Clinton Fish and Game Protective Association |
RANGE STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
Clinton Fish and Game
185 Lancaster RD
Berlin, MA 01503-1025
Table of Contents
Clinton Fish and Game Gun Club Range Rules and Procedures: 4
Authorized Uses and Operations of the Range: 4
Section 1 – General/Administrative Procedures. 6
Section 2- Gun Safety Rules. 7
Section 3 – Rules for All Firearm Ranges. 8
Procedures for all gun ranges. 8
Section 4 – Rules Specific to the Indoor Range: 10
Section 5 – Emergency Procedures: 11
Determine if the injury is minor or major. 11
If emergency responders are required. 12
Clinton Fish & Game Protective Association.. 13
The Clinton Fish and Game Range Rules have been developed over the years to provide clear guidance to all users of the ranges with the sole purpose to provide a safe shooting environment for the Clinton Fish and Game Gun Club members and their guests. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and must be taken seriously at all times.
Maintaining the rules of all the ranges at the Clinton Fish and Game Gun Club is the responsibility of each member and their guests. Since poor firearms handling can result in club damage, personal injury, and even death, these rules are strictly enforced. Violations of the rules will result in severe penalties or legal action.
The procedures included in the Membership Booklet which is given to every member when they are accepted as members and all Range Rules are in full effect at all times. Members are expected to know and follow all rules and procedures.
The Clinton Fish and Game Protective Association, Inc. is committed to promoting recreational gun use, encourage safe handling of firearms and to provide area sportsmen a place to meet and discuss matters concerning hunting and fishing.
The Clinton Fish and Game pistol range provides 4 indoor shooting bays adaptable to various shooting activities. This range is located in a rural setting separated from residential areas.
This document provides the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the pistol range.
The Clinton Fish and Game Range is primarily intended for recreational shooting by its members, guests, and the invited public. It is also used for specialized shooting events as described in Chapter 3 of this SOP, or for special events as determined by the Board of Directors. Members are encouraged to follow the NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program in order to improve their shooting skills. In the operation of the rifle and pistol ranges Safety Shall Be the Governing Consideration At All Times
The Clinton Fish and Game operates the Pistol Range for the safe enjoyment of target shooting by its members and guests.
The range is not to be used for any non-sanctioned commercial activity. The Range Officers, under the direction of the President, the Chief Range Safety Officer, and the Board of Directors have the responsibility for the administration and safe operation of these ranges.
Concealed carry is allowed in the Clubhouse area, only if the member is licensed in accordance with and abides by Massachusetts State laws.
Overall range availability is at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Normally live fire recreational shooting for all members and their guests takes place on Monday thru Sunday from 10am to 10pm. Range is closed on Friday nights from September to April for dinners and Christmas day. Additionally, the range is closed for rentals and club events.
Current qualified members with the range lock code may use the range during the times listed above.
The Range is under the control of the Executive Range Officer and additionally assigned Range Officers and Range Committee, but is governed by the by-laws of the club. The Executive Board of directors has executive powers to change or amend the rules by a vote of the executive board.
All decisions as to Range operation and safety are at the discretion of the Range Officers, but must follow the guidelines put forth in the SOPs.
The Executive Range office or any Assistant Range Offices has the authority from the Board of Directors to shut down the Range if he/she deems it necessary.
In extreme cases, such as an accident or an unruly person as defined in Chapter 7, of these SOPs, the Range should immediately be closed down and the proper authorities (Fire & Rescue Squad and/or Berlin Police Department) notified. The President, Chief Range Officer and the Board of Directors should also be notified as soon as possible.
Paid in full members who have qualified and paid their range dues may use the range during normal open hours except when closed for special events (including paid and unpaid facility rentals). Range Officers, Range Safety Officers and Members should check the calendar of events posted at the Club House calendar and/or the CFG website for details regarding these and other closings.
All guests, including non-member relatives, must be accompanied by their member host when shooting on the ranges. All guests must pay the guest fee.
Any non-member using the range as a guest more than 3 times in a one-year period is recommended to become a club member.
