Chapter 1: Preamble....................................................................................

Chapter 2: Purpose of the Range.................................................................

Chapter 3: Authorized Uses and Operation of the Range.....................……

Chapter 4: Rifle and Pistol Range Committee………………………………

Chapter 5: Physical Layout of the Range......................................................

Chapter 6: Rifle and Pistol Range Rules.......................................................

* NRA Gun Safety Rules

* General Range Rules

* Site Specific Rules

* Administrative Rules

Chapter 7: Range Commands........................................................................

Chapter 8: Emergency Procedures.................................................................

Chapter 9: Range Equipment.........................................................................

Appendix A: Range Inspection Checklist........................................................

Appendix B: Range Officer Qualification Procedure.......................................

Appendix C: NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program...............................

Appendix D: Emergency Report Form............................................................

Appendix E: Injury Report Form....................................................................

Appendix F: Rifle and Pistol Range Committee Members…………………...

CHAPTER 1

The Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) is an organization devoted to environmental conservation that encourages a universal and adequate appreciation of America’s soil, woods, waters, air, and wildlife. The IWLA promotes the development of greater opportunities for outdoor recreation as essential in the upbuilding of character and physique.

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chapter (B-CC) of the IWLA enthusiastically subscribes to the goals of the parent organization and maintains approximately five hundred acres of farmland and woodland which are primarily devoted to conservation. For the recreational use of its members and guests, BCC maintains three outdoor shooting ranges; an archery range that has both a fixed York style range and a three dimensional game range, a shotgun range which has skeet, trap, five stand, and sporting clays fields, and rifle and pistol ranges which support shooting out to 100 yards.

This document provides the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the rifle and pistol ranges.

The BCC-IWLA Rifle & Pistol Ranges are primarily intended for recreational shooting by its members and their guests. It is also used for specialized shooting events as described in Chapter 3 of this SOP, or for special events as determined by the Board of Governors of the Chapter. Members are encouraged to follow the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program in order to improve their shooting skills. In the operation of the rifle and pistol ranges Safety Shall Be The Governing Consideration At All Times

1. General. 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

2. Range Usage. Overall range availability is at the discretion of the Board of Governors. Normally live fire recreational shooting for all members and their guests takes place on weekends from the first weekend in April until the last weekend in December. On these weekends, the Range is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Range is under the control of the duty Executive Range Officer (ERO) and three or more Range Officers (RO) who have received annual qualification. All decisions as to Range operation and safety are at the discretion of the Executive Range Officer. The ERO has the authority from the Board of Governors to shut down the Range if he/she deems it necessary. In extreme cases, such as an accident or an unruly shooter, the Range should be closed down and the proper authorities (Fire & Rescue Squad and/or County Police) notified. The Chief Range Officer should also be notified as soon as possible.

The Range is closed to the general membership Monday through Friday, but is open to qualified Range Officers and their guests during this time.

1. Range Officers, holding current cards, may use the ranges at any time except when closed for special events like Youth Conservation Day, Squirrel Hunt Breakfast Day, and certain days during the firearms and muzzle loading deer seasons. Members should check their calendar of events or newsletter for details regarding these and other closings.
2. Chapter members, 18 years old and older may use the ranges only when a Range Officer is on duty.
3. Chapter members, under 18 years of age, may use the ranges only when a Range Officer is on duty, and in addition, unless a graduate of the Hunter Safety Course or one of the Firearm Safety and Education Courses given by the Chapter, 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 handgun range upon showing evidence of having successfully completed one of the courses mentioned in the previous bullet 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 ranges should obtain Range Committee approval prior to the day of planned use.
7. The requirements for shooters are:

                    - Display of a current BCC-IWLA membership card

                    - Payment of a daily fee for non-range officer members and their guests
                    

                    - Signing the member/guest log book

4. Specialized Events. BCC-IWLA maintains active programs in firearm education and safety and in hunter safety. When these courses are given, the participants are instructed with live firing at the Range. These special events, which are listed in the monthly newsletter and usually occur on weekends, take priority over normal Range usage. The course instructor should work with the ERO for the day to ensure the safety of everyone at the Range. The assigned ERO for the day has control of the Range and is responsible for its operation.

