AMLGC Range Rules (Click here for printable version)
The Alamo Muzzleloading Gun Club (AMLGC) was founded in 1964 and is dedicated to the history, preservation, and safe use of muzzle loading firearms.
To promote this basic philosophy, the AMLGC has developed a shooting range at La Coste, Texas for instructional, competitive and informal shooting programs.
AMLGC is a membership organization: There are no paid management or staff employed by AMLGC. The members are the club. AMLGC is incorporated as a not-for-profit 501C organization operating for the benefit of the members. Every January AMLGC holds an Annual General Membership Meeting at which time half the board of directors (4 of 8) are elected from members of the general membership so nominated to be candidates. Each family membership gets one vote in all AMLGC elections.
To ensure the safe continuation of these activities, and any other general range use, any activity that can be construed as detrimental to the safe operation of the shooting range will not be tolerated. Therefore, the Board of Directors of the AMLGC has adopted the following rules governing the use of the AMLGC Shooting Range.
Membership
Requirements for Membership
1. You must be an NRA or NMLRA member in good standing.
2. You must be legally allowed to possess and use firearms.
3. Membership period is for one calendar year (January to December).
4. Annual renewal is by approval of the BOD.
5. All members, New or Renewal, must submit a completed Annual Membership Application.
6. All Primary Members and Family members 18 years of age or older must submit a completed and signed Annual Liability Waiver Form.
7. All Primary Members and Family Members 18 years of age or older must submit a legible photocopy of the front of their TX Driver’s license or TX Identification card.
Types of Membership
1. Individual- single individual
2. Family- Per By-laws, a family membership covers only the immediate family, living at the same address, verified by the same address on each adult individual’s driver’s license or TX Identification Card. One member of the family over the age of 21 shall be designated as Primary Member. No family member under the age of 18 may shoot at the range unless accompanied by a family member over the age of 21. If the Primary Member is not present, the responsible adult family member shall have the membership card in their possession.
Guests of Members
1. Members may not bring more than two guests per visit.
2. Members must be present and are responsible and liable for the conduct of their guests.
3. Guests must follow all Range Rules.
4. Guests must sign a Guest Liability Waiver and pay a $10.00 daily use Guest Fee.
5. Any Guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult legally responsible for their conduct and who shall sign the Guest Liability Waiver in their name.
6. Any Guest who has not filled out a Guest liability Waiver and paid the required daily fee can be held liable for Trespassing with a firearm, a felony in the state of Texas.
7. Completed Guest Liability Waivers and range fees are to be placed in the drop box located on the Range House porch.
Dues
1. Individual and Family dues are the same
Member obligations
1. Members must carry their membership cards when at the range and must show it to a club officer or other member upon request.
2. Personal/Family members must always obey all safety and general range rules.
3. Observing and reporting range violations is the responsibility of every member.
Work parties
1. The Club schedules Work Party days throughout the year to execute routine maintenance items. (Fence repair; painting; grass/tree/brush trimming and clearing, etc.)
2. “Members will be obligated to assist in any way possible the fulfillment of the purpose of the AMLGC” (AMLGC Bylaws Art.1., B.,2.)
3. AMLGC ranges will be closed for use during Work Party Days.
Newsletter
1. The AMLGC “Smoke Signal” Newsletter is published monthly and distributed via e-mail.
2. Past newsletters are also available at the AMLGC Website.
Entrance to Range Gate
The AMLGC is a private range not open to the general public. Because it is every member’s responsibility to ensure that only authorized individuals or groups have access to the AMLGC range, the following rules concerning the gate shall be followed by all members.
1. During scheduled events, the gate shall remain open during the event. At the conclusion of the event closing and locking the range gate is the responsibility of the event leader / coordinator.
2. During normal shooting hours, a member accessing or leaving the range shall use their unique gate code to open the gate. The gate will remain open for approximately 30 seconds before closing automatically. Ensure the gate closes behind you. NO EXCEPTIONS!
3. If while accessing or leaving the range, the club member encounters another vehicle approaching the gate, the club member should ask the other vehicle occupants to use their own unique gate code. No piggybacking!
4. If the other vehicle does not have a working gate code, the club member should explain that the AMLGC is a private club and access is limited to members only and direct them to the website for more information about joining the AMLGC. Leave or enter the range and ensure the gate closes after you.
5. If for any reason, another vehicle’s occupants do not cooperate and insist on access to the range, do not create a confrontation. Rather, get their license plate number and please attempt to contact a board member at your earliest opportunity to report the situation.
PROTECT YOUR UNIQUE GATE CODE – DO NOT give out your gate code to anyone, to include others you believe are members. Each member has their own unique gate code. If a member’s code will not access the gate their may be an issue with their membership status. You can be held liable for any rules violations or damages caused by others using your gate code.
Range Layout
Hours of operation- The range is open from 8:00 am to sunset
Keep the bathrooms clean, please!
