Know Before You Go-

-- Armed Women of America --

If you’ve never been to a gun range or haven’t been in a long time, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the rules of the range before you go. While each range will have its own rules, here are some general rules and pieces of advice for when you head out to the range.

1. Always treat your firearm like it is loaded. Keep firearms unloaded until you are ready to fire.

2. Keep firearms pointed down range at all times. Never point your firearm at anything you do not intend to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your target is acquired and you are ready to shoot.

4. Know what is beyond and around your target.

5. Listen to the range safety officer (RSO) if one is present.

6. Know common range commands, such as cease fire, commence fire, and range is hot.

7. Do not touch or handle any firearms during a cease fire.

8. Never reach beyond or cross in front of the firing line while the range is hot.

9. Only case, uncase, load, and shoot firearms when you are on the firing line.

10. Only shoot in your shooting lane and at approved targets.

11. Never use drugs or alcohol prior to or during shooting. Do not bring food or drinks onto the range.

12. Bring the proper equipment and wear appropriate attire. Ear and eye protection are required at most ranges. Prevent burns from hot casings by avoiding wearing low cut shirts and open-toed shoes.

13. Leave the range better than you found it. Clean up your area by picking up spent casings and other trash.

To find out more about range etiquette, personal safety, gun ownership, and other methods of self-defense, please join us for the Armed Women of America (AWA) Sterling Chapter meeting on May 21st from 9 am to 11 am at the Logan County Shooting Sports complex, 12515 Highway 61/2nd Amendment Way off Highway 61 Sterling.

Prospective members are welcome to attend their first meeting before joining. If you would like to become a member, you can join online at www.twawshootingchapters.org. Women over 18 interested in learning more can contact Andrea Stump at [email protected] or visit TWAW Shooting Chapters, Inc. website at www.twawshootingchapters.org.  You can also like us on Facebook @twawsterlingcolorado or stop by Boondocks Army Surplus at 324 N 4th Street in Sterling and pick up a flyer.