Arkansas Armory Range Safety Use Policies
To ensure the safety of all patrons and staff, all individuals using the range must comply with the following safety policies. These policies are enforced uniformly to prevent accidents and ensure a secure environment for everyone.
While no list is exhaustive and covers every possible scenario, this is a list of many of our safety rules and policies:
1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. When on the Range, the ONLY safe direction is DOWNRANGE.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot (sights on target).
3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
4. Be sure of your target, whats between you and your target and what's beyond your target
5. Be sure the gun is safe to operate and know how to use it safely – if you do not know, ask us and we will be glad to help show you.
6. Firearms should be cased / uncased in the booth with the muzzle pointed downrange.
7. Vision Requirements
Target Identification: All users must be able to clearly see their target and identify what is beyond it.
Corrective Lenses: If corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) are necessary to meet vision requirements, users must wear them while on the range.
Vision Impairments: Individuals who are legally blind or otherwise unable to visually confirm target placement and surroundings may not use the range without a certified instructor present to assist. Private instruction services are available by appointment.
8. Sobriety Requirement
Zero Tolerance Policy: Intoxicated persons are strictly prohibited from using the range. This includes:
Alcohol: Users must not be under the influence of alcohol. No alcohol consumption is allowed within the facility.
Cannabis and Other Substances: Use of cannabis, prescription medications that impair alertness, or any controlled substances that could affect judgment, coordination, or reaction time is prohibited.
On-Site Judgment: Range officers and staff reserve the right to refuse service if they suspect any impairment, regardless of cause.
9. Physical and Mental Fitness Requirements
Control of Firearm: All users must have the physical ability to hold, aim, and discharge a firearm safely. This includes the strength to handle recoil and maintain a steady grip.
Mental Alertness: Users must be mentally alert, coherent, and able to follow all range rules and instructions. Anyone exhibiting signs of extreme fatigue, confusion, or erratic behavior will be asked to leave the range.
10. Supervision Requirements
Minors and Dependent Adults: Minors or adults with disabilities that impair safe and independent firearm handling must be accompanied by a qualified guardian or instructor at all times.
Instructor Supervision: Individuals without firearms knowledge or who do not meet independent use requirements due to vision, disability, or other limitations may use the range only under direct supervision of an instructor. Private coaching sessions are available at a standard hourly rate.
11. Attire Requirements
Footwear: Open-toed shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are not permitted on the range. All users must wear closed-toe shoes to protect against accidental contact with hot brass and other potential hazards.
Upper Body Clothing: To prevent burns from ejected brass, all users must wear clothing that covers the chest and shoulders. Open shirts, low-cut tops, or tops exposing cleavage are prohibited. High-necked shirts are recommended.
Protective Gear: Eye and hearing protection are required at all times while on the range and are available for purchase if needed.
12. Pregnancy Policy
Pregnant Individuals: Due to noise levels and potential lead exposure, pregnant individuals are not permitted to use the range. This policy is in place to protect the health and safety of both the mother and unborn child.
Alternative Options: Pregnant individuals are welcome to participate in other non-shooting classes or events offered by Arkansas Armory and can schedule range use after pregnancy.
13. Compliance with Range Rules
Safe Handling: All range users must adhere to range safety rules at all times, including safe firearm handling, muzzle discipline, and awareness of surroundings.
Immediate Compliance: Failure to immediately comply with any staff or range officer instructions will result in removal from the premises.
14. Remain behind the firing line at all times.
15. Only use the correct ammunition for your firearm – Double-check if firing more than one caliber firearm during your visit.
16. Ammunition should not be present when cleaning or working on a firearm.
17. The “safety” on a firearm is a mechanical device that can fail.
18. All rounds must impact the backstop after penetrating the target
19. Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
20. When gripping a semi-automatic pistol, always keep both thumbs on the same side of the gun and below the rearward travel of the slide.
21. When a cartridge fails to fire immediately, it could be a hang-fire or misfire:
22. Always know how your firearm works – Read and Consult the Owners Manual.
23. Four Steps to safely unload a generic semi-automatic firearm with detachable magazine:
24. A shot will hit the target high when the front sight is higher than the rear sight. Focus on your front sight when aiming.
25. ALL Range Officer commands are to be followed immediately and without question. All Range Officer Decisions are final.
