Practising good range etiquette isn’t just good manners – it’s good sense! Range etiquette is a blend of common sense, courtesy and safety. A day at the range is fun, and good gun range etiquette makes it even better.
1. Do not fire at posts, supports or target frames. These are expensive and time-consuming to replace.
2. Shoot only range-approved targets. Only shoot at approved targets and not posts, supports, or target frames. Check with your club to see what targets are accepted. Never shoot at someone else’s target.
3. Leave the range the way than you found it. Remember to take down your old targets, clean your shooting lane, throw away your trash, and return any equipment/chairs/tables, etc. Other people use the range too and no one wants to walk up to a dirty lane. Target Frames and any targets you have put out on the range should be returned when you have finished shooting.
4. Don’t interrupt someone when they’re in the middle of shooting. Instead, wait to talk until they are reloading or resetting targets. Do not touch another person’s weapon or ammunition without prior permission.
5. Respect and listen to the on-duty Range Control Officer (RCO) and ask questions if you have any doubt about what to do. RCO’s are the first and often only authority on any range; their decisions are generally final and made to ensure safety or to protect range assets. If you disagree with an RCO’s decision you may take the matter to the committee, but arguments at the shooting points are not tolerated and you may be asked to leave the range.
6. Take your turn as RCO. It is unfair to spend a long time shooting while one person takes charge of the range. It maybe that the on-duty RCO is happy to continue their duties without shooting, but good manners dictate that the offer to replace them should be made.