Range Rules

Updated: January 2022

General | Archery | East Range | High Power | Pistol | Schuetzen | Silhouette | Smallbore | Sporting Clays

THESE SAFETY RULES DEPEND UPON COMMON SENSE, COURTESY, COOPERATION AND GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP.

Policy:

Colorado Rifle Club (CRC) (Club) is committed to the safety and well-being of its members, their guests and employees.  To ensure the safety of all persons using or visiting our facility, Colorado Rifle Club approves the handling of only authorized and approved firearms by properly trained and qualified persons.

CRC endeavors to provide a safe and secure place for serious shooters to pursue their sport and promote competitive, amateur shooting.  Ranges are designed to meet NRA and associated organizations competition standards and safety requirements.

Purpose:

This policy sets forth guidelines and procedures regulating the use of the Colorado Rifle Club ranges by members, their guests, and employees. This policy is not intended to create a contract of employment or to be construed to constitute contractual obligations of any kind between Colorado Rifle Club and any of its members, guests, or employees. Colorado Rifle Club retains the absolute right to modify or alter this policy based upon professional or business issues.

This policy should not be construed as creating a legal duty or a standard of safety or care. This policy is for internal use only and is not intended for use in any criminal or civil proceeding. Violations of this policy may form the basis for internal decisions within the Club by the Board of Directors. Only violations of the law may form the basis for civil or criminal sanctions in a recognized court.

Scope:

This policy applies to all Club members, guests, and employees seeking to utilize the Club’s facilities. Members, guests, and employees must familiarize themselves with the contents of this policy and sign the Liability Waiver verifying that they have read and understand it and approve of its contents.

This policy and the accompanying general and specific range rules apply in general to all activities on the CRC property. The only exceptions to these rules may occur where the conditions of an organized event, competition or training program, conducted under the supervision of competent range staff, require variations from the protocol.  Variations to these rules are not permitted during individual practice.

Definitions:

1.  For CRC purposes, a target is a man-made, non-glass article that is temporarily placed, or thrown, into position for the shooting. Tempered steel plates, gongs or animal shapes are allowed on certain ranges. Therefore, glass bottles, cans, tanks, rocks, target numbers, target frames, animals, buildings, permanent fixtures, and other objects are not acceptable targets.  All acceptable targets shall be paper, steel, clay or soft plastic.

2.  Clear Firing Line: A firing line is clear when, and only when, all firearms' actions are open with bolts removed or an Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) placed in the chamber or racked or cased and all shooters acknowledge that “The Line is Clear" by stepping back and remaining behind their firing point and equipment. Firearms of any kind may not be handled in any way while under “The Line is Clear” status and people are forward of the firing line.

3.  Range Officer: During organized events a Range Officer (RO) will be designated by the Match Director (MD). One or more assistant range officers may be designated as needed. Such range officers and assistants may or may not wear an armband, hat, vest, or some other identifying symbol. The RO, ARO or MD should be wearing his CRC Membership Badge.  It is the shooter’s duty to know who the Range Officer is at any time and obey his/her firing line commands to the letter. Firing line commands and procedures may vary with the customs and conditions of the sport in question at any time.
During casual practice, the first CRC member arriving at a firing line is the Acting Range Officer (ARO) so long as he/she is present. The ARO is responsible for the safe operation of the range at all times. He/she will call “Cease Fire” as needed for target changes, ascertain that “The Line is Clear” before permitting shooters to go forward, be certain that all shooters are behind the firing line before permitting firing to resume. The ARO will manage the general operation and decorum of that firing line. All other shooters must, on arrival, determine who is the Acting Range Officer and obey all firing line commands of that person. When an ARO leaves the range he/she will designate another shooter to succeed as ARO and be certain that that individual is aware of his/her duties.

4. Tournaments have precedence: Scheduled events have precedence for the use of the range during the time that the event is in progress. Casual shooters may be accommodated at the discretion of the Match Director if there is space available and the casual shooter does not disturb or interfere with the tournament shooters. If a match extends beyond one day, it may be necessary to preserve the range and target setup overnight and the match director may close the range even after the match has finished for the day. Match Directors’ phone numbers and email addresses are listed on the website event schedule. Call the appropriate MD for specific information.

