ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY RIFLE & PISTOL CLUBS, INC.

THE OFFICIAL NRA STATE ASSOCIATION

 

CHERRY RIDGE RANGE SAFETY RULES & REGULATIONS

The Association believes that the safest firearm is one that is being handled by a safety conscious sportsman. We are working hard to ensure that members understand the critical role they play in protecting the safety of themselves and those around them

 

ABOUT THE RANGE

The Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs Inc. was founded in 1934 to help protect the rights of gun owners and sportsmen throughout the state of New Jersey. The Cherry Ridge Range is the flagship range of the ANJRPC. By joining the Cherry Ridge Range and ANJRPC, you are helping to continue the traditions started by those early members and help preserve our Second Amendment rights.

The Range Safety Rules are designed to make our range as safe as possible and to safely and conveniently accommodate as many of our range members as possible at any given time. A Range Manager is usually on site, and a Range Officer is present whenever the range is open to the shooting membership.

As part of your membership, approximately every other month you will receive a copy of our newsletter, News and Briefs, in which you will find a list of all matches and other range closures. The range on which the match is being held will be closed for that day (or as otherwise specified; all times are approximate) Current work projects may also require the closing of one or more of the ranges, please call the RANGE AVAILABILITY HOTLINE at (973) 764-1333 before you come to shoot.

The ANJRPC Inc. is not responsible for enforcing either state or federal firearms laws. We recommend that you do not bring any illegal firearms or illegal firearm components to Cherry Ridge Range. We urge any members with questions about these laws to contact an attorney or one of the attorneys retained by ANJRPC for this purpose. The latter are listed in each issue of our newsletter, News & Briefs.

Certain restrictive New Jersey gun laws provide exemptions for transportation to and from a recognized rifle and pistol club range. One law allows temporary firearm transfer of possession at a range such as Cherry Ridge, which submits the names of its members (without addresses or telephone numbers) annually to the State Police.

 

GENERAL RANGE USE

1. Cherry Ridge Range opens at 8:30 am. Closing times are seasonal (approximately 1 hour before sunset) Please call the Range Availability Hotline, or ask a Range Officer for the exact closing time. All vehicles must be off-range property by sundown.
2. With the exception of organized tournaments and special club events, the use of the range is restricted to members holding range privileges membership and their authorized guests:
   • Members MUST wear their range privileges pass in PLAIN VIEW
   • Have their membership card with them
   • The loan of a range privilege pass or membership card is prohibited.
3. All junior members must be supervised by an adult member with full range privileges at all times
4. Pets and children must be supervised by an adult, and are not permitted to run free
5. Once you receive your temporary or permanent range pass you may go directly to the range on which you wish to shoot without having to check in with range personnel
6. The range clubhouse is open for your use. Please leave the clubhouse as you found it
7. The ANJRPC Foundation store is also located in the clubhouse. Store hours are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm during the winter, 5:00 PM during the summer, 7 days a week. The store offers items from the following categories:
   • general firearms supplies, cleaning supplies, safety flags
   • firearm cases, paper targets/ clay birds, and guest passes (check in with the Range Manager, or Chief Range Officer during store off hours)
   • rental of clay bird throwers, target frames, five stand keys.
8. There is no smoking within 20 feet of any firing line, high-power pits and inside the clubhouse building
9. Hunting and fishing are not permitted anywhere on ANJRPC property and shooting at any wildlife is prohibited
10. No alcoholic beverages are permitted on ANJRPC property at any time.
11. Vandalism will not be tolerated
    • ANJRPC property is monitored by a closed-circuit TV system.
    • Anyone found vandalizing ANJRPC property will be held liable for the cost of damages and can lose their membership.
12. All litter should be removed from the range by the member. Please do not put food into the trash receptacles as it attracts animals
13. All spent shells casings must be picked up
    • Spent shells casings can be taken home with you for recycling or reloading
14. In the event of a thunderstorm, all ranges will be cleared. Members are asked do one of the following:

• ANJRPC has provided brass recycling barrels if you do not wish to take your brass home
• Any live ammunition MUST be taken home. Please do not put any live ammunition in the brass barrels or garbage

• Go to their automobiles
• Go to the clubhouse
• Leave the range

        Range Officers will monitor the weather and determine when the range is safe to re-open.

