Operating Instructions
Note to members: This document has been filed with the Chief Provincial Firearms Office and is a legal document being part and parcel of the requirements for the Discovery Shooting Club’s (DSC) certification and approval under the current firearm’s legislation.
Any breach of the instructions herein can and may be pursued and charges laid under the law.
Our range approval extends to the 308 Winchester caliber and below only (see appendix “A”) and all calibers listed in the 338 Lapua Magnum and any others in the same power range may not be used.
Appendix “B” will be posted later if needed. Our range operates basically as an unsupervised range and as such if more than one person is present, one of the shooters must assume the role of Range Officer
Under the current legislation the Club must provide insurance for the range and the Discovery Shooting Club must have insurance for its members. This is provided to all members who have paid their membership dues and therefore only such members in good standing (dues paid) may use the facilities legally. It is illegal for non members to use the range facilities unless they are guests and then only under the immediate and direct supervision* of a member in good standing.
* Immediate and direct supervision in law refers to arms length while using a firearm.
All RO’s and range users, are required to abide by the rules and regulations set out by these Range Operating Instructions. Upon initial purchase or renewal of membership they are required to sign that they agree to abide by the these Range Operating Instructions.
SECTION 1 - GENERAL
These Range Operating Instructions cover the use of the range facility operated by Discovery Shooting Club Inc., located on Route 238 near Elliston, Newfoundland.All Club members and users are required to read and sign that they will abide by these Range Operating Instructions yearly upon renewal or initial application, prior to using the Range.
1.1 Revisions
These Operating Instructions have been published and revised on the dates listed below:
Original Publication September 24th, 2001
1st Revision May 8th, 2002
2nd Revision September 28th, 2006
3rd Revision February 21st, 2007
4th Revision July 10th, 2008
5th Revision June 4th, 2014
6th Revision October 2nd, 2018
SECTION 2 - RANGE FACILITY
2.1 Range Description
The Range facility has 5 ranges. The description of the operating ranges are listed below.Range A - Four lane 20 meter rifle/handgun range
Range B - Two lane 60 meter rifle/handgun range
Range C - Two lane 100 meter rifle/handgun range
Range D - Two position Trap range (shotgun)
Range E - Three position WWI Trench Firing Range
RANGE A
Location: Immediately adjacent to the entrance (refer to site plan appendix C)
Description: 20 meter rifle/handgun range
No. Firing Points: 4
Firing Distance: 20 meters
Approved firearms: Center fire handguns all types
Rim fire rifles and handguns all types
12 Gauge or smaller shotguns for patterning and slug shooting
Maximum Approved Caliber: Center fire handguns - .44 S&W Magnum or smaller (see appendix A)
Rim fire rifles and handguns - .22 LR HV or smaller (see appendix A)
Approved Targets: Paper, cardboard, balloon and corresponding targets
Approved Ammunition: FMJ, SP and lead bullets (i.e., RN, LSW etc.)
RANGE B
Location: Immediately adjacent to Ranges A & C (refer to site plan appendix C)
Description: 60 meter rifle/handgun range
No. Firing Points: 2
Firing Distance: 60 meters
Approved firearms: Center fire handguns all types
Center fire rifles within and below the .308 Winchester Template Group
Rim fire rifles and handguns all types
12 Gauge or smaller shotguns for patterning and slug shooting
Maximum Approved Caliber: Handguns - .44 S&W Magnum or smaller (see appendix A)
Rifles within and below the .308 Winchester Template Group (see appendix A)
Approved Targets: Paper, cardboard, balloon and corresponding targets
Approved Ammunition: FMJ, SP and lead bullets (i.e., RN, LSW etc.)
RANGE C
Location: Immediately adjacent to Ranges B & D (refer to site plan appendix C)
Description: 100 meter rifle/handgun range
No. Firing Points: 2
Firing Distance: 100 meters
Approved firearms: Center fire handguns all types
Center fire rifles within and below the .308 Winchester Template Group
Rim fire rifles and handguns all types
12 Gauge or smaller shotguns for patterning and slug shooting
Maximum Approved Caliber: Handguns - .44 S&W Magnum or smaller (see appendix A)
Rifles within and below the .308 Winchester Template Group (see appendix A)
Approved Targets: Paper, cardboard, balloon and corresponding targets
Approved Ammunition: FMJ, SP and lead bullets (i.e., RN, LSW etc.)
RANGE D
Location: Immediately adjacent to Range C (refer to site plan appendix C)
Description: Trap range that supersedes ranges A, B, & C when in use
No. Firing Points: 2
Firing Distance: 20 meters
Approved firearms: Shotguns all types
Maximum Approved Caliber: 12 Gauge
Approved Targets: Frangible clay trap targets
Approved Ammunition: 1300 ft/sec sized # 71/2 steel or lead shot or smaller
RANGE E
Location: Immediately adjacent to Range D (refer to site plan appendix C)
Description: 45* meter rifle/handgun range
*100 meter target may be engaged from position #1 only if Range C is not in use.
