Holmesburg Fish & Game



Holmesburg Fish & Game

Protective Association

General Range Rules

(Applies to All Club Ranges)

1. All members and guests are required to read and comply with all rules and are obligated to call attention to rule violations and require compliance.

2. All persons utilizing club facilities acknowledge that operating firearms is potentially dangerous. They further acknowledge that there is a lead exposure risk (especially for children and pregnant women) associated with the shooting sports practiced at the club.

3. All members and guests must sign in before using any range. All members and guests must wear I.D. badges while using said ranges. Guests (maximum of two per member) must be supervised by their host member while using any range.

4. All new members must attend and pass the club orientation course before using any range.

5. All persons on club ranges are required to utilize eye and ear protection.

6. Pointing a firearm anywhere other than down-range and in designated target areas is prohibited.

7. All discharged rounds must directly strike designated impact areas or pass through a target and strike designated impact areas. Inexperienced shooters and shooters who fail to consistently and appropriately control their firearm must cease their shooting activity and notify a range officer or club executive of the difficulty and request assistance/instruction.

8. Only firearms in good/safe-operating condition may be used. Shooters must consent to safety inspection of firearms and ammo.

9. Firing armor piercing, tracer or incendiary ammunition is prohibited.

10. All firearms must be unloaded and rendered “safe” except when shooting.

11. An Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) is to be employed in making rifles and handguns “safe.”

12. Carrying concealed/holstered firearms on club grounds is prohibited (state permits and off-duty law enforcement included).

13. No person under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or any substance resulting in impairment may engage in any shooting activity. Alcohol is not permitted on club premises unless preapproved by the board of directors.

14. Under no circumstances shall any person shoot at or otherwise harass wildlife on the club grounds/ranges.

15. Only one person is permitted per firing position except for teacher/pupil, coach/spotter situations.

16. Pointing, cleaning, and/or repairing firearms in the clubhouse is prohibited.

17. Obey posted NO-SMOKING zones.

18. Violation of any club or range rule may result in the loss of shooting privileges and/or revocation of membership. All violations of safety rules must be documented by a range officer, club executive and/or witness.

19. Range officers and club executives have the authority to remove any member or guest from any range for any rule infraction. No arguments will be tolerated.

20. Members may petition the Board of Directors to consider any dispute with the ruling of a range officer or club executive, but they must comply with said ruling at the time of the infraction. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be binding on all persons involved.

21. Visiting shooters in a sanctioned match are exempted from wearing I.D. badges/guest tags. Visiting shooters paying a match fee are excused from paying a guest fee that same day, but they must remain in the company of a member.

22. Exceptions to any range or club rule may be allowed only by a range officer or club executive and may not inconvenience any other member.

Skeet and Trap Fields

Specific Rules

1. All guns will remain unloaded, actions open at all times except while on the pad, preparing to shoot. Break-open shotguns are exempted when in the rack.

2. No more than two (2) live shells may be loaded at any station. Only one (1) shell may be loaded on station eight (8) high and low (unless you are taking your option).

3. Dry firing off the pad at any target is prohibited.

4. No person may advance to the next station until the entire squad is prepared to advance.

5. No doubles may be fired at station eight (8). All firing must be done from the pad.

6. No empty hulls (shells) may be retrieved during registered shoots. Otherwise, shooters may retrieve their empty hulls after the conclusion of their round.

7. Only shot shells may be fired on the skeet and trap fields (no single projectile rounds are permitted). Only Target loads are permitted - NO GAME LOADS ON ANY FIELD! Shell limits for Skeet - No shot size larger than #8 and velocity not to exceed 1200fps. Shell limits for Trap - No shot size larger than#7.5. Shells are subject to range officer inspection at any time.

8. Hand throwing birds (clays) is prohibited. All birds must be thrown from the club-provided skeet and trap machines.

Five Stand

Specific Rules

1. All firearms will remain unloaded, actions open at all times except while in the stand, preparing to shoot. Break open shot guns are exempted when in the rack.

2. No one may load a gun until in the shooting stand/station.

3. No more than two (2) live rounds may be loaded at any time (except when shooting a three (3) bird event for autoloaders when no more than three (3) rounds may be loaded).

4. Dry firing off the pad at any target is prohibited.

5. No person may advance to the next stand/station until the entire squad is prepared to advance.

6. Before exiting any stand, the shooter must unload and open the action.

7. No hulls (empty shells) may be retrieved during a round.

8. Only shot shells may be fired (no single projectile rounds are permitted). Only Target loads are permitted - NO GAME LOADS ON ANY FIELD! Shell limits for 5 Stand - No shot size larger than#7.5. Shells are subject to range officer inspection at any time.

