Jacksonville Clay Target Sports (JCTS) takes shooter safety very seriously. At all times, there are range officers patrolling the club to ensure all shooters obey safety rules. To maintain a safe environment, we encourage each and every person to report any safety violations they observe to the clubhouse staff or one of the range officers on duty.
Range Safety Basics at JCTS:
● Keep the action of your gun open unless you're standing on the shooting station ready to fire. Over-under shotguns may be closed only when racked.
● Load only when ready to shoot: Never load your gun except when standing on the shooting station ready to shoot. Always unload your gun completely of both live and fired shells before turning around and walking off the shooting station.
● Always point in a safe direction: Even when unloaded or with the action open, always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction. A safe direction is one where, even if it were to go off, it would not cause injury or damage.
● Ensure your firearm is in good condition: Never load or fire a gun if there is any doubt about its ability to operate safely and reliably. Regular cleaning, maintenance, and occasional repair are essential.
● Familiarize yourself with your firearm: Never attempt to load or fire any gun unless you are familiar with its operation. Acquaint yourself with how it works and how to load and unload it safely before using it on the shooting range with live ammo.
● Use appropriate shot size: Never use a shot size larger than #7-1/2. This ensures safe shot fall zones and prevents potential injury to people or property.
● Don't rely solely on the safety catch: Safety catches are designed for hunting and defense weapons and have no practical use on a target gun. If the gun is loaded and closed, it should be considered ready to use and inherently dangerous if misused.
● Avoid mixing ammunition: Never mix your ammunition. Carrying more than one gauge of shells can lead to dangerous obstructions in the chamber.
● Stay sober: Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting. This includes medicinal drugs that might impair your reflexes or judgment.
● Check for obstructions: Always check your bore for obstructions, especially after firing a shell with an abnormal report, tripping or falling while carrying your gun, or if your gun has fallen. It's also good practice to check every time you load your gun if you haven't just fired it.
In the event of a misfire—when you pull the trigger and feel or hear the firing pin strike the primer, but the shell does not fire—it is critical to follow proper safety protocol. Keep your muzzle pointed downrange and do not open your action for at least 30 seconds. This delay accounts for the rare but real possibility of a delayed ignition. After 30 seconds, carefully open the action, remove the shell, and inspect it. If you see a dent or "ding" in the primer, do not attempt to reuse the shell—dispose of it immediately. Misfired shells have been known to discharge unexpectedly, and it has happened here before. If you observe someone else experiencing a misfire, be sure they also follow the 30-second rule before opening their action. Safety is no accident—it’s everyone’s responsibility.
By adhering to these safety guidelines, we ensure that JCTS remains a safe and enjoyable environment for all shooters. Let's all do our part to uphold these standards and look out for one another on the range.