These specialized events include but are not limited to:

- NRA sanctioned rifle and pistol courses

- DNR Hunter Safety

- Biathalon Team Shooting

- Shooting Matches

- Events approved by the Board of Governors and/or the R&P Committee

The points of contact for these various events are posted at the Range House.

5. Range Closures. The Range will be closed for all shooters for special events approved by the Board of Governors. These include, but are not limited to, Youth Conservation Day, the various periods during the firearm deer hunting seasons, etc.

6. Range Limitations and Safety Requirements. Live fire shooters will:

a. Fire only while a qualified Range Officer is present

b. Fire only authorized firearms and ammunition

c. Fire at authorized targets only. Firing at cans, bottles, etc is strictly prohibited.

d. Ensure that all projectiles impact within the established Range safety limits.

e. Ensure the red Range flag is displayed on the firing line.

f. Use appropriate eye and ear protection.

g. Obey all commands of the Range Officers in charge.

h. Notify a Range Officer if any unsafe practices are observed.

i. Police all brass, paper, and other debris that accumulates on the Range. Dispose of it in the appropriate containers provided.

j. Fire only from the established firing line

7. Authorized and Prohibited Firearms. Shooters are permitted to fire all centerfire or rimfire rifles and pistols up to and including .50 caliber with the exception of fully automatic firearms which are not permitted on the Range. Shoters are permitted to fire all muzzleloading rifles and pistols up to and including .58 caliber and smoothbore muzzleloading rifles and pistols up to and including .78 caliber. Shotguns firing rifled balls or sabots are permitted.

Under no circumstances will any shooter fire tracer, armor piercing, or other exotic ammunition. No firearm will be carried in a holster that is worn by the shooter.

8. Alcoholic Beverages and Drugs. Alcoholic beverages and drugs are strictly prohibited in the Range Complex. Anyone observed using them or deemed to be under their influence will not be permitted to use or remain on the Range and the person involved will be reported to the Board of Governors.

The rifle and pistol ranges are under the control of a committee that reports to the Board of Governors. The committee consists of a chairman, a chief range officer/secretary, a range treasurer, and a representative number of range officers selected by the Chairman.

Primary duties of the Chairman include:

1. Reporting at the monthly dinner meeting on the status of the R&P range
2. Preparing the written article for the Chapter monthly newsletter on the match and range officer schedule as well as other activities concerned with the range
3. Scheduling and conducting meetings of the R&P Committee
4. Chairing the annual range officer sign up meeting
5. Conducting the briefing of and administering the test for new range officers
6. Keeping aware of new technology that can be used to improve the R&P range
7. Maintaining the accuracy and currency of the Standard Operational Procedures
8. Maintaining NRA Range Officer Safety certification
9. Obtaining additional training and education in range safety and operation
10. Preparing the annual budget

Primary duties of the Chief Range Officer/Secretary include:

1. Preparing the Range Officer Duty schedule
2. Administering and supervising the daily operations of the range
3. Acting as recording secretary for the R&P Committee meetings
4. Distributing the Minutes of the R&P Committee meetings
5. Providing timely budget inputs to the Chairman for submission to the Board of Governors
6. Helping with the annual range officer sign up meeting

Primary duties of the Range Treasurer include:

7. Collecting and itemizing all fees collected from the operation of the range
8. Helping with the annual range officer sign up meeting
9. Aiding the Chairman with the annual budget submission

Primary duties of the Committee members:

10. Advising the Chairman and Chief Range Officer on range operations and improvements
11. Arranging rifle and pistol matches
12. Aiding in the conduct of such matches
13. Helping at the annual range officer sign up meeting

1.) NRA Gun Safety Rules

* 3 Fundamental Rules for Safe Gun Handling:

- Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

- Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

- Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

* Rules for Using or Storing a Gun

- Know your target and what is beyond

- Be sure the gun is safe to operate

- Know how to use the gun safely

- Use only the correct ammunition for your gun\

- Wear appropriate eye and ear protection

- Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting

- Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons

- Be aware that certain types of guns and shooting activities may require additional safety precautions.

