Range Rules

SCML follows NMLRA guidelines.

Santa Cruz Muzzle Loaders Range Rules

(Click here for PDF Version)

SCML abides by NMLRA Rules and Regulations

1. When entering, the range is to be considered closed until declared open. Sign the scoring/registration sheet legibly with your proper name on numbered line for the target you want to shoot. Pay shooting fee. $5.00 for members and $6.00 for guests. SCML members must also belong to SVSC. Guests are limited to 3 club shoots and must sign the SVSC waiver.
2. There must be five club members shooting to hold a sanctioned club rifle shoot and three club members to hold a sanctioned club pistol shoot.
3. No handling of uncased firearms for any reason during cease-fire periods, when people are downrange, or when the range is declared closed. Uncased firearms are to be racked at gate and not handled until range is open. No loaded firearms may be brought to or taken from the range.
4. Ear and eye protection required upon entering range.
5. No smoking on range. Use SVSC designated smoking areas only.
6. Guests and guest shooters are the responsibility of the sponsoring club member for their shooting procedures with oversight by Range Master or Range Officer. The Range Master has oversight over sponsors.
7. New members will shoot, load, etc. only under continuous supervision of a knowledgeable shooter until considered proficient, monitored by Range Officer or club officers as required for all members.
8. Shooting will be allowed only under control of the designated Range Officer.
9. All participants will obey the range rules and Range Officer's directions. Children in the range area will be actively supervised. No children under age 7 allowed on the range.
10. Non-guest spectators will not be permitted in the shooting areas. Range Master or Range Officer has the final say. Spectators will remain in designated areas. Range hosts to be designated by the Range Master or Range Officer.
11. No running or "horseplay" will be allowed on range.
12. Absolutely no alcohol or drugs are allowed on the range. Intoxicated persons will be barred from shooting. If necessary they will be barred from the range.
13. All applicable SVSC range rules will be adhered to.
14. No charged firearms will be left unattended. No preloading firearms for next event. This includes revolver cylinders.
15. Powder flasks, horns, etc. must be kept closed except while dispensing powder. All powder must be transferred from a separate measure to the firearm. No direct pouring of powder from horn, flask, or can into gun or revolver cylinder except when using priming horn or flask. Loaded revolver cylinder to be treated like a loaded single shot pistol at all times.
16. If there is any doubt that a firearm is safe to fire, it must be checked by a black powder gunsmith and approved before firing.
17. No proof firing or testing of unproven firearms at club shoots.
18. Capping devices and priming horns shall be covered or closed at all times except during the act of capping or priming. No open cans of caps.
19. Cap or prime only at the shooting line.
20. Muzzles of firearms will be kept up at all times between loading benches and firing line and kept downrange when at the firing line.
21. To avoid flashover in revolvers fill or wads will be used as fill if heavy grease is not used over each ball. No hammers to be used to seat ball in cylinder. Use separate loading press or loader on revolver. All charged chambers shall be capped before firing any chamber, and any caps which are displaced must be replaced before continuing to fire. Range Officers to verify loading procedures for all revolvers.
22. Only single round ball projectile allowed per load.
23. Shoot open iron sights and round balls only for ribbons and awards.
24. No breach loading firearms will be fired during matches.
25. When shooting a flintlock you must announce or call out "flintlock" prior to firing each shot on firing line.
26. Must swab barrel between each shot on single shot rifle or pistol. Revolver chambers to be swabbed before reloading.
27. If a mechanical or other problem arises with a charged firearm and assistance is needed, get the Range Officer's help. A firearm is considered charged and lethal until discharged or cleared, and must stay at the line until the Range Officer escorts shooter to clearing area.
28. In cases where a firearm must be primed or capped through the vent or nipple opening but ignition does not eject the ball, care must be exercised to assure that the ball is re-seated before further attempts are made to shoot or clear. After clearing, swab barrel and pop caps if percussion.
29. In the event a club shoot is canceled beyond the control of the club, the aggregate target will be made up at the next like shoot. In the event of less than the required number of members attending or a club shoot is canceled at the range, the aggregate target will be made up by the shooters who attended the shoots at their next like shoot.
30. Shooting time periods are 20 minutes except pistol aggregate which will be 30 minutes or as designated by Range Officer.
31. When scoring targets—50% or better of ball in scoring area for that value. Shooters will score target to their right or below their target. If there are questions call for Range Officer. Range Master will designate scoring on all targets that do not have a marked given point of aim. Range Master will designate a specific point of aim. On targets with a point of aim, the ball furthest out denotes loser on ties. Known crossfire's will be that shot's score less 1 point. All targets will be shot with required number of shots on the target paper. If there are more than the proper number of holes in the target and crossfire can't be determined the highest scores are thrown out.
32. All shooters will assist in range cleanup before departing.
33. Pee-wee shooters (7 to 12 years of age) will shoot with cross sticks and full supervision. Juniors (ages 13 to 16) will be supervised till proficient and shoot the same course of fire as adults.
34. No powder will be placed on the bench at the firing line. All powder will be dispensed in the rear area whether loading from pouch or loading stand except to prime. Firearms in loading stands will be loaded in the rear area. Loading stands must be used for pistols and revolvers. Muzzles will be kept pointed up at the loading line until at the firing line.