  SAFETY RULES FOR ALL SHOOTING RANGES

• RANGE SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!!! ANY UNSAFE ACT /SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE RANGE OFFICERS IMMEDIATELY

   

  FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION RESTRICTIONS

• No fully automatic firearms are permitted

• The use of firearms not designed to be fired from the hand or shoulder is prohibited
• No firearms are allowed in which the action cannot be locked open (excepting muzzleloaders)
• The use of tracer, incendiary, or armor-piercing ammunition is prohibited as it is a fire hazard

  RANGE OFFICERS’ AUTHORITY

• The Range Officers have the authority to enforce these safety rules and regulations and assist members when necessary
• Abusive or profane language directed at any range personnel will result in a review of your suitability for membership

  If you have any questions or safety concerns, please feel free to approach any Range Officer with them. If a Range Officer is not present, please use an orange call box to contact one. The call boxes are located:

• On all firing lines
• In the 200/300-yard target area
• Outside clubhouse main entrance
• At the main gate

• Any & all commands given by Range Officers and range personnel must be obeyed immediately
• Range Officers and range personnel may ask to inspect any firearms or ammunition for safety considerations

 

The wearing of hearing protection and safety glasses is mandatory for all shooters and anyone standing along the firing line.  This includes non-shooting guests.

Firearms may only be handled when the firing line is ready or “Hot” (this is when firing is permitted).

NO FIREARM MAY BE TOUCHED or handled when the firing line is “cold” or “safe.”

No one is allowed to carry a firearm anywhere on range property with the following exceptions:

• Law enforcement personnel that are on duty and in uniform or displaying credentials
• holders of carry permits valid in New Jersey

Firearms that are not being handled or that are unattended must either be cased or have an empty chamber indicator (YELLOW safety flag) installed in the chamber (not in the end of the barrel).

The safety flag must be the type sold by the NRA and/or CMP or of substantially similar design. A substantially similar safety flag is one that meets all of the following criteria: 

• It must extend into the chamber of the firearm
• It must have a flag that extends out of the chamber of the firearm and blocks its ability to function
• It must be yellow in color
• In the absence of a proper chamber flag, an unattended firearm on the firing line must be unloaded and placed in a case

  If you handle a firearm after the range has been made safe or “cold” or do not have a safety flag installed in the chamber of the firearm, you may be asked to leave the range  for the day.

  Remember to treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

  Any and all rapid fire is to be done in a controlled manner.

• All rounds fired must hit your target AND the impact berm beyond (you are responsible for the entire flight of your bullet)
• If any rounds miss the berm or leave the range, you may be asked to slow your rate of fire until you are able to impact your target and the berm beyond

  Your finger should remain off the trigger until the firearm is aimed at the target except under the following exception:

• If the shooter holds an NRA or USAS Pistol classification card, and is practicing for, or shooting in a “bullseye ”pistol match

   The muzzle of all firearms (even if safety flag is installed) must be kept pointed down range at all times.

  Before any shooters proceed forward of the firing line, the line must be made “safe” (See PROCEDURES FOR CALLING THE LINE “SAFE” OR “HOT”).

• The firearm must be placed on the shooting bench pointing down range, with the bolt or cylinder open and/or slide locked back
• Safety flag installed in the chamber
• Magazines must be unloaded (fixed mag) or removed
• If no safety flag is available, you must unload and place the firearm in its case.
• Do not approach your bench when the firing line has been made “safe”
• Please take anything you need for the target change off your bench and place it behind the yellow line before the line is made safe
• For ranges with no yellow line please remain a minimum of 5 feet behind your bench
• Firearms are not to be handled after the line has been made “safe”
• The firing line will remain “safe” until all shooters have returned from down range and are behind the yellow line or are 5 feet behind the shooting benches
• When transporting a firearm to and from a firing bench, it must be unloaded and cased
• Firearms should be loaded on the firing line only (except for muzzleloaders

  When first arriving at any range:

• Firearms must remain in their gun case if the range is “safe”
• Do not move your cased and unloaded firearm past the yellow line or closer than 5 feet to the benches if the firing line is “safe”
• When the firing line is “hot” you may take your firearm to the bench, un-case it pointing down range and install the safety flag
• You should then prepare to set your target during the next ceasefire
• Please do not lean targets or target stands against the barricades next to the benches on the pistol range as they obstruct the view of the range for the range officers
• You must place a target down range before you may shoot unless firing at range installed target systems. You may not bring your own target system, only paper targets
• Target must be the proper type for the range you are shooting on. See SAFETY RULES FOR*INDIVIDUAL* SHOOTING RANGES for proper target types
• Silhouette type targets and photo-realistic targets are permitted, provided they do not depict any readily recognizable person alive or dead
• No more than one target frame should be placed per firing port on the 100 Yard, Handgun, and Multipurpose Ranges
• Target frame must be placed directly in front of your firing port.
• Targets MUST be placed on your frame so that all rounds hit the target and the berm beyond
• If any rounds are observed to not hit the berm you may be asked to stop shooting and adjust your target on the next ceasefire
• If using a movable target stand, i.e., sled, it must be placed directly in front of your shooting port

