Safety on the range depends upon everyone on the firing line observing firearms safety procedures. Shooting may be an individual activity, but safety is the common concern for all.

Always Obey Firing Line Commands

Informal Range Activities

Typical safety procedures used during informal range activities are:

The Range is Hot!: This phrase, passed from shooter to shooter down the line on a range, indicates that no one is down range hanging targets or otherwise in the line of fire. Shooting can begin at the participants' individual pace.

Cease Fire!: When a participant asks for a "Cease Fire" that usually signals the desire to set up new targets or perform some activity in front of the firing line on the range. After each participant acknowledges the "Cease Fire," all firearms are unloaded and set down with the actions open. Never handle a firearm on the firing line when anyone is downrange during a "Cease Fire."

Ready on the Right! Ready on the Left!: After all activity down range has been completed and all shooters have returned to the safety of the firing line, the question is asked if the line is "Ready?" The response signaling the conditions necessary before the range is "Hot" is to announce "Ready on the Left!" and "Ready on the Right!" At this point the phrase "The Range is Hot" is repeated by each shooter.

Formal Shooting Competitions

Common commands during formal shooting competitions include:

Is the Line Ready?: At this point competitors signal whether or not they are prepared to begin the event.

Not Ready!: This is the response of any competitor not yet prepared to shoot.

The Line is Not Ready!: Command given by the range officer if all competitors are not finished their preparations.

The Line is Ready!: Signal that all competitors are awaiting the signal to begin the event.

Load!: Although the competitors are "ready," their firearms are kept unloaded until the Range Officer gives this command.

Ready on the Firing Line!: At this command, competitors relax and begin to control their breathing.

Commence Firing!: This command speaks for itself. If during an event your firearm malfunctions, place the firearm with the muzzle in a safe direction (pointed down range) and signal the range officer.

Cease Firing!: At this command, everyone stops. Actions of all firearms are opened. Every firearm is checked to insure that it is unloaded. Activity remains quiet until the range officer signals "Clear" indicating any malfunction has been corrected.