Our RangesGolden Triangle Gun Club offers a variety of shooting facilities designed for recreational practice, training, competition, and youth shooting sports. |
Safety Comes FirstSafety is the responsibility of everyone at Golden Triangle Gun Club. All members, guests, competitors, and visitors are expected to know and follow the club's General Range Rules, posted range-specific rules, and all instructions given by a Range Safety Officer or Match Director. |
General Rules for All RangesThese rules apply throughout Golden Triangle Gun Club unless otherwise specified by posted range-specific rules. GTGC Members, guests of GTGC Members, and non-GTGC members participating in GTGC scheduled competitions or approved events must obey all commands issued by Golden Triangle Gun Club Range Safety Officers while on Club property. Members must display their GTGC Membership Card and/or state-issued identification when requested by a Range Safety Officer.
Important: Failure to obey the instructions
of a GTGC Range Safety Officer may result in disciplinary
action, including immediate removal from Club property
and/or loss of GTGC membership.
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Know the RangeUnderstand the firing line and safety line before using any GTGC range.
Red Line
Firing LineThe Firing Line is the line from which gunfire is directed at targets on a range. Unless otherwise marked, the firing line is located along the front edge of the concrete and/or shooting bench at each range. It may also be identified by a 4-inch-wide RED line painted on the concrete or by red signs marked “FIRING LINE.”
Yellow Line
Safety LineThe Safety Line is indicated by a 4-inch-wide YELLOW line located several feet behind the firing line. When the range is COLD, everyone must remain behind the yellow safety line while people are downrange. No handling of firearms is allowed while people are downrange.
LINE IS COLD:
All firearms must be unloaded and made safe before anyone goes
downrange.
LINE IS HOT: Firearms may be handled, loaded, and firing may begin after all shooters have acknowledged that the range is hot. |
Fundamental Firearm SafetyThese basic safety rules apply at all times while on GTGC ranges. 1
Safe DirectionALWAYS keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction, usually downrange. 2
Finger Off the TriggerALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you are ready to shoot. 3
Keep It UnloadedALWAYS keep your firearm unloaded until ready to use. Read & Obey All Posted Range RulesEach GTGC range may have additional rules specific to that shooting area. Posted range rules must be followed at all times in addition to the General Range Rules. |
Hot & Cold Range ProceduresCommunication between everyone on the firing line is required before changing the status of the range. Making the Range COLDFollow these steps before anyone goes downrange. 1
Announce the Cease FireClearly announce your intention to make the range COLD and receive acknowledgment from the other shooters on the firing line. 2
Make All Firearms SafeUnload all firearms, remove magazines, open actions, and place firearms in a safe condition with the muzzle pointed downrange. 3
Move Behind the Safety LineOnce firearms are safe, everyone must move behind the YELLOW Safety Line before anyone proceeds downrange. 4
Proceed DownrangeAfter confirming the range is cold, shooters may go downrange to check, post, remove, or repair targets as permitted by the range rules. 5
Return Behind the Safety LineBefore the range is made hot, confirm that everyone has returned from downrange and is safely behind the firing line.
NO FIREARM HANDLING WHILE THE RANGE IS COLD.
Do not touch, handle, load, unload, adjust, case, uncase,
or otherwise handle a firearm while anyone is downrange.
Making the Range HOTConfirm that all shooters and visitors have returned from downrange. Clearly announce that the range is going HOT and receive acknowledgment from the other shooters before anyone handles, loads, or fires a firearm. Cease FireAnyone may call a CEASE FIRE when an unsafe condition exists. When a cease fire is called, immediately stop firing, keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, remove your finger from the trigger, and wait for further instructions or until the situation has been resolved. |
Additional GTGC Rules & RestrictionsThe following Club-specific requirements apply in addition to the general safety procedures and posted rules for each range. 1
No Trash ShootingTrash shooting is not permitted anywhere on the range. This includes tin cans, glass containers, ammunition boxes, and other types of trash. 2
Shotgun PatterningDo not use standard target frames for patterning shotguns. Use only the designated shotgun patterning area and specified shotgun target frames. 3
Damaged Target FramesUnserviceable target frames should be removed from the target house and placed on the ground adjacent to the target house. 4
Crowded RangeWhen the range is crowded, with approximately 50% of the shooting benches or stations in use, only one target frame per shooter should be used. 5
Use the Appropriate RangeHandheld and shoulder-fired firearms may be fired only on the appropriate range as specified by the range-specific rules. 6
Paintball ProhibitedThe firing of paintball marker guns and paintball pellet ammunition is prohibited. Paintball pellets may not be used as targets. 7
Prohibited ProjectilesThe firing of any type of tracer, armor-piercing, incendiary, or explosive projectile is prohibited. 8
Fully Automatic Fire ProhibitedFiring any firearm capable of fully automatic fire is not permitted. Devices or techniques that simulate automatic fire—including burst fire, bump fire, binary triggers, and hellfire-type triggers— are not permitted. 9
.50 BMG & Related Cartridges ProhibitedFiring the .50 BMG, or any cartridge based on the .50 BMG cartridge case, is prohibited. Health & CourtesyPer NRA recommendations, eating and drinking on the firing line is discouraged to reduce the possibility of ingesting airborne lead particles or other potentially hazardous substances. As a courtesy to others, smoking is prohibited on or within 20 feet of any firing line or building. Club Matches, Events & Training ClassesAny Club-sponsored match, event, or training class requiring a deviation from these procedures must submit a written request for a variance, including supporting rationale, to the Director of Safety and Training at least two weeks before the scheduled activity. |
