Purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure.
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is intended to provide a consistent and documented set of rules that govern the range safety officers and serve as minimum guidelines to be followed by all users of the range leased by Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club.
Organizations that use the range facility owned by Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club shall provide to Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club a copy of their range Standard Operating Procedures for verification that their range Standard Operating Procedures meet or exceed this minimum range Standard Operating Procedure.
If an organization does not have any written range Standard Operating Procedures, that organization shall adhere to this range Standard Operating Procedure.
If an organization’s range Standard Operating Procedures do not, as a minimum, meet these procedures, that organization shall adhere to this range Standard Operating Procedure.
Safety is never to be compromised.
1. Range Capabilities.
The range governed by this Standard Operating Procedure is composed of two (2) separate shooting sub-ranges referred to as follows:
3.1 The Archery Range is open to any bow and arrows equipped with field or target tips.
3.1.1 No firearms are permitted on this range.
3.1.2 Broadhead arrow tips are only allowed in the sand pit.
3.2 The Firearm Range is open to any center-fire rifle, any center-fire handgun legal for Washington big Game hunting, rim fire rifle or pistol, or any muzzle loading rifle or pistol.
3.2.1 The Firearm Range is open to Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller using only #7 ½ shot or smaller firing at stationary targets only.
2. Range Operations
4.1 General
4.1.1 The Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club range is designed to provide access to a facility where Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club members and/or public users can utilize live fire to become more proficient with firearms.
4.2 All Users of the Range
4.2.1 All shooters and spectators must complete a non-member waiver or a member application yearly prior to utilizing the Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club firing range. Participants and spectators will be required to sign in via the computer system.
4.2.2 Scanned card records by individuals with cards are an acceptable substitute to this requirement.
4.2.3 Shooters will conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times and will be responsible for the conduct of any guests they bring.
4.2.4 All shooters are responsible for their own firearms and ammunition and archery tackle while on the premises.
4.2.5 Uncased or unholstered firearms not being fired must be benched or racked.
4.2.5.1 Actions must be open
4.2.5.2 Chambers must be empty
4.2.5.3 Muzzles must be pointed in a safe direction
4.2.5.4 Magazines or Clips must be removed
4.2.6 Firearms can only be loaded on the firing line after the RSO has made the announcement to “Commence Firing.”
4.2.7 Do not point firearms at anything except authorized targets.
4.2.7.1 Fire at your own target only.
4.2.7.2 Give the command “Cease Fire” should an unsafe condition occur.
4.2.7.3 Follow the instructions of the RSO.
4.2.7.4 At all times, personal pets must be kept under strict control so as to not distract other shooters or observers.
4.3 Alcoholic Beverages and Drugs
4.3.1 Individuals shall not be under the influence of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or drugs that impair judgment (including prescription and over-the-counter medications) before or during live firing.
4.3.2 The RSO shall deny range access to anyone deemed to be under the influence.
4.4 Medical Support
4.4.1 In the event of a Medical situation, notify the RSO immediately.
4.4.1.1 Additional information is located in Emergency Procedures Section of this document.
4.5 General Range Commands:
o Standard Firing Line Command definitions:
§ “Shooters on the firing line.” means shooters move to their firing points.
§ “Snap Caps.’ Direct a muzzle loader to affix a cap, or prime the pan, point the firearm down range and “snap” the cap to insure that the flash hole is clear and the barrel is free of obstructions that may cause a hang fire.
§ “Commence Fire.” This informs the shooters that they may begin shooting.
§ “Cease Firing.” Given when time has expired or at any other time that firing must cease.
§ “Unload.” Remove round from chamber (un-cap or dump pan if muzzleloader)
§ “Show Clear.” Requires the shooter to show that his firearm is unloaded and clear of all ammunition. A second person must verify that the firearm is unloaded.
§ “Move out of position.” Shooters to move out of their firing position.
§ “Go forward.” Means the shooters can go down range and change their targets.
4.6 Shooting Range rules and regulations
4.6.1 The Range rules and regulations are broken down into General Rules, General Range Rules, Firearm Safety Rules, General Range Safety Rules, Hygiene guidelines with some special concerns, Outdoor range rules, and administrative rules.
4.6.2 The outdoor range rules are further broken down as general outdoor range rules and by individual sub-range specific rules.
3. Range Inspection Procedures
5.1 Outdoor Range
5.1.1 Archery Range
5.1.1.1 Follow the check list in Appendix 2.
5.1.2 Shooting Range
5.1.2.1 Communication System
5.1.2.2 Ensure phone is working.
5.1.2.3 Target boards are functional.
5.1.2.4 Ensure that the down range area clear of individuals.
5.1.2.5 Follow the check list in Appendix 1.
4. General Rules
6.1 Each range shall be posted with applicable range safety rules and operating procedures.
6.2 No alcohol will be permitted on any of the Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club range facilities.
