Rules & Operations
How the New Badge System Works
The distribution of the new permanent Club Badges is going very well. Over 2,000 Club Members have picked up their badge and there are four more days scheduled for folks to pick up their badge. These days are Saturday, July 19th from 9AM to 1PM as well as Tuesdays July 8, 22 and 29 from 6PM to 8PM.
Several Members have asked how the new Badge system is going to work. This article will cover all of the questions we have heard as of this writing.
How Do I Enter the Main Gate?
A new card reader has been installed at the main gate. It is temporarily mounted to the panel that houses the old keypad. At some point, the old panel will be removed and a taller keypad mount will be installed. Some folks driving taller trucks have quite a stretch to reach the card reader.
To enter the Club, just hold your “smart card” Badge close to the card reader. The gate will open a few seconds later. Although the new card reader also has a keypad, the Badge alone will open the gate. Members won’t be using the keypad. (More on the new keypad later in this article.)
Can I Still Follow Someone Through the Gate?
Yes, but stop long enough “flash” your badge. This logs you into the system. You don’t have to wait until the gate closes and reopen it.
Do I Still Have to Sign In?
No, although it’s possible you may have to in the future, if you bring guests. Sign-in is no longer required for Members since they are logged into the system when they use their Badge to open the Club gate. (If multiple Members are in one vehicle, each person is to scan their Badge.) The Board is currently evaluating whether the names of guests should/must be captured for insurance purposes. Remember, PSC membership is a family membership that includes the Primary Member, his/her spouse, and kids up to the age of 21 years (23 years if in college). Your family, as defined about, are not “guests.”
Do I Wear the New Badge?
Yes, Members are to wear the new Badge when on Club property. This is how Club Range Officers can distinguish between Members and non-members attending events open to the public. The badge will also be used on each range as detailed below.
Will I Get a New Badge Each Year?
No, that is one of the major reasons we went to this new system. Printing and mailing badges every year cost the Club over $10,000 annually. This does not count the cost to remail badges to the 30% of Members who didn’t get their Badge in the first mailing. We have also been asked if Members who do not renew their membership will still be able to open the Club gate. Nope . . . we will simply disable that Member’s card.
How Will People Attending Club Events Open the Gate?
That’s what the new keypad is for, but there’s a significant change. Each match or event will have a separate PIN code to enter. Those codes will only be active on specific dates and during specific times. For example, if non-members are attending the Outlaw Match, the PIN for that match will only be active from 6AM until 9:30AM on the 3rd Saturday of each month. If a match is cancelled, the PIN code will not work for that day.
Why Are Card Readers On Ranges 1 and 2?
They are part of the Club’s effort to track range usage. When Members had to sign-in, they were required to list the range(s) they were going to use. Most Members listed one range and they may or may not shoot on more than one range. With card readers on all ranges, we get better information to use for budgeting for maintenance, expansion, updating, etc. of all Club facilities.
So Members need to “swipe” their card on each range they use. Currently, we have readers on Ranges 1 and 2, but they will be installed on the remaining ranges in the near future.
Match and event directors incurring reasonable and necessary expenses for their match/event can have those expenses reimbursed. Expenses must be directly related to the match or event. To be reimbursed, you must fill out and submit the PSC Expense Report and attach receipts for all expenses.
If you have Excel on your computer, then you can download the Expense Report in Excel format. Otherwise, download the Expense Report in pdf format. Print the report and place it and all receipts in the PSC mail box at the sign-in desk. Be sure to include your mailing address if you want your expense reimbursement check mailed to you.
CLICK HERE to download the PSC Expense Report in Excel.
CLICK HERE to download the PSC Expense Report in pdf format.
