OISC has gone to considerable lengths to ensure that the highest levels of safety are maintained on it’s ranges. This includes Range Design, Operating Procedures, Specific Range Rules, Safety Briefings, and the presence of Range Safety Officers (RSO) or Range Masters (RM) at all active ranges.
Key and essential to overall safety is the authority of the Range Safety Officer or Range Master to suspend shooting at any time for any reason he or she deems necessary. The Range Safety Officer or Range Master also has the absolute authority to suspend shooting privileges for individuals who do not conform to the Operating Procedures or to established Safety Protocols. Such individuals will be required to leave the grounds immediately. Their expulsion will be subject to review by the Executive Committee which has the authority to restore shooting privileges; or, to invoke the permanent loss of privileges and membership.
Please take a moment to read the following Rules and Procedures.
RANGE RULES
GENERAL: Live firing conducted at the Orcas Island Sportsmen Club Range Complex is designed to provide authorized personnel access to a facility where they can become proficient with pre-approved firearms.
FACILITIES FOR USE: Range availability is determined by designated hours of operation, by range availability, and by the availability of a Range Safety Officer.
RANGE LIMITATIONS AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
Participants in live fire events will:
a. Sign a Public Shooter Waiver Form, prior to the use of any range.
b. Fire only on scheduled ranges with a RSO/RM present.
c. Fire only pre-authorized firearms and ammunition.
d. Use appropriate eye and ear protection on all ranges.
e. Be made fully aware that a “Cease Fire” may be called by anyone at any time an unsafe condition exists on any range.
f. Police all brass, paper and other debris that accumulates on the range only after completing that particular shooting event. Dispose of all material in the appropriate containers.
g. Any range infractions that resulted in a shooters loss of privilege will be reported to the Executive Committee by the RSO/RM.
PROHIBITED FIREARMS: Fully automatic firearms are strictly prohibited and there are restrictions on calibers/velocity on each range.
AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL:
The following persons are allowed to utilize the Club facilities:
a. Current members of the Orcas Island Sportsmen Club. The requirement for a Public Shooters Waiver Form applies to all club members.
b. Non-members and invited guests of members, after having signed the appropriate Public Shooters Waiver Form.
RANGE OPERATIONS
1.GENERAL: Live firing conducted at the Orcas Island Sportsmen Club Range Complex is designed to provide authorized personnel access to a facility where they can become proficient with pre-approved firearms.
2.FACILITIES FOR USE: Range availability is determined by designated hours of operation and by range availability.
a) Small Caliber Rifle and Pistol Range: Specific Range Rules apply. Make reference to Appendices 1 and 2.
b) Rifle Range: Specific Range rules apply. Make Reference to Appendices 1 and 3.
c) Shotgun Range: Specific Range Rules apply. Make reference to Appendices 1 and 4.
d)Archery Range: Specific range rules apply. Make reference to Appendices 1
and 5.
3.RANGE LIMITATIONS AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: Participants in live fire events will:
a) Sign Shooter Waiver Form, Appendix 8 or 9 as applicable, prior to the use of any range.
b) Fire only on scheduled ranges with an RSO/RM present.
c) Fire only pre-authorized firearms and ammunition.
d) Use appropriate eye and ear protection on all ranges. See specific Range rules in Appendices 2, 3, 4, and 5.
e) Be made fully aware that a “Cease Fire” may be called by anyone at any time an unsafe condition exists on any range.
f) Police all brass, paper and other debris that accumulates on the range only after completing that particular shooting event. Dispose of all material in the appropriate containers.
g) Any range infractions that resulted in a shooters loss of privilege will be reported to the Executive Committee by the Range Safety Officer or Range Master.
4. PROHIBITED FIREARMS: Fully automatic firearms are strictly prohibited.
5. AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL: The following persons are allowed to utilize the Club facilities:
a) Current members of the Orcas Island Sportsmen Club. The requirement for Shooters Waiver Form, Appendix 8 or 9 as applicable, applies to all club Members, as does the requirement to provide each a copy of the Orcas Island Sportsmen Club Range Rules.
b) Non-members and invited guests of members, after having signed the appropriate Shooters Waiver Form and received a copy of the Orcas Island Sportsmen Club Range Rules.
