TCMSA RANGE ORIENTATION Revised 12/2012
Welcome new members! We are glad to have you as new members of our association, and we hope you will enjoy our club & range facility. All members must attend this orientation and must sign our acceptance agreement before they receive the gate combination. The acceptance agreement is the second page of the membership application. When you sign it you are stating that you will follow the rules and regulations for range use as they are presented to you tonight. You will receive a temporary membership card and the gate combination at the end of this presentation. You will receive your permanent membership card, a copy of the club rules, policy book, and by-laws by mail in the next few weeks. Please make sure to sign the orientation roster (legibly) so that we have a record of you attending orientation tonight.
TCMSA Website This entire presentation is available on our website at www.tcmsa.org. Also on the website are: Club schedule Newsletters Match results Competition descriptions Special announcements If you are on Facebook, join our Facebook group.
Purpose: Review general safety rules and club specific rules for use of the range facility. Explain how these rules are applied and what behavior is expected of those using the range facility, including safe behavior and courtesy to other users of the range. Definitions portion of the club rules: Cease-Fire: Cease-Fire is the command to IMMEDIATELY stop firing on the range. Stop shooting immediately, the reason for the cease fire can be determined later. If there is an emergency, be sure to make all firearms safe ASAP. Cold Range: The command and condition that signifies that all parties have stopped all firearms handling and it is safe to go downrange. Hot Range: The condition that signifies that no one is down range and that firing and firearms handling may resume or continue. The range is in one of these two conditions at all times, make sure you know which condition the range is under at all times.
Definitions portion of the club rules: Firing Line: The rifle & pistol firing line is the front edge of the concrete benches extended in both directions to include all rifle and pistol firing points. The shotgun firing line is the front edge of the clay pigeon throwers. Grounding: Placing a firearm on the ground, shooting mat, or in a firearm cradle at the firing point after it is made safe. Holstered Secure: A firearm placed in a holster such that it will not come out except when drawn by the user. Firearms must either be grounded or holstered secure whenever the range is cold. Made Safe: Action open and unloaded and with all removable magazines out of the firearm. Range Safe for Equipment Setup: When bench rest shooters set wind flags and/or chronographs it is necessary for the shooter with the firearm that has been Made Safe to sight on the target while a second person down range is setting the wind flags or chronograph. This is the only condition whereby a person may be downrange when another is handling a firearm. This rule requires that it be understood and adhered to by all people on the firing line. This condition is usually only used for benchrest matches. There is a photo and a full explanation later in the presentation. Range Master: The Range Master is appointed by the TCMSA and has complete authority over the range. It is the responsibility of the Range Master to assure that all individuals conform to the rules of the range and conduct themselves in a safe and courteous manner. Generally there is only a range master on public use days such as matches & hunter ed classes Required Eye/Ear Protection: Minimum hearing protection consists of either an in-the-ear or overthe-ear device that protects the wearer from harmful sound levels. Minimum eye protection consists of a pair of impact resistant glasses or their equivalent.
Universal safety rules: 1. Treat all guns as loaded. 2. Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to shoot or destroy. Keep all guns pointed downrange or in a safe direction at all times 3. Never place your finger on the trigger or in the trigger guard until your sights are on the target. 4. Always be sure of your target and what is behind it.
TCMSA club specific rules: 5. No member will be allowed to use the TCMSA range unescorted until they attend the range orientation and sign the acceptance agreement. 6. Your membership allows you to bring family members and guests to the range. However, you must be present and you are responsible for the actions of your guests and family members at the range. 7. Children will be under direct and immediate control of a parent or responsible adult at all times.
TCMSA club specific rules: 8. The entry gate is to be kept closed and locked except during public use days. Our gate is on the right (with the metal silhouettes on it). Our lock is the only combination lock (there are three other locks on the gates) The gate must be locked behind you when you enter or exit the range. Directions on how to get to the range are later in the presentation.
TCMSA club specific rules: 9. No fast driving and no driving off established roads. Our entry road is a single lane gravel road. Watch for oncoming traffic, make passing room when you meet another vehicle, but be careful not to start a fire with your catalytic converter by pulling into the brush or tall grass. 10. No hunting on the TCMSA range. 11. Federal and state firearms laws will be complied with. 12. No unsafe or illegal firearms are permitted on the range. 13. No alcohol use prior to or during range use and/or medication that alters or inhibits judgment or physical control. 14. No illegal drug use. 15. No unsafe practices, automatic firearms fire, or simulated automatic firearms fire will be allowed. 16. No tracer, incendiary, or explosive projectiles are allowed on the range Fire hazard can be EXTREME, especially during the summer.
