With the move of handgun shooting to the Pit area, a number of questions and comments have come up regarding the use of the Pit. Let us address them in no particular order:

§ I saw someone shooting in the Pit and not observing the firing line. Answer: There is no firing line in the Pit. One of the main reasons for shooting in the Pit is to allow the scenarios common to practical shooting. This means advancing on the targets, moving laterally and retreating from the targets. Obviously, this style of shooting can only be accomplished under safe conditions. If there are other shooters in the Pit who want to stand behind a "firing line" and shoot at targets, then all must observe the firing line. The barrels are placed there to help create a firing line when one is needed so the shooters must agree to a placement of barrels that work for all.

§ Is there a minimum distance that needs to be maintained from the metal targets? Answer: Yes, one of the regulations common to practical shooting is the admonition not to advance too closely to metal targets, as they sometimes bounce back bullet parts to the shooter. IPSC established a minimum of 7 meters as the minimum distance, but most others use 10 yards as the bare minimum. It is a good idea to keep at least 10 yards from the metal targets to protect yourself and your shooting buddies. This does not negate the need to wear safety glasses as you will still receive an occasional nick at greater distances. Rather be safe than sorry. Please realize that jacketed bullets are more prone to reflect bullet fragments back than lead bullets. Why not shoot lead if your firearm will handle it?

§ I shoot 3-gun in IPSC and want to practice in the Pit with a .22 rifle and a shotgun. Is that permitted? Answer: This question was presented to the Board of Directors at their January meeting for clarification. The Board agreed that it is okay to shoot .22 rifles in the Pit and that shotguns are okay as long as the shooter restores the paint to the metal targets shot with the shotgun. This decision was based upon the relative safety issues related to .22 rifle and shotgun and any potential damage to targets with the practice. Basically, both of these are intrinsically safer than a handgun in terms of launching a round over the berm or other unsafe practice, such as sweeping the firing line with a loaded gun. However, if there are other shooters present in the Pit, you need to discuss and agree with them as to what will be reasonable for all. If you want to shoot 3-gun, it probably would be better to wait until you are the sole occupant of the Pit.

§ Can I shoot at an angle in the Pit? Answer: Our basic range rules say that all rounds must impact on the Range. We have houses to the east that are fairly close. If you shoot a metal target at an angle (that is, other than in a mostly northerly direction) there is a possibility that a bullet or bullet fragment could end up off the property. This is not a good thing. Keep in mind that bullets impacting the bank are commonly heard to whistling off into the distance. If the bullet is headed north, it will stay on the Range. Any other direction creates a potential for a problem.

§ May I draw and shoot from the holster? Answer: Yes, even though some of the indoor ranges prohibit this practice, it is permitted at this range as long as it is done in a safe manner. If another shooter is present and objects, then you both need to discuss if there is a safety issue and then correct the safety issue. § What is considered a "safe condition" for a firearm? Answer: When you are not in the process of firing the firearm, it should be placed on a barrel with muzzle pointing downrange and in a safe condition. This means slide or cylinder open and unloaded. An alternative to this is to place it in a holster in the unloaded condition. If holstered, it is considered okay to have the slide forward or the cylinder closed. The hammer must be down in all of these alternatives.

§ What is considered safe handling of a firearm behind the firing line? Answer: There should be no handling of a firearm behind the firing line. All firearms should be brought to the range and to the firing line in a bag, case or holster. Once at the firing line, facing down range with the muzzle, the firearm can be removed from the bag, case or holster and placed in a safe condition on a barrel or in your holster attached to your body. No one wants a firearm inadvertently pointed at them at any time, even if you know the firearm is unloaded.

§ Are there limitations on what calibers can be shot at the metal targets? Answer: The metal targets are for PISTOL rounds. If you are shooting a rifle cartridge in a handgun, it is not permitted. Also, magnum pistol rounds ruin our targets, even though it is a pistol round. If you round is placing a dent on the metal targets, PLEASE DO NOT SHOOT AT THEM ANYMORE WITH THAT ROUND.

We often hear about using common sense rules. What may be common sense to one is not necessarily common sense to another. One wag suggested common sense is "uncommon." When in doubt, consider the safety of yourself and others present and also those at a distance.