6. PERSONNEL REPONSIBILITIES:
a) Range Safety Officer or Range Master will ensure that:
i. Range inspections are completed prior to any scheduled shooting event.
ii. All shooters have completed the applicable Shooters Waiver Form. Reference Appendices 8 and 9.
iii. The firearm and ammunition to be utilized is appropriate to the event and the range.
iv. A thorough range safety briefing is presented in accordance with Appendix 1 and the appropriate range Appendix.
b) Sportsmen Club members are responsible for:
i. Signing in on the scheduled range.
ii. Conducting themselves in an orderly manner at all times and reminding
their guests, as necessary, to do the same.
iii. Maintaining positive control of their firearms and ammunition.
iv. Ensuring that any firearms out of their respective cases are clear and made to show safe.
v. Loading their firearms on the firing line only after the RSO/RM has given
the command to load.
vi. Pointing their firearms at nothing whatsoever other than
authorized targets.
vii. Loudly giving the “cease fire” command in the event they perceive an unsafe condition.
viii. Immediately obeying any commands from the RSO/RM.
7. HOURS OF OPERATION AND SCHEDULING: A six-month schedule of days when the ranges will be in operation is published in the local newspapers; and, specific hours of operation are posted at the entrance to the Orcas Island Sportsmen Club complex. The foregoing is carried out in strict accordance with the 1991 Court Order issued by San Juan County.
8. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES/ILLICIT DRUGS/RECREATIONAL DRUGS: Alcohol/Illicit Drugs/Recreational Drugs are strictly prohibited at all times on all ranges. Alcoholic consumption is permitted in the clubhouse provided the individual has declared their intention to not participate in further shooting activity.
9. MEDICAL SUPPORT: In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately and then notify the Range Safety Officer or Range Master. Provisions of Appendices 6 and 7 apply.
RANGE RULES
SMALL CALIBER RIFLE AND PISTOL RANGE RULES
1.Commands that will be or could be given on this range will be fully explained; and it is imperative that all shooters understand that range commands must be obeyed immediately.
2. All targets must be in target holders provided by the club. Short Target Holders MUST be used for all shooting positions at 50 yards. Standing or Bench Rest shooting at 25 yards MUST use Tall Target Holders. All other shooting disciplines at either 25 yards or 50 yards will be on Short Target Holders. This includes Kneeling, Sitting and Prone. All targets must be Board approved.
3. No person is allowed forward of the firing line unless a cease fire has been called, the range is clear and the RSO/RM has given permission.
4. All shooters must wear eye and ear protection; and, spectators must wear hearing protection.
5. When given the command to load, keep the firearm pointed downrange in a safe direction.
6. Loaded firearms must be under the control of the shooter at all times
with the muzzle pointed downrange.
7. In the event of a misfire, keep the firearm pointed downrange for a minimum of thirty (30) seconds prior to opening the breach. In the event of a squib fire, DO NOT attempt to fire the gun until the barrel is clear.
8. During a general ceasefire, or at the end of any shooting event, all
firearms will be unloaded with their magazines removed; actions open
and the firearm grounded (chamber flags inserted). Shooters will then
step back and remain behind the ready line.
9. Only Range Safety Officers or Range Masters may assist an active
shooter forward of the RED line.
10. Holstered firearms, metal targets and human shapes of all kinds are
prohibited.
11. Calibers routinely permitted on this range include the: .22LR, .22 rimfire
magnum, .25ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP, 9 mm Luger (Parabellum, 9×19),
.38 Super Colt Automatic, .38 Special, .40S&W, .44 Special, .45ACP,
.45 Colt.
12. Calibers prohibited include all centerfire Magnum loads and any calibers of armor piercing loads. Current Ballistic Charts are frequently adding new, high velocity ammunition and bullet weights (an energy factor). It is impossible to list all such new ammunition; however, the following handgun calibers are specifically prohibited: FN 5.7mm, .10 mm Auto, .357 SIG, .454 Casull, .460 S&W, .475, .480 Ruger, .50AE and the .500.