  Multiple members and guests may use a firing port, however:

• Only one person per port is permitted to shoot at a time
• Any firing at cans, bottles, wildlife, rocks, vegetation or any other improper target is prohibited
  
  

  PROCEDURE FOR CALLING THE FIRING LINE “SAFE” OR “HOT” (ALL RANGES)
  LIGHTS MUST BE USED ANY TIME ANYONE IS IN FRONT OF THE FIRING LINE
  TO MAKE THE LINE SAFE:

• Self -Announce “Shooters make ready for a target change”
• Let the shooters finish their strings, unload and make safe their firearms (safety flags installed, magazines removed, or firearms cased)
• All persons on the firing line need to move behind the yellow line or 5 feet behind the benches and may not approach the firing benches until the line is “Hot”
• Wait for all shooters to step behind the yellow line, or 5 feet behind the benches
• Ask “Safe on the right? Safe on the left?”
• Verify all firearms have been made safe by walking up and down the firing line to check each firearm
• Announce “range is going cold”
• Turn on red warning lights (100 Yard, Handgun, and Shotgun Ranges) wait for the buzzer to sound before moving forward of the firing line

  TO MAKE THE LINE HOT:

• Ensure that all shooters have returned from downrange and are standing behind the yellow line, or 5 feet behind the benches
• Ask “ready on the right, ready on the left” and visually verify all are ready (all present shooters or non-shooters must have eye and ear protection on)
• Announce “range is going hot”
• Turn off the red warning lights (100 Yard, Handgun, and Shotgun Ranges)
• You may now resume firing

 

SAFETY RULES FOR INDIVIDUAL SHOOTING RANGES

RANGE SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!!!
ANY UNSAFE ACT SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE RANGE OFFICERS IMMEDIATELY

 

100 YARD RANGE

1. Red warning lights must be used any time anyone is going forward of the firing line. (See PROCEDURES FOR CALLING THE LINE “SAFE” OR “HOT”)
2. Range is for shooting at paper targets on a standard frame except for range-installed target systems
3. Members may not bring their own target systems
4. No movable target stands or sleds may be used on this range
5. Standard distances are 50 yards, 50 meters and 100 yards
6. Firing port designations:
   1. Ports 5-12 are set up for, but not exclusive to, black powder shooting
   2. Ports 41-48 are suggested for rim fire only when the range is not so busy as to have people waiting to shoot
   3. If the range is busy and the ports are filled, infill is permitted by larger calibers into the rim fire ports   
7. Handguns may be used on the 100-yard range under all of the following conditions:
   1. They must be of an approved caliber
   2. Member be pre-approved and must demonstrate to Range Manager or Chief Range Officer your ability to hit the target and impact berm
   3. Member will be given an exemption form that must be with you when shooting the handgun
   4. Exemption is not transferable
   5. Shooting positions may be limited on the exemption form

 

HANDGUN RANGE

Red warning lights must be used any time anyone is going forward of the firing line. (See PROCEDURES FOR CALLING THE LINE “SAFE” OR “HOT”)

Range is for shooting at paper targets on a standard frame only except for range-installed target systems. 

1. Standard distances are 25 yards, and 50 yards however moveable sleds permit shooting at closer distances
2. NEVER remove a handgun from its case at the seating benches (behind the yellow line) for any reason
3. When loading or handling a handgun ALWAYS keep it pointed down range
4. NEVER point it to the sides or down at the ground
5. Junior members under the age of 12 may not shoot a handgun
6. Junior members between the ages of 12 and 21 will be permitted to shoot a handgun, if they meet the following conditions:
   1. If they are accompanied by a Certified NRA Pistol Instructor
   2. Instructor may be asked to show certification
   3. Instructor must be a member with full range privileges
   4. Instructor is to ensure that all Cherry Ridge Range safety rules are followed
   5. The instructor must be at the firing bench at all times when a junior member is firing or handling a handgun
   6. The junior has completed the Junior Handgun Safety Course given on the first Sunday of the month and can show proof of successful completion
   7. Juniors must be supervised by an adult member with full range privileges, who has also completed the Junior Handgun Safety Course
   8. The adult member must be at the firing bench at all times junior member is firing or handling a pistol
7. Ports 44-51 are set up for, but are not exclusive to, black powder shooting.
8. There is to be no drawing of guns from holster at this time.
9. Members with a carry permit valid in NJ who wish to shoot a holstered carry gun at Cherry Ridge must follow this procedure:

