Range Safety Rules

Safety is ALWAYS No.1 priority and must be observed at all times.

Although the .22"LR bullet is small, it has a range of over 1.5 kilometres and can be lethal at long as well as short distance. Airgun pellets can also cause serious, even fatal injuries. For your own and other’s safety, and for the reputation of the sport, always handle a rifle or airgun with the care it deserves and remember:

• The Range Officer is in charge of all shooting activities. His/her instructions must be obeyed at all times.
• Never point a rifle at anyone, even in fun, whether loaded or unloaded.
• Always ensure that the rifle is unloaded and the breech open unless you are in the process of firing. The use of breech flags is encouraged.
• Before bringing a rifle or air gun away from the firing point, always check that it is unloaded and that the breech is open, and ensure that a fellow shooter or range officer double checks this.
• During normal club shooting, on completion of the detail all 0.22” rifles must be removed from the firing point before anyone ventures forward of the firing point, e.g. to change targets. During specified competitions, e.g. shoulder to shoulder competitions, rifles may be left on the firing point unloaded and with breeches clear. The home captain or his designated representative is responsible for ensuring that rifles are in a safe condition before targets are changed. Air guns may be left unloaded and uncocked at the firing point. No rifle or air gun left on the firing point may be touched while anyone is forward of the firing point.
• When off the firing point never leave a rifle unattended without ascertaining that it is unloaded and that the breech is open.
• When off the firing point never operate a rifle's action before ascertaining that it is unloaded. Dry firing practice should only be undertaken on the firing point.
• Never load a firearm except when on the firing point and in the appropriate position. Always keep the rifle or air gun pointed down the range, and as far as practicable, on aim, whilst you are loading or shooting.
• Only rifles of 0.22”LR calibre, shot from the prone position at 25yards, or air guns of 0.177”calibre, shot from the standing position at 10 metres, may be used.
• Only use approved targets or aiming marks mounted in approved frames or holders appropriate to the target pattern and range.
• In the case of any malfunction of the rifle, airgun or ammunition, cease shooting immediately and leave the rifle or airgun on the firing point pointing down the range until the malfunction has been remedied. Report the incident to the range officer at the earliest opportunity.
• All shooters are strongly recommended to wear ear defenders when in the vicinity of the firing point.

While the above rules have been formulated primarily for .22”LR rifle shooting, they apply equally to air rifle and air pistol shooting, with minor changes as stated.

Always remember that the rifle which to us is an item of sporting equipment, is to most people and in the eyes of the law, a potentially lethal weapon. It is we shooters ourselves who, whilst gaining maximum enjoyment from the sport, understand the potential risks and conduct ourselves accordingly, with the result that shooting is one of the safest sports around. Let’s keep it that way.