13. Range Safety Officers and Range Masters have absolute discretion
regarding the use of ANY and ALL ammunition and firearms.
14. During a general ceasefire or at the end of any shooting event, all firearms will be unloaded with their magazines removed, actions open and the firearm grounded (chamber flags inserted). Shooters will then step back and remain behind the ready line.
15. Range Safety Officers and Range Masters have total discretion regarding the use of any and all ammunition and firearms.
LARGE CALIBER RIFLE RANGE RULES
1.Commands that will or could be given on this range will be fully explained; and it is imperative that all shooters understand that range commands must be obeyed immediately.
2. All targets must be in target holders provided by the club. Shooting at anything other than paper targets is prohibited.
3. Double hearing protection is mandatory; therefore, all shooters will wear earplugs and earmuffs as well as eye protection. Spectators must wear plugs or muffs.
4. No person is allowed forward of the firing line unless a cease fire has been called, the range is clear and the RSO/RM has given permission
5. All rifles must be bore sighted, using club instruments, prior to any live fire.
6. When loading, keep the rifle positioned in the center of the tube with the muzzle forward of the shooting port. Muzzle loaders may be loaded outside the tube but the cap may not be inserted prior to having the muzzle forward of the shooting port.
7. During a general ceasefire or at the end of any shooting event, all rifles are to be unloaded, actions open and made to show safe.
8. Incendiary, armor piercing, tracer or explosive ammunition is strictly prohibited.
9. In the event of a misfire, keep the rifle pointed downrange for a minimum of thirty (30) seconds prior to opening the breach. In the event of a squib fire, do not attempt to again fire the gun until the barrel is clear.
10. Range Safety Officers and Range Masters have total discretion regarding the use of any and all ammunition and firearms.
SHOTGUN AND SPORTING CLAYS RANGE RULES
1. Commands that will be or could be given of this range will be fully explained; and, it is imperative that all shooters understand that range commands must be obeyed immediately.
2. Shotguns only will be permitted of these ranges. Older guns having Damascus twist steel barrels are prohibited.
3. Ammunition that may be used on these ranges is limited to target loads not larger than 7.5 nor exceed 3 drams and 1 1/8 ounces. Maximum velocity 1250 feet per second.
4. All shooters will wear eye and ear protection. Spectators will also wear ear protection unless they are sufficiently far removed from the firing lines.
5. No person is allowed forward of the firing line unless a cease fire has been called, the range is clear and the RSO/RM has given permission.
6. Shotguns must be kept unloaded with the actions open at all times except when on a firing station of the firing line. Loading is performed only when it is the shooters turn to shoot. Break action guns may be closed for storage on a gun rack, but must be immediately opened upon removal from the rack.
7. All shotguns must be opened and unloaded immediately following shooting and before advancing to the next shooting station or leaving the firing line.
8. Only one shot-shell may be loaded at a time unless the specific shooting event requires more than one round to be loaded; and hulls may not be retrieved until after the round is completed.
9. In the event of a misfire, keep the firearm pointed downrange for a minimum of thirty (30) seconds prior to opening the breach. In the event of a squib fire, do not attempt to again fire the gun until the barrel is clear.
10. Range Safety Officers and Range Masters have total discretion regarding any and all ammunition and firearms.
ARCHERY RANGE RULES
1. Commands that will be given on this range will be fully explained by the RSO/RM in charge of the range. It is imperative that participants understand and comply with these commands.
2. Only traditional recurve or compound bows are permitted. Crossbows are prohibited.
3. Only field or target tips are allowed. All Broad heads are prohibited.
4. No-one is allowed forward of the firing line without the permission of the RSO/RM.
5. Only shoot at designated range targets, keeping the bow pointed at the target, with an awareness of what is beyond the target.
6. Arrows may only be nocked at the firing line.
7. When drawing the bow, ensure an arrow is nocked and the bow is parallel to the ground. Sky drawing is prohibited.
8. Range operations are in accordance with normal club operating days as published in the monthly calendar.
9. Range Safety Officers and Range Masters have total authority while in charge of range operations.