Midland Shooters Association, Midland, Texas - About Us: Operating and Safety Rules and Guest Policy

About Us: Operating and Safety Rules and Guest Policy

Rifle and Pistol Range Rules — REVISED 08-27-2007
Most recent revisions shown in italics and highlighted in yellow.

Table of Contents [Click title to jump to section]

Introduction
Safety Rules for all Ranges
General Rules
Additional Rules for Specific Ranges
Additional Rules for Black Powder
Rifle and Pistol Range Guest Policies

Introduction

You have the personal responsibility to make sure that every bullet you fire impacts safely in the proper designated backstop.

You have the personal responsibility to know and obey all the safety rules, specific range rules, and other MSA rules at all times.

You have the personal responsibility to see that your children and guests obey all the safety rules, specific range rules, and other MSA rules at all times.

You have the personal responsibility to know how to safely operate any firearms that you bring to the range or use on the range.

Midland Shooters Association is a nonprofit organization existing for the promotion of recreational shooting, sportsmanship, firearms safety, and marksmanship. The MSA Rifle & Pistol Range has no staff and is maintained by the work of volunteers to provide members a safe and enjoyable place to shoot.

Members who violate MSA Rifle & Pistol Range rules will be subject to disciplinary action including possible loss of membership. Anyone who willfully destroys MSA property or who endangers anybody’s safety will be subject to loss of MSA privileges and may be prosecuted.

Members who witness safety or range use violations should take immediate action. If you do not feel confident in politely approaching someone and correcting a safety problem or other violation, check the sign in sheet – there are usually orientation instructors, match directors, range directors, or other MSA officers at the range to back you up or handle the incident.

Also, anytime you experience or witness anything that needs attention, you can report the problem by contacting any MSA Director.

As a Midland Shooters Association member, and as a firearm owner and user, you are responsible for your actions and for the safe use of your MSA ranges. No set of rules can cover every situation. In the absence of specific rules, all shooters must follow generally accepted firearm safety standards and apply good common sense. In general, it is required that you conduct yourself at all times in a safe, reasonable, responsible, and courteous manner.

Safety Rules for all Ranges

At all times, treat all firearms as if they are loaded. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Take your firearm to and from the firing line only when everyone is safely behind the firing line and the range has been cleared for live firing.
Coming to and from a firing line you must have your firearm unloaded, completely clear of all ammunition, and in a case or a bag (not a holster). The only exception to this rule is that regular Benchrest competitors may carry an uncased benchrest rifle to and from the firing line when that rifle is made safe and carried in a safe manner.
Load and unload only at the firing line and only when everyone is in position on the firing line and the range has been proved ready for firing. Have only one uncased firearm on the line at a time.
Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are aiming on target and ready to shoot.
An emergency cease fire may be called by anyone in case of an unsafe condition. If you notice someone or some animal down range during firing, immediately call for a cease fire. Yell it out! No one will ever find fault with you for calling a cease fire.
A routine cease fire for access to targets must be coordinated with all shooters on the line to cease firing and make the line safe. Before you go down range (forward of the firing line), unload your firearm and place it on the bench with its cylinder open, or removable magazine out and slide back, or bolt open or out, or action open. Before you go down range ask, "Is the line safe?" and make sure that everyone else on the line also has all firearms in a safe condition.
Do not touch any firearm when you are at the firing line while others are down range. Wait until everyone has returned from the targets and is safely behind the firing line before you touch any firearm for any reason. On ranges having a ready line (the yellow stripe about three feet behind the firing line on Ranges A, B, C, D,& E) stay behind the ready line until everyone has returned from the targets and is safely behind the firing line. On ranges without a marked ready line, stay back two to three feet away from the table or bench.
Shotguns with any load are allowed on range N, the far east end bay. Shotguns with slug loads, are allowed on Range A1 and A2. No shotguns on any of the other ranges except in an MSA board approved event. No aerial shotgunning anywhere on the rifle and pistol range.
You must control each shot. Never shoot any firearm at a rate of fire so fast that you cannot accurately aim every shot.
Never remove a loaded gun from the firing line. If you have a malfunction, clear it on the firing line, always keeping the muzzle pointed down range.
Do not handle any firearm in the clubhouse, on the clubhouse porch, in the east-end covered patio, or anywhere else except on a firing line proved ready for firing or in an area designated for cleaning, repairs, etc.
Eye and ear protection are required on all ranges for all shooters and for anyone near the firing line. Ear protection is recommended for anyone in the vicinity of an active range.
No climbing on any of the berms. Remember the ranges on both sides may be in use at any time.
No alcoholic beverages are allowed before or during shooting, or on any of the firing lines. It is strongly suggested that you do not eat or drink while shooting and that you wash your hands immediately after shooting. (See "The Airborne Lead Dust Hazard – Shooter's Guide" produced by the Texas Department of Health [PDF document].)
All persons under 18 years of age must be under the direct supervision of an adult member at all times. Direct supervision means within arms reach when on a firing line and at your side when not on a firing line. Children who are not actually shooting or being instructed in firearms use are not allowed on a firing line. Children will never be left unattended and must go with the adult when the adult goes down range. The only exception to this rule is that regular .22 Silhouette team competitors under the age of 18 will be excused from the “within arms reach rule” for Range “C” (Silhouette) and Range “E” (Bullseye), if they have been certified by the MSA Silhouette match director.
No spectators on the firing lines. Spotters and coaches, and adults who are supervising persons under 18 years of age who are shooting are allowed on the firing lines.
Occasional exceptions not listed in this document may at times be in effect, but only as approved by the MSA Board of Directors for matches or special events, or as otherwise expressly permitted by prior approval of the Board. Also, note that muzzle loaders require further safety precautions (see page 6).

