Handgun Ranges

Columbia Fish & Game has several outdoor pistol/handgun ranges for members and their guests to use. 2 of the ranges are short-range, covered ranges with a combination of backers (to attach paper targets) and/or steel plates. The shorter range has backstops for hanging targets at 7 and 10 yards, while the longer range has target backstops and several sets of steel plate racks that are able to be reset from the firing line.

There is also a split, uncovered, long-distance pistol range with steel plates at 25, 50, 75, and 100 yards, as well as some target backers at the longer distances. The right-hand side of this range is designed for rifle-caliber pistols, as noted by signage. Fair warning: anyone found firing rifle-caliber pistols on any of the other pistol ranges will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including revocation of their club membership. This range does not have a roof over the firing line.

Paper targets are available for members to use at a small cost, on the honor system. 

Range Rules: Outdoor Pistol

  1. General Rules for “All” Ranges apply.

  2. No rifles are allowed on Handgun Range.

  3. Rifle caliber handguns are only permitted on the designated position of the center range and may only be
    shot at paper targets. DO NOT shoot at steel targets with rifle caliber handguns due to safety concerns.

  4. No human likeness targets are allowed. IPSC, USPSA, and IDPA competition targets are allowed.

  5. Shooting from firing line only.

  6. No “CROSS FIRING”. Portable target standards must be placed directly in front of the appropriate back stop.

  7. Place “Man Down Range” flag in holder when hanging targets on the middle range.

  8. Shooters may use only one bench/table/standard and the corresponding target standard at a time when there
    is more than one party present at the range.

  9. Clean up brass and take your trash when finished.

General Range Rules (Apply To All Ranges)

  1. Eye and ear protection are required for any firearm shooting.

  2. No one may be forward of the firing line when someone is shooting.

  3. No one may handle a firearm when someone is in front of the firing line.

  4. All shooting must be done behind the firing line.

  5. Shooters must cease fire and unload when requested to do so by other members for the purpose of checking
    targets or a potential safety issue.

  6. Empty chamber indicators must be placed in the action of any firearm when not shooting. (With the exception
    of muzzeloading guns.)

  7. No glass bottles, cans or explosive targets.

  8. No tracer or incendiary ammunition on any range.

  9. No human likeness targets are allowed. IPSC, USPSA, and IDPA competition targets are allowed.

  10. Firearms may be loaded with no more than 10 rounds.

  11. All ranges close at 7 PM on meeting nights.

  12. Shooting hours at all outdoor ranges are: 8:00 AM to official sunset, Monday - Saturday and 10:00 AM to
    official sunset on Sunday.

  13. A member is responsible for the actions of their guest.

  14. No children (under 18) are permitted on any range except when directly supervised by their parent or
    guardian.

  15. Ranges will be closed during maintenance and/or work parties.

  16. Ranges will be closed during Board approved shoots.

  17. No alcohol or drugs on any ranges.

  18. No smoking on any firing line.

If you do not have a chamber flag for your pistol or rifle, Columbia Fish & Game have provided yellow zip-ties throughout the club ranges for use as chamber flags. The chamber flag rule does not apply to holstered, personal defense firearms. If a handgun is holstered it is considered to be safe. Safety is our highest priority and these rules will be strictly enforced.

Be aware that we have installed security cameras at the pistol ranges, the rifle range, and the indoor range. Club officers monitor these cameras regularly and if violations are discovered the member found violating the rules will be notified to attend and upcoming board meeting to be given a hearing. The board will then determine the appropriate action to be taken.

As a self-policing club, in alignment with Pennsylvania's S.P.O.R.T. initiative (Sportsmen Policing Our Ranks Together), it is your duty to be aware of all rules while on club grounds. If you see a violation of the rules, you can ask to see the membership card of the violator and submit their name to a club officer. If one of the club officers sees the violation you could lose your membership privileges. We will not tolerate continuing safety and rule violations as this places the entire club at risk if there is an incident related to mishandling of firearms.

 

Three Primary Firearms Safety Rules

  1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
  2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
  3. Keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to shoot.