at the cost of $5.00. f. All members shall have their range passes with them while using the LLGC facility. g. Range passes must be worn at all times while on range property. h. Any member may ask to see a range user's range pass at any time. FLAGS Shooters will come into contact with three types of flags when they go to LLCG s Range. a. Red Flag means the range is hot. b. Black Flag means the range or one of the ranges is closed for construction, repairs, or maintenance. A second padlock with chain may be applied to the gate to keep shooters out and keep workers safe. A sign with an explanation may also be present. The club president usually posts a note on the club website to advise LLGC members of the activity. c. Red/Black means that there is a match or other event in progress on at LLGC. You may see these flags on the poles adjacent to the ranges they affect. Upon arrival at the range, members should check to see if a flag has been raised at the main flagpole to indicate the range status. If not, raise the red flag located in the mailbox at the bottom of the flagpole. Be sure to check the range you are going to shoot at in case a shooter forgot to raise the flag(s) before shooting. The order of priority for range use is as follows: a. Maintenance for reasons of safety. December 2013 2
b. Maintenance scheduled on the website calendar, communicated via email, and approved by the Board. c. Matches scheduled in the calendar or via email. d. Unscheduled maintenance. e. Casual shooting. Non-members participating in scheduled events are guests of the member conducting the event. a. Non-members attending the event as a contestant will complete the One Day Membership application and pay the appropriate fee for a oneday membership, which will also be the event fee. b. An adult member at all times, including scheduled events, must supervise Junior and Red Rider members. c. Each adult member may have no more than two guests shooting at a time. 1. If you have guests, only two people can shoot at one time. The member may shoot with one guest or have two guests shoot at the same time. The member must supervise the activities of their guests and review the rules with them prior to any shooting. Daily memberships will have the same parameters. 2. All guests who are shooting must use the same firing range as, and remain under the supervision of, the sponsoring member. 3. Non-shooting guests must also remain with the sponsor. 4. If you are meeting your guests at the range, arrange to meet them at the front gate and escort them into the range facility from there. 5. If guests of other members are waiting at the range gate for their sponsor, do not allow them to enter the range unless you December 2013 3
are prepared to escort them until their sponsor is found, until you can hand them off to another who will take escort responsibility, or until you can escort them back off of the facility. ALL wildlife is strictly protected at the LLCG Range. Do not shoot at/near, or otherwise harm, any wildlife. Violation of this policy will be grounds for dismissal from the Club. a. The taking of wildlife could also be a violation of state game regulations subjecting the member to criminal prosecution. 50 BMG caliber weapons are not permitted at the LLGC Range for safety reasons. Exploding or incendiary projectiles, armor piercing ammunition, stationary explosive charges, and thrown explosives charges are not allowed. Los Lunas Gun Club Code of Conduct LLGC is a family-oriented facility. Members should conduct themselves in a manner that promotes a safe and friendly environment. Foul language, displays of anger, and unsportsmanlike conduct are not appropriate. Persons observing unsafe or inappropriate behavior should record the name and/or vehicle license number of the offender, time and date of the incident, a physical description of the offender, and report it to the Board of Directors. If a Range Safety Officer (RSO) is present, report the incident to them immediately. Do NOT attempt to intervene in a situation where anger or bad conduct is displayed. The consumption of intoxicating or debilitating drugs or beverages is strictly forbidden to persons engaged in shooting activities. NO illegal substances are allowed. a. Members taking prescription drugs should not engage in shooting activities while taking drugs which warn against operating machinery while taking them, becoming dizzy or drowsy. December 2013 4
Members are encouraged to bring their children. Children must be supervised at all times. Children are expected to obey all safety and conduct rules of the LLGC. Pets must be on a leash. Hunting dogs in training must not be allowed to roam in a manner that interferes with shooting activities or degrades safety. Members are expected to clean up their own trash, used targets, spent cases, etc., and place them in the receptacles provided. Try to leave the range better than you found it. Protect your range environment and facilities. a. Do NOT climb berms, as it causes erosion. b. Do not destroy native plants. c. Bring your own targets and shoot only at approved targets/frames. Do not shoot at target frames or other range facilities or equipment. d. Do not use targets or other equipment that belong to organized subclubs within LLGC without permission. e. Let the Board know if you find something broken or in need of repair. Los Lunas Gun Club Safety Rules Keep all firearms pointed in a safe direction. a. This means down range or deeper into the berm you are using. Never shoot or point a loaded gun up range, cross range, above the top of the berm, or at the ground in the berm at such an angle as to make ricochet out of the berm likely. b. At all times, keep your firearm pointed further into the berm so that discharge would safely place the projectile in the berm area and the round would come to rest within the berm. Keep your finger off of the trigger until ready to shoot. December 2013 5