2.) General Range Rules

- Know and obey all Range rules

- The Executive Range Officer is responsible for all operations of the
Ranges. Obey all of his/her commands or those assigned to help him/her

- Know where others are at all times.

- Shoot only at authorized targets.

- At non scheduled times where more than one shooter is on-line, an ERO must be designated.

- Do not handle a firearm or stand on the firing line where firearms are present while others are downrange.

- Stop shooting immediately upon the command "Cease Firing".

- Follow hygiene guidelines by minimizing exposure to airborne particulate lead ( clean hands and clothes) and limit the presence of pregnant women and children under 7 years of age

- The red caution flag must be flown whenever shooting occurs.

- Eye and ear protection is mandatory for all shooters and spectators.

- No more than 2 persons are allowed at a firing point on the firing line; 1 shooter and 1 coach/spotter

- 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.

- All firearms carried to the range complex must be unloaded and cased

- No pistol shooting is allowed on the rifle side of the ranges unless the pistol fires a rifle cartridge or supersonic (1080 fps) projectiles.

3.) Site Specific Rules

* Permitted:

- Centerfire and rimfire rifles and pistols up to and including .50 caliber.

- Blackpowder muzzleloading rifles and pistols up to and including .58 caliber.

- Blackpowder muzzleloading smoothbore muskets up to and including .78 caliber.

- Semiautomatic assault rifles and pistols loaded with 10 rounds or less.

- Shotguns firing rifled slugs or sabots.

* Not permitted:

- Incendiary, armor piercing, explosive, or exotic ammunition.

- Shotshells

- Fully automatic firearms or firearms with an automatic selector switch

- Carrying firearms in a holster located on the shooter or spectator except
for uniformed police officers

- Quick draw shooting

- Shooting at unauthorized targets ( cans, bottles, etc)

- Magazines or clips loaded with more than 10 rounds.

- Loaded firearms carried on or off the firing line

- Dry firing or aiming behind the firing line.

- Loading muzzleloading firearms directly from a powder horn or powder container.

4.) Administrative Rules

* Hours of operation

- First weekend in April to last weekend in December from 9:00AM to 5:00 PM both Saturday and Sunday. ERO must be present.

- Year round during the week from 7:30 to dusk for qualified Range Officers and their guests but 9:00 AM to dusk on weekends

* Parking

- All users of the Range must park in the upper parking lot of the Chapter.

CHAPTER 7

Whenever this command is given all shooters must immediately stop shooting, remain in position with the firearm pointed in a safe direction, and wait for further instructions from the RO in charge.

CHAPTER 8

Minor accidents - Cuts, sprains, dislocations,etc.

Administer first aid as required.

Major accidents: - Heart attack, choking, broken limb, gunshot wound, etc.

* ERO should close down the Range (Take charge of the situation)

* Administer first aid (Render aid)

* Call 911 to report accident (Call for help)

* Designate one of the ROs to keep notes on what is occurring with times

* Station people to direct emergency vehicles to the Range.

Move from top to bottom on this list depending upon how the situation develops:

1.) Order the person off the Range Complex and report his/her name to the Chief Range Officer.

2.) Close down and secure the Range Complex and evacuate the area.

3.) Notify the Montgomery County Police Department and request assistance.

In the event of severe weather that could endanger the lives of shooters and spectators, the ERO should close down the Range and evacuate the area. The ERO and ROs should decide what to do if the weather clears.

Any firearm stoppage or malfunction can cause serious safety problems if not handled corresctly. Range Officers need to be prepared for these occurrances.

Definitions:

* Stoppage - an unintentional interruption in the operational cycle of a firearm.

Examples: Bolt fails to lock cartridge in position, a stove pipe in a semi- automatic pistol, double feed, failure of a cylinder to rotate in a revolver, etc.