9. Hand throwing birds (clays) is prohibited. All birds must be thrown from the club-provided skeet and trap machines.

10. Adjusting, moving or handling club machines in any way is strictly prohibited.

11. All shooting will be at clay targets only.

12. Back-up shooting is prohibited.

13. No one is permitted downrange of the shooting cages.

14. All non-shooters must remain at or behind the field unless instructing a shooter on the line.

Indoor Range

Specific Rules

1. All indoor shooters must have a proficiency card issued by a range officer or club executive or be accompanied by a card holding member.

2. Solo shooting in the indoor range is prohibited.

3. No one is allowed forward of the firing line until all firearms are made safe (actions open, slides back, magazines out, cylinders, gates and bolts open, ECIs in place) and benched or boxed. No firearms are to be handled while any person is forward of the firing line.

4. All windows must be opened and all ventilator fans switched on prior to any firearms being discharged indoors.

5. Firearms may only be loaded at the firing line after the line has been cleared for shooting.

6. Fire only within your shooting lane – that is to the numbered target position from the corresponding firing position.

7. Handguns may be loaded with no more than five rounds at a time. Twenty-two (.22) caliber rim-fire rifles may be loaded with no more than five rounds at a time.

8. Holster and/or quick drawing is prohibited.

9. Magnum loads and jacketed bullets are prohibited. Only lead bullets may be fired in the indoor range.

10. Calibers larger than forty-five (.45) are prohibited.

11. The only rifles permitted in the indoor range are twenty-two (.22) caliber rim-fire rifles. No proficiency card is required to fire a .22 caliber rim-fire rifle indoors.

12. Air rifles and pistols firing lead pellets only (no BBs, Darts, etc.) are permitted in the indoor range. All range rules still apply.

13. No black powder firearms may be fired in the indoor range.

14. Only paper or cardboard targets may be used indoors. Targets must be appropriate for the shooting discipline being practiced.

15. Shooters are responsible for policing their brass and returning benches and target frames to their storage positions.

Outdoor Pistol Range

Specific Rules

1. No person is allowed forward of the firing line until all firearms are made safe (slides back, magazines out, cylinders/actions open, ECIs in place), all firearms benched or boxed and the line is called “safe.”

2. Quick and/or holster drawing is prohibited.

3. The safety lights and buzzer must be employed when anyone goes forward of the firing line.

4. Firearms may only be loaded at the firing line after the line has been cleared for shooting.

5. Fire only within your shooting lane – that is to the numbered target position from the corresponding firing position.

6. Firearms may be loaded with no more than five (5) live rounds at a time.

7. Shooters must utilize the wooden target frames the club provides or a personal wooden target frame constructed according to the measured drawing/plan available from the club. Target frames must be returned to the frame box at the conclusion of the shooting session.

8. All target backers must measure 24 inches square – no larger and no smaller.

9. The target must be secured in the center of the backer. Only one target per backer is permitted.

10. The short-range target frame fixture may only be inserted into their fixed, in-ground positions 15 yards from the firing line. Only a standard Pistol Target Frame may be inserted into the fixture. When short-range targets are deployed at positions 11 and/or 13, no target frames may be installed on the 25-yard line positions 10 through 14 inclusive.

11. Bench resting is prohibited unless the shooter is firing at 25 yards or further. After passing through the target, all shots must directly impact the downrange berm.

12. Magnum pistol loads may be fired only from positions nineteen (19) through twenty-four (24) inclusive.

13. Only single-projectile loads may be discharged on the pistol range.

14. Only approved paper targets may be utilized except for those targets approved for a specific shooting discipline.

15. All shooters are responsible for policing their own area, both at the firing line and the target area, removing debris and spent cartridges.

Outdoor Rifle Range

Specific Rules

1. All targets must be positioned so that all bullets strike the backstop/berm after passing through the target. Pay particular attention to how your targets are mounted at 25 and 50 yards. Targets must be positioned so as to avoid shooting the target frames. Pistol shooters using the rifle range (permissible only when the pistol range is engaged by an outside agency) must be especially mindful of this regulation.

2. The safety lights and audible warning device must be employed when anyone goes forward of the firing line.

3. The firing zone is defined to be the area between the most forward, red line and the yellow line. The safety zone is the area behind the yellow line.

4. When the firing line is cleared (all slides, bolts, levers, cylinders actions open, magazines out, ECIs in place, no unfired rounds in the firearm – ramrods in the barrel of black powder firearms) all persons must remain behind the firing zone, except when posting/maintaining targets. Upon returning, all persons must pass through the firing zone and remain in the safety zone (behind the yellow line), until the line is cleared for firing. No firearm may be handled while any person(s) are downrange.

