Self Supervised Shooting Program

So what does self-supervised shooting mean?  Self Supervised Shooting (SSS) is a program to allow our responsible members access to the lower ranges outside of scheduled RSO shooting times.  The program is based on training our members how to be in control of a range and the safety procedures, developed to keep our ranges safe for shooters and our neighbors.  The training session will include class time, hands on range control and live fire.  You will be taught proper range commands and safety procedures which must be used at all times while on SMGC lower range.  The SSS program is safety based not a proficiency test of skill.  All applicants will be required to submit a shooting resume, which is available below or by requesting one to be mailed by leaving a message on our recorder (382-2238).  If you decide to apply for SSS, please take the time to fill out the application as completely as possible.  The resume will be part of our permanent record so we need all information filled out in a professional manner.

Self Supervised Shooting Orientation Program

Goal: to provide the SSS with the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to handle, use and maintain their selected firearm safely and responsibly. 

 Attitude is the most important element.

What is the primary concern when handling a firearm? 

Safety is always the primary concern when handling firearms, whether at home, in the field or on the range.

Three Rules of Gun Safety

·        Always point the muzzle in a safe direction, Pistol with the eyebrow in place, muzzle up is ok, however, on the 50/100 yard rifle range muzzle down only as there is no eyebrow yet constructed.

·        Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

·        Always keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use

SSS Responsibilities for Range Use

·        Know your target.

·        Know how to use the gun safely

·        Use only the correct shot size when using the two throwers on the upper range.  Size  8’s or 9’s only.

·        Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate

·        Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting

·        Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions

Firearm Handling Exercise with the Firearm they Intend to Use at the Lower Range (This covers pistol and rifle only.)

·        Loading  * no live rounds during this stage

·        Cocking

·        Uncocking

·        Unloading

·        Loading

·        Cocking

·        Firing * 3 shot live fire only, both rifle and pistol if you intend to shoot both.

·        Unloading

·        *  Instructors will go over how to clear a saved round and its proper procedures

Ammunition Malfunctions

·        Misfire

·        Hangfire

·        Squib load

Other

Review the SMGC Range Rules (as published)

State expectations of the SSS when using the lower ranges.  (Be an example for others)

SMGC Lower Range Commands and Procedures

Purpose:

            These instructions are intended to provide guidelines for formal Standard Operating Procedures on SMGC’s Lower ranges.  These standard range commands are intended to be used any time there are two or more users of a particular lower range to promote safety and responsibility among all users of the lower ranges.

 Note:  Herein, the term Range Officer (RO) is used to refer to an RSO, SSS, or general member taking control of a range when two or more individuals are using a single range.

Section 1: Target Check Procedure

This procedure allows for the safe changing, removal or placement of targets.  When a target check is warranted, the RO will use the following commands in sequential order: 

“Cease Fire.”  Following that, the RO will announce.

“Make the Line Safe.”  The RO will reasonable amount of time to comply, followed by,

“All shooters, step back from the firing Line.”

After all shooters have moved away from the benches the RO will inspect the line to ensure that all firearms are in a “safe” condition.  The following items should be checked at each firing position:

• Semi-automatic firearms have their bolts or slides open and locked,
• Revolvers have cylinders swung out of the frame or loading gates open,
• All magazines are removed from firearms,
• All bolt actions and lever action firearms have bolts or levers open.
• Safeties should be checked, as appropriate, on each firearm to ensure they are in the safe position.

The RO declares the firing line is safe with the command,

“You may change, remove, hang or paste targets.  You may not approach or touch anything on the benches during a target check.”

After target check is complete the RO will announce,

“Upon returning please stand behind the benches and, once again, do not touch anything on the benches until instructed.”

While shooters are down range the RO will move down with the shooters and return with the shooters.  Shooters are to remain behind the firing line until told by the RO to advance.     No one is to handle any firearm during the target check.  No firearm is to be removed or added to the bench during target check.   No firearms are allowed down range (beyond the firing line), this includes CPL holder’s firearms, should they become visible.

Section 2: Readying the Firing Line and Commencing Fire

This procedure is to be used following a target check or any other interruption in the firing.  When the RO is ready to allow firing to resume the command (remembering to check for down range personnel) the following commands are given in sequential order: 

 “Shooters to the line.”  Shooters may move to the firing line.  Cased
firearms may be brought to the line during this period.

“The line is no longer safe; you may handle your firearm.”

SMGC requires that hearing and eye protection is required of all persons on or near the firing line.  You may load, fire and reload at your own pace. 

“Commence Fire.”  If there are more than two shooters, the RO establishes a firing time limit.

Section 3: Calling a Cease-Fire

It is important to remember that any range user or spectator may call a “Cease-Fire.”  Upon hearing a cease-fire command, the RO will use the following commands in sequential order. 

“Cease-Fire, make the line safe.”  The RO will then determine the reason for the cease-fire.  If, in the RO’s judgment the line should be cleared, the following command will be given.

“Step back from the firing line.”The RO will render all assistance needed in order to resolve the condition, which lead to the cease-fire being called.  After the problem is resolved the RO will again open the line following the procedure given in Section 2 of these range commands.

Emergency calls and Incident Report

In the event of any emergency, the Range Officer in charge must take the responsibility of contacting emergency services.  Emergency contact telephone numbers are provided on the SMGC Incident Report.  

An SMGC Incident Report must be filed by the Range Officer at the scene of an emergency after all the emergency response has been completed.  Other problems that need attention may be noted on the SMGC INCIDENT REPORT.  Copies of this form are available on the outside of the RSO building and in the clubhouse.  Any filing of an SMGC Incident Report must be accompanied by a phone call to the SMGC Safety Officer or another SMGC Board Member if the Safety Officer cannot be reached immediately.

Self Supervised Shooter Resume

Click here to download or print the SSS Resume. Please fill it out completely and mail it to the address on the top of the form.