TCMSA club specific rules: 17. No.50 BMG firearms may be discharged at the range. The backstops are not built for ultra large calibers 18. The range flag is to be flown whenever the range is in use. Photos of the range flag and other safety equipment are later in the presentation. 19. While the range is hot, eye and ear protection will be worn by all people when they are in front of the parking pipe. 20. Check in with the range master when one is present. 21. The range master s directions must and will be followed when one is present on the range. Those not following the range master s direction may be expelled from the range. 22. Unless on the firing line, all firearms will be made safe. 23. All firearms should remain cased or holstered secure while being carried to and from the firing line. If not cased, they will be carried with the actions open and the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
TCMSA club specific rules: 24. When the range is under a cease-fire (or cold) no shooting is allowed. 25. A Cease-fire may be called by anyone who observes an unsafe condition on the range, or to put up targets, but before it can be implemented all shooters on the firing line must be notified and agree to go cold. Then the range is declared cold and with positive confirmation by all shooters, shooters may go down range. The procedure for making the range cold is described later in the presentation. 26. When a Cease-fire is called, all firearms will be made safe, placed on the bench, grounded, or holstered secure, and will not be handled in any manner during the Cease-fire and Cold range condition. Firearms may not be handled AT ALL while the range is cold. This includes cased firearms. This rule is different than other ranges you may have used before. When the range is cold, it includes the ENTIRE FACILITY. 27. No one will handle a firearm while the range is cold. No one will be beyond the firing line while the range is hot. All firing will take place with the muzzle at or in front of the firing line.
TCMSA club specific rules: 28. Range Safe for Equipment Setup: With the range in this condition firearms that have the bolt removed or otherwise have been made safe may be handled only as an aid for persons down range setting up wind flags and/or chronographs Firearm must be mechanically disabled (such as bolt removed or chamber blocked). Everyone on the range must be aware that this condition is being used. Firearm may be handled only to look through the scope or through the bore while an assistant sets wind flags or a chronograph.
TCMSA club specific rules: 29. To open the range (go hot) verify with all parties on the firing line that no one is down range and that they are ready to go hot. The range is then declared open. Firing can then resume. Procedure for making the range hot is described later in the presentation. 30. A shooter may not use more than one firing position if others are waiting to shoot. 31. Misfires and squib loads are to be cleared in a safe manner. If you do not know how to clear it, ask the range master for assistance or ask another knowledgeable individual. KEEP MUZZLE POINTED DOWNRANGE. 32. Do not place dud or live ammunition in the trash barrels. Trash is collected by a commercial trash company.
TCMSA club specific rules: 33. All ammunition, dud or live, will be removed from the range or placed in the live dud box. The live dud box is located near the flag pole on the match director s stand.
TCMSA club specific rules: 34. No firing cross range will be permitted. We want your bullets to hit the backstop square, not at an odd angle, it diminishes the chance of a ricochet and makes backstop maintenance much easier. 35. Bullets must impact in a backstop. Do not shoot the target frames, posts, and post holders. Bullets that do not impact in a backstop can ricochet and exit the facility. There is an orchard and other private land downrange that could be hit by stray bullets. Make sure to set your target where your bullets won t hit the target frames, including the vertical board in the center. More info on target placement to come later in the presentation.
TCMSA club specific rules: 36. Use the correct type of target for the firearm/caliber combination to prevent target damage. No steel core or armor piercing ammunition may be used on steel targets. If you aren t sure if your bullets are steel core or not, check them on a magnet. If the bullet sticks to the magnet, the core is steel. There is a magnet attached to the match director s booth, near the flag pole. Steel core bullets on steel targets can cause sparks. Fire hazard can be EXTREME at our range, especially during the summer.
TCMSA club specific rules: 37. The TCMSA competition silhouette targets are not to be used except during scheduled matches. There are currently no silhouette matches scheduled. 38. No glass, bottles, or other non-removable impromptu targets will be used. 39. Ground level targets are not authorized without a proper backstop. Maintain proper target height to insure that the fired projectiles, after passing through the target, hit the desired portion of the backstop. More info on setting targets to come later in the presentation. 40. Clay targets are limited to the shotgun area only. This rule can be waived by the officers for special events such as hunter education classes.
