Range Rules
RANGE REGULATIONS (May 2016)
These regulations have been developed with your safety in mind. They supersede all previous range regulations. For the safety of all members and visitors at Oakleigh Pistol Club, you must comply with these regulations at all times.
DEFINITIONS
Approved means approved under the rules of the particular match being shot, or approved by the committee or duty committee member, as applicable.
The Firing Point means that area from which a shooter will discharge a firearm. Is designated as the area within the firing line, side lines or partitions and the rear red safety line.
Firing Line means the line behind which the shooter must place their forward foot whilst standing in the shooting station. It may be defined on the ground or floor by a painted line. It is situated immediately to the front of the shooting station.
As far as the Oakleigh Pistol Club Range is concerned, the following terms will mean one and the same – Firing Point, Firing Line, Bay and Shooting Station.
Firearms means approved handguns as prescribed in the Victorian Firearms Act and Regulations for use in a particular match, rifles chambered for pistol cartridges, and shotguns.
Jacketed Projectile means a projectile covered in hard jacket material. It includes FMJ, JHP and CMJ
Visitors:
– Category A – Being a visitor holding a current Target Shooting Handgun Licence.
– Category B – Being a spectator or prospective member.
REGULATIONS
1. The requirements of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic) and regulations made pursuant to that Act must be observed at all times.
2. Any breach of the range regulations that is brought to the attention of the committee will result in an investigation being conducted. The result of that investigation may result in the member having to face a Disciplinary Sub-Committee hearing. That Sub-Committee may impose penalties on the member including suspension or dismissal from the club.
3. Any member who observes an offence or breach of these regulations and who fails to draw the offence to the notice of (1) the offender, and (2) the Range Officer or Committee Member, may be deemed to be party to the offence or breach.
4. No shooting is to take place on any range, at any time, unless the red flag is flying (daylight hours) or the red lights are turned on (hours of darkness).
5. Members must sign the attendance book. If the attendance book is unavailable, a separate sheet of paper may be signed and given to the duty committee member. Members attending on ‘open access’ must sign the ‘open access’ book and, during normal club hours, transfer the entry into the attendance book.
6. Visitors must be introduced to the Duty Committee Member by their member sponsor. They must enter their name and address in the visitors’ book and sign it. They will be issued with a Visitors Pass which must be worn for the duration of the visit and returned to the Duty Committee Member prior to leaving the club.
7. Category A visitors who wish to shoot are required to pay a range fee as prescribed by the committee.
8. Category A visitors must present themselves to the duty committee member, identifying themselves by means of a current VAPA affiliated pistol club identification card and firearms licence.
Range Officers Note: It is your responsibility to ensure that regulations 6 to 8 have been complied with; otherwise the visitor must not shoot.
9. Category B visitors having complied with the above regulations may be provided a “Supervised Shoot” under the direct supervision of a licensed member of the club and with the approval of the duty Committee Member. Prior to the shoot taking place, Victoria Police Form 1120 Notification of Receiving Instruction must be completed. After the shoot, the supervisor must send the form to Victoria Police.
10. Members must display (on a lanyard or clipped to clothing) a current club identification card whilst on the club property. Members in possession of firearms must also carry their current firearm license. ID Cards may be stored whilst participating in a Practical match such as IPSC or ICORE; however the member is to have the card in their possession.
11. The sale or consumption of alcohol is not permitted outside the hours specified on the club’s liquor licence.
12. Members and visitors wishing to consume alcohol prior to the closure of the range must first secure their firearms. Once a person has consumed alcohol, he or she must not return to the range or handle any firearm for any reason.
13. Failure to comply with regulation 12 will result in the member being required to face a Disciplinary Sub- Committee hearing. That hearing may determine punishment including suspension or dismissal from the club.
14. Visitors from other Pistol Clubs who are found to be in breach of regulation 12 may be subject to one month ban from the Oakleigh Pistol Club for a first offence and a life ban for a second offence. In addition, at the discretion of the Committee, the visitors’ parent club will be advised of the circumstances.
15. Annexes A to F to these Range Standing Orders are range rules specific to each of the ranges at Oakleigh Pistol Club. They must be displayed in each range and are to be read in conjunction with these range regulations.