Club Requirements

Juniors will be expected to attend the club provided black powder course.

All members not Hunter Safety certified are encouraged to take the class.

There will be an instruction course for new members with an examination and approval by a Chief Instruction Officer prior to them joining the club.

Scott's Valley Range Rules

Range hours: 

Monday through Friday......8:00am - 11:30am, 1:30pm - 5:30pm 

Except Wednesday.......8:00am - 11:30am, 1:30pm - 3:00pm 

Weekends and Holidays....8:00am - 5:30pm 

Except for scheduled events, there shall be no shooting outside normal range hours.

1. The range is for use ONLY by members, accompanied guests (family and youth members MUST be accompanied), and by Scotts Valley Police Officers.
2. NO children under the age of seven (7) are allowed on the range. Children brought to the range must be supervised. Make sure that they do not stand at the firing line except under strict supervision of an adult. The berm and dirt bank are are NOT to be climbed on, dug into, nor is any material to be removed from these areas. Discipline MUST be used. A firing range is NOT a place to allow children to run free.
3. The youth range is for the sole use of young shooters. Adults are to be present as instructors only. Any youth shooter MUST be supervised by an adult. Air rifles and .22 rim fire ONLY on the youth range.
4. Everyone at the range must sign in and out, whether they are shooting or not.
5. Members shall have their membership cards available and preferably displayed in a card carrier while at the range.
6. Except for scheduled events, no group shall monopolize the shooting positions when other people are waiting.
7. Eye and ear protection are REQUIRED at the firing line on both ranges and recommended at any position.
8. Range Safety rules and normal range safety procedures shall be observed by all persons at the range. Read and refer to the book of Standard Operating Procedures in each shooting building.
9. All members shall read and be familiar with the safety rules and duties of the Range Master and shall be responsible to see that their guests are familiar with the safety rules.
10. A Range Master is required during scheduled activities, when unusual activity is expected, or when the general public has been invited to use the facility. If three or more shooting positions are in use when a Range Master is NOT present, one of the members shall assume the duties of a Range Master but will NOT be required to refrain from shooting.
11. NO alcoholic beverages shall be present or consumed at the range. Any person who appears intoxicated or exhibits unsportsman like behavior shall be required to leave the range.
12. Ammunition restrictions posted in the pistol building are mandatory. No .50 BMG or it's derivatives may be fired at this range. No full automatic fire is allowed, except for Law Enforcement.
13. Shotguns may be patterned on the rifle range or the pistol range if it does not interfere with other shooters. Shotguns are NOT to be fired through the tubes.
14. .22 rim fire rifles may be used in the pistol building if it does not interfere with the pistol shooters.
15. No metal, glass or ceramic targets are allowed on either range.
16. When you're finished, remove and put away your target bases and frames, remove your target materials, and police up your brass, including .22 rim fire. Leave your range and range buildings clean.
17. Wildlife on the range is PROTECTED. DO NOT fire on ANY animals on the range property.