Any members who bring guests are responsible for their safety, for any damage that they might incur and for their compliance with all range and club rules.
Members may have up to two (2) guests on the range simultaneously. Exceptions may be made by any of the range officers.
Range use requirements for Clinton Fish and Game members include:
Completing all information requests on the member/guest logbook after reading and signing the indemnification waiver.
Reporting of damage to range to the Executive Range Officer and logging it in the range log book.
Anyone found to have not reported accidental damage to the range will be subject to removal from the range, suspension from using the range or have club membership revoked.
CFG maintains active programs in firearm education and safety. These courses may include live firing at the Range. These special events, which are listed on the CFG web site, usually occur on weekends, and take priority over open Range usage. The course instructor should work with the CRSO for the day to ensure the safety of everyone at the Range. The assigned CRSO for the day has control of the Range and is responsible for its operation.
1. All incoming members must have satisfactorily passed a Clinton Fish and Game Safety Orientation prior to using any of the ranges.
Open shooting depends on all users being able to demonstrate their ability to properly handle firearms and follow safe range procedures. Orientations are available after regular club meetings, and by special appointment with any qualified appointee of the Club President. Members will be asked to sign a statement certifying that they understand the rules and regulations.
2. All Federal, state, and local firearm laws must be obeyed.
3. Sanctioned Club events can supersede or modify any and all rules.
4. Members are limited to a maximum of TWO guests at any time.
5. Members are responsible for and must accompany their guests.
6. All ranges are restricted to members and guests only.
7. Children must not be left unattended.
8. Membership badges MUST be displayed at all times when on club property.
9. Paid instruction is prohibited except as part of a Club sanctioned event by Club approved instructors only.
10. Always wash your hands and face with soap and cold water after shooting or cleaning your firearms.
11. The use of Alcohol, marijuana or prescription medications which have restrictions for operating machinery or have any mind or behavior altering effects or illegal Drugs is strictly prohibited. – See the Alcohol Beverage and Controlled Substance Policy in the Clinton Fish and Game Gun Club Membership Booklet for greater detail.
a. Members who are found to be in violation of the above rules, shall be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Executive Committee. That disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, suspension of membership privileges or removal from the Club ’s Membership lists without refunding of dues. Non- members or guests or family members in violation of any of the above regulations will be asked to leave the club immediately.
12. Clinton Fish and Game Gun Club is not responsible for damage to or loss of personal equipment.
1. Always point the muzzle of your gun in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed in the safest direction, depending on different circumstances at all times.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
3. Always keep your firearms unloaded until you are ready to use it.
Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open
the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.
1. Know your target and what is beyond.
Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.
2. Know how to use the gun safely.
Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling.
3. Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the gun's general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a gun’s ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.
4. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
Only BBs, pellets, cartridges or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired safely in that gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the box and sometimes stamped on the cartridge. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition.
5. Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protectors should be worn by shooters and spectators.
1. Always point the muzzle of your gun in a safe direction.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
3. Always keep your firearms unloaded until you are ready to use it.
The Range Officer is absolute law on all ranges.
Eye and Ear protection MUST be worn by ALL persons on or near the range.
Courtesy is required
Horseplay is prohibited. Horseplay or other activities not related to shooting are not allowed on the range.
Cease Fire
A “Cease-Fire” call on a range means that every person on the range must immediately STOP, place their firearm in a “SAFE” condition, and put the gun down so that your hands are off the firearm. You may not touch your firearm until the situation that created the Cease-Fire is resolved.
Anyone can call a “Cease-Fire”. If you see an unsafe condition, or any other event that
could create an unsafe condition, it is your responsibility to call the Cease-Fire and bring the problem to the attention of others. Remember that safety is the most important thing.
Going Down Range – If for any reason, you need to go down range (to hang a target, fix a target, etc.) you must first be sure that the range is safe. You do this by letting each person on the range know that you wish to go down range. Each person should then make their firearm “safe” and stand clear of it until all persons are done downrange. You may load detachable ammunition magazines, but at no time may you handle the firearm until every person is back behind the firing line. It is considered good etiquette to keep your trips down range to a minimum. Hanging multiple targets at a time is preferred over multiple trips.
