Rules / FAQ

NO EXPLODING TARGETS (TANNERITE) OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED ON ANY MILAN RIFLE CLUB RANGES.

Download Milan Rifle Club Rules PDF

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I become a member?

1. You must attend an orientation meeting. Call Terry Spurrier at 309-798-2635 to register for an orientation.
2. You must be a member of the "National Rifle Association". You can sign up for the NRA at the orientation meeting.
3. All memberships are yearly from January 1 to December 31 of the same year.

Q. Do we rent the ranges or facilities?

A. No, the ranges are for members use only. Sometimes we rent club ranges to the local Armed Forces Units.

Q. Do we hold concealed carry classes at the club?

A. No, in April and October we hold an "NRA Basic Pistol Class" for members only. This class will allow you to get an Iowa concealed carry permit. This class will also count for 8 hours of class time toward an Illinois concealed carry permit.

Q. What facilities does the club have?

A. We have:
- 2 indoor pistol ranges with indoor restrooms (25 yards and 50 foot).
- An outdoor conventional pistol range (25 & 50 yards).
- A 600, 300 and 200 yard rifle range.
- A smallbore / airgun rifle range.
- A benchrest range (targets can be set at 25, 50, 100 and 180 yards).
- 5 walled ranges whose distances vary from 40 yards to 10 yards (you decide what distance to shoot at).
- 10 competition bays that are only used for club sponsored matches and practices.

Q. What does the membership cost?

A. 18 to 61 years of age $175 a year, over 61 years of age $75 a year. There are special rates for juniors, spouses, military personnel and full time students. NRA membership is required at an additional cost.

Q. Can conflicting ranges be used at the same time?

A. The Milan Rifle Club does not allow the use of the 200yd and/or smallbore ranges when the 600yd or 300yd range is in use. Conversely, the 600yd or 300yd range can not be used when the 200yd and/or smallbore ranges are in use. The 200yd and smallbore ranges can be used at the same time. For example:

• If the 600yd range is in use, the 300yd, 200yd, and smallbore ranges are closed
• If the 300yd range is in use, the 600yd, 200yd, and smallbore ranges are closed
• If the 200yd and/or the smallbore range is in use, the 600yd and 300yd ranges are closed.

Q. What Does the One-hour Rule Mean?

A. Any member may invoke the one-hour rule, except during matches or formal practices. The one-hour rule applies to full as well as conflicting ranges. For a full firing line (Indoor, Benchrest, and Walled Ranges), the one-hour rule allows a member to ask that a shooter(s) finish their shooting in the next 60 minutes to allow the waiting shooter a spot on the line. To use a conflicting range (200 yd, 300 yd, 600 yd, and Smallbore Ranges) the one-hour rule allows a member to ask that all shooters finish their shooting in the next 60 minutes to allow the waiting shooter an opportunity to use the conflicting range.

