The following rules and regulations were established for your safety, as well as the safety of others. Violations of these rules and regulations will not be tolerated by Magnolia Rifle & Pistol Club (hereafter referred to as the Club) and can result in the suspension or permanent revocation of your membership in the Club. You, as a member of the Club, should be aware of your surroundings at all times while on the range and should correct and/or report violations and/or unsafe conditions to a Range Safety Officer or other Club official as appropriate.
RANGE USAGE & SAFETY OFFICER (RUSO): The Club has appointed a cadre of Range Usage& Safety Officers (RUSO) to assist with the safe and orderly operation of the range. RUSOs are Club members who have volunteered their time and effort to be trained and versed in the safe operation of our range and can be identified by the special RUSO Badge they wear. If an RUSO observes an unsafe act, practice, condition, or violation(s) of these range rules, it is the RUSO's duty and responsibility to immediately correct the situation. RUSOs are expected to treat you with respect and in turn it is expected that you extend to them the same courtesy. Do not argue with a RUSO; simply comply with their request and/or instruction(s). RUSOs do have the authority to confiscate a member's Range Authorization Badge and to recommend the suspension and/or revocation of membership in the Club. In the event you feel you have been unjustly treated by a RUSO, you are free to document your grievance and submit it to the Club President.
MEMBER SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES: All Club members using the range are responsible for their own acts and/or omissions and the acts and/or omissions of their family member(s) and guest(s). All members must obey these safety rules and instruction/direction from Range Safety Officer(s), exercise good safety sense, and show a spirit of cooperation toward keeping the range safe and in a clean and orderly condition. It is the member's responsibility to notify a Club official immediately when a member learns that he/she can no longer legally own, possess, and/or handle a firearm. Club members must respect Club property and do nothing that may result in the damage, destruction, or loss of Club property. Club members may be held personally responsible for the repair or replacement of Club property that has been damaged, destroyed, or lost. It is the member's responsibility to never leave a firearm unattended. As improvements are made to the range and as other situations may warrant, these rules and regulations will be modified. It is each member's responsibility to keep abreast of any changes prior to engaging in range activities. Any revised edition of these rules will be posted on the Club's website (https://magnoliarpclub.com/) and posted on the Club bulletin board.
DRUG USE/ ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Members coming to the range in an intoxicated state will be subject to having their membership suspended or permanently revoked. Illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages can not be possessed and/or consumed while on the range complex.
Members coming to the range while using prescription drugs which MIGHT impair their ability to safely handle a firearm are subject to the same membership suspension or revocation.
RANGE OPERATING HOURS: The range will normally be open 7 days a week. Shooting on the range can not commence prior to 7:00am and must conclude prior to the time designated on the sign at the main entrance gate and on the pavilion. READ THE SIGN. The time all firing must cease will change several times during the year based on daylight savings time and the official sunset tables. Shooting by artificial light (i.e., flashlights, headlights, lasers, or other artificial lighting) is not permitted.
Exceptions which will disallow the general membership from use of the range may include State or other matches as listed on the Club Yearly Activity Schedule or posted in advance at the range, and may include workdays scheduled for range improvements or maintenance.
MEMBER RANGE AUTHORIZATION BADGE: You MUST wear your Range Authorization Badge in a visible position when you are on the property owned or leased by the Club. If you are found on the range without your badge, you will be asked to leave for the day. Do not give (lend) your Range Authorization Badge to another person to include family member(s) and other Club members. Loaning a Range Authorization Badge to a family member, another Club member, or to a non-member will result in the suspension or permanent revocation of your Club membership.
A spouse may be issued a Range Authorization Badge in their name provided they successfully complete the Range Usage and Safety Orientation. A son or daughter, living in primary member's household, between the ages of 18 and 26, who are still in school, and successfully complete the Range Usage and Safety Orientation may have a Range Authorization Badge issued in their name. The cost of a family member badge is set each year by the Board of Directors. A lost Range Authorization Badge can be replaced by contacting the Club Secretary. A replacement fee will be assessed as determined each year by the Board of Directors.
GATE AND LOCK COMBINATION: Members should use the Florence/Byram Road gate as their primary entrance, other gate is restricted to oversized vehicles and/or loads. Both gates should remain closed and locked. The only exceptions are: 1) an organized shooting program is in progress; 2) during workdays/periods; and, 3) for meetings/events where participants are not members of the Club. In the event one of these activities is in progress, a sign will usually be posted at the Florence/Byram Road gate stating why the gate should be left open. If you are meeting a non-club member at the range, you should wait at the gate for them and use the inside card reader to open the gate for their access to the range. The only exception is in the case of an actual emergency when it may be necessary to open the gate to law enforcement and/or other emergency services.