6.3 All forms of illicit drugs, including but not limited to marijuana, depressant or stimulant drugs, or narcotic drugs, are banned from any and all Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club facilities.
6.4 The primary Range Safety Officer (RSO), or his/her designee, shall be responsible for range safety and enforcement of all range safety rules.
6.4.1 The primary Range Safety Officer has the authority at any time to request a demonstration of an individual’s ability to safely fire any firearm in question being fired at a rate of fire determined to be too rapid (See 9.3.1.1.).
6.4.2 The primary Range Safety Officer can declare rapid fire as excessive and has the authority to require a slower rate of fire.
6.5 Persons showing signs of alcohol or drug usage shall be barred from handling any firearms.
6.6 Persons not complying with the range safety rules will be asked by the RSO to leave the firing line or to leave the range depending upon the severity of the infraction (see section 14).
6.7 The RSO shall be identified by any means that makes them readily identifiable to all participants. The Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club will provide RSOs with NRA approved apparel including identifiable initials.
6.8 Handling of any firearm for any reason is not permitted while anyone is downrange.
6.9 All shooting immediately stops upon the command “Cease Fire.”
6.9.1 Only the primary Range Safety Officer shall have the authority to restart shooting activity after a “Cease Fire” has been called.
6.9.1.1 Any other individual (that is not the primary RSO) issuing the “Commence fire” command shall be considered in violation of this Standard Operating Procedure and shall be asked to vacate the range facility.
6.9.1.2 Any individual refusing to vacate the range shall be turned over to law enforcement personnel to be escorted from the range facility as a trespasser.
6.10 Loaded Firearms that have malfunctioned.
6.10.1 Check with the RSO to determine if a gunsmith is on site.
6.10.1.1 Call one of the gunsmiths listed on the call list.
6.10.2 NO Loaded Firearm may leave the range.
5. General Range Rules
7.1 Un-cased or upholstered firearms must be unloaded with the actions open with all clips/magazines removed at all times while on Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club property, except when preparing to fire on the firing line.
7.2 It is the duty and responsibility of each individual that observes an improper or unsafe action on the Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club facility to discreetly bring it to the attention of the Range Safety Officer.
7.3 No automatic firearms are permitted on any range except as provided for by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
7.3.1 Extremely rapid firing is not allowed.
7.3.1.1 The maximum rate of sustained fire is not more than one shot per second.
7.4 Armor Piercing, Tracer, or incendiary ammunition are not permitted.
7.5 All shots will be directed downrange at proper targets in designated areas.
7.6 Only approved paper targets will be used. These targets will NOT be a “human” type target with human features, personality, or details.
7.6.1 The following silhouette type targets are specifically authorized for club usage: B-27, B-273, B-34, B-29, TQ-15, TQ-16, TQ-19, TQ-20, B-21, B-21x, B-21e, and B-30.
7.7 No metal targets will be used with the exception of Club approved swingers constructed on spot 18 by the ISC, and will only be shot at a minimum distance of 47 meters (50 yards) with adequate backstop using .22 rim-fire ammunition only.
7.7.1 They must be free swinging or knock down upon impact.
7.7.2 Muzzleloaders using round ball, the distance of 25 yards is acceptable.
7.7.3 All shots must impact the backstop berm.
7.8 Organizational shoots at their practice sessions or organized shoots may use any type target determined to be safe by the sanctioning organization.
7.8.1 All members of the organization or group are responsible for the clean up of targets, and/or supporting materials before leaving the range.
7.9 No shooting at glass bottles, cans, rocks, or any item that may cause harm to persons, animals, or Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club property is permitted.
7.10 Targets may not be attached to any bench, building, tree stump, or other Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club property not specifically designed to hold targets
7.11 All shooters under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and be under their direct supervision while shooting or handling firearms.
7.12 Eye Protection is strongly recommended for all archery activities.
7.13 Eye and Ear protection is required for all shooting activities involving firearms.
6. Firearm Safety Rules
8.1 Rules of Safe Shooting
· ALWAYS keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
· ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
· ALWAYS keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use.
8.2 Rules of Safe Handling
· Know your target and what is beyond.
· Be sure the firearm is safe to operate.
· Know how to use the firearm safely.
· Use only the correct ammunition for your firearm.
· Wear ear and eye protection as appropriate.
· Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
· Always store firearms so that they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
· Certain types of firearms and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
7. General Range Safety Rules.
· Know and Obey all range rules.
· Know where others are at all times.
· Shoot only at authorized targets.
· Do not handle a firearm or stand in front of the firing line where firearms are present while others are downrange.
· Stop shooting immediately upon the command “CEASE FIRE.”
8. Hygiene Guidelines.
10.1 Refrain from eating, smoking, applying makeup, or placing your hands in the proximity of your mouth or nose while on the range or cleaning a firearm.
