Req 2af — Range Procedures and Commands

A shooting range operates on a clear structure of commands and procedures. Everyone on the line follows the same rules at the same time. Your safety and the safety of everyone around you depends on understanding and responding correctly to every command.

Range Commands

“CEASE FIRE” Stop shooting immediately. Take your finger off the trigger. Do not fire again until you are instructed to. If you hear this command and you are mid-shot, stop. The range safety officer may call cease fire for any reason—including someone downrange.

“MAKE THE RANGE SAFE” / “OPEN YOUR ACTIONS” After cease fire, unload your rifle: remove the magazine (if applicable), open the bolt, and visually inspect the chamber to confirm it is empty. Leave the action open. Step back from the firing line. On some ranges, you will be asked to lay the rifle on the bench with the action open facing up, or place it in a rack.

“THE RANGE IS COLD” / “GO DOWNRANGE” All rifles are verified safe and staged. Only now may anyone go downrange to check or set targets. Never go downrange on a hot range (one where rifles are loaded or shooters are present on the line without an explicit cold range call from the RSO).

“THE RANGE IS HOT” / “COMMENCE FIRING” Everyone is back behind the firing line. Shooters may approach the line, load, and fire.

“LOAD” Insert a magazine or load the chamber as instructed.

“FIRE” / “BEGIN SHOOTING” Firing may now commence.

Firing Line Conduct

• When not actively shooting, keep the rifle in the rack or on the bench with the action open and bolt back.
• Do not walk behind a shooter who is actively firing without permission or a break in fire.
• If you see a safety violation, call “CEASE FIRE” immediately and loudly—you do not need the RSO’s permission to call cease fire. This is every shooter’s right and responsibility.
• Do not handle your firearm when the range is cold and people are downrange.

Your Attitude on the Range

The requirement mentions “attitude” deliberately. The RSO and your counselor are evaluating how you carry yourself. They want to see someone who:

• Pays attention and responds to commands immediately without hesitation.
• Handles the rifle with steady, deliberate care—no horsing around, no casual pointing.
• Asks questions when uncertain rather than guessing.
• Stays focused throughout the session, not distracted by conversation or devices.

Being on a rifle range is a privilege. The attitude of a safe shooter shows in every small action.