Safety Equipment / Clothing
16. All shooters must wear approved safety glasses, hearing protection, and closed footwear whilst on the range.
17. All spectators must wear approved safety glasses and hearing protection whilst on the range.
18. Military camouflage and para-military clothing (other than worn by ADF members in uniform) must not be worn within the range complex.
Loading and Handling of Firearms
19. Persons must not enter the range complex with loaded firearms, with the exception of police and security personnel on official duty.
20. Firearms must only be loaded on the firing line and only after the command “load” has been given by the range officer. Magazines may be loaded on the range prior to the shooter moving to the firing line, if permitted by the match rules.
21. With the exception of loaded pistols holstered in accordance with these range regulations, firearms must be pointed down range whilst loading and at all times once loaded.
22. Whilst on the firing line, only the shooter should handle a firearm. In the event of a malfunction which the shooter is unable to rectify, the shooter must call for the assistance of the range officer.
23. With the exception of a range officer in the execution of their duties, no person may handle a firearm without the owner’s permission.
24. Any person who interferes with a shooter whilst on the firing line must be cautioned. A second infringement may result in the offender being ordered off the range and the matter referred to the committee or duty committee member.
25. Whilst shooting is in progress only shooters, range officers and their assistants may occupy the firing line.
26. No person may handle a firearm on the firing line or behind the line (other than in a designated safe area), or enter the firing line for any reason whilst any person is forward of the firing line.
27. No person may shoot unsupervised on any range or supervise others until such time that he or she has successfully completed the appropriate Safety Awareness Course, obtained a full firearms license and a Supervisor endorsement from the Committee (annotated on club ID card).
Approved Firearms and Ammunition
28. Only approved handguns may be used on the range. In addition, rifles chambered for pistol calibres may only be used on the 50 metre ranges. Shotguns may be used on the Practical Range only and shall be limited to # 7 lead shot.
29. Armor piercing, tracer, and incendiary ammunition must not be used. Jacketed ammunition must not be used.
30. Only ammunition supplied by the club may be used in club firearms.
31. Carbine attachments may only be used on open access; they must not be used during regular club opening hours.
Club Firearms
32. Members may utilise club firearms on a ‘first come, first served’ basis; One firearm per member. During times of heavy demand, the duty committee member may impose time limits.
33. Members borrowing a club firearm will be required to produce a current (Full) firearms license and complete the loan register. If the member or is unable to produce a valid firearms licence, no firearm will be made available.
34. Persons, who damage club firearms whilst using other than club-supplied ammunition, will be held responsible for repair costs as determined by the committee.
35. Possession of club firearms may only be transferred at the point of issue and with the concurrence of the duty committee member.
36. Club firearms must not be tampered with modified, or sight adjustments made without the permission of the duty committee member. If sights are adjusted, the user is responsible to return the settings to the original settings.
Holsters
37. Members of the Victoria Police and Security Officers whilst on official duty may carry loaded holstered service handguns on the range complex. Members and visitors may carry loaded holstered pistols only in accordance with the rules of the match being shot, and only if they are in possession of appropriate evidence of a holster proficiency card issued by IPSC, VAPA, or PA.
38. Members and visitors may carry unloaded holstered handguns, un-cocked with magazine removed, in the range complex. Handguns must be removed from holsters and secured once a person has finished shooting for the day. These must un-holstered and bagged only on the firing line or in a designated safety area. No ammunition may be carried on the belt unless on the range in preparation to shoot.
Personal Behaviour
39. Loud, abusive and offensive language will not be tolerated. So as not to disturb any shooters, officials and spectators will conduct all conversation in a quiet manner. Range Officers may give range commands as loudly as necessary.
40. Any willful or accidental damage to range equipment is to be brought to the attention of the committee. If deemed appropriate by the committee the shooter shall be required to pay the full cost of restitution. The committee may determine that a Disciplinary Sub-Committee shall be formed to investigate the matter. That Sub-Committee may impose penalties including suspension of membership or dismissal from the club.
41. Children under the age of 16 years may not enter the range unless:
(a) They are under constant supervision of an adult;
(b) They are wearing approved safety glasses and aural protection; and
(c) With the permission of the range officer or duty committee member.
Range Officers
42. The firing line shall be under the control of a range officer at all times. The range officer is responsible for the safety and discipline of shooters and spectators. To allow easy identification, the Range Officer shall be issued with and expected to wear a Hi Vis Vest with “Range Officer” annotated or an orange armband.