* Malfunction - failure of a firearm to function as designed or to fire satisfactorily.

Two categories:

a) Firearm malfunction like a broken sear or firing pin

b) Ammunition malfunction like a misfire, hangfire, squib load

Range Officers should consider any stoppage or malfunction as a major safety hazard and should know the difference between the two.

There are eight basic steps in the operating cycle of a firearm and a stoppage can occur in any one of the steps. The eight basic steps are:

1. Feeding: The face of the bolt makes contact with the base of the cartridge at the top of the magazine and pushes it toward the chamber

2. Chambering: The bolt continues forward and pushes the cartridge into the chamber.

3. Locking: As the bolt continues forward, the locking lugs move into the locking recesses in the barrel, locking the cartridge into the chamber.

4. Firing: The trigger is pulled to the rear causing the firing pin to strike the primer and fire the cartridge.

5. Unlocking: As the bolt moves to the rear, the locking lugs rotate out of the locking recesses.

6. Extracting: As the bolt moves rearward, the extractor withdraws the cartridge case from the chamber.

7. Ejecting: As the face of the bolt passes over the ejector, the case strikes the ejector and is kicked outward through the ejector port.

8. Cocking: As the bolt moves rearward, the firing pin moves into a cocked position.

Note: These are the eight basic steps of a firearm operational cycle but not all firearms follow these steps in exact order. For example, revolvers do not extract and eject between shots.

If a shooter experiences a malfunction where the firearm fails to function as designed, the cause will be due to the firearm itself or the ammunition. A malfunctioning firearm must be unloaded and removed from the firing line. An example of a malfunctioning firearm is a semi-automatic rifle that doubles, i.e. fires two rounds when the trigger is pulled. Such a gun is a hazard on the range and the owner should be advised to take the gun to a qualified gunsmith.

Ammunition malfunctions can be classed as:

- Misfire where a cartridge fails to fire after the primer is struck by the firing pin

- Hangfire where there is a perceptible delay in the ignition of the cartridge after the primer has been struck by the firing pin.

- Squib load where there is less than normal pressure or bullet velocity after ignition of the cartridge.

- Keep the gun pointed downrange (safe direction)

- Wait at least 30 seconds in case it is a hanfire and at least two minutes in the case of muzzleloaders before attempting to unload.

- Stop firing immediately

- Keep the gun pointed downrange

- Unload the gun -- make sure the chamber is empty

- Insert a cleaning rod down the barrel from the chamber end (if possible) to make sure the bullet is not lodged in the barrel.

Range officers on duty must be particularly vigilant to observe any gun malfunctions, stoppages, or ammunition malfunctions and be prepared to move to the shooter’s aid. If the shooter starts to do something incorrect, the range officer must be prepared to step in.

Be in control and in a low, but firm, voice say: STOP! POINT THE MUZZLE DOWNRANGE! At this stage let the shooter clear the firearm and bench it. If the shooter experiences problems in doing this, try to talk him/her through the clearing process. Only as a last resort should the range officer take control of the firearm. To do this approach the shooter from the left side ( for a right handed range officer), grasp the barrel of the firearm behind the muzzle with the weak hand, control the direction of the muzzle so that it points in a safe direction, and have the shooter step back. Use the strong hand to control and reposition the firearm if necessary. Determine the stoppage and clear it. Explain to the shooter what went wrong and how to prevent it from happening again.

Remember throughout the entire process of stoppages and malfunctions to adhere to the three NRA rules of safety.

Muzzleloading firearms, in particular, are prone to misfires. Range Officers observing such a misfire must watch intently to ensure that the shooter keeps the firearm pointed downrange for at least two minutes before trying any remedial action. Once the problem is diagnosed as a misfire, the shooter should recap or reprime the firearm and try to fire. Refiring should be tried at least two times before turning to other approaches. These other approaches are:

- Firing the ball/projectile out.

- Blowing the ball/projectile out

- Pulling the ball/projectile out.