Safe Condition – A firearm is considered safe when all the following conditions are met:
· Firearm is UNLOADED
· The action of the firearm is OPEN and facing upward; a safety flag is placed into the chamber, or both.
· A person is not handling the firearm.
· It is your responsibility to ask each person to make his or her gun safe, and to verify that it is safe. Black Powder shooters have a unique situation and should be allowed to finish firing if at all possible, but, if not, every effort must be made to prevent the firearm from discharging.
All shooting MUST be directed at the backstop; never at items on or near the ground between the firing line and the backstop.
Purposeful shooting of the beams, railings, roof or any other part of the firing line structures, or any other club property is wanton destruction of club property will result it expulsion of the perpetrator from the Club.
Accidental shooting of the beams, railings, roof or any other part of the firing line structures, or any other club property will result in removal of the perpetrator from the range and disciplinary action by the Club
Intentional shooting above the berm will result in expulsion from the Club.
Individuals who shoot at the ground or higher than the berm will be removed from the range and will face disciplinary action by the Club.
Shooting at any object other than targets or that are not in the designated target areas is unsafe and will result in removal of the perpetrator from the range and disciplinary action by the Club.
Guns that are out of the case and not being fired must be benched (Actions open and facing up, chambers empty, muzzles pointing downrange and safeties on.)
Only load your firearm when you are on the firing line, keeping the muzzle pointed downrange at all times. Keep actions open when not shooting.
Illegal firearms, fully automatic fire and cannons are prohibited.
Tracer and incendiary, ammunition are strictly prohibited.
Fast draw, shooting from the hip, and all other “trick” shooting are prohibited.
Always bring the muzzle of the gun up from the ground and not down from the sky.
There is no reason your firearm should ever be pointed above the backstop.
Rapid firing, which the Club defines as greater than 2 rounds per second, is prohibited.
Double-taps are allowed so long as the muzzle remains in the complete control of the shooter. For all non-standard types of shooting consult with the Rifle & Pistol Chairman.
Eating, drinking, and smoking while on the firing line is prohibited. Such activities should be done away from the firing line.
Before leaving the range, clean up all targets and trash and either dispose of it in the rubbish receptacles provided or take it with you.
Police your brass. You must either place your brass in the provided buckets or you must take your brass home with you. Once brass is in the buckets it is property of the Club.
It is every member’s responsibility to report safety violations to the Club using the Incident Report Form
1. Always point the muzzle of your gun in a safe direction.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
3. Always keep your firearms unloaded until you are ready to use it.
1. To get the code for the Indoor pistol Ranges, you must pasted the range qualification test and sign in on the indoor range logbook. You must also sign in any guests that are not members of the club and pay the guest fee.
When you are finished using the range, you are responsible for cleaning up the range (so long as no one else is shooting), shutting off the lights and fan. You then must sign out in the logbook.
2. Members using the range will be held responsible for any damage to the range during their time on the range. If you notice any damage to the range, promptly note the problem in the logbook.
3. The door to the range must remain locked at all times except when it is being used for scheduled events with a Range Officer present.