Rules

UNIVERSAL RANGE RULES

1. NO EXPLODING TARGETS ALLOWED ON CLUB PROPERTY.
2. Alcohol and guns do not mix. Alcohol may be consumed only after the shooters have put their guns away for the rest of the day.
3. Every shooter must know that every round fired hits it’s designed impact area. (No errant rounds)
4. When two or more shooters are shooting on a range at the same time, appoint one as range officer who is then responsible for range procedures and etiquette.
5. NO one may go forward of the firing line before the line is declared safe.
6. NO firearms may be handled in any manner at or behind the firing line when anyone is forward of the firing line.
7. Cease fire may be called by anyone if an unsafe condition exists.
8. Scheduled matches, formal practices, range maintenance and mowing take precedence over shooting. When work is being done, no shooting is allowed on that range.
9. Children must be kept quiet and under control, they must be kept away from ranges that are in use, unless they are shooting
10. Dogs must be kept quiet and under control while on club property during shooting, meetings or work activities.
11. There will be no hunting of plants or animals on club property.
12. Use only safe targets on club property. Glass, concrete, brick, porcelain, hanging steel over 5/8 inches thick or braced steel targets are NOT considered safe.
13. Guns shall NOT be fired in fully automatic OR burst mode on club property.
14. Remove and properly stow or dispose of all targets when you are through shooting.
15. Remove and properly stow all target frames and/or hangers when shooting is completed.
16. Host members are responsible for making sure that their guests follow club rules. Match officials are responsible for competitors following club rules.
17. Members are limited to 2 guests per day. Reference Rule #16 above.
18. Eye and ear protection are required by everyone on any active range.
19. Any member may invoke the one-hour rule, except during matches or formal practices. The one-hour rule applies to full firing lines as well as conflicting ranges.  For a full firing line (Indoor, Benchrest, and Walled Ranges), the one-hour rule allows a member to ask that a shooter finish their shooting in the next 60 minutes to allow the waiting shooter a spot on the line.  To use a conflicting range (200 yd, 300 yd, 600 yd, and Smallbore Ranges) the one-hour rule allows a member to ask that all shooters finish their shooting in the next 60 minutes to allow the waiting shooter an opportunity to use the conflicting range.
20. Any member found to cause malicious damage to club property and/or otherwise violating club rules, may have his/her membership suspended pending review by the Board of Directors
21. Rubber, plastic or steel targets (no thicker than 5/8”) shall show movement by swinging (chain or cable), flipping or spinning, and shall be placed in yardage impact area, NO ground placed targets shall be used on these ranges.

GENERAL RANGE RULES

1. No outdoor shooting before sunrise or after sunset.
2. No shooting on ALL outdoor ranges other than .22 rimfire before 8:00 AM.
3. Do not shoot diagonally across the ranges. Shoot at designated backstops from designated firing points.
4. Do not shoot at targets on the ground. Place all targets in such a manner so as to ensure the bullets hit the impact area and do not ricochet. Refer to Rule #12 in Universal Range Rules.
5. No vehicles are permitted on any firing lines or berms.
6. Any legal firearm and ammunition EXCEPT tracers, incendiary, 50 BMG and armor piecing may be used on club property. Some specific ranges have firearm and/or ammunition restrictions.
7. During work days or for certain outdoor matches, all outdoor ranges may be closed to both scheduled and open shooting. See the club calendar or the club website at www.milanrifle.club for further details or other club activities.
8. Camping is allowed in approved areas only. Campsites must be removed in 72 hours unless the campers are participating in a match or other club activity.
9. Club owned metal targets may only be fired at with any pistol, muzzleloader or straight walled center fire rifles loaded with ALL LEAD BULLETS. Do not shoot at metal targets with center fire rifles loaded with jacketed bullets.
10. During a scheduled range time if no one is using the scheduled range, the conflicting range may be used. If someone arrives to use the scheduled range, the use of the conflicting range must cease immediately.
11. Only shotgun shells from 7½ to 9 size shot may be fired at clay birds or during any competition.
12. ANY RULE may be waived for certain organized events with prior Board approval.
13. A chamber safety flag SHALL be used in ALL firearms, both uncased and on the line before declaring the firing line safe.
14. No firearm shall be brought to or leave the firing line loaded. If you are carrying a concealed firearm and it is NOT the gun you are shooting it MUST remain concealed. If it IS the firearm you are going to shoot it can’t be brought to the line loaded. It must be made safe BEFORE entering the range, either cased or boxed and have an empty chamber indicator installed.
15. All firearms must comply with range rules and range usage.

BENCH REST RANGE

1. Slugs larger than 10 gauge shall not be fired into the target boards.
2. If any shooter is using this range to practice Bench Rest shooting, sighting in a firearm or using a chronograph, then no rapid-fire shooting is permitted. (Please be courteous)
3. The shooting positions are marked as to which impact area may be fired from each table.

Conventional Pistol Range

1. Any legal pistol may be used on this range with a maximum overall length of ammo of 1.9. inches.
2. Every shooter must know that every round fired hits it’s designated impact area. (No errant rounds)
3. NO rifles or shotguns may be used on this range.
4. During scheduled shooting times, match-type practice will be observed unless all shooters present agree otherwise.
5. Targets must be placed in the appropriate hanger, in line with the appropriate firing point. NO steel, rubber, plastic, ceramic targets allowed on this range. NO ground placed targets shall be used on this range. Only paper/cardboard targets are allowed on this range.

