FIREARM SAFETY, RANGE SAFETY AND TARGET SAFETY
Everyone at Direct Hit Targets considers safety priority one. And safety is everyone's responsibility; regardless of where you are, how much experience you have or who you are with.
Please take a moment to review the safety rules regarding firearms, ranges and steel targets -- because when we're all safe, we can all enjoy our range time, training session, family time, shooting sports, etc. even more.
UNIVERSAL FIREARM SAFETY RULES
Learn the basic rules regarding firearm safety and make a commitment to follow, exercise and enforce them from this day forward. #OwnIt
1 - Always treat all firearms as if loaded.
2 - Always keep the gun (muzzle) pointed in a safe direction. Never point the muzzle at anything you don't intend to destroy.
3 - Always keep your finger off of the trigger and visibly out of the trigger guard until you are pointed at the target and you have made the decision to shoot.
4 - Always know your target, what’s beyond your target, and what is in your line of sight (between your muzzle and the target).
5 - Always securely and safely store your firearms, ensuring that they are inaccessible to children and other unauthorized users.
RANGE SAFETY
Regardless of where you are shooting, ensure that the universal firearm safety rules are followed.
If you see a violation of a safety rule, immediately address the individual(s) or report to the range staff.
Always wear protective equipment for your eyes and ears:
- Eye Protection - Safety glasses should have the ANSI Z87+ rating (shatter resistant) for the best protection. Wrap around glasses are also recommended.
- Ear Protection - Your hearing protection should have an NRR (noise reduction rating) that is adequate for the type of gun you are shooting and the shooting environment. The higher the NRR, the better the hearing protection should be at reducing noise and protecting your hearing. Double plugging (wearing both foam plugs and ear muffs) should give you the highest NRR.
Range rules can vary slightly. Familiarize yourself with the range rules upon arrival and abide by them at all times. If you have questions, ask first.
Listen to the range safety officers and their commands. They are present for everyone's safety.
Remove all obstacles, rocks, trash, etc. from the range that could cause ricochets.
STEEL TARGET SAFETY
Only shoot targets that are approved and safe for the type of firearm and ammunition you are shooting.
TARGET AMMUNITION
NEVER use / shoot ammunition that is intended to puncture / penetrate armor (armor piercing, steel core, green tip, etc.) at STEEL targets.
NEVER shoot rifles / rifle ammunition at STEEL targets that are NOT RATED for rifle calibers / rifle velocities.
Never shoot shotgun steel shot at steel targets.
TARGET INSPECTION
Visually inspect steel targets before each use.
Targets should be stable, secure and damage free.
If a target is damaged in any way, discontinue use of the target immediately.
TARGET DISTANCES
Place targets at the appropriate safe distance(s), based on the type of target, the type of firearm and the type of ammunition.
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10 YARD MINIMUM RULE:
STEEL targets should NEVER be shot closer than 10 YARDS (30 FEET) when shooting:
- HANDGUNS (.45 caliber or smaller)
- .22 RIMFIRE FIREARMS
- SHOTGUN LEAD BUCKSHOT
- SHOTGUN BIRDSHOT
-
100 YARD MINIMUM RULE:
STEEL targets should NEVER be shot closer than 100 YARDS (300 FEET) when shooting:
- RIFLES
- RIFLE CALIBERS
- SHOTGUN SLUGS
TARGET ANGLES
Always place targets at appropriate and safe angles, based on the range layout.
Position targets so that rounds should not exit the protective berms, or hit lighting fixtures, ceilings, etc..
Position targets so that rounds should not hit the ground, floor, target bases, side walls, etc.
STEEL targets should ideally be placed PERPENDICULAR to the firing line / firing position, but NEVER more than at a 10 degree angle off of the firing line / firing position.