Stop is issued to immediately stop all activity on the range.  It is issued only when there is a safety violation or potential safety violation.  Everyone simply freezes in place until the problem is resolved.  Anyone can issue the “Stop” command, including students.  Example:  “I yelled ‘Stop!’ before he could turn around with the weapon in his hand.”

Stop is issued to immediately stop all activity on the range.  It is issued only when there is a safety violation or potential safety violation.  Everyone simply freezes in place until the problem is resolved.  Anyone can issue the “Stop” command, including students.  Example:  “I yelled ‘Stop!’ before he could turn around with the weapon in his hand.”

This command is specific to performing malfunction and reload drills.  These drills are a hybrid as they involve live ammunition but they do not involve shooting.  This command means protect your ears, protect your eyes, and set up for the prescribed activity.  Example:  “Range is clear, set up for an Emergency Reload.”

Sequence of commands for Dry Practice.  Example:  “On the Go command, you will perform a tactical reload.  Line is set, ready, go.”

Sequence of commands for a Firing Drill.  Example:  “On the Fire command, you will fire a controlled pair from the holster.  Line is set, ready, fire.”

After all weapons are safe, the Range Safety Officer delivers this command so he can see everyone’s hands and weapons.  Example:  “Once you have holstered, please put your hands at your side and then turn and face us.”

This command dismisses the student from the firing line to inspect and repair (tape) their targets.  Example:  “Okay we are done shooting.  Range is clear.  Go forward, check and tape your targets.”

This command notifies the shooter and everyone else on the shooting bay that the course of fire has begun.  All present should make sure their shooting glasses and hearing protection are in place.

Like many clubs, we have gotten in the habit of embellishing these commands, and this leads to shooter confusion.  For example, some SOs have used the command, “Downrange, load and make ready” to indicate that the shooter should face downrange while loading.  More than once, I have seen a new shooter proceed to move downrange at this command.  For the sake of safety and consistency, we should stick to “Load and make ready,” and eliminate any chance for confusion.

Before instructing the shooter to load and make ready, take a good look around the downrange area; It is your responsibility to be sure this area is clear, and this is your last chance to do so, since your focus must remain on the gun after it is loaded.

This is a question, and the shooter should be given a few seconds to indicate that he/she is ready, but not too long; some shooters come to the line, load up, and then seem to expect to take fifteen seconds to “get their head in the game” after the question, “Are you Ready?”

While it is good practice to allow a few seconds for the shooter to mentally review the stage one last time, the SO is under no obligation to wait for more than those few seconds before issuing the “Stand By” command.  If a shooter consistently delays matches by taking too much time here, go ahead and issue the “Stand By” command after the IDPA-mandated minimum of three seconds.