a. The maxim is: On target, on trigger. Off target, off trigger. Keep all firearms unloaded until ready to use. a. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded until proven otherwise! LLGC is a cold range. If you have a recognized concealed carry permit or you are a law enforcement officer (LEO) with the authority to carry concealed, you may continue to carry your concealed firearm on LLGC property as long as your firearm remains concealed. If you choose to shoot your carry firearm, you must use the clearing area located adjacent (east side) of the pistol range. You must carry an unloaded firearm to the shooting lines. The best way to accomplish this is in some sort of case. Concealed carriers and LEOs are reminded to reload in the clearing area before leaving LLCG. All other shooters must use the clearing area and follow the posted instructions. Clearing Area Instructions a. All loaded firearms must be cleared before stepping to the firing line. b. All firearms must be cased or holstered if you carry concealed. c. After you enter the clearing area, uncase or unholster your firearm. d. Make sure your firearm is pointed down range at all times. e. Unload or check your firearm to make sure it is unloaded by removing the magazine or other loading device, or opens the breech or cylinder. f. This should be done while pointing the firearm into the hole in front of you. g. Should there be a negligent discharge, the round should go into the berm behind the clearing area. h. Check the cylinder or chamber of the firearm both visually and manually to ensure the firearm is unloaded. December 2013 6
i. Remove any rounds that remain in the firearm. j. Re-case the firearm and proceed to the firing line with an unloaded forearm. k. Make sure your firearm is unloaded when leaving the firing line. l. You may want to repeat the procedure when leaving the range. m. It is highly recommended that you unload all firearms before you come to the range. n. Any gun handling or repair should be prepared on the waist-high table in the clearing area. o. Again, make sure all firearms are unloaded before performing any of these actions. Demonstration or display in the parking lot, or any areas other than the firing line, is strictly prohibited. Live ammunition may be carried in speed loaders or magazines on your person. Know your target and what is around and beyond. a. Targets should be at eye level for the position you are in (sitting, standing, leaning, prone, etc.). b. If your rounds are not hitting the berm, readjust your target before you continue shooting. c. The front edge of the shooting benches at the pistol range and the rifle range defines the firing line. No discharging of firearms is allowed forward of the firing line except in events that have been approved by the board. d. Use approved targets only. Do not use glass or materials that leave shards, hazardous materials, beverage cans, plastic bottles, etc. December 2013 7
e. Do not shoot into standing water remaining after storms. f. Use of plinking targets on the range can be used in the General Use Berm, the pistol and rifle ranges, as long as they do not interfere with other shooters and they are placed and remain as close to the berm as possible. Be sure your guns are safe to operate. a. Always make sure the bore is unobstructed before firing. b. Make sure that the mechanism, especially the safety, is in working order. Know how to use your guns safely. a. If you are unsure, seek help from a certified NRA instructor or RSO. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. a. Do not use magnum calibers, armor piercing rounds, or any projectiles containing steel, full metal jacket (FMJ) (except.22 short, long or long rifle), tungsten, or other enhanced penetration designs on steel targets. FMJ can be shot at the 200-yard range gong. Magnum rounds will be allowed in centerfire matches where the proper steel is used for this activity. b. Do not use exploding, incendiary, armor piercing, or tracer ammunition. c. Do not fire ammunition you have found on the range. d. Retrieve all dud and live ammunition. Place all duds in the appropriate plastic bucket. e. If you find live ammunition or duds on the range, pick them up and dispose of them properly. Always wear eye and ear protection. December 2013 8
All shooters and observers MUST wear eye and ear protection while the range is hot. a. High quality eye protection should be worn at all times by everyone on the range even when not on the firing line or if the range you are using is under a cease fire condition. The importance of eye protection at all times cannot be over-emphasized. b. Wrap-around glasses with polycarbonate lens and applicable UV protection are recommended. A billed cap is also recommended as additional eye protection. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting. a. Intoxication or reduced capacity during shooting activities is grounds for dismissal from the Club. b. Be aware of over the counter and prescription drug effects. These can be dangerous while shooting. Store your guns so that they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. a. Do not leave firearms unattended. b. If you find an abandoned firearm on the range: 1. Render it safe. 2. Take possession of it. 3. Contact a Board member, who will notify the LLGC President. 4. Anyone losing or leaving a firearm at the LLCG Range should contact the LLGC President with the make and model of the firearm. The LLGC President may put out a notice on the LLCG website advising of a found firearm. The make and model will not be in the posting. 5. The firearm will make its way eventually back to the affected person. December 2013 9
Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions. Matches and individual shooting activities may impose additional safety requirements. If you are beginning a new shooting discipline or activity and are unfamiliar with the requirements, seek help from a certified NRA instructor or RSO. Additional Safety Regulations: a. Obey all Range Officer commands instantly. 1. See LLGC Range Officer/Shooter Responsibilities and Procedures below. b. A CEASE FIRE MUST be called immediately by anyone who observes an unsafe, or potentially unsafe, situation at any time. c. If a potential safety problem is noted, call CEASE-FIRE, CEASE- FIRE in a loud and clear voice and ensure that everyone on the line is aware of the problem. Be urgent and assertive. d. Everyone on the line shares responsibility for range safety. There is no penalty for mistakenly calling a cease-fire. e. Once a cease-fire has been declared, only the RSO or an agreement between the shooters on the line if an RSO is not present may declare the range hot. f. Be aware of lead contamination. g. Do not smoke or eat while on the firing line, after shooting, handling ammunition or brass until you have thoroughly washed your hands cool water and soap first followed by warm water and soap. Food and drink should be stored away from the firing line. h. Do not use hats or other articles of clothing as brass or ammunition containers. i. Smoking is not allowed on the firing lines. December 2013 10
j. Beware of the use of black powder and open flames or sparks. k. Beware of stinging, biting, or otherwise potentially hostile desert critters. Respect the fact that we are intruding on their home and they may resent it. Do not harm them. Clothing recommendations: a. Wear articles of clothing appropriate for the activity, e.g., do not wear loose-necked garments that could catch hot brass. b. Wear a brimmed hat for added protection from hot brass and the sun. c. Use gloves when handling targets, tires, and other range materials. d. A sturdy pair of shoes or boots is recommended. LLCG Range Officer/Shooter Responsibilities and Procedures The first shooter on a range is the acting RSO and retains that title and the duties thereof until that shooter either delegates them to another or is the last shooter to leave the range. RSO is a serious responsibility. If you are not comfortable with or cannot fulfill the duties of the job, delegate it to another as described below. Every shooter shares responsibility for knowing, following, and enforcing the safety rules. Do not allow others to ignore the rules. If you see a potential problem, it is your duty to correct it. A polite reminder in time may prevent an accident. If the individual(s) involved become agitated or offensive, leave that range and report the incident as described in the Code of Conduct. If someone reminds you of a rule, he/she has done you, and all of us, a big favor. Respond with a smile, a thank you, and then correct the problem. December 2013 11
When leaving the range, the RSO must clearly delegate the job to another shooter (unless the RSO is the last to leave the range) and obtain a clear acknowledgement from the designated individual. The RSO declares the range states of hot, cease fire, and cold as applicable. a. This is done in a loud and clear manner, and the RSO should establish eye contact and obtain acknowledgement from all shooters on the line. Hearing protection can easily lead to missed or misinterpreted commands. The RSO must ensure that all commands and acknowledgements thereof are unmistakable. b. Only the RSO may declare the range hot. Prior to doing so, the RSO must insure that: 1. All personnel have returned from down range and that it is safe to continue. 2. He/she has advised all personnel to engage their eye and ear protection. c. All shooters should acknowledge RSO commands. d. Upon Cease fire each shooter must immediately: 1. Stop shooting and remain in place until the RSO can determine the source of the problem. 2. Only upon instruction from the RSO a. Remove magazines from the firearms or empty the cylinder. b. Remove rounds from the chamber, i.e., remove all ammunition from the firearm. c. Lock the bolt or slide back, swing the cylinder out on revolvers, or break the action open, as applicable. Firearms that do not lock open should be propped open with some device that makes the condition of the firearm obvious to others. December 2013 12
3. The use of an NRA-style bolt open indicator tab is recommended. In any case, it should be possible for an observer to ensure that the firearm is unloaded and in a safe condition from a distance (note: while you are shooting one firearm, all others should be maintained in this safe condition on the bench. It is recommended that all firearms except the one in use remain unloaded and in a case or pouch). 4. Place the safety on, if applicable. 5. Ground all firearms on the bench, muzzle down range. 6. Step away from the bench so that the RSO can easily ascertain that all firearms are safe and so that he/she can monitor the condition. 7. Confirm visually with the RSO that you are safe. 8. Do not touch the firearms in ANY way during a cease-fire or when the range is cold (cleaning, sight adjustment, repair, removing a firearm from its case, etc., are obviously forbidden). Stay clear of the firearms so that it remains obvious to the RSO and those around you that you are complying. 9. TOUCHING A FIREARM DURING A CEASE-FIRE IS A SAFETY VIOLATION. 10. Monitor others on the line to insure that they are also complying with the requirements. 11. If the cease-fire is called by you because of a firearm malfunction of some type, keep the firearm pointed down range and request assistance. 12. Targets cannot be changed until the malfunction has been repaired. 13. Once the RSO has ascertained that all shooters have complied with the cease fire, he/she declares that the range is cold. December 2013 13
Do not step forward of the firing line, even after a cease fire, until you have confirmed that is safe to do so and the range has been declared cold. When returning to the firing line from down range, make sure the RSO is aware of your location and the location of others in your party. The RSO should be considerate of all shooters on that range and make every effort to accommodate all. a. Coordinate with other shooters and call cease fire periodically so that shooters who have come to the firing line while it was hot may go down range to set targets and so that others may paste, score, and retrieve targets. On the other hand, allow time for shooting. The balance is best accomplished by application of common sense and courtesy. b. Be polite, but do not compromise safety rules. Additional policies for each range and emergency procedures will follow this publication. December 2013 14