43. The range officer has absolute control over the range and all shooters shooting on that range. His or her instructions and orders must be obeyed immediately.
44. In the event of there being only one shooter on the range, that person is deemed to be the range officer. In this case the shooter is to carry his or her firearm down range when scoring and patching.
45. When two or more shooters are present on any range, a range officer shall be elected.
46. Any person present on the range, observing a safety breach or other problem, may call ‘STOP or CEASEFIRE!’ All shooters MUST obey this command immediately. The range officer must clear each firearm prior to addressing the safety concern.
47. The range officer may check firearms and ammunition to ensure compliance with these range regulations during the course of his or her duty. Any breach discovered must be reported to the duty committee member.
Security Industry Training and Testing
50. Approved security industry training and testing may be conducted on the Practical Range, the Service Match Range, the 50m Range, and the 25m G/H Range. Security industry training and testing is not to be conducted on the 25m A/B, C/D or E/F ranges.
It is imperative that if you are not 100% clear on the requirements of any of these range regulations; you seek guidance and / or clarification from the Chief Range Officer, Duty Committee Member, or another Committee Member.
Do not make the mistake of guessing!
Annexes:
- A. Range Rules ~ 25m Ranges A to F.
- B. Range Rules ~ 25m Ranges G and H.
- C. Range Rules ~ 50m Range.
- D. Range Rules ~ Air Pistol Range.
- E. Range Rules ~ Practical Range.
- F. Range Rules ~ Service Match Range
- G. Range Set-Up Instructions – Practical Range(s).
ANNEX ‘A’ TO OPC RANGE REGULATIONS
Range Rules – 25m Ranges A to F
1. All members and visitors must wear an approved identification card.
2. Jacketed ammunition must not be used on these ranges.
3. Safety glasses, hearing protection and enclosed footwear must be worn.
4. The red flag must be flying (daylight hours) or the red light switched on (hours of darkness) prior to any shooting taking place. (Flag located in box in gents’ toilets).
5. The range must be under the control of a range officer. If only one shooter is present, they are the range officer. In this case, firearms must be carried with them (in a visibly safe condition) whilst scoring and patching or setting up targets. If two or more shooters are present, a range officer shall be elected. The range officer shall wear the Range Officer vest or orange armband.
6. The range officer is responsible for the safety of the range and the safe conduct of the shooters on the range. He or she must clear all pistols prior to removal from the firing line.
7. A person must be nominated to remain at the firing line to secure all firearms whilst scoring and patching is conducted. No firearm is to be left un-attended on the range.
8. A shooter entering the range shall make him or herself known to the range officer and shall not set up prior to obtaining approval from the range officer.
9. Shooting must be conducted in the standing position, immediately behind the 25m firing line and within the shooting bay. Shooting from a wheelchair within the confines of a bay is also permitted.
10. Pistols up to .38 Calibre/9mm, Black powder pistols up to .45 Calibre, rifles chambered for .22 rim fire, and air rifles may be used on this range.
11. Other than the presence of the range officer, supervisor or coach, only one person may occupy each shooting bay. There will be only one firearm on the shooting bench at any time.
12. Precision shooting may be conducted on this range; however members wishing to use the turning target system will take precedence.
13. Junior shooters MUST be under the direct supervision of a holder of a general category handgun licence at all times.
14. Deliberate damage to this range with a firearm is not only in contravention of club rules, but subject to penalties prescribed in the Firearms Act 1996.
15. No staples are to be used when fixing targets to the backing boards.
16. The range must tidy and swept before the shooter leaves. Brass is not to be swept forward of the firing line.
17. When a ceasefire is called the shooter must stop, unload step out of the bay behind the red line. The shooter must not cross the line again until the “Range is Clear “ command is given.
18. Any breach of the above regulations may lead to the offender being required to front a disciplinary sub-committee who may impose penalties including suspension of membership or dismissal from the club.
ANNEX ‘B’ TO OPC RANGE REGULATIONS
Range Rules – 25m Ranges G and H
1. All members and visitors must wear an approved identification card.
2. Jacketed ammunition must not be used on this range.
3. Safety glasses, hearing protection and enclosed footwear must be worn.
4. The red flag must be flying (daylight hours) or the red light switched on (hours of darkness) prior to any shooting taking place. (Flag located in box in front of gents’ toilets).