Office- not open to general membership
Target frame shed- not open to general membership
Skirmish target Shed- not open to general membership
Fuse box- not to be opened or turned on except by BOD or Shoot Director
Water and electric hookups- used for special events and paid for on nightly basis
Parking at Range
General parking areas are behind the firing line.
You may drive downrange to change targets. Use delineated roads, do not drive across the range.
Do not drive downrange in muddy or wet conditions, you may get stuck, and it tears up the range.
Use caution to not collide with RV Hookups and water spigots when parking at the range.
Violation of any of these rules will be subject to review by the Board of Directors and any member found to be in violation is subject to possible discinplinary action up to and including termination of membership without refund of dues and/or fees. As well as being held liable for any damage occurring as a result of the violation.
General Rules for the Pistol Range
ALL SHOTS MUST IMPACT THE BERM!
EYE AND EAR PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES FOR SHOOTERS AND OBSERVERS!
RANGE RULES SHALL BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES, WHETHER SHARING THE RANGE WITH OTHERS OR IF YOU ARE THE ONLY PARTY PRESENT. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!!
CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF! Remove targets from the frames, police your brass, ammo boxes, cartridge holders, food and drink containers, etc.
VANDALISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! Anyone engaging in vandalism will be dismissed from the AMLGC with no refunds of dues or fees.
Target Frames
1. Metal frames owned by AMLGC must be set in frame holders provided.
2. Wood frames provided by members must be set within 3 feet of berm.
3. Metal frames provided by members must be made of rebar and set within 3 feet of berm.
4. Metal or wood frames provided by Members must match dimensions of AMLGC frames exactly as to height and width.
5. NO OTHER TARGET FRAMES ARE ALLOWED- NO EXCEPTIONS!
Acceptable types of targets-
1. Paper only, attached to the frame. Do not place targets on the sides or top of any berm or on the ground under any circumstance.
2. No metal swingers which can cause ricochets.
3. No breakable targets such as clay pigeons, cans, plastic bottles, fruit of any kind, etc.
4. No rolling targets shall be used.
Acceptable firearms that can be used on the Pistol Range
1. Pistols using standard pistol calibers
2. Rimfire .22 caliber rifles (ie. .22LR; .22 Long; .22 Short)
3. NO Shotguns are allowed
4. NO Pistols of Centerfire Rifle caliber (ie. AR or Ak style .223/5.56 or Contender or XP100)
5. NO Centerfire Rifles
Safety Rules for Pistol Range
1. No rapid-fire shooting allowed. All shots must be fired in a controlled manner so that all shots strike the berm no higher than the target frames.
2. No tactical or combat style shooting is allowed. The AMLGC range does not have separate bays or facilities designed for Tactical/Combat shooting and that style of shooting is not allowed at any time. Tactical/Combat shooting is defined as any style of shooting that involves actions such as, but not limited to, moving forward, rearward or side- to- side while shooting the firearm, shooting from cover or concealment, or shooting from holsters, or otherwise reacting to a simulated threat to the shooter…etc.
3. The pistol range may be operated separately from the main range. It is not required to clear the main range before shooters can move down range on the pistol range.
4. The pistol range has one target line at the rear bench and four firing lines which are 5, 7 12 and 15 yards from the target line. Only one firing line at a time will be used. All shooters must use the same firing line.
5. All Pistol range shooters will cooperate to use the same firing line and to call it hot or cold together. If the AMLGC has not designated someone to be in control, then the member who has been present the longest will control the pistol range firing line, including the choice of which firing line is to be used.
6. When the line is declared “cold” or “safe”, all pistols and/or rifles shall be placed on the shooting benches, with the bolts open and the magazines removed, so that any other shooter can determine that the firearm are unloaded.
7. The short-legged frames shall be used on the target line. Target will not be placed elsewhere at any time. Do not move target frames forward of the target line.
8. Firing at the side berms on either side is expressly prohibited and grounds for dismissal from the AMLGC.
9. All other AMLGC range rules are in effect at the pistol range.
Violation of any of these rules will be subject to review by the Board of Directors and any member found to be in violation is subject to possible discinplinary action up to and including termination of membership without refund of dues and/or fees, as well as being held liable for any damage occurring as a result of the violation.
General Rules for the Main Range
ALL SHOTS MUST IMPACT THE BERM!
EYE AND EAR PROTECTION AT ALL TIMES FOR SHOOTERS AND OBSERVERS
RANGE RULES SHALL BE FOLLOWED AT ALL TIMES, WHETHER SHARING THE RANGE WITH OTHERS OR IF YOU ARE THE ONLY PARTY PRESENT. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!!
CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF! Remove targets from the frames, police your brass, ammo boxes, cartridge holders, food and drink containers, etc.
VANDALISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! Anyone engaging in vandalism will be dismissed from the AMLGC with no refund of dues or fees.