GENERAL RANGE RULES:

2017 Colorado Revised Statutes
§ 13-21-111.8. Assumption of risk - shooting ranges

(1) Any person who engages in sport shooting activities at a qualifying sport shooting range, as defined under section 25-12-109 (2)(d), C.R.S., assumes the risk of injury or damage associated with sport shooting activities as set forth in section 13-21-111.7.

The following general rules apply to all persons who are on CRC property for any purpose, and at all times. There are additional rules specific to each of the ranges, and all persons must be familiar with and observe those range specific rules as well.  All participants and visitors to Colorado Rifle Club must sign a Liability Waiver. 

1.  Treat all firearms as though they are loaded and ready to fire until you have ascertained otherwise. Never point any firearm at anything that you do not want to shoot. Know what is located behind your intended target.

2.  All firearms must be unloaded and safely cased when transferring from a vehicle to the firing line or from the firing line to a vehicle.

3.  When uncasing a firearm at the firing line actions must be opened and the firearm carried with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, normally straight up. Some ranges or events require an Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) be inserted into the open action. Muzzle loading firearms are exempt from the actions open rule but must be unloaded.

4.  Wearing handguns in concealed carry holsters is allowed by military personnel, law enforcement officers and CCW permit holders on CRC property.  Open carry holsters are only allowed on the East Range.  Note that organized event rules may require competitors to not carry handguns other than those used in competition.

5. Drawing from a holster is only allowed on the East Range inside of the bays.  It is highly recommended that anyone practicing holster work while not in a competition setting should have someone else present. 

6.  The CRC is a wildlife refuge.  All wildlife is protected on club grounds under the terms of our Conditional Use Permit from Adams County. 

7.  Dogs are allowed only on restraint and at owner’s risk.  Hunting and dog training are forbidden.

8.  Alcoholic beverages are allowed in designated areas for special events. Alcohol may only be consumed after all shooting is completed for the day, and all firearms are unloaded, cased and placed in vehicles or otherwise secured. Alcohol may not be consumed on or near to any firing lines while shooting is in progress.

9.  Persons under 18 years of age may shoot only when supervised by a responsible adult.

10.  Each member is allowed to bring guests that they can adequately supervise while utilizing the CRC Facilities.  It is recommended that this be a 3 (three)-guest limit.
Members are responsible for their guests’ conduct and must always be with their guests.
No person, guest, competitor, or observer can utilize the range complex without having signed a Waiver of Liability and Release Form.
Members and their guests must follow all Club and Range Rules.

11.  Drive only on designated roads and park only in marked parking areas.

12.  The wearing of eye and ear protection is mandatory for everyone on or near a firing line.  This applies to shooters and spectators.

13.  Be extremely careful with fire. Do not burn trash or drive through dry grass because the heat of car exhausts may start fires. County or State Fire Bans also apply to the CRC facility.

14.  For all emergencies dial 911.  Send someone to meet the emergency responders at the road gate at East 96 Avenue to lead them to the accident or fire.
The nearest emergency fire and medical responders are in Byers, and it will take at least half an hour for assistance to arrive at the range. Note that some cell phones may not be able to access 911.  Emergency land line phones are available in the Smallbore Stat Office and the East Range Building.

15.  Please remove your trash and waste from the property. We have periodic trash pickup in the dumpsters but there is no wastewater dump station on the property.

16.  Each range is designed for certain firearms. For safety reasons it is essential that only the designated firearms be used. Refer to the individual range rules for each range.
50 cal. BMG (Browning Machine Gun) cartridges are prohibited on any range.
Any caliber lead or sabot bullet from a muzzleloader or black powder firearm is permitted.
Full automatic firing is prohibited. This also includes “bump firing”, “fast fire stocks”, binary triggers, and “hell fire trigger pulling devices.”
Tracer, incendiary and explosive bullets are prohibited.
Armor Piercing (AP) or steel core bullets are prohibited on steel targets.  AP bullets are allowed on paper targets.  Rare Earth Magnets are provided for testing ammunition on the Silhouette and East Range.
Exploding or pyrotechnic targets are prohibited.
Black powder cannons are prohibited.