General Rules

Directly upon entering the range, all members must sign in themselves and their guests at the main clubhouse, providing all indicated information. You will sign out by using your gate card to exit the range. The only exceptions to this requirement are entrants in an MSA Board sanctioned event, who do not have to sign in since they will be registering with the event director.
All members who use the Rifle & Pistol Range must have attended the Range Safety Orientation. Members who let their membership lapse for more than six months must take the Orientation again before they can use the Rifle & Pistol Range. MSA members who have not met the Orientation requirement may not be guests or have guests at the Rifle & Pistol Range.
You must have your membership card with you at all times while you are on the range and you must readily exchange a show of membership cards when asked by any MSA officer, range officer, or other member. Your membership card must not be loaned or transferred to another person at any time.
If you bring non-members to the range, they must be under your direct supervision at all times, and you must comply with all MSA policies concerning non-members on the range (see page 7).
No one is allowed to pick up lead on any of the ranges at any time.
All gates are to be left locked or closed – locked for manual gates and closed for the electronic gate, when entering or leaving the range. The only exception is when an event approved by the MSA Board of Directors is taking place. If the gate fails to operate properly, contact one of the posted phone numbers and get the emergency gate combination.
Do not allow anyone to enter or exit the gate on your card. Give the emergency combination only to valid members and those on the range. The combination will be changed when a problem with the gate is corrected.
Matches and events approved by the MSA Board of Directors, construction, and maintenance take precedence for the use of the ranges.
Wearing of firearms is allowed only in the pistol bays. The only exceptions are commissioned law enforcement officers in compliance with their written department regulations and persons permitted by and carrying in accordance with the Texas CHL.
Shooting from a holster is allowed only in the pistol bays. There are no exceptions.
No mortars, cannons, hand grenades, etc. No explosive, incendiary, tracer, or armor piercing ammunition.
Shoot only from designated firing lines and only at the proper targets directly in front of you. Do not cross fire.
Full automatics, select-fire firearms, and trigger actuators are allowed only on Range “N”, the far east end bay. Use extreme caution.
Do not bring targets depicting any recognizable person. Use only targets that are the standards of your shooting sport.
No shooting before sunrise or after sunset.
Do not shoot or harm any wildlife on MSA property.
After shooting, clean up. Take down your targets. Throw away all your trash. Put all non-reloadable cases such as steel and aluminum cases and .22 rim-fire in the trash cans.
Do not damage club property. Willful destruction of any club property will not be tolerated. Any alterations anywhere on the MSA Rifle & Pistol range made without the approval of the Board of Directors will be grounds for dismissal.
Speed limit on range property is 10 mph. Stay on the roads.

Additional Rules for Specific Ranges

Range "A1" 25 and 50 yard Rifle

Rifles and pistols are allowed on this range, and shotguns with slug loads only.
All pistols must be shot from a bench rest position. If standing shooting is required with a pistol, go to the bullseye range or pistol bays.
Muzzle loaders are allowed, but loading must be done in a rack away from the firing line. (See special muzzle loader rules section.)
Shooting from a prone or ground level position must be done on a buddy system. You must have someone with you on the firing line, so you can be seen. Make sure everyone on the line knows you are there.
Shoot only at paper targets mounted on the provided target backers.
Accurately aim every shot, to impact the proper berm.

Range “A2” 100 yard Rifle

Rifles and pistols are allowed on this range, and shotguns shooting slug loads only.
Muzzle loaders are allowed but loading must be done in a rack away from the firing line.
Shooting from a prone or ground level position must be on a buddy system. You must have someone with you on the line so you can be seen. If you don't have a buddy, shoot from the west end positions where there are no benches. Make sure everyone on the line knows you are there.
Shoot only at paper targets mounted on the provided target backers.
Accurately aim every shot, to impact the proper berm.

Range "A3" Archery Practice Range

Field points only.
Only shoot from distances where you can hit the target.
Be aware and don't shoot if there is anyone down range or in danger of a possible richochet.

Range “B” 200 yard Rifle

Rifles and pistols are allowed on this range but no shotguns.
Muzzle loaders are allowed but loading must be done in a rack away from the firing line.
Shooting from a prone or ground level position must be done on a buddy system. You must have someone with you on the line so you can be seen. If you don't have a buddy, shoot from the east or west end positions where there are no benches. Make sure everyone on the line knows you are there.
Regular Highpower competitors may shoot standing, prone, or sitting, from the gravel area in front of the firing line on benches 1-4, as long as there are no other shooters closer than position 20. Those shooting from the benches will give priority to the highpower shooter, if the highpower shooter is there first.
Shoot only at paper targets mounted on the provided target backers.
Accurately aim every shot, to impact the proper berm.