MINOR CHILDREN: If a minor (under 18 years of age) will be shooting, then you will NOT be allowed to shoot at the same time. All your attention must be directed toward the minor's activity to insure their shooting is safe and enjoyable. This is a GUN range; it is your responsibility to insure your minor children or guest are closely supervised and not permitted to roam around the range complex without supervision.
GUEST(S): Members are allowed to bring guests to the range. You may not bring more than 3 guests at a time. You will be held responsible for the action(s) of your guest(s). Since your guest(s) have not completed the Range Usage and Safety Course, you and your guest(s) must stay together as a group. It is also your responsibility to ensure your guest(s) can legally own, possess, and/or handle a firearm. Each guest is required to complete and sign a Visitor Waiver. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult and the adult must sign the Visitor Waiver. These forms are found in the pavilion and lobby of the main building.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: The use of hearing and eye protection is required while engaged in any shooting activity at the Club or while observing any firing activity from the firing line while the firing line is Hot. All spectators and/or visitors not on the firing line should also use hearing and eye protection. Members and guests engaged in shooting steel are responsible for ensuring all individuals on or near the firing line wear eye and ear protection. Do not forget about minor children and guests as they are not exempt from the use of personal protective equipment.
FIREARM, AMMUNITION AND CALIBER RESTRICTIONS: You should be familiar with the safe operation of your firearm PRIOR to bringing it to the range. Make sure you are only using the correct and safe ammunition for your firearm. The use of handloads is permissible; however, all handloads must meet the safety requirements of a SAMI compliant reloading manual.
No 50 Caliber "BMG," tracer, or incendiary ammunition is permitted on any range. All rimfire, centerfire, black powder calibers, and shotgun gauges may be fired on the range complex provided the specific range is designated for its use. Each range has a sign posted listing the type(s) of firearm NOT permitted on that specific range.
FULLY AUTOMATIC FIREARMS: The firing of a firearm on full-automatic or simulated full-auto fire will not be allowed unless a Full-Automatic Firing Agreement has been completed and approved by the Club for the member. If you have been issued a Full-Automatic Firing Agreement, you must have the Agreement in your possession at all times while engaging in full-automatic fire. The firing of full-automatic firearms is restricted to Range #3A and #3B and may not be fired on any other range within the range complex. While firing in the fully-auto mode, all bullets MUST impact the South impact berm on Range #3A and #3B. Firearms capable of "full-auto" fire may be fired in the semi-auto mode on any range within the complex provided the type firearm is permitted on the particular range (i.e., may not fire fully-auto centerfire rifle on semi-auto on a range not approved for centerfire rifles). There are no restrictions for the use of legally owned suppressors. Those owning fully automatic firearms and/or suppressors must have the appropriate ATF paperwork in their possession while on the range complex.
Simulated full-auto fire (Bump-Fire) and the use of "Binary Triggers" and any other device that simulates full-auto firing is not allowed at Magnolia Rifle and Pistol Club.
SHOOTING WHILE A MATCH IS IN PROGRESS: Match Directors must post a sign on or near the main entrance off Florence/Byram Road gate during all match periods. The sign will identify the type match being conducted, ranges in use, and time period these ranges will not be available. If you are not 100% sure of what range(s) are available you MUST consult with the Match Director for clarification. DO NOT ASSUME IT JS SAFE TO SHOOT ON ANY RANGE while a match is in progress. All non-members and visitors/spectators must check in and sign a waiver of liability for each match with the Match Directors. Each individual must comply with ALL Match Range Officer (RO) directions while the match is in progress.
TARGET STANDS AND TARGETS: As a requirement of your membership in the Club, you must provide your own adequate target stand(s) and targets. Target stands should be constructed to easily adjust the height of the target to insure all bullets impact the berm on all ranges. Recommended target backers should be made of paper, plastic, or cardboard. Recommended target stands should be made of PVC or wood. Target stands with metal upper construction may not be used as they may contribute to or cause ricochets.
Glass items, cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, cans, political signs, etc (trash), will not be permitted as targets. Exploding and/or flammable targets are not permitted. Clay birds may be placed directly on the berm and used as targets on any range.
TARGET PLACEMENT AND HEIGHT: Target placement and height adjustments will be required as to cause the bullet to impact into the earthen impact berm after the bullet has passed through the target. All bullets fired WILL impact an earthen impact berm unless stopped by a steel target. Targets on Range #5 must be no closer than 100 yards from the firing line. And on Range #6 no closer than 50 yards from the firing line. It is extremely important you check your target placement and height before shooting. EVERY bullet fired on the range WILL terminate on range property.