Competition Range

1. Any pistol or rifle through .45 caliber with a maximum length of 1.61 inches may be used on this range.
2. Only shot shells from 7 ½ to 9 may be used on this range.
3. This range is to be used for organized events only.

Conventional Pistol Range

1. Any legal pistol may be used on this range with a maximum overall length of ammo of 1.9 inches.
2. NO rifles or shotguns may be used on this range.
3. During scheduled shooting times, match-type practice will be observed unless all shooters present agree otherwise.
4. Targets must be placed in the appropriate hanger, in line with the appropriate firing point. NO steel, rubber, plastic, ceramic targets allowed on this range. NO ground placed targets shall be used on this range. Only paper/cardboard targets are allowed on this range.

High Power (200, 300, And 600 Yd) Ranges

1. The 300 and 600 yard ranges must be shot from a prone or from portable benches with support - NO off-hand shooting on these ranges.
2. Any shooter using these ranges must display the active range sign on the road by the Benchrest range. Lift the sign up and rotate it 90 degrees.
3. If the 600yd range is in use, the 300yd, 200yd, and smallbore ranges are closed.
4. If the 300yd range is in use, the 600yd, 200yd, and smallbore ranges are closed.
5. If the 200yd and/or the smallbore range is in use, the 600yd and 300yd ranges are closed.

Shotgun Areial Area

1. Only # 7 1/2 to #9 shot is allowed.
2. The area that can be used is the old Biathlon range (area in front of the 600yad impact area)
3. Police up all empty hulls when done firing.

Walled Ranges

1. Any ammunition through .45 caliber with a maximum overall length of 1.9 inches may be used on this range.
2. Any shotgun may be used on this range.
3. NO bottleneck rifle cartridges, (anything that looks like a bottle) may be fired on these ranges.

Indoor Range Rules

1. Sign in before shooting and out before leaving. Exceptions are scheduled activities, practices and matches.
2. Hearing and eye protection are required when the line is hot.
3. NO center fire rifles allowed.
4. NO black powder shooting is permitted.
5. Any .22 rimfire cartridges OR centerfire pistol cartridge through .45 caliber with a maximum overall length of 1.61 inches may be used in this range.
6. Ammunition:
   • NO shotgun shells
   • NO centerfire rifle cartridges
   • NO .17 caliber cartridges
   • NO steel bullets (some steel bullets may be copper plated)
   • NO armor piercing bullets
   • NO BB’s
7. ALL shooting shall be done from behind the line of fire, nothing in front of the firing benches.
8. NO one may go forward of the firing line before the line is declared safe.
9. Only paper targets in the appropriate hangers, placed in line with the firing points are permitted. Exceptions to this rule may be made for air pistol/rifle matches.
10. The large square frame target holders are for rimfire rifle and air gun use only. Stow these hangers before leaving.
11. When done shooting, pick up all trash and brass, sweep the entire range when the firing line is declared safe. Turn off all lights, fans and close all doors.
12. The exhaust fans shall be used whenever there is firing being done in the range.

Smallbore Range

1. This range is for .22LR and .177, .20 and .22 Airguns ONLY
2. Uncase your firearm ONLY after it is on the bench and pointed downrange.
3. Do NOT handle firearms behind the benches.
4. Do NOT uncase your firearm without an ECI (Empty Chamber Indicator) in place. ECI’s to be in place any time you are not shooting.
5. Keep your uncased firearm pointed downrange.
6. Only shoot after range has been called HOT.
7. NO pointed Rest screws allowed without feet under them.  NO POINTS IN TABLETOPS! Rest feet are available if you don’t have them. Use them and return them!
8. Know YOUR target and shoot ONLY your target.
9. Call a CEASE-FIRE if anything looks wrong.  Wildlife on range, firearm malfunction, person downrange etc.
10. Use orange cones when walking downrange. Bring back when done. Orange cones ahead of firing line says someone is still downrange.
11. When you are done shooting, remove magazines, clear chambers, ECI in place, and case firearm.
12. Sweep up after yourself. Throw away your trash. Do not sweep brass out into the gravel! Empty brass goes in provided containers.