26. All federal, state and local firearm laws must be obeyed on Arkansas Armory property
27. No gun handling whatsoever is allowed outside of the shooting booth. All firearm handling must occur within the confines of the shooting booth. All guns are to be cased/uncased in the booth.
28. All firearms not in use must be holstered, or unloaded with the action open, pointed downrange, and the magazine removed, or unloaded and cased.
29. All shooters must complete and sign the ARKANSAS ARMORY HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT, LIMITS OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT before using the range.
30. Owners of Class III firearms must be in possession of any special permits or paper work required by law. The Range Manager reserves the right to review these documents at his discretion.
31. Food, beverages and tobacco are prohibited on the range. (Tobacco use is prohibited in the building.)
32. No muzzle-loading/black powder firearms may be fired on the range.
33. Air-powered, pneumatic, "Air guns", "BB Guns", "Pellet Guns", "Air Rifles", "Air Pistols", and "Airsoft Guns" are not allowed
34. Unsuppressed rifle caliber firearms may only be fired on Thursdays and Fridays (i.e. 5.56mm, 7.62mm, etc)
35. Caliber should not exceed 30-06. Any cartridge that equals or exceeds 3000 ft lbs is not allowed.
36. Rimfire and pistol caliber firearms ARE allowed 7-days a week regardless of whether they are a rifle or handgun. (.17, .22, .22 WMR, 9mm, 40 S&W, .45 ACP)
37. Any “hip” firing is prohibited. All fire must be aimed.
38. Tracer, armor piercing and steel core ammunition are prohibited.
39. All rifles will be inspected to ensure they have sights and all ammunition may be inspected to ensure that they are not steel core (green tip like 5.56mm XM855 and similar), tracer, or shot shell.
40. Range Entrance & Exit are “one way”. Allow doors to close beforehand to control noise.
41. When the command “CEASE FIRE” is given:
42. No one other than Range personnel may go forward of the red firing line for any reason.
43. When the firing line is declared “COLD”:
44. Only Range approved paper targets may be used. Targets deemed offensive by Arkansas Armory staff are prohibited.
45. Use the appropriate size target, placed at eye level, to ensure that your shots strike the backstop and not the floor, ceiling, wall, or target holder. Be aware of your shooting angle. Shooters may be held financially responsible for damages caused and/or removed from the Range if situation warrants.
46. Rifle muzzles must be forward of red firing line to reduce muzzle blast back into the shooting booths.
47. All firing from within the shooting booth must be aimed fire (use of sights). Cross firing at targets is prohibited. Rapid fire must be controlled and on target.
48. Holster draw on the range is prohibited
49. You may collect your own brass that is on or behind the red firing line. Brass from other shooters and all brass that falls in front of the red firing line may not be collected.
50. Firearms may not be cleaned at the Range; use of solvents at the shooting booths is prohibited.
51. Always wash your hands and face immediately after shooting and/or cleaning your firearm.
52. Arkansas Armory reserves the right to inspect any firearms or ammunition for safety considerations. They have the right to restrict the types of firearms and/or ammunition used on the Range.
53. All firearms must be cased or holstered when entering the lobby.
54. Arkansas Armory reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason
55. All firearms must have sights in order to be fired on the range.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN A REPRIMAND AND/OR YOUR REMOVAL FROM THE RANGE WITHOUT REFUND.
WE WANT YOU TO HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE TIME AT ARKANSAS ARMORY. WE WILL TREAT PEOPLE AS RESPONSIBLE ADULTS AND WITH DUE COURTESEY AND RESPECT UNTIL A PERSON SHOWS THEY ARE UNWILLING TO TREAT OTHERS THE SAME. THIS IS A PLACE OF LEARNING, AND WE WANT YOU COMFORTABLE BEING HERE TO LEARN. WE JUST ASK THAT YOU RESPECT THE LIFE-TAKING CAPABILITY OF A FIREARM AND TREAT IT AND OTHERS AROUND YOU APPROPRIATELY
Note: These policies are in place to ensure a safe and controlled environment for all patrons. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in denial of range access.
Disclaimer
These policies may be updated to ensure continued safety and compliance with legal standards. These policies are available for review and users are encouraged to review them before each use of the range.
While no list is exhaustive and covers every possible scenario, this is a list of many of our safety rules and policies:
1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. When on the Range, the ONLY safe direction is DOWNRANGE.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot (sights on target).
3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
4. Be sure of your target, whats between you and your target and what's beyond your target
5. Be sure the gun is safe to operate and know how to use it safely – if you do not know, ask us and we will be glad to help show you.