AERIAL SHOTGUN USE: At this time the use of target throwers is not allowed. Plans are in the works to build a new area where this will be allowed.
STEEL TARGETS: Personal steel targets are permitted; however, multiple restrictions apply. In order to use personally owned steel targets, the user must obtain a Steel Usage Agreement from the Chief Range Usage & Safety Officer (CRUSO) and sign a liability waiver. All Steel impact plates must be AR500 steel. Target stands must have wooden uprights to support the steel plate. When using approved personal steel targets, the shooter must be no closer than 10 yards when engaging the steel target(s) with a handgun. Steel targets for the common centerfire rifle calibers use must be set no closer than 200 yards from the firing position. Steel targets may be engaged at a distance of no less than 25 yards with Pistol Caliber Carbines (9mm, 40S&W, 45ACP). Small steel targets designed for 22 caliber rimfire should not be set closer than 25 yards. You must check all steel targets and plates prior to use for craters or other unsafe condition(s). The member shooting steel is responsible for ensuring that all individuals in the vicinity wear eye and ear protection. Some exceptions to the above requirements may be granted and documented on the Steel Usage Agreement.
FIRING LINE OBSERVANCE: With the exception of transporting firearms to and from the firing lines, there will be NO handling of firearms behind a firing line. In the event you wish to clean your firearm prior to the leaving the range, this activity must be accomplished on the firing line with the muzzle pointed downrange or in the case of black powder firearms where the muzzle may be pointed skyward. If you wish to "show off' your firearm to another person, it must be taken to the firing line with the muzzle pointed downrange. With the exception of concealed carry, the ONLY time a firearm may be loaded is while on the firing line, with muzzle pointed downrange (skyward for black powder); and, only when the range is in a Hot status.
No one may discharge a firearm when someone is forward of the muzzle of any range.
Pistols or revolvers can be carried on your person while behind the firing line provided the firearm is unload, magazine out, and the firearm is kept holstered.
Do not muzzle sweep any one while handling your firearm on the firing line.
With the exception of Ranges #2A,B&C, #3A,B,C&D, & #8 all firing must be done from the red painted firing line on the covered concrete pad area. It is not permissible for you to move forward of the firing line -toward the berm - and fire. Drawing from a holster is prohibited on ranges with a concrete pad and cover. During an organized shooting match, under the supervision of a Match Director, it may be permissible to load, shoot, and/or holster firearms from positions in front of the covered concrete firing line.
Ranges #2A,B,&C, #3A,B,C&D, and #8 have no established firing line (covered concrete pad). The first person arriving at the range establishes the location of the firing line but should be accommodating as possible to others who may wish to use the same range. Others wishing to use the range must comply with the firing line as established by the first arrival on the range.
It is permissible to shoot from the prone, sitting, or kneeling position staying on the concrete firing line on any of the ranges.
TAKING FIREARMS TO AND REMOVING FIREARMS FROM THE FIRING LINE: All firearms must be UNLOADED and made safe prior to bringing them to the firing line with the exception of legally possessed concealed carry firearms on the person. The proper procedure for bringing a firearm to the firing line is: 1) Wait until the range is in a "Hot" status; 2) Ensure the firearm is not loaded and safety is engaged; 3) If cased, the firearm can be brought to the firing line cased and placed on a bench with muzzle pointing downrange; 4) if not cased, the muzzle must be pointed up while bringing it to the firing line and placed on a bench with muzzle pointing downrange The only exception to the above is a concealed firearm on a person. It may be brought to the firing line in its concealed position and placed on a bench with muzzle pointing downrange.
Do not muzzle sweep anyone while bringing your firearm to or from the firing line.
All firearms must be UNLOADED and made safe prior to removing them from the firing line. The proper procedure for removing a firearm from the firing line is: RIFLE/SHOTGUN - 1) Wait until the range is in a "Hot" status; 2) Ensure the firearm is unloaded and safety engaged; 3) Remove any detachable magazine; 4) Breach/action open; 5) Place firearm in case while keeping muzzle pointed downrange, and remove the firearm from the firing line; 6) If not using a case, keep muzzle pointed skyward and remove the firearm from the firing line. HANDGUN - 1) Wait until the range is in a "Hot" status; 2) Ensure the firearm is unloaded and safety engaged; 3) Remove any detachable magazine; 4) Place firearm in case/bag/holster, and remove the firearm from the firing line. Do not muzzle sweep any one while removing your firearm from the firing line. With exception of concealed firearms not fired while at the range, ALL firearms will leave the range complex UNLOADED.
