The
following applies to all UK Ranges, in particular,
MOD Field Firing Areas.
All members and affiliated clubs attending FCSA / ODRC
events must be fully aware of the clubs policy on Range Safety, failure to abide
by these range rules and guidelines will result in a warning being issued by the
RCO - no matter how minor the incident, a further repetition will result in that
person being asked to leave the range immediately.
Any person deliberately disobeying these rules will not be given a warning,
instead they will be asked to leave the range and further action may be taken.
One serious breach of range safety could mean the loss of the range to the
entire club/s.
Both FCSA (UK) & ODRC have impeccable safety records and to ensure our
futures we need to keep it that way. It is essential that we maintain good
relations with the MOD in order to maintain future range bookings, and continue
developing a mutual respect and trust.
Please take note of the following :-
1) All participants (shooters) are to attend a Range brief before firing can
commence. Late arrivals are to seek the RCO and be briefed before starting.
2) All participants are to sign the club attendance register.
3) In the event of a large turn out, the RCO may decide that participants are
not to accommodate firing pits or positions until shooters have been split
into squads, this is to ensure that overcrowding does not occur and that the RCO
is able to manage the number of shooters in a safe manner.
4) Anyone unsure of the 'arc of fire' must ask for confirmation before
engaging any targetry.
5) If hard targets are out of bounds then no person should engage such a
target, or other targets directly in front of a known hard target, be aware of
what lies beyond your target. Anyone deliberately engaging hard targets that
have been deemed out of bounds will be asked to leave the firing point.
6) Only official targets or targets approved by the RCO may be engaged,
these will generally be paper/card/soft aluminum. The RCO will indicate the type
of target during the range brief.
7) On some ranges, ETR targets may not be used by large calibres such as
.338, 50cal and above, the RCO will advise on the day.
8) The RCO will advise on the use of Tracer Ammunition.
9) It is strictly forbidden to fire at livestock (such as sheep) on any FFA,
if animals can be seen loitering near targets then alternative targets are to be
engaged, or a cease fire called in order that the animals can be moved to a
safer area.
10) All weapons are to be cleared by the RCO or a nominated RO before
removal from the firing point. It is also advisable to insert a “breach
flag” when a rifle is not in use.
11) On hearing the command 'Stop stop stop' or another signal (made clear in
the Range brief) such as a whistle, all shooters must immediately cease fire,
make the weapon safe (retract bolt, remove ammunition from chamber, remove
magazine, apply safety if present etc) and await further command/s
12) 50cal type rifles will usually be grouped together at one end of the
firing point, so that other shooters will not be directly exposed to the dust
and blast of the muzzle break - appropriate distance between shooters will be
verified by the RCO as soon as the firing point is occupied.
It is very important that you
understand the above and carry out requests from the Range Conducting Officer,
as we must be seen to be responsible people. The future of your shooting is at
stake, as well as the integrity of shooting clubs using military ranges.
If you have any Questions, or wish to
comment on the above, then please contact a Club Official.
