Before You Enter the Range

1. Everyone must wear eye and ear protection before entering the range and at all times when the range is hot. That is, whenever there are NO flashing red lights.
2.  You may not operate a firearm or enter the range if you have consumed or are under the influence of alcohol. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
3. The use of any tobacco product, as well as e-cigarettes, is prohibited on the range. Please use GHSC designated smoking areas.
4. Do not bring uncased or un-holstered firearms into or out of the range when the red lights are flashing (during a cease fire).
5. Completion of a Range Orientation and Safety Briefing is required for all shooters. Except, shooters under 18 and guests of members may be supervised by an adult club member who has completed Orientation. “Supervised” requires being responsible for and within physical contact distance while the guest or youth is shooting.

When You Enter the Range

1. All range users are required to sign in. Shooters under 18 must be signed in by the supervising adult. When you sign in, you are acknowledging that you understand and will follow all Range Rules, as well as the direction of the Range Officers.
2. Firearms brought into the range uncased or unholstered must be unloaded with their actions locked open. Rifles and shotguns may not be slung on the shoulder and must be pointed straight up. Handguns must be pointed straight up or straight down.
3. Firearms may only be cased and uncased on the shooting bench. They must be pointed straight downrange while on the firing line.
4. If long guns are placed on a storage rack, they must be unloaded with actions open or cased when not in use. Break action or levered firearms shall be unloaded by the shooter.
5. Any firearm not in the hands of a shooter, must be unloaded and have the action or loading gate locked open. The only exception to this is for handguns lawfully carried and holstered on one’s person.
6. Holstered firearms may only be removed from the holster on the firing line when the range is hot. The firearm must be pointed down range at all times when removing the firearm. Drawing from the holster, hip shooting or any other form of un-aimed shooting is prohibited.
7. Mount only one paper target not exceeding frame size, unless otherwise approved by the Range Officer.
8. You can only use one shooting station at a time – rifle or pistol. If there is a waiting list, you may be limited to one hour of shooting time.

As You Begin Shooting

1. Magazine Load Limits for semi-automatic rifles and pistols are: Five (5) rounds for center fire. Ten (10) rounds for rim fire.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you have acquired the target. Also, never operate firearms or calibers beyond the shooter’s capabilities.
3.  Hand gunners must acquire their target by coming up from the low gun position. The barrel should never be above horizontal (level with the ground).
4. Rifle shooters must be seated at the bench while shooting (standing while shooting is not allowed.) The rifle must be rested on the bench using bags, sled, elbows, etc.
5. All shots must impact the target. Consistent misses due to rapid fire or lack of experience may necessitate moving the target closer, slowing the rate of fire, and/or getting instruction. The Range Officer will exercise discretion in such matters.
6. Any damage caused deliberately, or by carelessness or negligence, will result in expulsion from the range and a bill for the damages.
7. A cease fire will be initiated by a ringing bell and an announcement. Please listen to the announcement. Range Officers will then check the firing line for safety. After their safety check, they will give permission to proceed down range to check and change targets.
8. During a cease fire – that is, when the Red Lights are flashing – you may not handle any firearms, ammunition, or magazines (see rule #4) and must not cross the yellow lines with any part of your body, nor come near the bench from either side.

Additional Information

1. Firearms that cannot be cleared and made safe should, with the owner’s consent, remain at the range until made safe, even if it necessitates outside help.
2. Fully-automatic firearms are prohibited at Gig Harbor Sportsman’s Club. Shotguns are allowed but are restricted to shooting slugs at the 25-yard rifle targets. Air and 22 caliber rifles may be used on the rifle or pistol side at the discretion of the Range Officer.
3. Prohibited ammunition includes any shotgun shells loaded with multiple projectiles (shot), any other multiple projectile rounds (such as Snake Shots or Glaser), .50 BMG, .416 Barrett, tracers, and armor piercing. Shotgun ammunition (even if only slugs) may not be loaded into anything other than a conventional shotgun – that is, not into a handgun chambered for them.
4. There are additional Range Rules for Black Powder firearms – ask the Range Officer.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION

GIG HARBOR SPORTSMAN’S CLUB RANGE OFFICERS