10.2 Ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly with lead-removing wipes and/or soap and cold water if you decide to eat, drink, smoke, apply makeup, or place your hands in the proximity of your mouth or nose, and prior to leaving the facility.
10.3 Change and wash clothing after a shooting or firearm cleaning session to minimize exposure to airborne lead or solvent and cleaning product residues.
9. Special Concerns
11.1Pregnant women and children under seven years of age, and others who have health concerns should consult a physician before visiting shooting ranges.
10. Outdoor Range Rules
12.1No shooting of firearms at archery targets.
12.2Do not climb upon the berms.
12.3No automatic firearms permitted, except as provided for by the Revised Code of Washington.
12.4No armor piercing, tracer or incendiary type ammunition.
12.5No aerial targets while shooting shotgun.
12.6All general range rules will apply.
12.7 The access gates must be kept locked at all times except when a range is open.
12.7.1 Archery Range
12.7.1.1 Open to any bow when the firearm shooting range is closed.
12.7.1.2 Arrows equipped with target or field points.
12.7.1.2.1 BROADHEADS are allowed only in the sand pit
12.7.1.3 No firearms are permitted on this range at any time without the prior written approval of the Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club Board of Directors.
12.7.1.4 Crossbows are permissible using only shooter supplied targets and target holders.
12.7.1.5 Usage of eye protection is strongly recommended
12.7.2 Shooting Range
12.7.2.1 Shotgun Usage As stated before, we need to clarify all of this as a group.
12.7.2.1.1 Must use 10 gauge or smaller shotguns.
12.7.2.1.2 Must use # 7 ½ shot or smaller.
12.7.2.1.3 The range is also open to Shotguns, 10 gauge or smaller firing slugs firing at stationary targets only.
12.7.2.2 General Usage
12.7.2.2.1 Range is open to any center-fire rifle or rim-fire rifle or pistol
12.7.2.2.2 Range is open to any center fire handgun that is legal for Washington big game hunting.
12.7.2.2.3 Range is open to any muzzle loading firearms
12.7.2.2.4 All projectiles must impact the backstop berm.
11. Muzzleloading Safety Rules
13.1All Range commands must be obeyed at all times.
13.2Flintlock shooters are to inform the other shooters when ready to shoot.
13.2.1 Generally this is accomplished by loudly stating “Flint”.
13.3Smoking is prohibited, except in designated area
13.4Loading benches will be no closer than 6 feet to the rear of the firing line.
13.5Powder must be loaded into the firearm by means of a single charge measure.
13.5.1 Pouring powder from flask, horn, or other large container is prohibited.
13.6Never discharge muzzle loading firearms over or near a loading bench.
13.7Load muzzle loading firearms only with black powder or an authorized substitute such as Pyrodex.
13.8Designated spectator area shall be at least 4 feet behind the loading area.
13.9Do not cap or prime the pan of any muzzle-loading firearm until into position at the firing line and after the command “Line is hot”.
13.10 Once muzzleloader is capped or primed, the muzzle must be pointed at the target area.
13.11 DO NOT “BLOW” DOWN THE BARREL TO EXTINGUISH SPARKS.
13.11.1 The barrel is recommended to be swabbed with a damp patch between shots to kill any live sparks that may remain in the bore.
13.12 Loading of the barrel is not permitted at the firing line.
13.12.1 Certain events that require shooting from the bag, loading from firing line is permissible.
13.13 After two falls of the hammer or cock and no main charge ignition it is considered a malfunction:
13.13.1 Un-cap or dump the pan,
13.13.2 Keep the muzzle pointed down range,
13.13.2.1 Shooter to remain in position for three minutes (3) in case of a hang-fire.
13.13.3 Inform the RSO of the malfunction,
13.13.4 Move to the properly designated “Problem Box” upon direction of the RSO.
13.14 No capped or primed firearm shall leave the firing line.
13.14.1Charged firearms will be permitted to leave the firing line only by instruction of the RSO.
13.14.2 CAUTION: A charged firearm may fire uncapped, by a spark created by the hammer striking the nipple when residue from a cap remains. Also the flint striking the frizzen of a flintlock even with an empty flash pan may cause the firearm to discharge.
13.15 Only authorized targets will be used.
12. Administrative Rules
14.1All wildlife and domestic animals are protected on Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club facilities.
14.1.1 The shooting or harassment of any animal is strictly prohibited. Violators of this rule will be ejected from the facility at the discretion of the Range Safety Officer and must petition the Executive Committee within 30 days of violation.
14.2 All shooters under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult of at least 21 years of age, and be under that adult’s direct supervision while shooting.
14.3 Remove all trash when leaving the range. Ensure trash is properly disposed of in the correct receptacles.
14.4 Ear and Eye protection is required for all shooting activities that involve firearms.
14.5 All uncased or unholstered firearms MUST be unloaded with the action open and clips/magazines removed, except when preparing to fire on the firing line.