5. The range must be under the control of a range officer. If only one shooter is present, they are the range officer. In this case, firearms must be carried with them (in a visibly safe condition) whilst scoring and patching or setting up targets. If two or more shooters are present, a range officer shall be elected. The range officer shall wear the Range Officer vest or orange armband.
6. The range officer is responsible for the safety of the range and the safe conduct of the shooters on the range. He or she must clear all pistols prior to removal from the firing line.
7. A person must be nominated to remain at the firing line to secure all firearms whilst scoring and patching is conducted. No firearm is to be left un-attended on the range.
8. A shooter entering the range shall make him or herself known to the range officer and shall not set up prior to obtaining approval from the range officer.
9. Shooting may be conducted from the standing, kneeling, sitting and prone positions from the 25 yard line. Shooting may also be conducted from a standing position only at the 10 yard and 7 yard lines.
10. Pistols up to .45 Calibre, rifles chambered for .22 rim fire, and air rifles may be used on this range.
11. Other than the presence of the range officer, supervisor or a coach, only one person shall occupy each shooting position. The will be only one firearm on the shooting bench / firing point at any time.
12. Precision shooting may be conducted on this range; however members wishing to use the turning target system or shoot Service Match 25 Yards will have priority.
13. Junior shooters MUST be under the direct supervision of a holder of a general category handgun licence at all times.
14. Deliberate damage to this range with a firearm is not only in contravention of club rules, but subject to penalties prescribed in the Firearms Act 1996.
15. Any breach of the above regulations may lead to the offender being required to front a disciplinary sub-committee who may impose penalties including suspension of membership or dismissal from the club.
16. Official Security Industry training and testing may be conducted on this range.
17. The range must tidy and swept before the shooter leaves. Brass is not to be swept forward of the firing line.
18. Any breach of the above regulations may lead to the offender being required to front a disciplinary sub-committee who may impose penalties including suspension of membership or dismissal from the club.
ANNEX ‘C’ TO OPC RANGE REGULATIONS
Range Rules – 50m Range
1. All members and visitors must wear an approved identification card.
2. Full metal jacket ammunition must not be used on this range.
3. Safety glasses, hearing protection and enclosed footwear must be worn.
4. The red flag must be flying (daylight hours) or the red light switched on (hours of darkness) prior to any shooting taking place. (Flag located in box in front of gents’ toilets).
5. The range must be under the control of a range officer. If only one shooter is present, they are the range officer. In this case, firearms must be carried with them (in a visibly safe condition) whilst scoring and patching or setting up targets. If two or more shooters are present, a range officer shall be elected.
The range officer shall wear the Range Officer vest or orange armband.
6. The range officer is responsible for the safety of the range and the safe conduct of the shooters on the range. He or she must clear all pistols prior to removal from the firing line.
7. A person shall be nominated to remain at the firing line to secure all firearms whilst scoring and patching is conducted. No firearm is to be left un-attended on the range.
8. A shooter entering the range shall make him or herself known to the range officer and shall not set up prior to obtaining approval from the range officer.
9. For ISSF events, shooting shall be conducted in the standing position only, immediately behind the firing line and within the shooting bay.
10. Targets shall be set-up only at the 50 m or 25 m markers.
11. Other than the presence of the range officer or a coach, only one person shall occupy each shooting bay. There will only be one firearm on the shooting bench / firing point at any time.
12. Only pistols, rifles chambered for pistol cartridges, and air rifles may be used on this range.
13. Junior shooters MUST be under the direct supervision of a holder of a general category handgun licence at all times.
14. Deliberate damage to this range with a firearm is not only in contravention of club rules, but subject to penalties prescribed in the Firearms Act 1996.
15. Official Security Industry training and testing may be conducted on this range; however target placement is limited as described in Annex G to these regulations.
16. Any breach of the above regulations may lead to the offender being required to front a disciplinary sub-committee who may impose penalties including suspension of membership or dismissal from the club.
