SAFETY RULES

1. CRC IS A COLD RANGE!  NO FIREARM IS EVER LOADED UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO ENGAGE YOUR TARGET.
2. Any officer or director of the Club may expel, from any CRC property, anyone engaging in a dangerous practice or any activity which is in violation of Club rules.
3. Children shall never be left unattended or unsupervised.
4. All members and their guests shall be able to hear and comprehend range commands or have someone present, at all times, who can convey range commands to them.
5. Alcoholic beverage consumption is prohibited during shooting activities.  Mind influencing drug use or possession of any kind is forbidden on CRC property.  This applies to both shooters and spectators.
6. No shooter shall commence firing until it has been announced that “THE RANGE IS HOT” or something similar.
7. No firearm shall be left unattended while loaded.  LOADED FIREARMS SHALL BE POINTED DOWN RANGE AT ALL TIMES.
8. All shots shall be fired while on the concrete pad, beneath the roofed shed, and into the earthen backstops.  NO FIRING IS ALLOWED FORWARD OF THE OVERHEAD SAFETY BAFFLES.  AERIAL SHOOTING IS PROHIBITED.
9. When the range is announced “COLD” or something similar, shooters shall unload all firearms, remove magazines, open actions, bench all firearms, and step behind the YELLOW LINE before anyone goes downrange.  This includes spectators.  Those desiring to do so may then go downrange to set or retrieve targets.  Once it is agreed that all who went downrange have returned attendees may do any safe thing except shoot.  The range must be called “HOT” or something similar, before shooting can resume.
10. Anyone noting an unsafe range condition MUST command all shooters to “CEASE FIRING”.  A “CEASE FIRING” command does not mean everyone must step behind the yellow line.  They just have to stop shooting.  Upon correction of whatever range condition provoked the “CEASE FIRING” command, shooting may continue with a “RESUME FIRING” command or something similar.
11. No one shall engage in loud conversation or any activity which may distract or disturb shooters’ concentration.  No horseplay is permitted.  Spectators shall stay back from the firing line at all times.
12. Shooting anything containing glass (bottles, monitors, etc) or heavy walled cylinders (oxygen, nitrogen, acetylene, etc) is prohibited.
13. The Highpower pit area must be physically inspected before firing from either the 200 or 300 yard ranges.  After inspection indicates there is no one downrange of the 200 or 300 yard lines, the chain must be placed across the road leading to the pit area to let everyone know that the 200 or 300 yard range is in use.
14. Tracer fire is prohibited on all ranges.
15. Eye and ear protection are mandatory.  This includes both shooters and spectators.
16. Shooting hours are from 30 minutes before dawn until 30 minutes after dusk.  If you need a light to see your target it’s too dark to shoot!

THE FIVE BASIC GUN SAFETY RULES

There are five basic gun safety rules for gun owners to understand and practice at all times:

1. Treat all guns as if they are loaded. Always assume that a gun is loaded even if you think it is unloaded. Every time a gun is handled for any reason, check to see that it is unloaded. If you are unable to check a gun to see if it is unloaded, leave it alone and seek help from someone more knowledgeable about guns.

2. Keep the gun pointed in the safest possible direction. Always be aware of where a gun is pointing. A “safe direction” is one where an accidental discharge of the gun will not cause injury or damage. Only point a gun at an object you intend to shoot. Never point a gun toward yourself or another person.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Always keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. Even though it may be comfortable to rest your finger on the trigger, it also is unsafe. If you are moving around with your finger on the trigger and stumble or fall, you could inadvertently pull the trigger. Sudden loud noises or movements can result in an accidental discharge because there is a natural tendency to tighten the muscles when startled. The trigger is for firing and the handle is for handling.

4. Know your target, its surroundings and beyond. Check that the areas in front of and behind your target are safe before shooting. Be aware that if the bullet misses or completely passes through the target, it could strike a person or object. Identify the target and make sure it is what you intend to shoot. If you are in doubt, DON’T SHOOT! Never fire at a target that is only a movement, color, sound or unidentifiable shape. Be aware of all the people around you before you shoot.

5. Know how to properly operate your gun. It is important to become thoroughly familiar with your gun. You should know its mechanical characteristics including how to properly load, unload and clear a malfunction from your gun. Obviously, not all guns are mechanically the same. Never assume that what applies to one make or model is exactly applicable to another. You should direct questions regarding the operation of your gun to your firearms dealer, or contact the manufacturer directly.

Handgun Carry/Permit Weapon at Chattanooga Rifle Club

We must remember our # 1 Safety Rule:  The CRC is a COLD range! That means:                                                                                                

“No gun/weapon shall be loaded at anytime until you are ready to engage your target”

Our #1 safety rule and the safest policy for all concerned on this issue is the following:

If a member desires to practice/shoot with his handgun carry/permit weapon, he should have the weapon unloaded before entering the CRC property.  The weapon should not be reloaded until he leaves the CRC property.