14.6 ALL uncased or unholstered firearms must be unloaded with the action open before anyone goes downrange.
14.7 NO handling of any firearms while anyone is downrange.
14.8 Do not go forward of the firing line unless a cease-fire has been called and the range is declared safe by the Range Safety Officer.
14.9Facilities must be left in a clean and orderly condition after their usage.
14.10 Unless the club member at the annual calendar meeting or at a general membership meeting has reserved the club facility, club members shall not monopolize any club facilities.
14.11 Organized club functions have the priority in the usage of the ranges.
14.12 Archery Range:
14.12.1 Shooting hours are between 8:00 a.m. to the opening of the Shooting Range.
14.13 Shooting Range:
14.13.1 Range shooting hours are between 12:00pm to 6:00pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The shooting hours for Saturdays are from 10:00am to 6:00pm. During winter, range closure will be based upon the sundown time.
14.14 Parking.
14.14.1 All parking will be in designated areas.
14.14.2 On vehicles that must be left for an extended amount of time, leave a note on the dashboard with when you expect to return. Vehicles that will be left unattended for an extended amount of time must be parked on the road outside of the facility gates.
14.15 Schedule of activities
14.15.1 Range Activities are scheduled on the Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club master calendar.
14.15.1.1 The Range Activities scheduling takes place either at the annual calendaring meeting or by presenting a request to the Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club Board of Directors.
14.15.1.2 The request for event scheduling is to be a written request.
14.16 The scheduled activity will have the control of the scheduled full range or sub-range that was properly requested and approved.
14.16.1 Full range closure means that all sub-closed are closed for any use, other than the event or program under the direction of that group.
14.16.2 The group’s representative must approve any other use during that time.
13.17.3 The group shall have full and absolute range usage authority over any other use during that time.
13.17.4 Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club shall be able to override the group’s authority, if this Range Standard Operating Procedure is violated by the using group.
13.17.5 Master Range Schedule Calendar is located at the Shooting Range and is also viewable on the Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club Website (www.IssaquahSportsmensClub.com).
13. Enforcement:
Educate to reduce incidents from occurring.
15.1 Warning
15.1.1 Warning shall be of the form that politely describes the breach of rules and a polite request for adherence.
15.2 Penalties:
15.2.1 Removal from Range
15.2.1.1 Individual shall be politely asked to exit the range.
14.2.1.2 An individual that refuses to exit the range shall be informed that the King County Sheriff will be contacted to remove the individual from the range.
16. Range Opening Procedures
16.1 Primary RSO is to arrive about 1/2 hour before the scheduled event
16.2 Check in at the range office.
16.3 Fill in the appropriate range usage logbook.
16.4 Place all equipment on the firing line. This includes staplers, spotting scopes, and first aid kit.
16.5 Acquire the appropriate range flag from office. Locate adjacent to the parking lot where you enter the shooting range.
16.6 The telephone is located in the Shooting Range Office.
16.7 Review Range Standard Operating Procedure (This Document)
16.8 Conduct a communications check to ensure phone system working properly.
16.9 Conduct the range safety inspection.
16.10 Check condition of First Aid kit and Trauma kit.
16.10.1 Document any missing/outdated items and provide the document to the Range Safety Officer or designee so that they can be replaced.
16.11 Properly display the range flag.
17. Check-in Procedures
17.1 All attendees need to be checked in via the computer system upon entry into Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club facilities
17.1.1 Scanned key records by individuals with key cards are an acceptable substitute to this requirement.
17.2 Each non-member participant makes the payment at time of registration of the posted fee for the activity.
17.3 Each non-English speaking shooter must have their own interpreter (one-on-one.)
18. Equipment/facility maintenance
18.1Document any damage to the range or equipment and provide the document to the Range Safety Officer or designee.
18.2Document any first aid supplies used and provide the document to the Range Safety Officer or designee
19. Conducting the course of fire procedures
19.1 Conduct the range safety briefing.
19.2 Conform to the appropriate rules for the specific course of fire (i.e. small bore rifle rules book).
20. Range close down procedures.
20.1 Inspect the range.
20.2 Ensure that no personnel are remaining on the range.
20.3 Remove all equipment from the firing line and secure it within the range office.
20.4 Take down range flag(s).
20.5 Review the daily sales on the computer and ensure correct accountability of all money and checks in the register, including credit card amounts.
20.6 Sign out at range office.
21. Range Safety Briefing
21.1 All members of Issaquah Sportsmen’s Club shall have a Range Safety Briefing upon adoption of these SOPs.
21.2 Anyone becoming a member after the implementation of these SOPs shall attend the briefing at the scheduled time each month.
21.3 All members shall assist the Range Safety Officer with helping the public to follow the SOPs.