Sonoma County Shooting Association Practical Pistol Safety Rules

1. Proper eye and hearing protection must be worn during shooting of the match by everyone on or in the range area and in the back spectator area.
2. All firearms are to be unloaded, have magazines removed, cylinders empty, hammers down and decocked both on the range and in the back spectator area. The only exception is on the firing line when the shooter is instructed to load by the range officer and while firing the course.
3. All firearms must be in either a secure and safe belt holster, enclosed firearm case or bag at all times, both on the range and in the back spectator area. The only exception is on the firing line when the shooter is instructed to load and make preparations by the range officer and while firing the course.
4. No handling of firearms on the range or back spectator area. The exceptions are on the firing line when the shooter is instructed to load and make preparations by range officer prior to starting the course of fire and while firing the course. There will be a designated "safe area" and "safe direction" for handling firearms.
5. When moving firearms between cases, holsters, bags, etc. they must be unloaded and pointed in a safe direction away from other persons around you. There will be a designated "safe area" for handling firearms. There will be no unnecessary handling of firearms on the range or the back spectator area in an unsafe manner.
6. There will be no shooting in an unsafe direction. If done this can be cause for disqualification from the match by the range officer.
7. The "180 rule" will be observed and followed by persons shooting the course of fire. Muzzle must always be pointed down range in a safe direction. If this rule is broken it can be cause for disqualification from the match by the range officer.
8. Fingers will be kept out of the trigger guard while moving between firing points.
9. If a firearm is dropped or falls from a holster, the range officer will be the person that picks it up and secures it. Dropping of a firearm can be cause for disqualification from the match by the range officer.
10. No one is allowed forward on the range during the course of fire except the person(s) shooting, the range officer(s) and scorekeeper. The range officer shall call the "range clear" before anyone goes on or down range for taping, target set-up, repairs, etc.
11. Strong side holster only, no shoulder holsters, cross draw holsters, ankle holsters or small of back holsters.
12. Any accidental discharge shall be cause for disqualification from the match by the range officer.
13. All commands and instructions of the range officer must be obeyed and followed at all times.
14. Keep noise and voices to a minimum when others are shooting.
15. All shooters present on the range shall help enforce these rules. Have fun and be safe.