6. Firearms should be cased / uncased in the booth with the muzzle pointed downrange.
7. Vision Requirements
Target Identification: All users must be able to clearly see their target and identify what is beyond it.
Corrective Lenses: If corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) are necessary to meet vision requirements, users must wear them while on the range.
Vision Impairments: Individuals who are legally blind or otherwise unable to visually confirm target placement and surroundings may not use the range without a certified instructor present to assist. Private instruction services are available by appointment.
8. Sobriety Requirement
Zero Tolerance Policy: Intoxicated persons are strictly prohibited from using the range. This includes:
Alcohol: Users must not be under the influence of alcohol. No alcohol consumption is allowed within the facility.
Cannabis and Other Substances: Use of cannabis, prescription medications that impair alertness, or any controlled substances that could affect judgment, coordination, or reaction time is prohibited.
On-Site Judgment: Range officers and staff reserve the right to refuse service if they suspect any impairment, regardless of cause.
9. Physical and Mental Fitness Requirements
Control of Firearm: All users must have the physical ability to hold, aim, and discharge a firearm safely. This includes the strength to handle recoil and maintain a steady grip.
Mental Alertness: Users must be mentally alert, coherent, and able to follow all range rules and instructions. Anyone exhibiting signs of extreme fatigue, confusion, or erratic behavior will be asked to leave the range.
10. Supervision Requirements
Minors and Dependent Adults: Minors or adults with disabilities that impair safe and independent firearm handling must be accompanied by a qualified guardian or instructor at all times.
Instructor Supervision: Individuals without firearms knowledge or who do not meet independent use requirements due to vision, disability, or other limitations may use the range only under direct supervision of an instructor. Private coaching sessions are available at a standard hourly rate.
11. Attire Requirements
Footwear: Open-toed shoes, sandals, or flip-flops are not permitted on the range. All users must wear closed-toe shoes to protect against accidental contact with hot brass and other potential hazards.
Upper Body Clothing: To prevent burns from ejected brass, all users must wear clothing that covers the chest and shoulders. Open shirts, low-cut tops, or tops exposing cleavage are prohibited. High-necked shirts are recommended.
Protective Gear: Eye and hearing protection are required at all times while on the range and are available for purchase if needed.
12. Pregnancy Policy
Pregnant Individuals: Due to noise levels and potential lead exposure, pregnant individuals are not permitted to use the range. This policy is in place to protect the health and safety of both the mother and unborn child.
Alternative Options: Pregnant individuals are welcome to participate in other non-shooting classes or events offered by Arkansas Armory and can schedule range use after pregnancy.
13. Compliance with Range Rules
Safe Handling: All range users must adhere to range safety rules at all times, including safe firearm handling, muzzle discipline, and awareness of surroundings.
Immediate Compliance: Failure to immediately comply with any staff or range officer instructions will result in removal from the premises.
14. Remain behind the firing line at all times.
15. Only use the correct ammunition for your firearm – Double-check if firing more than one caliber firearm during your visit.
16. Ammunition should not be present when cleaning or working on a firearm.
17. The “safety” on a firearm is a mechanical device that can fail.
18. All rounds must impact the backstop after penetrating the target
19. Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
20. When gripping a semi-automatic pistol, always keep both thumbs on the same side of the gun and below the rearward travel of the slide.
21. When a cartridge fails to fire immediately, it could be a hang-fire or misfire:
- Keep the firearm pointed Downrange,
- Wait at least 30 seconds – it may still discharge during this time
- After 30 seconds you may open the action, and
- Remove the cartridge.
22. Always know how your firearm works – Read and Consult the Owners Manual.
23. Four Steps to safely unload a generic semi-automatic firearm with detachable magazine:
- Keep firearm pointed in a safe direction,
- Remove the magazine,
- Lock the slide back,
- Inspect the chamber.
24. A shot will hit the target high when the front sight is higher than the rear sight. Focus on your front sight when aiming.
25. ALL Range Officer commands are to be followed immediately and without question. All Range Officer Decisions are final.
26. All federal, state and local firearm laws must be obeyed on Arkansas Armory property
27. No gun handling whatsoever is allowed outside of the shooting booth. All firearm handling must occur within the confines of the shooting booth. All guns are to be cased/uncased in the booth.