5. Muzzles must be forward of the firing line when the firearm is discharged.

6. Fire only within your shooting lane – that is to the numbered target position from the corresponding firing position.

7. The rifle range is restricted to loading no more than five rounds at one time (five-round loading). Shooters wishing to load more than five (5) rounds at one time in order to practice a specific shooting discipline, or function testing must obtain permission from a range officer or club executive before loading more than five rounds. Permission to load more than five rounds is valid for that session only. A loaded firearm must never be unattended, set down on the bench or placed in a rack.

8. Only single projectiles (no shot) maybe fired on the rifle range. Shotguns may be used on the rifle range if firing slugs or sabots.

9. Those shooting modern/cartridge firearms should utilize all positions on the right side of the rifle range before using the positions on the left side. Positions on the left-most side of the range and the black powder loading bench should be left available for black powder shooters whenever possible.

10. All shooters are responsible for returning target frames and wedges, and must police their area at both the firing and target positions.

11. Only approved paper targets may be utilized except for those targets approved for a specific shooting discipline (e.g. metallic silhouettes may be placed in the traps provided for .22 rimfire only). Never shoot at anything other than your approved target.

12. Only Association members who, in full compliance with the National Firearms Act 0f 1934 and Pennsylvania state law, lawfully possess Class III/Title II firearms may discharge fully automatic firearms and only after having secured the permission of a range officer or club executive. Their actions may not inconvenience any other member.

13. .50 cal. BMG and similarly loud rounds may only be fired after having secured the permission of a range officer or club executive. Discharging such rounds may not inconvenience any other member.

14. Single shot pistols chambered for rifle cartridges (e.g. T-C Contender) may be fired on the rifle range. All rifle range rules still apply.

15. Rim-fire swinging targets/swingers may only be placed only at the 100 yard line and only be used in conjunction with .22, non-magnum, rim-fire rifle ammunition.

16. The Silhouette/steel plate traps may be opened/used only for club sanctioned activities/matches.

Black Powder Skirmish Division

Specific Range Rules

1. All shooters must have a proficiency card or be accompanied by a proficiency card holding member.

2. Absolutely no smoking within fifteen (15) feet of the concrete pad.

3. Bulk powder at the loading table must be in an approved container which must remain closed when not in use.

4. Mixing black powder grades or mixing with modern powders is prohibited.

5. Black powder shooting boxes and/or bulk powder are prohibited at the firing line. Pre-measured loads are permitted when carried in a covered cartridge box or similar container.

6. Shooters may test different loads, but measuring from bulk cans must be done on the loading bench or before coming to the club.

7. Always keep the muzzle pointed away from your face.

8. Before loading on the firing line, two caps must be fired. The first cap must be fired from the shoulder with the muzzle pointed down range at the backstop. The second cap is fired at the ground forward of the concrete pad to make sure the muzzle is clear.

9. When capping, the muzzle must be pointed down-range with the firearm remaining as parallel to the ground as possible.

10. When loading, do not thumb bullets and do not place any part of the hand over the top of the ramrod.

11. Muzzles must be forward of the firing line when the firearm is discharged

12. After firing and before leaving the firing line, you must snap two caps in the same manor as described in rule eight (8) above.

13. Fouled firearms that will not discharge must be kept at the firing line and pointed at the backstop. An adapted fire extinguisher or CO2 capsule should then be used to expel the charge and projectile. If the apparatus is not available or the procedure fails, the barrel must be flooded before attempting to pull the projectile.

14. Balls may only be pulled with a ball pulling rope and rod while the muzzle is pointed at a tree trunk (on the berm) on the left side of the range.

15. The safety lights and buzzer must be employed when anyone goes forward of the firing line.

16. The firing zone is defined to be the area between the most forward, red line and the forward, yellow line. The safety zone is the area between the two yellow lines.

17. When the firing line is cleared, all persons must remain in or behind the safety zone, except when down range posting/maintaining targets. Upon returning, all persons must pass through the firing zone and remain in or behind the safety zone until the line is cleared for firing. No firearm may be handled while any person(s) are downrange.

18. Use NSS-A or club approved targets only. When using breakable targets, all debris must be policed.

Black Powder Primitive Division

Specific Range Rules

1. All shooters must have a proficiency card or be accompanied by a proficiency card holding member.

2. Absolutely no smoking within fifteen (15) feet of the concrete pad.

3. Bulk powder at the loading table must be in an approved container which must remain closed when not in use.

4. Mixing black powder grades or mixing with modern powders is prohibited.

5. Black powder shooting boxes and/or bulk powder are prohibited at the firing line. Pre-measured loads are permitted. Loading directly from horns, cans or flasks is prohibited.

6. Shooters may test different loads, measuring from bulk cans must be done on the loading bench or before coming to the club.

