Our ranges operate under strict protocols and multiple layers of oversight to ensure a safe, controlled environment at all times. Every client who attends one of our courses can expect to leave not only safely, but with full confidence in our unwavering commitment to responsible firearms training and handling.

Range roles and responsibilities:

  • Instructor: Our instructors are responsible for staging, presenting, and running our drills. They have a solid background in firearm safety and a willingness to share their knowlege with our clients. A typical class will have 1 instructor for every 6 clients.
  • Range Safety Officer: Our range safety officers are responsible for the safety of everyone on the range. They are the second set of eyes on the students and will double check the work of our instructors. A typical class will have 1 RSO for every 2 instructors.
  • Range Commander: Our range commanders are in charge of the entire range operation and controls all activities through standard commands. Their primary duty is to supervise the clients, enforce safety precautions, and give clear concise verbal commands to maintain order on the range.

Fundamential Range Safety Protocol

COMMAND (Initiator): Description…
  • CEASE FIRE (Anyone): Immediately stops all shooting on the range. Safety is everyone’s responsibility — whether you are a shooter, instructor, range safety officer, or range commander. The principle of “anyone can issue the cease-fire command” is a core tenet of this command. It is based on the idea that an unsafe condition can be observed by any individual, regardless of their experience or position. Empowering everyone to issue this command ensures that the most immediate and effective action can be taken to mitigate a potential danger.
  • SHOW CLEAR (Instructor): Follows the “Cease Fire” command and signals the end of a drill. Upon hearing it, shooters must:
    • Remove the magazine
    • Rack the slide to eject any chambered round
    • Lock the slide to the rear
    • Firearms must then be presented for inspection
      • Instructors will visually confirm each firearm is clear before it is either holstered or placed safely on the shooting table
  • IS YOUR LINE CLEAR? (Range Safety Officer and Range Commander): Instructor and range safety officer, “Is the line clear?”
  • LINE CLEAR! (Instructor): Confirms that the firing line is clear
  • RANGE IS COLD (Range Commander): Confirms that the firing range is clear. During this range condition:
    • No firearms are to be handled in any manner
    • Shooters may safely retrieve any personal items that were dropped during the live-fire exercise
  • DOWN RANGE (Range Commander): States that the range is clear. During this range condition:
    • Shooters and instructors are permitted to go down range to address targets
    • All shooters must be off the firing line, either down range or behind the cease fire line
  • IS ANYBODY DOWN RANGE? (Range Commander): Double checks that no one is down range:
    • All shooters, instructors, and range safety officers are either on the firing line or behind the cease fire line
  • IS YOUR LINE READY? (Range Safety Officers and Range Commander): Instructors, “Is everyone ready?”
  • LINE READY! (Instructors and Range Safety Officers): Confirms instructor readiness for live fire. At this point:
    • All personnel must be at the firing line or behind the cease fire line
    • Eye and ear protection must be properly worn
    • No further movement or firearm handling should occur until directed to do so by the instructors
  • RANGE IS HOT (Range Commander): Declares that the firing line is open to live fire and gives control to the instructors
  • LOAD AND MAKE READY (Instructor): Instructs shooters to load their firearms and prepare to shoot
  • STAND BY (Instructor): Stages shooters for the commence firing command
  • COMMENCE FIRING (Instructor): Instructs shooters to begin shooting

It is important to follow the commands as they ensure the safety of everyone on the range. If you are unsure about a command, feel free to ask for clarification from an instructor, range safety officer, or range commander.

Following these rules of etiquette will ensure everyone on the range is safe.