TCMSA club specific rules: 41. The range may be closed to general use when a TCMSA sanctioned activity is in progress. Only participants in that activity are allowed to use the range OR general shooting may be allowed at the discretion of the range master. The club schedule is available on the club website and at monthly meetings. The schedule is also usually posted in the sign in shack. The schedule is color coded to show when general shooting is allowed during events and when it is not. 42. During TCMSA sanctioned events, the safety rules that apply to that discipline can supersede the TCMSA safety rules. 43. When the hunter education classes are being conducted, TCMSA members are welcome to use the range, however the hunter education director is the range master. Portions of the range are often not available during hunter ed classes, especially the shotgun and pistol areas. Remember that hunter ed instructors have a lot of students to get through a defined program, with limited range time available.
TCMSA club specific rules: 44. When you are finished with a shooting session, you are responsible for assuring that your area is clean: a) Pick up as many of your spent casings as possible and remove them from the range b) If practical, remove used targets and take them home or place them in the trash barrels. If the range is busy, you don t have to go cold just to remove your targets before you leave. You can ask another shooter to remove them for you the next time the range goes cold. c) Pick up and place any trash you have generated in the trash barrels. Help us out by picking up any other trash or unused targets you see on the range 45. No smoking on the range forward of the firing line. Fire hazard can be EXTREME, especially during the summer.
TCMSA club specific rules: 46.All members and guests are required to sign in & sign out on the sign in sheet, except for sanctioned activities when attendance is otherwise accounted for. Sign in sheet is located on the Southeast end of the railcar. The purpose of the sign in sheet is to keep track of range use, and to have a record of who may be a witness to any incidents that happen at the range. Until you get your permanent membership card, write new member under membership number on the sign in sheet. If you pick up any lead at the range to use for casting bullets, please write an estimate of how much lead you have picked up in the space provided on the sign in sheet. Don t forget to sign out when you leave!
TCMSA club specific rules: The club rules are all posted on prominent signs in several places on the range, and you will receive a copy of the rules with your permanent membership card.
Incident report form: If you see someone violating the rules or otherwise being unsafe, please try to talk to them, they may just be unaware of the rules If they don t correct the situation or if you don t feel comfortable talking to them, please fill out an incident report form. Forms are in the rail car, near the sign in sheet. Get as much information as you can, especially license plate numbers if possible. Mail the form to the club, bring it to a meeting, or call an officer (their numbers are in the newsletter). Don t leave the form at the range or it will disappear.
Range location: The range is located on the Pasco-Kahlotus highway, approximately 2.5 miles Northeast of the intersection with highway 12. Gate is at the bottom of a large hill, next to the big tree.
Police range: On your left, approximately 500 yards in from the gate is the police department range. DO NOT USE THIS RANGE, it is for police use only.
TCMSA range layout: Our range is located at the end of the gravel road
TCMSA range layout: General layout of the range (individual descriptions to come):
TCMSA range layout: Vehicle parking area is behind the horizontal steel pipes: Please do not block the gravel roads near the shotgun area and through the center of the 100/200 yard area.
TCMSA range layout: The far left portion of the range is the CMP & Sporting Highpower match area. Please do not post targets on the 2x4 wood posts at 200 yards in this area, they are for match use only.
TCMSA range layout: The main portion of the range is the 100 / 200 yard benchrest area. There are 20 concrete benches, dedicated backstops at each yardage, and target frames that are in place at all times for your use. There are also several steel gongs at each yardage, feel free to use them but make sure you are not using steel core bullets. Benches & targets are arranged so that you can shoot both yardages from one bench.
TCMSA range layout: To the right of the main 100/200 yard area is the 50 yard area. There are two concrete benches, a dedicated backstop, and one target stand. The benches are arranged so that you can shoot 50 yards and 100 yards from the same bench by using the 50 yard benches, and the far right target stands at 100 yards. If you want to shoot 200 yards too, you will have to move to another bench to do so. Do not shoot cross range, move so that you are square with your target.