17. The range must tidy and swept before the shooter leaves. Brass is not to be swept forward of the firing line.
ANNEX ‘D’ TO OPC RANGE REGULATIONS
Range Rules – Air Pistol Range
1. All members and visitors must wear an approved identification card.
2. Safety glasses and enclosed footwear must be worn.
3. The red flag must be flying (daylight hours) or the red light switched on (hours of darkness) prior to any shooting taking place. (Flag located in box in front of gents’ toilets).
4. The range must be under the control of a range officer. If only one shooter is present, they are the range officer. If two or more shooters are present, a range officer shall be elected. The range officer shall wear the Range Officer vest.
5. The range officer is responsible for the safety of the range and the safe conduct of the shooters on the range. He or she must clear all pistols prior to removal from the shooting bench.
6. A shooter entering the range shall make him or herself known to the range officer and shall not set up prior to obtaining approval from the range officer.
7. Shooting shall be conducted in the standing position only, immediately behind the firing line and within the shooting bay.
8. Other than the presence of the range officer, supervisor or a coach, only one person shall occupy each shooting bay. There will be only fire firearm on the shooting bench / firing point at any time.
9. Only air pistols and rifles of .177 / 4.5 mm may be used. All projectiles must be of lead or a similar material.
10. Junior shooters MUST be under the direct supervision of a holder of a general category handgun licence at all times.
11. Deliberate damage to this range with a firearm is not only in contravention of club rules, but subject to penalties prescribed in the Firearms Act 1996.
12. Any breach of the above regulations may lead to the offender being required to front a disciplinary sub-committee who may impose penalties including suspension of membership or dismissal from the club.
13. Each shooter is responsible for leaving their bay clean and tidy.
ANNEX ‘E’ TO OPC RANGE REGULATIONS
Range Rules – Practical Range
1. All members and visitors must carry with them an approved identification card.
2. Jacketed ammunition must not be used on this range.
3. Safety glasses, hearing protection and enclosed footwear must be worn.
4. The red flag must be flying (daylight hours) or the red light switched on (hours of darkness) prior to any shooting taking place. (Flag located in box in front of gents toilets).
5. The range must be under the control of a range officer. If only one shooter is present, they are the range officer. If two or more shooters are present, a range officer shall be elected. The range officer shall wear the Range Officer or orange armband.
6. The range officer is responsible for the safety of the range and the safe conduct of the shooters on the range. He or she must clear all pistols prior to removal from the firing line.
7. A shooter entering the range shall make him or herself known to the range officer and shall not set up prior to obtaining approval from the range officer.
8. Pistols up to .45 Calibre, rifles chambered for pistol cartridges, air rifles, and shotguns (maximum size #7 shot) may be used on this range.
9. Pistols may be removed from bags, holstered, un-holstered and bagged only in the designated safety area, or on the firing line with the approval of the range officer.
10. Firearms may only be loaded on the firing line and with the range officer’s permission.
11. Firearms must be cleared by the range officer prior to removal from the firing line.
12. A dropped firearm must not be picked-up without the range officer’s permission. Anyone dropping a loaded firearm shall be instructed to leave the range and shall not return to the range that day. The range officer will report the incident and the person involved to the duty officer who will record the incident.
13. Members and visitors may carry loaded holstered pistols only in accordance with the rules of the match being shot, and only if they are in possession of appropriate evidence of a holster proficiency card issued by IPSC, VAPA, or PA.
14. Shooting from prone, sitting and kneeling positions at the 50 yard line MUST take place from the shooting platforms provided. The shooting platforms (table) must remain at the 50 yard line. Barricades shooting table and chairs are to be returned and placed under cover at the 50 yard line.
15. Junior shooters MUST be under the direct supervision of a holder of a general category handgun licence or (long arms licence if applicable) at all times.
16. Official Security Industry training and testing may be conducted on this range; however target placement is limited as described in Annex G to these regulations.
17. Deliberate damage to this range with a firearm is not only in contravention of club rules, but subject to penalties prescribed in the Firearms Act 1996.
18. Any breach of the above regulations may lead to the offender being required to front a disciplinary sub-committee who may impose penalties including suspension of membership or dismissal from the club.
ANNEX ‘F’ TO OPC RANGE REGULATIONS
Range Rules – Service Match Range
1. All members and visitors must carry with them an approved identification card.
2. Jacketed ammunition must not be used on this range.
3. Safety glasses, hearing protection and enclosed footwear must be worn.
4. The red flag must be flying (daylight hours) or the red light switched on (hours of darkness) prior to any shooting taking place. (Flag located in box in front of gents toilets).
