SMOKEY VALLEY MUZZLE LOADERS

RANGE RULES

AMENDED 2025

1.            Only registered shooters may shoot.

2.            No non-firing juniors or spectators will be allowed on the firing line or around the loading tables during periods open to shooting.

3.            No loaded weapons will be left unattended.

4.            Heavy grease will be applied over each ball of revolver type weapons to avoid flash-over.

5.            Guns may only be cleaned during cease-fire periods (closed range) if the butts remain on the ground.

6.            Eye and ear protection must be worn while shooting.

7.            Weapons will be left unprimed or uncapped until the shooter is on the firing line.

8.            Only one projectile is allowed per load unless the weapon is a smoothbore.

9.            Keep muzzles pointed up, unless you are at the firing line and ready to engage targets.

10.   No cartridge weapons will be fired during matches. Low velocity cartridge weapons may be fired during practice sessions. All others may be fired after the match and scorekeepers are finished.

11.       No open powder containers on the range. Powder flasks, horns, etc., must be kept closed, except while dispensing powder. Powder will not be poured directly into the muzzle of a weapon except from a single charge measure.

12.       No loaded weapon will be brought to, or taken from the range.

13.       No weapon is to be loaded at full cock.

14.       There is to be no smoking on the firing line or around black powder which is exposed.

15.       No horseplay will be allowed on the range.

16.       Absolutely no alcohol or drugs will be allowed at the Burro Canyon Shooting Park range.

17.       All participants will obey the range officer's directions.

18.       In cases where a weapon must be primed or charged through the vent or nipple opening, but ignition does not eject the ball, care must be taken to assure that the ball is reseated against the new charge before further attempts are made to shoot.

19.       If there is any doubt that a weapon is safe to shoot, it must be checked by a competent person before firing.

20.       Novelty weapons (miniatures, etc.) may be fired only during practice sessions. Note: Rule 19 applies. Cannons may not be fired at Burro Canyon Shooting Park.

21.       Juniors may shoot only when actively supervised by the sponsors.

22.       New or unqualified shooters will shoot, load, etc. only under the supervision of a knowledgeable shooter until considered proficient.

23.       All shooters will assist in range clean up before departing.

24.       Children in the range area must be actively supervised.

25.       Shooting will be allowed only under the control of a range officer. A range officer is defined as an individual(s) so elected by the members at the elections, or appointed by a club officer to substitute for an absent range officer. The appointment is only valid for that day.

26.       The nature of our sport dictates that every shooter be aware of the consequences of his every action. Each shooter must therefore govern his actions in the "best interests of his fellow shooters" to assure a safe and accident free activity. Remember, we have the Constitutional right to keep and bear arms, but we must continually demonstrate that we are responsible and conscientious citizens equal to this right.