17.  Arrange your firing point so that you fire straight downrange.  Do not fire diagonally across any range. Be sure that all shots impact the backstop. Firing is permitted only on the designated ranges and is forbidden elsewhere on the property.

18.  It is the duty of all persons using the CRC facility to always know, understand and observe these rules as well as common sense safety precautions when handling firearms. Willful violation of these rules is grounds for immediate expulsion from the range and the club.

19. Shooting while moving is prohibited on any range. Exception being for practice sessions and authorized events on the East Range only.

20. Hours of Operation: The ranges are open and may be used during daylight hours at any time of the year.  Shooting after sunset or before sunrise is not permitted.

21. Keep gate closed and locked, unless an event sign is posted at the gate. The last match director to leave shall close and lock the gate.

22.  In accordance with Colorado law any sale of a firearm transacted on the Colorado Rifle Club property must be completed by a licensed firearms dealer

23.    A target is a man-made, non-glass article that is temporarily placed, or thrown, into position for the shooting. Tempered steel plates, gongs or animal shapes are allowed on certain ranges. Therefore, glass bottles, cans, tanks, rocks, target numbers, target frames, animals, buildings, permanent fixtures, and other objects are not acceptable targets.  All targets are either steel, paper, clay or soft plastic.

24.  There are currently eight ranges on the property and each of those ranges accommodates one to several different sports. Each sport has certain customs or conventions peculiar to that sport. It is always the participant’s responsibility to be familiar with those customs and conduct him/herself in a safe manner.

25.  Please pick up your fired brass, aluminum, and steel cases and shotgun hulls, as well as any live rounds and dispose of them properly.

26.  All Professional Training must be approved by the Training Committee.  The Trainer must provide a $1 M “also insured” liability policy, schedule their event on the website, and provide a match report.

27.   All CRC members must wear and show their CRC badges while on the Facility.

28.   No person, guest, competitor, or observer can utilize the range complex without having signed a Waiver of Liability form. It is strongly recommended that all guests and competitors complete an e-waiver on the CRC website at crci.org.  Guest and competitors e-waivers are good for the calendar year.  Paper waivers are available in the Smallbore Stat Office.

29.  NOTE:  Certain range rules may be waived or modified during scheduled events held under the supervision of qualified Match Directors.

ARCHERY RANGE RULES

In addition to the General Range Rules which apply everywhere on the CRC property, the following rules are specific to the Archery Range area. These rules apply to practice sessions as well as Events:

1. This range is limited to handheld bows. Rifles, shotguns or pistols of any kind are not permitted.

2. The use of razor heads or hunting tips is not permitted.

3. The Archery Range Competitive area is comprised of 5 independent stations. Shoot at designated targets with respect to the station you are at. (no shooting at adjacent targets or at targets located in a different station).

4.  Each station has a clear description and guidelines specific to the layout of that station.  These guidelines will be followed at each station.

5. No archer shall draw a bow in any manner that if accidentally released could fly beyond a safety zone, into another archery station, a safety arrangement overshoot area, backstop, etc.

6. Any equipment that impairs the hearing of the competitor will not be allowed on the shooting line. This is a safety issue and will be enforced.

7. Covered targets shall be covered after shooting is finished.

8. Donation boxes are located at the static range and the 3D range. Recommended donations are $5.00, unlimited shooting for the static range and $5.00, with three arrows per target for the 3D range. These donations will help us maintain and improve the range for the benefit of our archery shooters. 

9. Keep vehicles on the established roads to avoid getting stuck in the soft sand which prevails in this area.

10. The archery range will be closed during Sporting Clays events.  This is because the roadway is used by shooters walking between stations and not because of any shotgun related safety reasons.