1. The only rifle allowed on the indoor range is a .22 Caliber Rifle (.22 S, L or LR only).
2. No “Full automatic fire” or compact type rifle of any caliber, type or description allowed (example: UZI, TEC, etc).
3. No Magnum rifle or handgun ammo is allowed.
4. Jacketed ammo is allowed. NO JACKETED HOLLOW POINT ammo is allowed
5. No solid metal bullets are allowed. Lead and jacketed lead bullets only.
6. Calibers over .45 are not allowed. (ex. 454 Casull, .50 AE etc.)
7. Black Powder is not allowed.
8. AIR RIFLES and PISTOLS are not allowed
9. Muzzle Velocity is restricted to 1000 ft. per second MAXIMUM (Except .22 LR)
10. Pistol barrel length must not exceed 8 inches (except .22S, L or LR Rifle)
11. Only paper targets may be used.
12. All targets MUST be set all the way to the backstop.
13. Exhaust Fan MUST be on when using range. Air vent must also be open.
14. All firing MUST be done at the 50 ft. line unless everyone on the firing line agrees to move forward.
15. Additional Range Rules may be posted at the entrance of each Range or on Range Bulletin Board.
Berlin Police Department .......... 978 838-7355 & 978 838-7356
Police, Fire and EMS......................................... 911
If police, fire or EMTs are called, tell the operator that EMTs are needed because there has been an ACCIDENT at the Clinton Fish and Game Gun Club. You can say an ACCIDENTAL shooting. NEVER just say that there has been a shooting as it will generate a SWAT response rather than EMTs.
National Poison Control: .............. 1-800-222-9222
Massachusetts Poison Control: .... (617)232-2120
Clubhouse: .................................... (978) 838-2047
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE FOR INJURIES OR ILLNESS
Determine if the injury is minor or major.
If minor move away from the firing line and apply first aid.
If major, follow the procedure outlined below.
1. Call a cease fire if the injured is near the firing line or downrange. Ensure that all guns are unloaded.
2. Assign someone to take responsibility for the victim’s gun or archery gear and, in the case of a gun to unload and MAKE SAFE the firearm(s).
1. For a firearm accident, call a cease fire on ALL ranges- empty and MAKE SAFE all firearms .
2. For an archery accident, do NOT attempt to remove or break/cut an arrow if impaled in a person. It will cause damage upon removal and will allow blood to flow. Calm the person and make them comfortable-The arrow will be stabilized by the EMTs prior to transport and be removed at the emergency room.
3. Assign someone to call 911 to Request EMTs for an ACCIDENT and provide the following information:
4. Assign someone to take notes including times as well as to get the names of witnesses
5. Send someone to the Club’s driveway entrance to show the emergency responders how to get to the site of the injury.
6. Check injured for life threatening condition before providing care. Provide care only within level of training.
7. Move the injured only if life is endangered
1. If the accident involves a gun shot injury, notify police and preserve the scene as it appeared at the time of the incident
2. Complete an Incident Report Form which is available from the bartender in the clubhouse or from any Clinton Fish and Game Range officer.
3. Notify Club officials
Clinton Fish & Game Protective Association
1. Range Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM EVERYDAY, except during club rentals/events.
2. All NRA rules and regulations apply. Ear and Eye protection are MANDATORY.
3. Unlicensed shooters or underage shooters must be directly supervised by a club member who holds a license appropriate for the firearm being used.
4. Consuming alcohol or controlled substances before range use or possession of alcohol in any area of the range is prohibited. We have a zero tolerance policy: 1st time violators will lose range access indefinitely and possible loss of C.F.G membership.
5. No rifle other than .22 caliber rim fire rifles are allowed.
6. No pistol larger than .45 caliber or any SHOTGUN(SHELL) shooting are allowed.
7. No FULL Metal JACKETED magnum or any hollow point ammunition is allowed at anytime.
8. Only paper targets allowed. No shooting at objects other than paper targets, including bowling pins, wooden 4x4’s, cans, bottles, exploding targets or objects placed on range floor.
9. Targets must be PLACED fully downrange against backstop before being fired upon.
10. Always keep your firearm pointed in safe direction with safety on and finger off trigger until the pistol/rifle is pointed down range AND READY TO SHOOT.
11. All firearms in range area will have bolts, slides or actions open and magazines out when not in use.
12. No quick-draw or cowboy type shooting.
13. No lending or sharing of the range lock combination number or security access device.
14. Log book must be signed by member and guest and be legible. No more than 2 guest are allowed on the firing line at one time. Members are responsible for their guests. Guest fees must be paid at time of usage.
15. Pay for all targets used.
16. No smoking, food or drink allowed in the range.
17. When leaving: Sweep floor, pick up all brass, shut off lights, exhaust fans and lock door.
Clinton Fish & Game Protective Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located at: 185 Lancaster Road, Berlin, MA 01503