TCMSA range layout: To the right of the 50 yard area is the pistol area. There are two concrete benches, and target stands at 25, 15 and 7 yards. There is one backstop at 25 yards. Make sure that you set your targets at the proper height. Targets placed too low at 15 & 7 yards will mean that the bullets hit in front of the backstop (and will ricochet over the backstop). Targets placed too high will mean that the bullets clear the backstop. Make sure of the height before you go hot, and if your targets are not in the right spot move them. Bullets that do not hit the backstop can easily exit the facility. There is an orchard and other private land downrange that could be hit by a stray bullet
TCMSA range layout: To the right of the pistol area is an unimproved area used by hunter ed. There is one backstop at 25 yards. There are no target stands in this area. You are welcome to use your own targets, such as a reactive steel or polymer target, but make sure it is set against the berm, or even up the berm slightly, so that there are no ricochets.
TCMSA range layout: To the right of the hunter ed area, turned 90 degrees to the main firing line, is the shotgun area, with two permanently mounted trap throwers. Instructions on how to use the throwers are posted on signs in the shotgun area. Always cock the thrower counter clockwise. The shotgun area must go cold when the rest of the range goes cold.
TCMSA range layout: In the center of the parking lot is our storage railcar. The sign in sheet is located at the Southeast end of the railcar. Cardboard & target frames are stored in the Southeast end too. The cardboard and frames are there for your use. If the existing frames or cardboard are too damaged to be serviceable, grab a new one from the rail car and put it up. The Northwest end of the railcar is used for storage of match equipment, and is kept closed and locked except on match days.
Flag pole & range safety system: The flag pole is located in the center of the 100/200 yard area. The flag is stored in the metal box just Northwest of the pole. The flag must be flown whenever the range is in use. Also inside the flag box is the main power switch for the range safety system. Turn the power switch on when you arrive.
Range safety system: The range safety system is a system of horns and strobe lights used to show the status of the range (hot or cold). There are several sets of toggle switches and push buttons up and down the range, just behind the firing line. The toggle switches activate the strobe lights, and the push buttons activate the horns. To signify desire to go cold, press the push button once. After all parties on the firing line have signaled that they have cleared and grounded their firearms, turn the toggle switch on, the strobe lights come on, and the range is now cold.
Range safety system: Once all parties have returned from down range, to signify desire to go hot, push the button twice. Once all shooters have signaled that they agree, turn the toggle switch off, the strobes go out, and the range is again hot. Instructions for using the range safety system are posted on signs next to each switch. Remember that this system is only a device to aid in communication. The horns and lights do not clear firearms. You must get a signal from each shooter that they agree to the change of condition before going down range or before resuming shooting. You will have to turn off the same switch that was turned on to shut the strobe lights off.
Firing line & eye/ear protection: The firing line is the front edge of the concrete benches. This line is extended to include areas without benches. Firing must occur with the muzzle at or in front of the firing line. Shooters may not go forward of the firing line while the range is hot. Anyone in front of the parking pipes must wear eye and ear protection while the range is hot.
Fire hazard: Remember that the fire hazard can be extreme, especially during the summer. Smoking is not allowed forward of the firing line. There are two fire shovels located just behind the firing line. If there is a fire please call the fire department IMMEDIATELY, then you can attempt to control it with the fire shovels. You will need to go open the gate when the fire department arrives.
General club info: We sponsor 5 different competition disciplines at our club: Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) service rifle matches NRA Highpower Sporting Rifle matches HBR/VFS benchrest matches 3 gun challenge (in conjunction with the Touchet Gun Club) Cast bullet matches Two different hunter education groups use our range We hold an annual Women & Youth introduction to shooting at no charge to participants We are open to the public at no charge on 2 weekend days in September for hunter sight -in
General club info: General club meetings are the first Thursday of each month. Please come to the meetings, we discuss important issues every month. The club year runs from April 1 through March 31. Gate combination changes on April 1. Dues must be paid for the next year to receive the new gate combination. Dues are $50 per year, plus $10 for the first year. Dues are ½ price if you participate in at least one work party during the year (watch the newsletter for more info on work parties)
One last mention of some of some safety items: Keep muzzles pointed down range or in a safe direction at all times. Make sure your targets are set at a proper height to keep your bullets in the backstop, not bouncing out of the range. Make sure everyone agrees before going hot or cold. When the range is cold, there is no handling of firearms. Remember that the fire hazard is extreme. Safety is everyone s responsibility. We will lose the use of the facility if we don t act responsibly.
ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS? Make sure we have your application form and dues. Make sure you sign the orientation roster so we have a record of you being here. Don t forget your temporary membership card with the gate combination. Welcome to the TCMSA! Be safe an enjoy the club!