What do you mean by VERY strict? Is it to the point where RSOs are overkill and make for an unpleasurable experience? Can you give me some examples? Are the ranges crowded to the point where you have to wait in line just to shoot?
As I mentioned above there aren't actually any RSO's except for club events like competitions or outdoor trap shooting. All the members are expected to know the rules but there are also signs everywhere in case you're unclear about something specific. When in doubt, ask another member or simply don't do it. Basically just be safe according to the MRA booklet and there won't ever be a problem. This club has been around for about a century and I think I speak for most members that we pride ourselves on the fact that everyone there cares enough to do the right thing to the point where RSO's aren't needed in day to day shooting and we can be open 24/7 without supervision. We are all adults after all.
A few of the Rules/Policies to consider...
- Rapid fire is a grey area based on common sense: Shoot within your personal limits of control. In other words, shots MUST be on target. Slow down if you're not hitting your mark. As obvious as this sounds... some people don't get it. Damage to the baffle system needs to be reported with an incident form so its on record.
- Hang pistol targets minimum of 30 feet unless there is a club sanctioned event where you get permission to shoot shorter range. Small bore rifles like 22's are a minimum of 50 feet and high powered MUST be hung at the end of the range at 75 feet, even when sighting in. Yes, 223 is considered high powered.
- All calibers are allowed on the indoor 25 yard range except for 50 BMG or greater. Shotguns must fire slugs, hung at 75 feet and can only be loaded with three at a time. No other capacity restrictions are in effect on the 25 yard range.
- NO TRACER or AP ROUNDS.
- No targets that look like people or bleed. Splatter targets like shoot-n-see's are ok. Silhouettes are ok of course, pictures of the ex-wife are not.
- You are restricted from the 200 yard (Summa) and 50 yard (McLaughlin) outdoor ranges until you qualify on them. You're allowed to get on the appointment list to do so after being a member for 6 months. Therefore the 50 foot outdoor pistol only range (Pope) is the only outdoor range available to new members independently. These outdoor ranges have very specific rules of their own that can be found in the booklet you'll get when you fill out your application. Such as no shooting after the official sunset time for the area.
- The upstairs small bore range (Fazio) is for STANDARD VELOCITY 22 ONLY. High velocity rounds will go through the backstop. All targets up there must be hung at the end of the range at 50 feet.
- There is a cleaning bench in the observation room, and its the only place cleaning is permitted. NO handling of guns in the lounge. If someone wants to show you their new scope or anything like that, go back to the observation room where cleaning is permitted and un-case/ un-holster there.
- Recent rule regarding un-casing guns on the 25 yard (Loeb) indoor range. You have to un-case all firearms at the firing line. You can no longer leave the cases behind the safety line and carry even unloaded firearms across the room to the bench.
The guest policy and other policies can also be found in the booklet you'll get when you fill out your application. There are office hours tonight from 6pm-8pm. I'll be there if you want to come check it out.
-r