EVENT SPECIFIC RULES

1. Two whistle blasts = archers to the line. One whistle blast starts shooting and the clock. Three blasts = retrieve arrows and score. Five or more blasts = Emergency; stop shooting. STOP IMMEDIATELY.
2. You, the archer, are responsible for your equipment to comply with (NFAA) National Field Archery Association rules.
3. Maximum arrow shaft diameter allowed in NFAA competition will be 0.422 inches, with point diameter not to exceed 0.425 inches. The shaft diameter will include any wrap placed on the arrow and will include the size of the nock and the nock insert. If the arrow wrap, nock, or nock adapter exceed 0.422 inches in diameter and are embedded in the scoring area of the target, the arrow shall not be scored and will be reshot.

EAST RANGE RULES

In addition to the General Range Rules which apply everywhere on CRC property, the following rules are specific to the East Range area.

1.  All firing must be done from locations completely enclosed by the side berms.  Firing from points outside the berms is not permitted.

2.  Shooting on the 200 yard berm is only allowed from under the sun shade at the South end of the berm.

3.  Walking or climbing on the berms is prohibited.

4.  All targets must be placed as close as possible to the rear backstop, so rounds will impact in the rear backstop.  Shooters are encouraged to use the target frames provided.

5.  All rounds fired must impact in the rear backstop.  Shooting into the side berms is prohibited.

6.  Firing high power rifles on steel targets is prohibited on the shorter 50 and 100-yard-deep berms.  High power rifles are restricted to paper targets only.  High power rifles are defined as rifles using a bottleneck cartridge firing jacketed bullets.
NOTE:  A steel gong is provided for casual shooters with high power rifles on the 200 yard berm. Personal steels targets can be utilized at the 200 yard berm but must be removed upon completion of use each day. High power rifles may be used on these steel targets only. Restrictions against shooting steel targets with high power rifles on all other berms still apply.

7. Armor piercing or steel core bullets are not allowed to be used on steel targets.  A permanent Rare Earth Magnet is hung under the covered line on the 200 YD berm and in the East Range Shed.  Please check all ammunition to verify it does not have a steel core.

8.  CRC stores steel targets on the East Range.  Those targets are for use in approved matches only.  Steel targets are not provided for casual target practice.

9.  NOTE:  Certain range rules (such as shooting into the side berms, for example) may be waived during scheduled events held under the supervision of qualified Match Directors or Law Enforcement Firearm Instructors.

HIGH POWER RANGE RULES

In addition to the General Range Rules which apply everywhere on the CRC property, the following rules are specific to the High Power Range area.

1. Any safe rifle may be used on this range except 50 caliber BMG. No pistols shall be used except during approved events.
“Range in Use” red safety pennants must be raised opposite the west end of the 1000 yard firing line and on top of the west end of the backstop before any firing begins regardless of the distance in use.

2. Range Use Preference:
On even numbered dates shooters firing short ranges, i.e., 200, 300, 500 or 600 yards, have preference for use of the range.
On odd numbered dates shooters firing long ranges, i.e., 600 to 1000 yards have preference for use of the range.
Shooters wishing to fire on non-preference dates, for example 300 yard shooting on an odd number date, may do so if no long range shooters are present. On arrival, a preference date shooter must give the other a reasonable time to finish his string and clear the line.
On any preference day, shooters wishing to fire at different ranges, for example 200 and 300 yards, must work it out among themselves.

3. If both bench rest and prone shooters (on gravel) are present at the 600 yard or 1000 yard firing line, the groups must segregate themselves at opposite ends of the firing line, preferably bench rest shooters to the left (west) and prone shooters to the right (east) with a separation of 5 or more points.  If both the prone and bench rest shooters are utilizing the CRC or personal supplied steel targets, both shooters must shoot from the concrete on the east side of the range.

4. During cease fire periods all rifles must be grounded or racked with the actions open and magazines removed. Very heavy bench rest rifles may be left on the benches with the bolts removed.  ECI must be put into the open actions. Do not handle any firearms for any reason during cease fires. All targets must be pulled down into the pits during cease fires.

5. The high power range is heavily used. Note that rifles of this class may also be fired on the Silhouette range to 500 meters or on the Schuetzen range at 100 or 200 yards.