Definitions & Important ProceduresUnderstanding these terms and procedures is essential for safe operation of all GTGC ranges. Definition — Loaded FirearmAt GTGC, a firearm is considered LOADED if any of the following conditions exist: A cartridge is within any part of the firearm; a clip or magazine is inserted into the firearm; or the action is closed whether or not ammunition is present. Pellet and BB rifles and pistols are considered firearms at GTGC and are subject to the applicable Club safety rules. Transporting Uncased FirearmsUncased or unholstered firearms being transported to or from the parking area, shooting ranges, or elsewhere on GTGC property must be UNLOADED. Actions or cylinders must be open, or blocked with a chamber-empty flag where appropriate. The safety should be engaged and the magazine removed when applicable. Rifles and shotguns must be carried with the muzzle pointed upward. Gun Cases & Range BagsWhenever possible, members and guests are encouraged to transport firearms in a gun case, range bag, or gun rug. Firearms should not be transported to the range in grocery sacks. Transporting Firearms While the Range Is COLDNo uncased or unholstered firearm may be transported to or from the shooting ranges while the line is COLD unless specifically allowed by the designated Match Director or Range Safety Officer. Such movement is generally permitted only during an extended cold period and not while anyone is downrange. Emergency CEASE FIREIf a CEASE FIRE is called: STOP — DO NOT MOVE. When cleared to do so, set the firearm down pointed downrange and step away from the shooting position or bench. If a Range Officer is present, follow the Range Officer's instructions. Anyone may and should call a cease fire whenever an unsafe condition is observed. Official Training ExceptionThe general GTGC rule prohibits firing firearms capable of fully automatic fire. The existing Club rule provides an exception for official military training conducted under the supervision of a GTGC Chief Range Safety Officer. Firearms capable of fully automatic fire may be used only in semi-automatic mode during the authorized training or qualification session. When in Doubt — Stop and AskIf you are uncertain about a firearm, ammunition, target, range procedure, or safety requirement, do not proceed until the applicable GTGC rule has been confirmed. |
Additional Safety RequirementsThese requirements apply in addition to the general procedures and rules for each individual GTGC range.
Required
Eye & Hearing ProtectionEye and hearing protection are required for everyone. Hats are encouraged but are not required.
Firing Line
Fire Only From Designated Firing LinesAll firing must be done from the designated firing line for each range. Never fire from either in front of or behind a designated firing line.
Paper Targets
Proper Target HeightPaper targets must be positioned so projectiles impact the berm. Consider both the height of the target and the height of the shooter when determining the proper target position.
Steel Targets
Safe Steel Target PlacementMetal targets must be positioned so that deflected projectiles do not create a hazard to people or property. Follow the applicable range-specific minimum distances for steel.
Target Frames
Use Target Frames ProperlyUse the correct target frames for the range and activity. Do not intentionally shoot target frames, supports, or other Club equipment.
Courtesy
Share the RangeWhen approximately 50% of the shooting benches or stations are being used, limit use to one target frame per shooter. NO CROSS FIRINGShoot only at the target located directly in front of your shooting position. Do not shoot across lanes or at another shooter's target. Posted Range Rules Take PriorityEach GTGC shooting area has requirements specific to that range. Always read and obey all posted rules, signs, safety notices, range flags, and instructions before beginning your shooting session. |
Additional Range RequirementsThe following requirements apply in addition to all general and range-specific GTGC safety rules. Firearms & Shooting FixturesHandheld and shoulder-fired firearms may be fired on the appropriate ranges in accordance with the applicable range-specific rules. Fixtures such as Ransom Rests and Free Recoil Benchrest Rifles are also permitted. Shotgun PatterningDo not use standard target frames for patterning shotguns. Use only the designated shotgun patterning area and shotgun target frames. Unserviceable Target FramesUnserviceable target frames should be removed from the target house and placed on the ground adjacent to that target house. Target Frames During Busy PeriodsWhen the range is crowded, defined as 50% of the shooting benches or stations being used, only one target frame per shooter is permitted. Ammunition While the Range Is COLDAmmunition and magazines may be handled BEHIND the YELLOW safety line while people are downrange. Do not approach the firing line to retrieve ammunition or magazines while people are downrange, and absolutely no firearms may be handled behind the yellow line while people are downrange. Automatic & Simulated Automatic FireFiring any firearm capable of fully automatic fire is prohibited. Devices or techniques that imitate automatic fire, including burst fire, bump fire, binary triggers, and similar devices or techniques, are prohibited. Official Military Training ExceptionUnder the supervision of a GTGC Chief Range Safety Officer, a military group, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, may use rifles capable of fully automatic fire during official training or qualification sessions, provided those rifles are fired only in semi-automatic mode. |
Safety Is Everyone's Responsibility
Every member and guest plays an important role in keeping Golden Triangle Gun Club safe. Know the rules, communicate with other shooters, remain aware of range conditions, and never hesitate to stop shooting when an unsafe condition exists.
Before using any GTGC range: Review the General Range Rules and the posted rules specific to the range you are using.