Range Commands
You will hear multiple range commands while shooting at practice and at competitions from the Range Officer. We use the exact same commands at practice as you will hear at competitions, and the exact same rules, so there should never be any surprises when going to a new place. (You can view the rules we follow on the NRA and Texas 4-H websites under "smallbore rifle.")
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Below are the commands you will hear on the range before, during, and after the course of fire. Wording can vary slightly between range officers.
Shooters, bring your rifles to the line!
At this time, every shooter on the range should carefully bring their rifle to the red firing line, and lay it on its side so the barrel is OVER the line. Rifles may be on a rack or in a case. If yours is in a case, be sure to bring the whole case to the line and un-case the rifle there. Remember, the rifle should never leave the firing line. If you need a break, or are switching positions, leave the rifle there with the barrel over the line, and back away from the line.
Shooters, 3 minute prep-time is up! Does anyone need anymore time?
At this time, the 3 minute timer has beeped. You should stop dry-firing now and listen to the range officer. Most shooters are situated and have their natural point of aim at this point. But if you are having a lot of difficulty or need serious help, you can raise you hand to request more time. You should not need to do this at practice, as coaches can help you at any time during the course of fire.
Cease fire! Cease fire! Cease fire!
The moment you hear this command, you should freeze - even if you were about to hit that bullseye! Unload, insert your open-bolt-indicator, lay your rifle down with the barrel over the line, and step away from your rifle. Do it swiftly, and calmly. This command can be given by anyone on the range if they see a potentially dangerous situation. Anyone can call it out. But this is also the command the range officer gives when the 45 minutes is up.
Shooters, the line is safe!
NOW the line is safe to cross. This means, every rifle is removed from the line. At practice, everyone will start sweeping up the mess of brass! Wait until the brass is all swept up, and the range officer gives you the OK to go and pull your targets. At a competition, once the line is called safe, you can immediately go get your targets.
Shooters, at this time, we're going to start 3 minute prep-time. 3 minute prep-time begins now. You can handle your rifles and dry-fire only!
Now everyone can handle their rifles, meaning, they can get down beside them and put them on their shoulder - but the barrel of the rifle must stay across the red line at all times! Dry firing is when we close the bolt, aim at the target, and pull the trigger without any ammo. The chamber is empty, and you'll just hear a "click". A 3 minute timer is going.
Ready on the left? Ready on the right? Shooters, this is a 45 minute relay. With one round, you may load, and commence fire.
After 3 minute prep-time has ended, the range officer will give this command and start a 45 minute timer. Now you can start loading bullets in the chamber and shooting at your targets! Remember, the rifle should never leave the firing line! If you need a break, leave the rifle on the line. You have 45 minutes to shoot all of your targets.
Shooters, 45 minutes has ended. Make sure your rifles are safe. Once they're safe, rack 'em or case 'em!
The 45 minute timer has beeped, and the range officer has called for a "cease fire." Once he says, "rack 'em or case 'em," you now need to insert your open bolt indicator, and either take your rifle to the rack, or bring your case to the line and case your rifle there, then remove the case from the line. Do NOT cross the firing line until the range officer says it's safe!
If you're not sure what the Range Officer said, don't guess - ask! Raise your hand and ask the officer directly, or ask one of the coaches. Always, better safe than sorry!