The range officer, in concert with the shooter, should attempt to unload the firearm in the order shown above.

To fire the load out of the gun, it is necessary to introduce a small amount of fine black powder behind the charge in the chamber. This can be done with a percussion cap firearm by removing the nipple and working in a small amount of 4Fg or 3Fg powder and then screwing back the nipple, recapping it, and firing. With a flinlock firearm it is necessary to work a small amount of powder through the flashhole using a pick and then repriming and firing. In general this approach to unloading a muzzleloading firearm that has misfired will be successful. If it is not then move to the next approach.

To blow the load out of the gun, it is necessary to use a pneumatic device that connects to the nipple, for a percussion firearm, or uses a needle like valve for insertion into a flintlock flashhole. The pneumatic device contains a CO₂ cylinder which is activated when the device is pushed. The gas released should discharge the projectile. Make sure that the barrel is pointed in a safe direction since the ball is ejected at considerable velocity. If this approach fails, it is necessary to use a ball puller.

To pull the load out of the gun, the powder charge must first be deactivated. This is accomplished by removing the barrel from the stock and then placing the barrel, breech down, in a container of water at least eight inches deep. Let the barrel soak for about an hour and then pour a little water down the barrel to loosen any fouling. Using a work rod with a puller attached, screw the puller into the projectile by applying pressure and turning the work rod. A bore sized collar helps to guide the puller tip into the center of the projectile. Pull the work rod straight out with enough force to remove the projectile. This must be done with extreme care, being certain that no part of the body is in front of the muzzle. The safest and easiest way is to place a T-handled work rod in the padded jaws of a vise, the crotch of a tree, or the rafters of a building and pull on the rifle.

Problems with the normal operation of a firearm pose special safety conditions which must be managed by on duty range officers. Members serving as Executive Range Officer or Range Officer should be familiar with the operation and functioning of all firearms that they are liable to encounter on the range.

- Range house

- Ten firing line points with benches on the 100 yard rifle range

- Six covered firing line points on the 50 yard pistol range

- Wooden target frames

- Wood staves and tools for making target frames

- Assorted NRA sanctioned targets

- Flag pole with a red flag to indicate live firing on the range

- Two emergency first aid kits

- Pneumatic unloader for muzzleloading firearms

- Range sign -in book with range cards

- Badges to identify the executive range officer and other range officers on duty

- A copy of the Standard Operating Procedures for the BCC-IWLA Rifle and Pistol Range

- A copy of the courses of fire for the NRA Marksman Qualification Program

- A telephone with an outside line for emergency calls

1. Remove "Range Closed "sign at entrance to the range and set up the "Range Open" sign.

2. Enter into the log book all the range officers on duty.

3. Fill out a 3 x 5 card with the names of all the range officers on duty indicating which one is the executive range officer and deposit the card in the mail slot by 9:30 AM.

4. Put on the badges identifying the executive range officer and the range officers on duty.

5. Check the bulletin board and the monthly newsletter for special instructions.

6. Raise the red caution flag indicating live firing.

7. Walk the firing line and inspect the bullet impact zone to ensure that everything is clear to begin firing

8. Identify everyone who comes to use the range. They must be a current BCC-IWLA member or a guest of a member who is present.

9. Collect fees as appropriate and deposit them in one of the brown manila envelopes that are available in the range house. At the end of the day the envelope with all the fees collected should be sealed and deposited in the mail slot.

10. Have everyone that is using the range sign into the log book.

11. Explain to everyone as they arrive what the firing line commands are.

12. Observe and supervise all shooting noting in particular shooters who may be experiencing difficulty.

13. Assist shooters as the need arises. Be aware of any misfires, hangfires, or doubles and react accordingly.

14. Require shooters to police their firing points and leave each point in a clean condition.

15. Repair and make target frames as needed. This work should be conducted outside of the range house. Perform general maintenace during slack times in shooting operations.