No. Firing Points: 3
Firing Distance: 45 meters
Approved firearms: Center fire handguns all types
Center fire rifles within and below the .308 Winchester Template Group
Rim fire rifles and handguns all types
12 Gauge or smaller shotguns for patterning and slug shooting
Maximum Approved Caliber: Handguns - .44 S&W Magnum or smaller (see appendix A)
Rifles within and below the .308 Winchester Template Group (see appendix A)
Approved Targets: Paper, cardboard, balloon and corresponding targets
Approved Ammunition: FMJ, SP and lead bullets (i.e., RN, LSW etc.)
SECTION 3 - PERSONNEL
3.1 Range Officer
The Range Officer (RO) has complete authority on the range property to conduct authorized shooting practices and matches.Range Officers have the responsibility to supervise all personnel (shooting and non shooting alike) present on the property and may have members and/or non members removed at his/her discretion.
All RO’s operating the facility must have a valid Range Officer certification from a recognized agency or have equivalent experience and deemed acceptable by the Discovery Shooting Club executive. The DSC recognizes RO qualifications from the following agencies or groups:
- RCMP (Range Master course)
- Canadian Armed Forces Range Safety Officer
- (DFO), Ports Canada Police, of DNR
- Discovery Shooting Club Range Safety Officer or equivalent training
- St. John’s Rod & Gun Club Range Safety Officer
- Individuals listed in Appendix B, whose equivalent qualifications are deemed acceptable by the Discovery Shooting Club.
Guests (children and adults) or pets are the responsibility of the Discovery Shooting Club member who they came with and must remain under adult control at all times.
Spectators are the responsibility of the RO, he/she shall take responsibility for them or delegate that responsibility to someone else, preferably a member of the Discovery Shooting Club.
SECTION 4 - RANGE OPERATIONS
4.1 Flags
A red flag shall be flown from the flagpole adjacent to the firing line whenever any firing is conducted on any range within this facility.
This flag shall be withdrawn upon completion of all shooting activities and prior to the last member leaving the facility.
4.2 Log Book
A range usage Log Book shall be filled out by each member/guest upon completion of each firing activity. Each member shall maintain an attendance record for themselves and each guest they bring which uses the range and submit it to the Club Executive upon request.
4.3 Targets
Only approved targets as described below may be used on the range within the shooting facility of the Discovery Shooting Club.
- Range A - Paper, cardboard, balloon and corresponding targets
- Range B - Paper, cardboard, balloon and corresponding targets
- Range C - Paper, cardboard, balloon and corresponding targets
- Range D - Frangible clay trap targets
- Range E - Paper, cardboard, balloon and corresponding targets
4.4 Ammunition
All spent cartridge cases shall be collected and/or removed from the range. The use of tracer, incendiary, explosive or similar ammunition is strictly prohibited. Only authorized calibers and types of ammunition may be used on the range.
4.5 Authorized Arcs of Fire
Rifles and handguns are not to exceed 2.5 degrees vertical and 5 degrees horizontal from line of fire. Random or wild firing is strictly prohibited. It is also strictly prohibited to fire diagonally across the range.
4.6 Firing
The following guidelines are applicable to all ranges at the Discovery Shooting Club facility:
Firing may commence at dawn (sunrise) and continue until dusk (sunset).
- Firing between the hours from dusk to dawn is strictly prohibited.
- No firing is permitted if people or wildlife are situated down range.
- Firing will cease immediately if an aircraft approaches, overflies, or is aligned with the firing line of any range. Firing may recommence after the aircraft has moved to a location which is clear of the firing line/safety area of the range in use.
- Firing shall be terminated if weather phenomena, such as fog, snow, hail, smoke or heavy rain etc. obscure visibility of the intended target or range area.
- Firearms must be brought to the firing line cased and must be uncased with muzzles pointing down range only when the range is declared clear.
- Firearms may only be loaded just prior to the intended firing of the firearm and only when the user is located at an approved firing position within each range.
- Loaded firearms shall never be left unattended.
- Unloaded firearms, not in use, shall remain cased.
4.7 Explosives
The detonation of any explosive device on range property is strictly prohibited.
4.8 Hunting
Under no circumstances is hunting permitted on range property.
4.9 Safety Zones
Each range has a safety (danger) area designed for specific firearms and calibers. These areas are out of bounds (no trespassing) areas designed to contain overshoot and ricocheting bullets. Every reasonable effort shall be extended by the RO to ensure that the safety area does not have people in it during range operations.
4.10 Closures during Range Operations
Range closures may be in effect at certain times. Closures will be posted.
4.11 Garbage
Burning garbage on range property is prohibited. All garbage shall be collected and removed from the range property by the shooters, immediately after all firing has been discontinued.
4.12 Unloaded Firearms
All handguns shall be unloaded and holstered or cased except while on an active firing line. All firearms except handguns, not actively being used on the firing line shall be unloaded and cased in accordance with safe storage regulations.
