NRA Range Operational Rules

Note: While the actual range you select may not be the NRA Range in Fairfax, VA, its safety rules and regulations are a standard nationwide. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with these rules, especially if you will be taking the NRA Range test.




1. All Federal, state, and local firearm laws must be obeyed.

2. All firearms not on the firing line must be holstered, or unloaded with their action open and the magazine removed, or unloaded and encased.

3. All shooters must pass the NRA RANGE TEST, and complete and sign the NRA RANGE RELEASE, WAIVER, HOLD HARMLESS, INDEMNIFICATION AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT before using the NRA Range.

4. Owners of Class III firearms must be in possession of any special permits or paperwork required by law.

5. Food, beverages, and smoking are prohibited on the range. (Smoking is prohibited throughout the building.)

6. No muzzleloading firearms may be fired on the NRA Range.

7. All calibers of pistols may be fired.

8. Rifles up to and including .460 Weatherby Magnum caliber may be fired.

9. Shotgun slugs may be fired. No buckshot or birdshot may be fired unless authorized by the Range Officer for a specific course.

10. Tracer, armor piercing, and steel core ammunition are prohibited.

11. Commands issued by Range Officers and Range Personnel must be obeyed immediately and without question.

12. When the command "Cease Fire" is given:


  • Stop shooting IMMEDIATELY

  • Remove your finger from the trigger

  • Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction

  • Wait for further instructions from the Range Officer


13. No one other than NRA Range personnel may go forward of the firing line unless authorized or instructed to do so by the Range Officer.

14. When the line is declared "CLEAR":


  • All firearms must be holstered; or unloaded and benched or grounded, with the muzzle pointed down range, with the action open, ejection port or cylinder up, and magazine removed.

  • Everyone must step back from the firing line.

  • No firearms may be handled while the line is "CLEAR"


15. Only NRA approved paper targets may be used.

16. Use the appropriate size target, placed at eye level, to ensure that your shots strike the backstop and not the floor, ceiling or target holder. Firing a shot on the NRA Range that results in the bullet striking anything other than the target and/or backstop, may result in a damage or repair fine and/or your removal from the range.

17. Cross firing of targets is prohibited.

18. All firing from the 50 yard line (i.e. from within the shooting booths) must be aimed fire.

19. If you are going to draw from a holster and fire (unless authorized to do otherwise by the Range Officer), you MUST:


  • Remove the shooting table from the shooting booth

  • Stay within the shooting booth

  • Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot


20. Only belt holsters, placed on the same hip as the shooting hand, may be used on the NRA Range. Shoulder holsters and cross-draw holsters may not be used unless authorized by the Range Officer during designated training courses.

21. You may collect your own brass that is on or behind the firing line. Brass from other shooters and all brass that falls in front of the firing line may not be collected unless authorized by the Range Officer.

22. Competitions held on the NRA Range will be conducted in accordance with official NRA rules or by the rules of the sanctioning body of the match.

23. Always wash your hands and face immediately after shooting and/or cleaning your firearm. Sinks are located directly opposite the range exit door.

24. NRA Range Officers reserve the right to inspect any firearms or ammunition for safety considerations.

FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN A REPRIMAND OR YOUR REMOVAL FROM THE NRA RANGE.


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Copyright © 1999 MCSM
Most recent revision July 1999