COLD (DOWNRANGE}/ HOT PROCEDURES: NO ONE is permitted in front of the firing line unless a Cold (Downrange) Period is being observed. In the event you need to go downrange for ANY purpose while there are others on the firing line (shooting or not), you must coordinate clearly with others present and call for a Downrange Period. With the exception of Range #5, the following procedures must be followed. A Downrange Period is called by yelling "DOWNRANGE." Each individual present should acknowledge the downrange request by repeating "DOWNRANGE." Upon acknowledgement of the Downrange Period request, all firearms must be made safe PRIOR to anyone going forward of 5 the firing line by: 1) Unload the firearm; 2) engage safety; 3) remove any detachable magazine or clip; 4) place bolt or lock slide to the rear; 4) placefirearm in case/bag or leave it on the shooting bench or in a storage rack with muzzle pointed downrange or skyward; 5) the use of empty chamber flags is encouraged. Only after your firearm has been made safe, you will yell "COLD." Once everyone on the firing lining acknowledges
"Cold", only then is it safe to proceed downrange. When you are sure EVERYONE has returned to the firing line from a Downrange Period, the command, "HOT" or "RANGE HOT" may be given and firing can resume. Upon hearing the "HOT" command, you must acknowledge the command and pass it on as necessary.
Range #5 requires one additional safety measures due to blind spots which prevent the direct observation of individual(s) downrange at the 300 yard berm. A system of warning lights has been installed on this range to facilitate and coordinate a safe and orderly downrange procedure.
Individuals using range 5 must adhere to these procedures WITHOUT EXCEPTION. When you are ready to call for a Downrange Period, you should first make your firearm safe as detailed above. You must coordinate with other members; yell DOWNRANGE and wait until everyone acknowledges the DOWNRANGE by repeating DOWNRANGE. Everyone on the firing line should immediately render their firearms safe using the procedures set forth above. Once all firearms are rendered safe on each firing line, each person on the two firing lines should yell "COLD" indicating their firearm is in a safe mode. Once everyone on the firing line acknowledges "Cold", the person making the Downrange Request will activate the light switch by flipping it to the ON position. There are two activation switches located on the range. When the switch on the range is activated, a series of strobe lights will flash. Only after the COLD command is acknowledged by all people on the line will it be safe to proceed downrange. The only person that can call the line "HOT" again is the person that made the initial downrange request. Once the member has verified that everyone has returned from downrange, he/she shouts the command, "HOT" or "RANGE HOT." Everyone on the range should repeat "HOT" or "RANGE HOT." After everyone on the range acknowledges the HOT command, the light/warning activation switch should be turned off. These procedures must be followed even if you are the only one shooting on the range.
If you drive up to Range #5 and the lights are flashing, you must consider the range to be in a
"COLD" status and someone may be downrange. You may NOT bring a firearm to the line while the lights are flashing. You must verify no one is downrange before you reset the activation switch and bring a gun to the line. If you are the last one to leave Range #5, you must consider it your responsibility to ensure that the strobe lights are in the OFF position.
NEVER touch a firearm during a Downrange Period for ANY purpose. You are permitted to load DETACHABLE magazines or clips during a Downrange Period but can NOT touch a firearm.
You should take care of business downrange as quickly as possible (5 minutes) and promptly return to the firing line. It is permissible to drive a vehicle downrange on Range #5 during a recognized Downrange Period. However, it is requested you stay on the range road(s) and not drive onto the range; especially during wet weather conditions.
If you have completed your shooting activity for the day during a Downrange Period, you must wait until the "HOT" command is given prior to removing your firearm from the firing line. Additionally, you are not to bring a firearm to the firing line while a Downrange Period is being observed.
CEASE FIRE PROCEDURE: Any person -any where on the range may call for a "CEASE FIRE." All calls for a cease fire must be immediately observed. A "Cease Fire" can be called when any individual observes an unsafe act or practice that requires urgent and/or immediate action or in cases of a medical emergency. When a "Cease Fire" has been called, you should take the following actions: 1) STOP shooting!!; 2) Repeat "Cease Fire" command; 3) Unload your firearm; 4) Remove any detachable magazine; 5) engage firearm safety; 6) Place bolt or lock slide to the rear; 7) Place firearm down on a bench or ground as appropriate or holster the handgun. Do not resume firing until you are certain the emergency and/or danger has been resolved.
HUNTING/FISHING/WILDLIFE: Hunting and/or fishing is not allowed on property owned or leased by the Club. Wildlife on range property should not be harmed or harassed at any time.