Definitions:
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Primary Member |
Person joining Club by paying full Member dues. Must be 21 years of age or older and a Member of the NRA for the entire PSC Membership year that ends on June 30th of the membership year; |
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Associate Member |
Spouse of a Primary Member who attends New Member Orientation and pays a nominal Associate Member fee. Must be 21 years of age or older and a Member of the NRA for the entire PSC Membership year that ends on June 30th of the membership year; |
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Family Member |
The spouse (other than an Assoc. Member) and children of the Primary Member under age 21 years and living in the Primary Member’s home (age 23 if a full time college student); |
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“Cold" Range |
All firearms must be unloaded unless on a “hot” range and then only when the shooter is cleared to fire. (See exception Safety Rule 1(A)&(B).) |
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“Safe” range |
A range, cell or bay that has not been cleared for live fire; |
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“Hot” range |
A range, cell or bay that has cleared for live fire; |
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Unloaded firearm |
A handgun, rifle or shotgun with no ammunition anywhere in the gun; |
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Approved Instructor |
An instructor that has been vetted by the PSC Board and whose name is listed on the PSC Approved Instructor List; |
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Range Officer (RO) |
A Member who has been approved by the PSC Board or its designee to serve as a Club Range Officer; |
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On-Duty RO |
A Range Officer working under the direction of the PSC Board Member responsible for the Club RO Program; |
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ARO |
“Acting Range Officer” A Member who is serving as a temporary Range Officer for a pistol bay or cell, or on Range 1, 3 or 4. |
DAILY OPERATION V. MATCHES & EVENTS
Club Safety Rules and Administrative Rules are set out below. They apply to all Members and their guests at all times except during matches, programs and special events approved by the Board. Those sanctioned events often operate under different temporary rules and guidelines. For example, during USPSA and Outlaw (formerly IDPA) matches, the target stands are moved and individual targets are used. Steel targets are often used for the Juniors Program and in USPSA and Outlaw matches. Do not be confused by these special rules. They apply only under specific conditions and under the watchful eye of Safety Officers for these matches, program and events.
Club Safety Rules – PSC Shooting Club
- PSC allows for the lawful carry of loaded handguns, but the loaded gun MUST stay in a holster unless on a firing line.
- Except as set out in 2(E) below, when not firing, all firearms must be made safe by unloading them and:
- Handguns must be on a bench or table with the action open and pointed in a safe direction, or placed in a holster with the action closed, the hammer down and no magazine in the gun. NOTE: Horizontal shoulder holsters are prohibited for use with loaded handguns;
- Rifles must be either:
1) Placed in a rifle rack with the action open; or
2) Left on the bench with the action open, magazine removed and a chamber flag in the rifle. NOTE – Flag must be an actual chamber flag and must be clearly visible outside of the chamber. - Shotguns must be placed in a rack.
- Applicable to all ranges, rifles and pistols: When a range is declared "safe," no one may touch or handle any firearms, this includes any adjustments or “tweaks”. Additionally, all shooters on ranges 1, 3, and 4 should step back from the benches.
- During sanctioned matches and training classes, firearms are to be made safe as directed by the Match Director or Approved Instructor.
- General Rules Applicable to All Ranges
- Eye and Ear Protection must be worn by shooters and spectators at all times except on the Archery Range. Eye protection must be worn on the Archery range only when not on the covered firing line.
- All firearms not sighted in must be initially shot and sighted in at a 25yd or 50yd target before being shot at longer distances;
- No fully automatic or burst-fire firearms are permitted on Club property;
- No simulated automatic fire devices are permitted, including but not limited to “Hellfire” or “bump-fire” devices, binary triggers, or anything else that simulates fully automatic fire; and any rapid fire must be done in a controlled manner;
- No 50 BMG or other military 50 caliber or larger firearms may be fired on any Club range;
- No incendiary, tracer or exploding ammunition or targets may be used;
- No Armor Piercing/steel core bullets may be used on steel targets or steel backstops;
- Pistol calibers larger than 44 Magnum, including but not limited to S&W 460 and 500 pistols must be fired on Range No. 1 or Pistol Bay Y.
- No firearm with a muzzle energy greater than 5,500 ft/lbs can be fired. (Muzzle Energy = bullet wt. (grains) X Muzzle Velocity (ft/sec) Squared/450240);
- No alcoholic beverages are allowed anywhere on Club property
- When there is standing water on Range 1, 3 or 4, that range is closed until the water drains;
- To protect the ranges, there is no driving or parking on the range grass.
- When finished shooting, all targets and any other trash should be cleaned up and disposed of properly. Steel cases should be picked up and thrown away. Brass cases may be left behind.
- Approved targets and target placement
- Only paper or cardboard targets may be used. Targets should be removed from the target boards when finished shooting.
- Targets are to be properly stapled to Club-provided backstops such that:
1) Bullets are not likely to hit and damage target frames;
2) Bullets will impact the back berms/backstops and not side berms, walls, or floor; - Target frames are not to be moved without written permission from the Board;
- Direction of Fire
- All rounds must impact the back berms/backstops;
- Rounds must be fired at 90° to the back berms, i.e. no cross-range shooting;
- No shooting into side berms, except during Board-approved matches and events.
- When clearing a gun always point it in a safe direction. Point towards the back berm/backstop when possible.