4.13 Match/Practice Completion
At the conclusion of all shooting matches or practices each member shall ensure that targets are removed; firing points are policed for brass and other debris; flag is lowered and the Club area is secure.
SECTION 5 - RANGE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
5.1 Range Safety Vehicle and EquipmentA Range Safety Vehicle must be designated for each open/invitational event. This vehicle shall:
- Be located as close as practical to the active range (firing line)
- Have the keys readily accessible at all times
- Be suitable to transport an injured party to the nearest medical facility
- Have an emergency first aid kit/cell phone readily accessible
Spectators shall follow all directions given to them by the RO or delegated Club member. Spectators shall remain a safe distance away from the active firing line.
5.3 Hearing and Eye Protection
Shooters and Range Staff in near proximity to an active firing line shall wear or provide for adequate hearing protection. Shooters and Range Staff in near proximity to an active firing line should wear adequate eye protection.
5.4 Alcohol/Drugs
Any person deemed by the RO to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to handle or discharge a firearm.
5.5 Smoking
Smoking is not permitted on any firing point.
Smoking is permitted within the DSC only if this activity does not interfere with any participants on the firing line. All smoking apparatus must be immediately extinguished upon the direction/order of a RO.
SECTION 6 - EMERGENCY INFORMATION
6.1 Emergency Telephone Phone Numbers
- Hospital Emergency (Bonavista) 468-2112
- RCMP (Bonavista) 468-7333
- Fire Department (Bonavista) 468-2222
- Fire Department (Catalina) 469-2525
- Discovery Shooting Club Contact (Elliston) 468-7793
Appendix A
The following tables provide information on authorized firearms that equivalent to the "Maximum Approved Calibers" as stipulated within these Operating guidelines. DSC members please note that the calibers listed in the .338 Lapua Magnum area and any other equivalent high powered calibers may not be used at the club. Calibers not listed which have a power factor equivalent to one of the groups listed are deemed to be part of that group.
Equivalent Caliber that will remain within the designated safety zone/area:
.338 Lapua Magnum
(Not Approved for use at the DSC)
.338 Lapua Magnum; 7mm Remington Magnum; .300 Winchester Magnum; .300 Weatherby Magnum; .308 Norma Magnum; .375 H&H Magnum; 8mm Remington Magnum; .300 H&H Magnum; .338 Winchester Magnum; .340 Weatherby Magnum; .358 Norma Magnum; .350 Remington Magnum; .378 Weatherby Magnum
.308 Winchester
(Approved for use at the DSC)
.308 Winchester; .30-06 Springfield; 7mm-08 Remington; 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser; 6.5x54 Mannlicher-Schoenauer; 6.5x57 Mauser; 6.5x57R Mauser; 6.5x58R Sauer; 6.5x58 Portuguese Vergueiro; 6.5x58R Krag-Jorgensen; 8mm Mauser (8x57JS); .270 Winchester; .358 Winchester; 6.5x61 Mauser; 7x57 Mauser; 7x57R Mauser; 7.62x54R Russian; 6.5x50 Arisaka; 6.5x52 Mannlicher-Carcano; 6.5x53R Mannlicher; .250 Savage; .257 Roberts; .307 Winchester; .303 British; .350 Remington Magnum; .300 Savage
.223 Remington
(Approved for use at the DSC)
.223 Remington; .22 Hornet; .220 Swift; .22-250 Remington; .223 Remington Magnum; .30 Remington; .303 Savage; .32 Winchester Special; .35 Remington; .38-55 Winchester; .38-40 Winchester; .30 M1 Carbine; .348 Winchester; .351 Winchester; .356 Winchester; .22 Savage Hi-Power; .25 Remington; 7.62x39 Russian; .30-30 Winchester; .222 Remington; .25-20 WCF; .25-35 Winchester; .256 Winchester Magnum; .50-90 Sharps; .32-20 Winchester; .44-40 Winchester; .444 Marlin; .44 Ball; .375 Winchester; .45-70 U.S. Government; .458 Winchester; 6mm Lee Navy; .30-40 Krag
357 S&W Magnum /.44 S&W Magnum
(Approved for use at the DSC)
.357 Magnum
9mm Parabellum
(Approved for use at the DSC)
9mm Parabellum; .44 Magnum; .45 ACP; .45 Colt; 7.65 Parabellum; .38 Special; .50 Muzzleloader cast bullet
.22 Long Rife HV
(Approved for use at the DSC)
.22 LR HV; .22 LR STD Velocity; .22 Long; .22 Short; 9mm Browning Short; .25 ACP; .32 ACP; .58 Caliber Muzzleloader Ball; .54 Caliber Muzzleloader Ball; .44 Caliber Muzzleloader Ball; .45 Caliber Muzzleloader Ball; .40 Caliber Muzzleloader Ball; .36 Caliber Muzzleloader Ball; .32 Caliber Muzzleloader Ball
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