16. Secure the range at the end of the day which is 5:00 PM for the general membership. Close the range house after depositing the fee envelope in the mail slot and turning off the lights. Replace the "Range Closed"

17. The ERO is free to close the range for any conditions that might endanger shooters.

18. If emergency situations arise the ERO must take appropriate action and then notify the R & P Chairman and the Chief Range Officer.

Basically the same rules apply as above except that the range is open only to current range officers and their guests. The "Range Closed" sign may be left in place at the entrance to the range since general membership shooting is not allowed. If more than one current range officer is present they must decide which one is the executive range officer in charge of the range.

If a chapter member arrives when the range is closed but a Range Officer is present and shooting, the latter has the option of allowing the member to shoot as his guest or maintaining the range closed and not letting the member shoot.

Appendix B:

Range Officers are certified on an annual basis at a meeting that takes place on the second Tuesday of March. At that meeting they are informed of any procedural changes that have been adopted since the previous year. Range Officers, 70 and older with 5 years of active duty on the ranges are excused from drawing duty days.

New candidates for Range Officer status must attend a four hour session on the operation of the range. This includes a briefing covering all the material in this SOP and each candidate must pass, with a mark of 80% or higher, an examination given at the end of the briefing in order to be certified. These sessions are held twice a year and are announced in the newsletter. Candidates must be 21 years or older.

NOTE: The Shotgun Range qualifies its own Range Officers. They are not automatically qualified R&P Range Officers nor are R&P Range Officers automatically qualified as Shotgun Range Range Officers.

Appendix C:

Inorder to provide shooters the opportunity to hone their shooting skills, BCC-IWLA encourages them to take advantage of the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program which is a self administered course of fire that permits a person to advance from Marksman to Distinguished Expert. Members can qualify in the following programs:

- Bullseye Pistol

- Handgun

- Light Rifle

- American Riflleman

- High Power Rifle

- Muzzleloading Rifle

- Muzzleloading Pistol

Targets are provided for all of these programs and a notebook in the range house indicates the targets that must be used and the courses of fire.

Appendix D:

Effective Date: _________________

- Call a cease fire immediately and issue the command to unload, clear, and bench all firearms.

- Identify one of the duty range officers to secure the gear of the injured person.

- Identify one of the duty range officers to notify emergency services via 911 and provide the following information:

1. Specific location of incident with directions

2. Telephone number that you are calling from

3. Your name

4. What happened and possible hazards for rescuers

5. Number of people injured or ill

6. Condition of people injured or ill

7. First aid provided

8. If the accident involves a gun shot injury the police must be notified

- Station one of the duty range officers to direct emergency services to the scene

- Provide first aid until the emergency services arrive provided the injured party agrees

- Assume implied permission if the injured is unconscious or unable to respond

- Avoid dispensing any medicine unless directed to by emergency services over the telephone

- Assign someone to keep a log of events and time relative to the injury or illness

Appendix E:

Name of Injured Party:_____________________________

Address:________________________________________

_________________________________________

Telephone Number:____________________

Date of Injury:___________

Time of Injury:___________

1. Describe the nature and extent of the injury (specify parts of body):

2. Describe how the injury occurred:

3.Describe first aid given:

4. First aid was provided by (include names and telephone numbers):

5. Dispositon (specify name of hospital, telephone numbees, time of transport, etc.):

6. Persons notified (relatives, Range Chairman, Chief Range Officer ):

7. Location of incident:

8 Conditions prevalent at the time of the incident:

9. Witness statements: Interview witnesses separately. Use attachments if needed.

A. Witness (Name):__________________________________

Address:________________________________________

________________________________________

Telephone Number: ________________________

Statement Attached: Yes__________ No _____________

B. Witness (Name):__________________________________

Address:________________________________________

________________________________________

Telephone Number: ________________________

Statement Attached: Yes__________ No _____________

10. Notes and Comments:

11. Injury report completed by :

Name:____________________________________________________

Title: ____________________________________________________

Date: ____________________

Signature: ________________________________________________

        Chris Conte 301-3407823 cconte@nrahq.org