1. DO NOT DRAW YOUR GUN FROM THE HOLSTER! Draw from holster is prohibited at Cherry Ridge at this time
2. When the line is hot and shooting is permitted you may approach a bench
3. Place your HOLSTERED firearm on the bench pointed in a safe direction
4. Remove your firearm from the holster to begin shooting or alternately make it safe and insert an empty chamber indicator if the line is being made safe

 

200/300 YARD RANGE

1. The shooting schedule for the 2 firing lines is as follows:
   1. 8:30 am to 1:00 pm at the 200-yard line except on Wednesdays when the 200-yard line shoots 1:00 pm to closing
   2. 1:00 pm to closing at the 300-yard line except on Wednesdays when the 300-yard line shoots 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
   3. Shooting may continue on the 200 yard line after 1:00pm as long as no other member wants to use the 300 yard line
2. The 200/300 yard range is for shooting paper targets only:
   1. Single paper targets with one aim point
   2. Paper targets with multiple aim points that are less than 12" x 12"
   3. All targets must be CENTERED on the frames
3. Standard distances are 200 yards and 300 yards.
4. Members may use multiple target frames if the range is not busy
5. If any member is to remain in the pits to score and operate targets, they MUST have two-way radio communications with the firing line.
   1. Cell phones ARE NOT to be used in place of radios
   2. It is not permitted to enter or exit the pits under any circumstance while the firing line is “hot”
6. When the firing line is “hot” the yellow gate or sawhorse must be placed across the road leading to the pits.
   1. First member down opens
   2. Last member back closes
7. Handguns may be fired from the 200-yard line under all of the following conditions:
   1. Member must be pre-approved and must demonstrate to Range Manager or Chief Range Officer the ability to hit the target and impact berm
   2. Member will be given an exemption form that must be carried when shooting the handgun
   3. Exemption is not transferable
   4. Firearm must have a minimum barrel length of 8 inches
   5. Firearm must be in an approved caliber
8. In-line muzzleloaders may be fired from the 200-yard line

.50 CALIBER BMG

1. 50 caliber BMG can be fired from the 300-yard line, Monday through Friday at the designated time for that distance
2. All shooters must check in with the Range Officer BEFORE going to the firing line
3. All ammunition must be checked by a Range Officer before shooting
4. No steel core, armor piercing, or tracer rounds are permitted
5. Shooting is to be done on ports designated by the range officer on the 300-yard line
6. Shooters must be able to put ALL rounds in the impact berm
7. Rifle is to be zeroed at or near 300 yards
8. Due to possible fire danger, 50 caliber shooting schedule maybe canceled if dry weather conditions persist
9. Please call the Cherry Ridge Range Hotline for information before you come to shoot

 

SHOTGUN RANGE

Red warning lights must be used any time anyone is going forward of the firing line. (See PROCEDURES FOR CALLING THE LINE “SAFE” OR “HOT”)

1. The shotgun range is to be used for shooting at aerial targets and patterning on paper targets
2. Only the orange biodegradable clay targets are permitted
3. Slugs and buckshot ARE NOT allowed to be fired on this range (use the 100-yard range)
4. The use of shot size larger than 7 ½ bird shot is not permitted for aerial shooting
5. Members may bring their own thrower which must be clamped to a bench or on the ground behind the firing line
6. The Five Stand automatic throwers may be used by any member with range privileges and their guests and is charge by the bird
7. Keys to the Five Stand are available at the ANJRPC Foundation store
8. Key must be returned to the store no later than 5:00pm
9. Members may use any of the tables on the firing line with the following exceptions:
   1. Five Stand customers have priority at Five Stand tables
   2. A member must relinquish a Five Stand table to the Five Stand customers, even if there are no other tables available
   3. If there is more than one Five Stand customer, a reasonable rotation schedule should be established
10. Member must remove any empty cardboard boxes and empty shot shells from the range

MULTIPURPOSE RANGE

1. ONLY .22 shorts, longs or long rifle rim fire ammunition (1250 fps or below) is allowed to be fired on this range
   1. NO .22 Magnum or 17 HMR
2. Targets are limited to:
   1. Any paper targets placed on standard frame
   2. Any metallic type targets rated for .22 Cal bullets or larger
3. Movable target sleds are available for distances closer than 50 yards
4. No metallic targets may be placed closer than 15 yards to the shooter
5. All rounds fired must impact in the berm at 50 yards, or inside one of the steel backstops