NEGLIGENT DISCHARGE OF THE FIREARM: The Club does not recognize the term, "Accidental Discharge." When a firearm is discharged at a time or place not intended -a negligent discharge has occurred. ALL firearms at ALL times are considered to be LOADED while on the range complex. A negligent discharge will NOT occur if you obey the 4 basic rules for firearm safety: 1) Treat every firearm as if it is loaded -ALWAYS; 2) Never point a firearm at anything you are not prepared to shoot/destroy; 3) Be sure of your target and what is behind it; 4) Keep you finger off the trigger until your sights are on the intended target. It is your responsibility to prevent negligent discharges. DO NOT BRING A FIREARM TO THE RANGE THAT IS NOT IN SAFE OPERATING CONDITION TO INCLUDE AN UNSAFE TRIGGER ASSEMBLY. All negligent discharges must be reported to a Club official.
OBSERVING AN UNSAFE ACT/CONDITION: Most shooting activities occurring at the Club are self-supervised with no Range Usage & Safety Officer (RUSO) present. Accordingly, safety is the responsibility of every Club member at all times while on Club property. In the event you witness an unsafe act or practice being committed, it is your responsibility to attempt to correct the violation and/or unsafe practice. If necessary, call for a "Cease Fire" and politely bring to the offender's attention the unsafe act or practice. Do not become involved in an argument or dispute with any offender. If the offender does not correct the unsafe act or practice, it is your responsibility to notify a Club official of the situation as soon as possible. The contact numbers for reporting an unsafe act can be found on the Club bulletin board. If you observe an unsafe range condition, it is your responsibility to notify a Club official of the unsafe condition.
In the rare event you come across someone who presents an immediate danger/threat to themselves or others (intoxication, impairment, mental instability, etc), it is incumbent on you to notify the Rankin County Sheriff Department and report the immediate danger situation. These numbers are located on the Club bulletin board and on the Emergency Procedure signs located throughout.
MALFUNCTIONS/MISFIRES/FAILURE TO FIRE: Prior to bringing any firearm to the range, it is your responsibility to be familiar with the operation of the firearm. In the event of a misfire/failure to fire you should keep the firearm pointed downrange for a period of 1 minute or more before attempting to clear the firearm. If the firearm clears, you may resume firing. In cases where you can not clear a round from a firearm, the following procedures should be followed: 1) keep firearm pointed down range; 2) seek assistance from a Range Safety Officer if present; 3) seek assistance from another shooter on the range familiar with your firearm. In the event you still can not clear the firearm, the following is to be observed: 1) keeping muzzle pointed downrange, case the firearm (do not holster a handgun) and transport it to your vehicle and remove it from the range complex; 2) if no case is available, keep it pointed up and transport it to your vehicle and remove it from the range complex.
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: In the event of a medical emergency (gunshot, heart attack, heat stroke, etc) you should immediately call 911 and have someone go the main entrance gate in order to provide emergency services entrance to the complex and provide direction to the location of the emergency. Offer and provide what ever assistance you can to the sick or injured. Do not leave the area until emergency services arrive. Contact a Club Official at your earliest opportunity. Emergency Procedure signs are posted at each separate range ..
KEEP RANGE AND FACILITIES CLEAN: Each member has the responsibility to help keep the range free from trash and litter. Depose of all trash into one of the trashcans located along the firing line. If using large pieces of cardboard or other large objects, these should be placed directly into one of the trash dumpsters provided and should not be placed in the trash cans on the firing line. Fired shell casings (brass) do not have to be picked-up; however, fired shotgun hulls must be picked-up and taken home or placed into a trash receptacle. If you see trash on range property you should consider it your duty and responsibility to pick it up. If necessary, empty trash cans into one of the trash dumpsters located on the range.
LOST AND FOUND: It is expected all members of the Club be honest and helpful in the event they find property belonging to others. If an item(s) is found, it can either be turned in to a Range Safety Officer or the member finding the item can post a note on the member bulletin board located in the main building with their contact information and how the item can be claimed.
These range rules are intended to provide every Club member and visitor a safe and enjoyable shooting environment and experience. They are intended to encourage safe and responsible use of firearms and are to be interpreted broadly in their application. These Range Rules are not intended to limit the Club in enforcing safe and responsible use of the shooting range. The Club can limit or expand the use of the range beyond the Range Rules set forth above or modify these rules if the Club deems it appropriate. There may be special rules enacted or rules modified that will apply to events, competitions, shoots, activities, or special situations/circumstances with BOD approval. In no instance will these special adaptations be allowed during normal range operations.