28. All firearms not in use must be holstered, or unloaded with the action open, pointed downrange, and the magazine removed, or unloaded and cased.
29. All shooters must complete and sign the ARKANSAS ARMORY HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT, LIMITS OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT before using the range.
30. Owners of Class III firearms must be in possession of any special permits or paper work required by law. The Range Manager reserves the right to review these documents at his discretion.
31. Food, beverages and tobacco are prohibited on the range. (Tobacco use is prohibited in the building.)
32. No muzzle-loading/black powder firearms may be fired on the range.
33. Air-powered, pneumatic, "Air guns", "BB Guns", "Pellet Guns", "Air Rifles", "Air Pistols", and "Airsoft Guns" are not allowed
34. Unsuppressed rifle caliber firearms may only be fired on Thursdays and Fridays (i.e. 5.56mm, 7.62mm, etc)
35. Caliber should not exceed 30-06. Any cartridge that equals or exceeds 3000 ft lbs is not allowed.
36. Rimfire and pistol caliber firearms ARE allowed 7-days a week regardless of whether they are a rifle or handgun. (.17, .22, .22 WMR, 9mm, 40 S&W, .45 ACP)
37. Any “hip” firing is prohibited. All fire must be aimed.
38. Tracer, armor piercing and steel core ammunition are prohibited.
39. All rifles will be inspected to ensure they have sights and all ammunition may be inspected to ensure that they are not steel core (green tip like 5.56mm XM855 and similar), tracer, or shot shell.
40. Range Entrance & Exit are “one way”. Allow doors to close beforehand to control noise.
41. When the command “CEASE FIRE” is given:
- Stop shooting IMMEDIATELY,
- Keep the gun pointed downrange, remove your finger from the trigger and
- Set the gun on the table, step out of the booth and
- Wait for further instructions from the Range Officer.
42. No one other than Range personnel may go forward of the red firing line for any reason.
43. When the firing line is declared “COLD”:
- All firearms must be holstered; or unloaded and benched/grounded, with the muzzle pointed down range, the action open, the ejection port /cylinder UP and the magazine removed,
- Everyone must step back from the firing line, behind the black line and out of the booth.
- No firearm may be handled while the line is “COLD”.
44. Only Range approved paper targets may be used. Targets deemed offensive by Arkansas Armory staff are prohibited.
45. Use the appropriate size target, placed at eye level, to ensure that your shots strike the backstop and not the floor, ceiling, wall, or target holder. Be aware of your shooting angle. Shooters may be held financially responsible for damages caused and/or removed from the Range if situation warrants.
46. Rifle muzzles must be forward of red firing line to reduce muzzle blast back into the shooting booths.
47. All firing from within the shooting booth must be aimed fire (use of sights). Cross firing at targets is prohibited. Rapid fire must be controlled and on target.
48. Holster draw on the range is prohibited
49. You may collect your own brass that is on or behind the red firing line. Brass from other shooters and all brass that falls in front of the red firing line may not be collected.
50. Firearms may not be cleaned at the Range; use of solvents at the shooting booths is prohibited.
51. Always wash your hands and face immediately after shooting and/or cleaning your firearm.
52. Arkansas Armory reserves the right to inspect any firearms or ammunition for safety considerations. They have the right to restrict the types of firearms and/or ammunition used on the Range.
53. All firearms must be cased or holstered when entering the lobby.
54. Arkansas Armory reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason
55. All firearms must have sights in order to be fired on the range.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN A REPRIMAND AND/OR YOUR REMOVAL FROM THE RANGE WITHOUT REFUND.
WE WANT YOU TO HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE TIME AT ARKANSAS ARMORY. WE WILL TREAT PEOPLE AS RESPONSIBLE ADULTS AND WITH DUE COURTESEY AND RESPECT UNTIL A PERSON SHOWS THEY ARE UNWILLING TO TREAT OTHERS THE SAME. THIS IS A PLACE OF LEARNING, AND WE WANT YOU COMFORTABLE BEING HERE TO LEARN. WE JUST ASK THAT YOU RESPECT THE LIFE-TAKING CAPABILITY OF A FIREARM AND TREAT IT AND OTHERS AROUND YOU APPROPRIATELY
Note: These policies are in place to ensure a safe and controlled environment for all patrons. Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in denial of range access.
Disclaimer
These policies may be updated to ensure continued safety and compliance with legal standards. These policies are available for review and users are encouraged to review them before each use of the range.