6. Any supplemental target not mounted on the pit target frames, must be placed on the impact area of the backstop. Placing any target in front of or on the pit building is prohibited.  Exception being for electronic target systems using wood frames, fabric and paper targets which can be placed on the pit roof in place of the normal target carriers. 

HIGH POWER PIT RULES

In addition to the General Range Rules which apply everywhere on the CRC property, the following rules are specific to the High Power Range pit area.

1. Targets must be down whenever persons are changing from firing line to pit duty or are outside the pit for any reason. Targets will be raised only on the “Commence Fire” command unless particular match conditions require other exposure of the targets. All persons must be inside the pit before targets are raised for any reason.

2. Do not leave the pit for any reason, except to the adjacent rest room, during any time that targets are raised.

3. Upon completion of firing:
Lower target and remove target from the carrier. Place it against the south wall to prevent rain from destroying the cardboard backing.
Close the observation window and be sure it is latched
Close the sliding cover and be sure that the lock pin is engaged to prevent wind damage.
If there are no others present, be sure the pit doors are closed and locked.

4. On completion of match operations be sure that there are several target boards accessible in the pit for practice firing, together with target faces, glue, pasters, spotters, etc..

PISTOL RANGE RULES

In addition to the General Range Rules which apply everywhere on the CRC property, the following rules are specific to the Pistol Range area.

1. This range is restricted to handguns only and only those handguns firing straight walled cases. Bottleneck cartridges or handguns firing rifle type cartridges may not be fired on this range but may be fired on the Schuetzen or Silhouette ranges.

2. Rifles, carbines or shotguns of any kind are prohibited on this range.

3. Be sure that all shots impact the backstop. Be aware of ricochets and if ricochets are heard, change your target or position to eliminate them. Do not shoot across the range.

4. Shoot only at paper targets mounted on a proper frame. Targets and target frames are available in the range shed.

5. Shooting at steel targets or gongs is prohibited.

6. All shooting shall be either from the standing position or from the benches.  Prone shooting is prohibited.

7. All handguns must be carried cased or unloaded with the actions open and magazines out. Military personnel, law enforcement officers and CCW permit holders may carry handguns in concealed holsters.

8. All firing shall be from the covered concrete firing line and no shooting is allowed from the dirt or walkways downrange of the columns supporting the covered firing line.

9. During cease fire periods all handguns must be benched with magazines out, cylinders open, slides locked open and empty chamber indicators (ECI) in place. If cylinders cannot be opened or slides cannot be locked back, a dowel, ECI or some other positive device must be inserted in the action to prevent firing. All shooters must step away from the firing line and handguns may not be handled.

SCHUETZEN RANGE RULES

In addition to the General Range Rules which apply everywhere on the CRC property, the following rules are specific to the Schuetzen Range area.

1. Any safe rifle or pistol may be used on this range except 50 caliber BMG and shotguns firing shotshells (buckshot). Shotguns firing rifled slugs may be used.

2. Shoot at paper targets properly posted on the target frames. Targets are available in the center shed at the west end of the Smallbore firing line, the pistol range shed or the high power range pit.

3. Shooting on approved steel targets or gongs is allowed if properly placed in front of the impact berms.

4. When using the short distance target frames on the west end of the range, be sure that they are not aligned with each other or with another frame at the 100 yard line.

5. Be sure that all shots impact one of the two backstops. When shooting at 100 yards, especially in the prone position, be sure that shots do not impact near the top of the backstop. This causes ricochets. If you hear ricochets, adjust your position or target to eliminate them.

6. During cease fire periods all firearms must be unloaded, magazines out, actions open with bolts removed and an ECI placed in the chamber or racked or cased. Firearms may be left on the benches unloaded, magazines out, actions open with bolts removed and an ECI placed in the chamber.
All shooters must step away from their firing point and equipment to a point behind the yellow line. Handling any firearm while persons are downrange is prohibited. This includes moving firearms from vehicles to the benches or racks.

7. Pick up your brass and dispose of it in the barrels on the line. Remove fired targets and carry your trash away with you.