BLACK POWDER SHOOTING

1. Only black powder or black powder substitutes may be used
2. Firing is to be done in the following ports and ranges only:
   1. Ports 5-12 on the left side of the 100-yard Range
   2. Ports 44-51 on the right side of the Handgun Range
   3. On the 200-yard Range (see SAFETY RULES FOR THE 200/300 YARD RANGE, Rule 8)
3. All loading is to be done from pre-measured loads
   • Pre-measured self-contained loads may only be used on the firing line
4. All capping and priming is to be done on the firing line.
5. No duplex loads are to be used in muzzleloaders
6. Flint locks must use a flash shield on the flash pan
7. All powder horns and powder cans must be kept closed and on the loading bench
8. No smoking is permitted within 20’ of black power
9. No black powder may be brought into the clubhouse
10. When target changes are requested, any muzzleloader not in the firing process:
    1. Will be un-primed.
    2. Placed in the rifle rack with its muzzle pointing up
11. If a muzzleloader is fouled and cannot be cleared, it must be flooded with water before leaving the range. Contact a Range Officer for assistance

 

ARCHERY RANGE

1. All archers must shoot only from the platforms on Archery Ranges A and B
2. The firing line for Archery Range A and B must be made “safe before anyone retrieves their arrows by archers calling a “Cease Fire” simultaneously for both ranges. All bows must be placed on the bow hooks before arrow retrieval
3. All crossbows must be discharged and placed on the bow hooks before anyone moves forward of the firing line
4. All arrows and bolts must be un-nocked and placed in the quivers
5. No one is to handle a crossbow or bow while the line is “safe”
6. Bag-type targets are provided at different range distances (10 yards to 50 yards) on Archery Range A
7. Members may also place their own archery-rated targets and place them on Archery Range B ONLY (up to the distance of the berm)!
8. Please remove them from the range when you are finished.
9. NO BROAD HEADS are allowed on Archery Range A or the Archery Training range, field points ONLY.
10. BROAD HEADS ARE allowed on *Archery Range B* with members using their own archery-rated targets
11. Please do not move targets or try to remove them from their stands on Archery Range A
12. The Archery Training Range is only used during specific scheduled events

 

GUEST SAFETY POLICIES (COVID Rules May Apply)

1. Your guest is your responsibility!
2. NO guest is to be left unattended by the member AT ANY TIME
3. The member must be standing next to the guest at all times when the guest is shooting (In a position to control the firearm if needed)
4. You must sign in your guest BEFORE you shoot
5. Member is to provide Range Pass
6. The guest will provide their name and address
7. All shooting guests must be at least 10 years old (All junior rules apply)
8. Guests under the age of 12 may not handle or fire a handgun.
9. Guests between the ages of 12 and 21 may fire a handgun IF they meet the requirements of SAFETY RULES FOR HANDGUN RANGE rule #8
10. A member may bring 2 shooting guests per visit to the range for a fee, however non-shooting guests are at no charge
11. Member and all guests must use the same shooting port and bench
12. Only one guest may fire at a time
13. The guest will receive a form of identification (Guest Pass) and a copy of the Range Safety Rules
14. Guest MUST wear their Guest privileges pass in PLAIN VIEW
15. If a guest is observed to be unattended, both guest and member may be asked to leave the range for the day or longer
16. Guests MUST comply with all Range Safety Rules
17. If a guest is observed behaving in an unsafe manner by another member or a Range Officer, both guest and member may be asked to leave the range for the day or longer
18. The member risks losing range privileges for a period of time up to and including loss of membership, depending on the severity of the violation.
19. It is the member’s responsibility to know and practice all Range Safety Rules (copies available at the clubhouse)

 

IF ANY GUEST IS OBSERVED SHOOTING UNATTENDED OR VIOLATES ANY OF THE RANGE SAFETY RULES, MEMBER AND GUEST RISK LOSING RANGE PRIVILEGES FOR THE DAY OR LONGER. THERE CAN ALSO BE ADDITIONAL CONSEQUENCES DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OF THE INFRACTION

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT ANY VIOLATION OF THE CHERRY RIDGE RANGE SAFETY RULES MAY RESULT IN MEMBERS BEING ASKED TO LEAVE THE RANGE FOR THE DAY, SUSPENSION OF RANGE PRIVILEGES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, OR LOSS OF RANGE MEMBERSHIP DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY OR FREQUENCY OF THE VIOLATION