7. All muzzleloaders having a main charge and ball in the barrel are considered loaded!

8. When loading, do not place any part of the hand over the top of the ramrod or muzzle.

9. Separate powder measures must be used when loading the main charge. Pre-measured and pan charges are excepted.

10. Only Main Charges may be loaded behind the firing line at the loading table.

11. When loading, hammer(s) must be down, and the frizzen forward with its cover in place. The action must be in this same configuration when the line is called “safe” or when pulling balls.

12. Flintlock shooters must use a safety shade.

13. Priming and/or capping may only be done on the firing line.

14. Always keep the muzzle pointed away from your face. The muzzle must be pointed straight up when moving between the loading table and the firing line.

15. The safety lights and buzzer must be employed when anyone goes forward of the firing line.

16. The firing zone is defined to be the area between the most forward, red line and the forward, yellow line. The safety zone is the area between the two yellow lines.

17. When the firing line is cleared (ramrods must be in the barrel of black powder firearms) all persons must remain behind the firing zone, except when posting/maintaining targets. Upon returning, all persons must pass through the firing zone and remain in the safety zone until the line is cleared for firing. No firearm may be handled while any person(s) are downrange.

18. Muzzles must be forward of the firing line when the firearm is discharged

19. Balls may only be pulled with a ball pulling rope and rod while the muzzle is pointed at a tree trunk (on the berm) on the left side of the range.

20. Use approved targets only. When using breakable targets, all debris must be policed.

Black Powder Pistol

Specific Rules

1. All shooters must have a proficiency card or be accompanied by a proficiency card holding member.

2. Absolutely no smoking within fifteen (15) feet of the concrete pad or loading area.

3. All black powder pistols (revolvers and muzzleloaders, flintlock, percussion or cap and ball) may only be fired only on the outdoor pistol range.

4. Safety shields must be secured immediately to the left and right of the black powder pistol shooter’s firing position.

5. Muzzle-loading pistols and revolvers may be loaded at the firing line only when pre-measured charges are used. Flasks, horns, powder cans or similar containers may not be used at the firing line.

6. Muzzle loaders and revolvers may be charged at the loading bench, but not primed nor capped until on the firing line bench.

7. No bulk powder is permitted at the firing line. Pre-measured charges and pan chargers are permitted, but must be secured before firing.

8. Shooting boxes containing bulk powder are prohibited at the firing line. Shooting boxes containing bulk powder may be kept in an area behind the firing line, but they must remain closed when not attended.

9. Firearms may only be capped or primed just prior to firing. Loading of spare revolver cylinders is prohibited.

10. Handgun loading stands are required when loading muzzleloaders and revolvers where cylinders are loaded in the gun. When cylinders are removed and loaded in a separate press, a handgun loading stand is not required. The surface of projectiles in loaded cylinders must be lubed or waxed to prevent simultaneous discharge (crossfires).

11. All containers must be kept closed after priming and/or capping. Pre-measured charges, pan-chargers and caps must also be kept safe from exposure to all combustion and/or embers.

12. Fouled or otherwise inoperable firearms must be made safe/operable before attempting to load and/or fire.

13. Pre-measured charge containers may only be refilled away from the firing line, in the loading area.

14. The safety lights and buzzer must be employed when anyone goes forward of the firing line.

15. All Outdoor Pistol Range Safety Rules remain in effect for Black powder pistols. Revolver cylinders may not be handled at the firing line or moved from the loading bench to the firing line while the range lights are on, or while anyone is down-range.

16. All Black Powder pistols and revolvers must be completely discharged, ramrods inserted in the barrels of single-shot pistols, cylinders removed from revolvers and rendered fully safe at all times when the range lights are on or when anyone is down-range.

Archery

Specific Rules

1. Crossbows are limited to allowable limits as set by the PA Game Commission as for legal hunting. Crossbows must be equipped with a safety device on the firing mechanism.

2. Field points or target tips are permitted; broadhead or hunting points may be shot only at designated targets with range officer permission.

3. No arrows may be retrieved until an all clear is declared. A solo shooter must place their bow across a target to indicate that the range is not clear for shooting.

4. No archer is permitted to have an arrow in their bow unless on the firing line and the range is cleared for firing.

5. A bow hanging from a target is a signal that an archer is searching for a lost arrow and no arrows or bolts may be fired.

6. No shooting from elevated structures of any type ( e.g. Tree stands, ladders, etc.) unless approved by a range officer.

7. Destroying a target to retrieve a buried arrow is prohibited.

8. Arrows may only be fired at targets directly in front of the shooter – no cross firing.

9. Each round consists of a flight of 6 arrows unless otherwise directed by a range officer.

10. Back quivers are not permitted.

11. No archer may handle, move or tamper with another archer’s equipment.

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