- Range Availability & Range Officers
- During non-supervised shooting hours, the first Member on the range will be the Acting Range Officer. Each range has an orange safety vest provided. The Acting Range Officer should wear this vest and will be responsible for confirming and communicating when a range is Hot or Cold. Upon leaving he or she will transfer this function to another Member if the range is still in use.
- Members should remember that it is their job while on Club property to protect the Club, including following and enforcing Club Rules.
Administrative Rules
- Access to Club property
- Do not give gate code or membership badge to anyone.
- Must wear Primary Member or Associate Member Badge at all times on Club property such that the badge is clearly visible.
- Do not allow others to follow you through the gate unless they are displaying their access badge.
- Guest Privileges
- Primary and Associate Members can bring family members to the Club.
- Primary Members can bring up to two guests to the Club. It is possible for special occasions to bring more than two guests with a Director’s written permission.
- Family Members must be in the presence of the Primary Member or Associate Member and under their direct supervision.
- Guests must be in the presence of the Primary Member and under their direct supervision
- Shooting Hours are 8:00AM until:
January - February 6:00pm
March 6:30pm prior to beginning of Daylight Savings Time
March 7:30pm when Daylight Savings Time begins
April - May 8:00pm
June – July 8:30pm
August 8:00pm
September 7:30pm
October 7:00pm
November 6:30pm during Daylight Savings Time
November 5:30pm after Daylight Savings Time ends
December 5:30pm
Special Shotgun Range Hours:
- Wednesday 9:00am to 3:00pm
- Saturday & Sunday 8:00am to 3:00pm
Special Rules for Lighted Pistol Cells Only:
- Pistol cells that are equipped with lighting are open for shooting from 8:00am until 8:30pm.
- At 8:30pm, “night lights” will remain on ONLY to allow Members to collect their gear. There is no shooting after 8:30pm.
- Preservation of Club Property and Equipment
- Used targets, ammo boxes, etc. are to be placed in trash cans.
- Do not put live ammo in trash cans. Designated Live Ammo disposal containers are available.
- Aluminum and steel cartridge cases must be picked up and placed in the trash cans.
- Do not throw away reloadable brass cases.
- Deliberate destruction of Club property, equipment or facilities will result in loss of Membership and criminal prosecution.
- Specific Range Rules
- Range No. 1
- There is a light/bell system on Range 1 for added safety. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SHOOTING OR GUN HANDLINGWHEN THE RED LIGHTS ARE ON. There are three activation buttons, one at each end of the line and one in the center. After the range is called COLD, at least one of the buttons should be pulled to activate the lights and the bell. If the lights are flashing, the range is COLD. If you do not understand the system, or if you are unable to make it work, you must contact an on-duty Range Officer for instructions. When the range is called HOT again, the original button must be pressed. Keep in mind more than one button may be pulled. If unsure which button(s) were pulled, there will be a flashing amber indicator light above the button.
- Entire range is ONE range. It’s either all HOT or all COLD.
- The wall in the middle is to allow safe position shooting. i.e. prone from one side and not change the firing line from the other side.
- Except during an approved match, all shots must be fired from the bench. Prone fire is allowed only from the Prone table provided.
- No cross shooting. Only shoot targets that are directly in front of your shooting position.
- When there is standing water on the range it will be considered closed until the water drains.
- ABSOLUTELY NO DRIVING DOWN THE LANE UNLESS RANGE IS COLD. ALWAYS CONFIRM RANGE IS COLD AND PULL THE LIGHT/BELL ACTIVATION BUTTON AT THE 300 YD BENCH BEFORE DRIVING DOWN THE LANE.
- Before calling the range HOT, confirm no one is at the 300 yd target.
- Do not use armor-piercing ammo on any steel target.
- Range No. 2 - Pistol ranges, bays and cells
- Only pistol caliber handguns and pistol caliber rifles can be shot, up to and including .44 Magnum; No shotshells can be fired on any pistol range (except cell 6) including shotshells from revolvers such as the Judge.
- Specialty Bay 2 Y: Any rifle, pistol, or shotgun slug, Buck Shot, or Steel Shot may be fired on Bay 2 Y up to the club maximum of 5,500 ft/lbs as listed in rule 3i.
- All shooting in the pistol cells are standing ONLY with the exception of Pistol Cells 16 AND 24, which can be shot while seated. All shooting must be from behind the red line or chains. There is absolutely No Shooting from in front of the eyebrows. These eyebrows have been set at various heights but can be adjusted by a Range Officer to accommodate your height. They should be adjusted so that no part of the sky is visible while shooting.