Range “C” Pistol Silhouette and .22 Rimfire Rifle Silhouette

Pistols and .22 rimfire rifles are allowed. No center-fire rifles. No shotguns. No black powder firearms.
Shoot only at the existing targets. Re-set the targets only to their proper positions on the rails and do not walk over the berms behind the silhouette targets.
Do not crossfire. Shoot only at the bank of targets directly in front of you.
Accurately aim every shot, so as to impact the proper berm.

Range “D” 500 Meter Rifle

Any black powder rifle and any centerfire rifle up to 45 caliber. Sorry, No magnum cartridges over 30 caliber.
Do not go down range for any reason.
No pistols, no shotguns, no armor piercing ammo, no steel core ammo.
Shoot only at the provided preset targets.
Make sure all rounds fired hit either the target or the impact berm directly behind the target.
A maximum of two shooters on the firing line at any time. Shooters on the firing line must give way to the next shooter waiting, with 30 minutes notice or agree to take turns shooting.

Range “E” 25 yard and 50 yard Bullseye Pistol

Pistols and rimfire rifles only. Black powder pistols are allowed on the east end at the positions in front of the fold down loading bench.
Shoot only at paper targets mounted on the provided frames and set in the 25 or 50 yard target holders.
Put only one target per frame, in the center of the frame.
Shoot only from the firing line.
Accurately aim every shot, so as to impact the proper berm.

Ranges “F”, “G”, “H”, “I”, “J”, “K”, “L”, “M” Paper Target Pistol Bays

Pistols only. No exceptions.
Shoot only at paper targets mounted on the provided target stands. Do not move the target stands.

Range “N” Full Automatic Bay

Pistols, rifles, and shotguns are allowed in this bay. No aerial shotgunning. No black powder.
Place targets near the base of the backstop berm.
Do not use any of the club’s targets or frames. Only targets furnished by the shooter are allowed. No materials that cause ricochets. No glass, ceramics, or other fragmenting targets other than clay birds. Pick up all your trash and put it in the trash can.
Full automatics, select-fire firearms, and trigger actuators are allowed on range "N." Use extreme caution. Be sure all rounds impact in the bottom half of the backstop berm.

Range "X" Archery Range (a.k.a. Area 51)

The only use of the range is on a Match day for organized competition. (We know it's there, but we can't see it.)

Additional Rules for Black Powder

No smoking within 15 feet of a black powder loading rack or firing line.
Firearm must be charged from a separate measure, not directly from a flask or powder horn.
All loading except when using prepared cartridges will done at the rack at the rear of the firing line. Cap or prime only on the firing line.
No open powder cans on the loading line, firing line, or in any buildings.
Firearms are to be carried with the muzzle up between the loading benches and the firing line.
Wipe the bore between each shot.

Rifle and Pistol Range Guest Policies

Use of the Midland Shooters Association (MSA) Rifle and Pistol Range is limited to members only. A membership shall be considered a family membership for the purposes of range use within the limits of the range regulations. This family membership shall include the parent or guardian, his wife ( her husband ) and all unmarried children under the age of 19 (unmarried under the age of 21 for students) living within the household.

The only exceptions are:

Introductory Guest -- a guest accompanied by an MSA member and engaged in the use of the member's firearm under the direct supervision of that member, for the purpose of introducing that guest to the shooting sports and to our facilities.
Any minor under the direct supervision of a club member.
Out-of-Town Close Family of Members -- Those close family members who reside in Midland or Ector County fall under the “Occasional Guest” category.
Occasional Guest – A guest accompanied by a club member and firing his or her own firearm. Each member is limited to two "Occasional guests" per visit. The member is responsible for paying a $10.00 guest fee (per guest, per visit) by depositing payment in the drop slot at the clubhouse prior to shooting. The member cannot shoot when the guest is shooting and only one guest may be shooting at a time under the direct supervision of the member.
Spectators and bona fide entrants in matches or events sanctioned by the MSA Board, when participation in such events is the entrant’s only use of the range.
Individuals qualifying for their Concealed Handgun License in a class approved by the MSA Board. The CHL instructor is responsible for paying a $10.00 guest fee (per student, per visit) by depositing payment in the drop-slot at the club house prior to shooting.

All members and all guests must always register on the sign-in sheet before shooting, and all indicated information must be provided, including guest’s address. The only exception to the sign-in requirement is #5 above.

All “occasional guests” and CHL students must be paid for. Other "exceptions" listed above will not be charged for use of the range.

All members bringing minors, guests, or CHL students have the personal responsibility to see that the minors, guests, or CHL students obey all safety rules, range rules, and club rules at all times. A member may have only one guest firing at a time, except in CHL classes.

Members in violation of these rules are subject to disciplinary action including possible expulsion from the club.

Related: MSA Bylaws

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About Us: Operating and Safety Rules and Guest Policy

Additional Rules for Specific Ranges

Rifle and Pistol Range Guest Policies