Rifle and Pistol Ranges Rules

A. Purpose - the Bethesda-Chevy Chase chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, inc. operates its rifle and pistol ranges for the safe enjoyment of target shooting by its members and escorted guests. The ranges are not to be used for any outside commercial endeavor. The range committee, under the direction of the chapter president and the board of governors has the responsibility for the administration and safe operation of these ranges. There is a copy of the standard rifle and pistol range operating procedures posted in the range house

B. Range usage

  1. Range officers, holding current cards, may use the ranges at any time except when closed for special events. Members should check their calendar of events or newsletter for details regarding these closings.
  2. Chapter members who are 18 years old and older may use the ranges only when a range officer is on duty.
  3. Chapter members who are under 18 years of age, may use the ranges only when a range officer is on duty. In addition, they must be a graduate of the hunter safety course or marksmanship training course given by the chapter or they must be accompanied by a member at least 18 years old.
  4. No person under the age of 18 will be permitted to fire a handgun on the ranges except when under the direct supervision of a qualified b-cc range officer and then only with the consent of the executive range officer of the day. Persons between the ages of 18 and 21 years may use the pistol range upon showing evidence of having successfully completed one of the many nra gun safety courses, or the b-cc hunter safety course and obtaining the consent of the executive range officer of the day.
  5. All guests, which includes non-member relatives, must be accompanied by their member host when shooting on the ranges.
  6. Members wishing to have an unusually large number of guests (7 or more) on the range should obtain range committee approval prior to the day of planned use.

C. Closures: an officer of the board of governors or a member of the rifle and pistol range committee may determine to close the ranges at any time for safety reasons, at such times as may be necessary and will give as much notice as is practical in the circumstances. Such notice may be limited to the posting of a written notice on the range house or verbal directions from a range officer on duty. Compliance with any such notice is mandatory and non-compliance may result in temporary or permanent loss of range privileges.

D. Range conduct

  1. Use of the rifle and pistol ranges is a privilege of chapter members and their escorted guests which may be suspended or revoked by the board of governors.
  2. In the operation of the rifle and pistol ranges safety shall be the governing consideration at all times. Hearing and sight protection must be worn at all times when on the firing line.
  3. The rifle and pistol ranges are under the complete control of the range officers on duty. Range officers and annual fee card holders shall display their card in a clear manner at all times. These rules and the range officer's orders must be obeyed. Failure to do so will be cause for disciplinary action by the board of governors.
  4. The rifle and pistol ranges are open for use only under the control and supervision of a certified range officer. Range officers are on duty every saturday and sunday from april through december. Ranges are closed from time to time for special events cited in item ii.a, above and detailed in the monthly newsletter.
  5. Each shooter must register with the range officer on duty and pay the daily range fee or present his annual fee card. Daily and annual fees are on a per-person basis (except for family fee) entitling only the payer to shoot.
  6. Shooters will identify themselves either as chapter members or guests. Member escorts must accompany their guests at all times.
  7. A maximum of two persons permitted on any firing point -- the shooter and his coach, instructor, or spotter. Visitors and observers must remain behind the "ready line".
  8. Each shooter may have only one firearm at a time on his firing point. Firearms not in use will be stored in the gun racks or in a pistol box, cleared of all ammunition with the actions open or effectively blocked, or otherwise made safe as directed by the range officers.
  9. Shooters are required to police their own brass and targets.

E. Range restrictions  the following are strictly prohibited:

  1. Firearms capable of full automatic operation
  2. Destructive devices, or exotic ammunition
  3. Alcoholic beverages
  4. Scatter shot shells
  5. "quick draw" or snap shooting
  6. Wearing of holsters
  7. Bottle or container targets
  8. Aiming or dry firing behind the firing line
  9. Cross firing
  10. More than ten (10) rounds per clip or magazine