- Rifles chambered in traditional pistol cartridges can be fired on any pistol range except Tin Can Alley, which is .22 rimfire only.
- Air guns up to .25 caliber may also be used on Tin Can Alley only.
- Steel Targets
- All shooting must be done from behind the established shooting line. The line will be indicated by a red chain across the cell. The chain should be connected across the cell when shooting.
- Shooting must be done perpendicular to the steel targets, i.e. not at an angle.
- Shotguns cannot be used on any plate racks, other than those in the designated “Home Defense Shotgun Bay”, Cell 6. Shot must be no larger than 7.5. No Steel Shot may be used.
- Repaint the plates when finished shooting.
- Range No. 3 - .22 Rimfire Rifles & Pistols
- Only NON-MAGNUM .22 Rimfire cartridges (Long Rifle, Long, & Short), and air guns up to .25 caliber may be fired.
- .17 caliber rimfire rifle and pistols cannot be fired on Range No.3. They must be shot on Ranges 1 or 4.
- Absolutely no center fire calibers may be fired on Range No. 3.
- Position shooting must be from concrete pad only.
- No cross shooting. Only shoot targets that are directly in front of your shooting position.
- Range No. 4 – Bench Rest Rifle
- There is a light/bell system on Range 4 for added safety. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SHOOTING OR GUN HANDLINGWHEN THE RED LIGHTS ARE ON. There are three activation buttons, one at each end of the line and one in the center. After the range is called COLD, at least one of the buttons should be pulled to activate the lights and the bell. If the lights are flashing, the range is COLD. If you do not understand the system, or if you are unable to make it work, you must contact an on-duty Range Officer for instructions. When the range is called HOT again, the original button must be pressed. Keep in mind more than one button may be pulled. If unsure which button(s) were pulled, there will be a flashing amber indicator light above the button.
- All shooting must be done from a benchrest position with the rifle fully supported with benchrest equipment, i.e. the shooter’s arm is not a proper benchrest support.
- Sand-bags, commercial, homemade supports are acceptable.
- Bi-Pods used from the bench are allowed.
- Rests must be stable and in good working condition.
- The barrel cannot be higher than 12 inches above the bench.
- Absolutely no rapid fire (1 round every 6 seconds)
- No cross shooting. Only shoot targets that are directly in front of your shooting position.
- Archery Range
- No broadheads are to be used on Club targets; personal targets are allowed.
- Animal targets must be returned to the storage area when finished.
- Not more than 2 people on the shooting stand at one time.
- No shots can be taken from behind the concrete pad, i.e. no shots from the parking lot.
- Shotgun Range
- Shot must be no larger than size 7 ½, except on patterning board.
- Slugs cannot be shot on the shotgun ranges, only on Range No. 1 or Pistol Specialty Bay 2 Y.
- Only lead shot can be used on the shotgun ranges, including on the patterning board. No steel (or alternative shot), no Buck shot, and no slugs may be used.
- Except for chronograph work or patterning, all shooting must be at clay targets thrown from approved machines or hand throwers. There are no exceptions.
- All shot patterning is restricted to the designated areas.
- Always keep the shotgun's action open and unloaded when not standing within the boundaries of a shooting station.
- Never load a shell when not on a shooting station preparing to shoot.
- Unload your shotgun before leaving the shooting station.
- Under no circumstances is the shooter to load more than two (2) shells at a time.
- Air Gun Range
- Eye protection is required for all shooters and spectators. Ear protection is optional only on the air gun range.
- Only air guns of up to .22 caliber may be used on this range. Any Air Gun larger than .22 caliber must be shot on alternate Ranges. Up to .25 caliber may be used on Range 2’s Tin Can Alley and any rifle range. Air guns shooting calibers larger than .25 must use Range 1 or 4.
- Steel BBs may not be shot at any steel targets.
- Only approved targets may be used
Club Maintenance, Repair & Improvements
The Club makes every effort to not to inconvenience Members. This includes scheduling maintenance and repairs far enough in advance as to allow the down times to be published on our website at https://PSCshootingClub.com. However, sometimes there simply isn’t enough time and repairs have to be made quickly. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen often.
Sometimes it is possible to work without temporarily closing a range. This recently was the case with Range #1. When no one was shooting, the crew was working. When the maintenance folks saw someone wanted to use the range, they worked on other tasks until the member was finished. Then they went back to work on Range #1. This isn’t always possible, but it’s an example of how we try to be accommodating.