Shooting sports can be inherently dangerous if safe firearm handling practices are not strictly followed. To help ensure the safety of everyone using our Ranges, the Tri-Cities Shooting Association (TCSA) requires everyone to comply with the following rules. This listing of range rules is not a complete listing of all shooting rules, but is meant to identify and point out the most common rules that will affect most of the shooters and visitors that use our range.
Shooting is NOT allowed on any of the TCSA Ranges without a Range Safety Officer present providing safety oversight. Always check in with the Duty Range Safety Officer (RSO) before moving any firearms from your vehicle to the shooting areas. The Duty RSO will:
- Have you sign in, ask what type of shooting you intend to do, what types of firearms you will be using.
- Cover the Range Rules, describing the differences between HOT and COLD Range conditions posted above the RSO Desk and on both sides of the Range House.
- Point out the Banned Ammunition List – Armor piercing, incendiary, or tracer ammunition is NOT allowed to be used on any of the TCSA’s Ranges.
- Describe the Ready Area and Firing Area and explain when you can or should be in those areas.
- Determine how many in your party will be shooting, and if everyone in your party, shooting or not, has hearing and eye protection. No one less than 18 years of age is allowed to handle a firearm without close adult supervision.
- Then direct you to check in with the Duty RSO overseeing the side of the Range where you will be shooting. That side’s Duty RSO will tell you the current HOT or COLD status of the Range and will tell you when it is safe and state how to move your firearms from your vehicle to the firing line.
Firearms may only be handled during HOT Range conditions under direct RSO supervision. Make sure the Duty RSO knows when you want to move your firearm, and obey all Range commands given. Always check with both Ranges’ Duty RSOs before moving your firearms from one Range to another Range (Plinking Range to Rose-Iris Range, or Rose-Iris to Plinking Range for example). Ask the Duty RSO if you have any questions or are unsure of what actions are or not allowed.
ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR FIREARM POINTED DOWN RANGE (OR UP WHEN MOVING TO AND FROM THE GUN RACKS AND THE FIRING LINE). ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER AND YOUR FIREARM UNLOADED WITH THE ACTION OPEN AND AN EMPTY CHAMBER INDICATOR INSTALLED UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO SHOOT.
No more than 2 individuals can be at one shooting table: 1 shooter and 1 spotter or Instructor. Other observers must stay in the Ready Area. Individuals can only be at the shooting tables during HOT Range conditions. During COLD Range conditions they must be in the ready area or down range setting targets.
Only paper targets are allowed on the Rose-Iris Range. Paper silhouette targets that do not have distinguishable facial features (actual persons) may also be used. Zombie types of targets including exploding, bleeding, and popper or flash types are also not allowed.
Shooters and visitors cannot carry a visible holstered firearm. Shooters cannot fast draw or shoot from a holstered firearm.
Concealed carry firearms are allowed on the Range as long as it remains concealed. If a concealed firearm becomes visible, it must be put on the firing table with their other firearms or placed in their vehicle.
Shooting a 50 caliber firearm is not allowed during high fire danger conditions.
50 Cal. belt fed firearms are not allowed on our range because of the difficulty in maintaining projectile control.
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any of the TCSA Ranges or property.
Any individual suspected of being under the adverse behavioral effect of legal or illegal drugs will be required to immediately leave the range.