5. The range must be under the control of a range officer. If only one shooter is present, they are the range officer. If two or more shooters are present, a range officer shall be elected. The range officer shall wear the Range Officer vest.
6. The range officer is responsible for the safety of the range and the safe conduct of the shooters on the range. He or she must clear all pistols prior to removal from the firing line.
7. A shooter entering the range shall make him or herself known to the range officer and shall not set up prior to obtaining approval from the range officer.
8. Shooting may be conducted from the standing, kneeling, sitting and prone positions from the 50 yard line and, other than standing, MUST be conducted from the shooting platforms provided. Shooting may also be conducted from the 25 yard, 10 yard and 7 yard lines from the standing position ONLY. The shooting platforms (table) must remain at the 50 yard line. Barricades, shooting table and chairs are to be returned and placed under cover at the 50 yard line.
9. Only pistols, rifles chambered for pistol cartridges, and air rifles may be used on this range.
10. Pistols may be removed from bags, holstered, un-holstered and bagged only in the designated safety area, or on the firing line with the approval of the range officer.
11. Firearms may only be loaded on the firing line and with the range officer’s permission.
12. Firearms must be cleared by the range officer prior to removal from the firing line.
13. A dropped firearm must not be picked-up without the range officer’s permission. Anyone dropping a loaded firearm shall be instructed to leave the range and shall not return to the range that day. The range officer will report the incident and the person involves to the duty officer who will record the incident.
14. Members and visitors may carry loaded holstered pistols only in accordance with the rules of the match being shot, and only if they are in possession of appropriate evidence of a holster proficiency card issued by IPSC, VAPA, or PA.
15. Junior shooters MUST be under the direct supervision of a holder of a general category handgun licence at all times.
16. Deliberate damage to this range with a firearm is not only in contravention of club rules, but subject to penalties prescribed in the Firearms Act 1996.
18. No staples are to be used when fixing targets to the backing boards.
19. Any breach of the above regulations may lead to the offender being required to front a disciplinary sub-committee who may impose penalties including suspension of membership or dismissal from the club.
ANNEX ‘G’ TO OPC RANGE REGULATIONS
Range Set Up / Pack Up Instructions OPC Practical Range(s)
It must be acknowledged that this range facility is encumbered by situations that limit the acceptable set up options for practical shooting. Of UTMOST IMPORTANCE is the need to ensure that projectiles do not escape the confines of the range. Extensive baffling and other measures are provided to assist in achieving this objective, however target placement MUST be determined with due care and attention.
The following rules are to be adhered to by all persons using this range at ALL times:
At times all three (3) 50 M ranges can be utilised for IPSC / ICORE competitions.
Steel targets (eg: plates and poppers) may only be set up under the steel mesh that is provided specifically to prevent the escape of deflected bullets. Poppers may be set up in other locations ONLY if adequate and effective portable shielding is used in lieu.
No steel targets are to be used on the Service Match Range – At all.
Paper targets MUST be set up in a manner that ensures bullets pass through the targets and into the mound. Paper targets may be set up in other situations ONLY if steel deflector plates are installed behind the targets in order to ensure that bullets are safely deflected into the ground. In these cases hay bales or sand bags must also be used between the targets and steel plates to minimise the instance of projectiles and/or fragments ricocheting back toward the shooter.
Paper targets used on the Service Match Range are to be accommodated only in the target frames provided.
Range set up MUST be inspected and approved by qualified persons prior to the commencement of shooting. Club members who have attended a Range Set-Up Briefing are authorised to provide such approval and may approve their own set up during open access.
Prior to attending the Range Set-Up Briefing, members shooting on Open Access are limited to using paper targets, positioned directly in front of the mound, and poppers underneath the steel mesh only.
At the completion of shooting ALL steel targets and target frames are to be returned to the appropriate storage area i.e.: Poppers are to be returned to the storage shed, target frames / drums etc to the area immediately outside the shed. NO equipment is to be left on the range.
Oakleigh Pistol Club leases range facilities to commercial enterprises. Having paid to use the range facilities, such organizations are entitled to find a clear, clean and tidy facility ready for their intended use.