8.  Shooters using the far West firing points cannot see shooters changing targets at the 200 yd target line.  The first 200 yd shooter going down range should raise the red safety flag indicating that shooters are down range. The last shooter returning from the 200 yd line shall lower the flag indicating that there is no one down range. The Acting Range Officer (ARO) will not allow firing to resume if the red safety flag is raised.  Having the flag raised all the time whenever a shooter is shooting at 200 yd targets provides no safety for the shooters changing targets.  The flag needs to be raised only when shooters are down range.

SILHOUETTE RANGE RULES

In addition to the General Range Rules which apply everywhere on the CRC property, the following rules are specific to the Silhouette Range.

1. Any safe rifle or handgun may be used on this range including black powder guns.  Shotguns are not allowed.

2. Armor piercing or steel core bullets are not allowed on the Silhouette Range.  A permanent Rare Earth Magnet is hung under the covered line near the storage shed.  Please check all ammunition to verify it does not have a steel core.

3.  The East side of the covered firing range along with several small backstops are restricted to .22 Rimfire shooting only.

4.  In addition to the gong targets that are provided by CRC, during practice sessions shooters may provide their own targets which must be removed from the property upon completion of use.  All targets placed on the range must be placed so that shots impact a backstop immediately behind the target.

5. During “Cease Fire” periods all firearms must be unloaded, magazines out, actions open with bolts removed and an ECI placed in the chamber. No firearms may be handled while persons are downrange. Be sure that all persons are behind the firing line before shooting.

6. Beware of ricochets and if any are heard, change position or target to eliminate them.

7. Do not move the equipment tables.

8. During scheduled matches, this range is closed to casual shooting.

9.  Always check to make sure that no one is downrange before bringing your equipment to the firing line.

SMALLBORE RANGE RULES

In addition to the General Range Rules which apply everywhere on the CRC property, the following rules are specific to the Smallbore Range area.

1. This range is restricted to 22 caliber short, long, or long rifle rimfire ammo fired from 22 caliber rimfire rifles only. Center fire 22 caliber and smaller cartridges as well as 22 magnum, 17 HMR or hyper velocity rim fire cartridges may be used on the Schuetzen Range.

2. Use only paper targets on the frames available in the target shed. Use provided spring clips to mount targets. Do not use staples or tacks in the target frames. They are hard to remove and may cause injury. Spring clips are provided in the target shed.

3. Be sure all shots impact the backstop. Rifles must be pointed at the backstop before closing the action. Beware of ricochets and if ricochets occur change your position or target to eliminate them.

4. Actions or bolts must be open at all times except when firing. During cease fire periods, rifles should be cased or laid flat on the ground with an Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI) inserted. Step away from the firing line. Do not handle rifles for any purpose while persons are downrange.

5. Pick up your brass and dispose of it in the containers located in the target shed or on the firing line. Remove fired targets and remove and put away frames upon completion of shooting.

SPORTING CLAYS RANGE RULES

In addition to the General Range Rules which apply everywhere on the CRC property, the following rules are specific to the shotgun or Sporting Clays Range area.

1. This range is limited to shotguns only. Rifles or pistols of any kind are not permitted.

2. Shotshells only are permitted and shot must be No. 6 or smaller lead shot. Do not use magnum loads because this is a small area and heavy shot with high powered loads could leave the CRC property. Rifled slugs may be fired on the Schuetzen Range.

3. Fire only in the area of the established stations. Do not shoot in the parking lot, the area around the range buildings or in the area west of the established stations. That area is reserved for archery and wildlife habitat.

4. Pick up your fired shells and trash and dispose of them offsite as barrels are no longer provided.

5. Shoot only clay targets. For practice, shooters must bring their own supply of clay targets.

6. When using the pattern boards, shooters must provide their own paper and supplies.

7. Keep vehicles on the established roads to avoid getting stuck in the soft sand which prevails in the area.

8. Be very careful with the traps. The trap arm can cause serious injury.

9.  When walking between stations make sure your shotgun has the action open and is pointed in a safe direction, preferably up.