LAY OUT- the main range extends from the 25-yard range to the 385-meter range. All shots must be directed to strike into the earth berms, except shotguns. Shoot only at the designated distance at each range, i.e., 25 yards at the 25-yard range, 50 yards at the 50-yard range, etc. Do not shoot at the 100-yard berm from the 200/385 meter covered firing point. Do not place a target in line with the 200/385 meters berms, except at 200 or 385 meters respectively.
DO NOT MOVE FORWARD OF THE FIRING LINE TO SHOOT!
The firing line is the edge of the concrete walkway and is marked by a painted Red stripe.
Do not move any silhouette or target stand. Standard rebar target frames may be moved to different stands.
Acceptable target frames-
1. Metal rebar frames owned by AMLGC. They must be set in the frame stands provided.
2. Wood frames provided by member must be set within 3 feet of berm
3. Metal frames provided by members must be made of rebar and set within 3 feet of berm.
4. Metal or wood frames provided by Members must match dimensions of AMLGC frames exactly as to height and width.
5. NO OTHER TARGET FRAMES ARE ALLOWED- NO EXCEPTIONS!
6. DO NOT MAKE IMPROVISED TARGET FRAMES USING PLYWOOD, WOODEN BOARDS, METAL RACKS, ETC.
7. If target stands or frames are not available, do not shoot! Contact the Range Officer.
Acceptable targets-
1. Paper targets, attached to frames.
2. Steel Swingers or silhouettes- provided by member.
a. Any steel targets, including silhouettes, provided by a member must be constructed of AR-500 grade steel or harder.
b. NO mild steel and/or steel softer than AR500 which may cause ricochets.
3. Targets specifically prohibited.
a. Any breakable targets, clay pigeons, glass, cans, plastic bottles, fruit or vegetables.
b. No targets intended placed on the ground and shot and designed to roll or bounce.
c. No exploding or incendiary targets. (ie. Tannerite)
4. Do NOT shoot at any silhouettes or steel swingers that belong to the the AMLGC. They are made of mild steel and are intended for black power shooters only.
Prohibited Firearms / Caliber Restrictions-
1. Absolute prohibited types of firearms –
a. No Machine guns, fully automatic weapons
b. No Simulated full auto (ie. Bumpstocks)
2. Maximum caliber-
a. NO Barrett .50 caliber, .338 Lapua and/or other higher calibers deemed by Match Committee Chairman to be unsafe for use on the range.
100 Yard Range Firearm Restrictions –
1. Positions 1 – 7 ARE FOR MUZZLE LOADING BLACK POWDER FIREARMS ONLY
2. Centerfire Firearms are PROHIBITED on Positions 1-7 of the 100 Yard Range.
a. Centerfires may use positions 8-13
Prohibited ammo
NO Tracer, incendiary, or steel core (armor piercing) or any type of ammunition that causes excessive damage to berms or possess the ability to penetrate any portion of the berms.
Safety Rules for Main Range
1. Rules for calling range ‘Hot” or “Cold”- if you wish for the range to be “cold” so that you may go downrange, you MUST notify all shooters on the range from the 25-yard to the 385-meters range and get their agreement to go cold. The same applies when you wish the range to “HOT”. Every member must make sure there are no shooters down range before beginning to shoot.
2. Make sure no one has driven down to the 385-meter range. They will be out of sight when going around the 100-yard berm.
3. irearms shall be benched at rear loading benches when range is “Cold”, not resting on shooting bench. Bolts must be open or locked back so any shooter can determine the firearm is safe.
4. Muzzle must always pointed down range and below berm when loading or shooting. NEVER SHOOT OVER THE BERM. All bullets must always impact the berm.
5. Target frames shall be within 3 feet of berm at all times except with written club permission. Eye and ear protection for all members and their families when on range.
6. No smoking on firing line. Stay 10 feet back from firing line when smoking. No alcohol or drugs before or during shooting
7. Shooting at club swingers with high power firearms is prohibited
8. Destruction of club property may result in immediate termination and prosecution.
9. Reporting safety violations, vandalism, or other rules violations is the responsibility of every club member. Responsibility for safety of families rests on Primary member or supervising adult member.
10. Every member is responsible for the safe mechanical and overall condition of firearms used on AMLGC range
11. During formal matches, the designated RANGE OFFICER will be in full control and must be obeyed.
12. Shotguns must be aimed and fired towards the back berms so pellets will not fall over any adjacent roadway or building.
13. No rapid-fire shooting allowed. All shots must be fired in a controlled manner so that all shots strike the berm no higher than the target frames.
14. No tactical or combat style shooting is allowed. The AMLGC range does not have separate bays or facilities designed for Tactical/Combat shooting and that style of shooting is not allowed at any time. Tactical/Combat shooting is defined as any style of shooting that involves actions such as, but not limited to, moving forward, rearward or side- to- side while shooting the firearm, shooting from cover or concealment, or shooting from holsters, or otherwise reacting to a simulated threat to the shooter…etc.”
Violation of any of these rules will be subject to review by the Board of Directors and any member found to be in violation is subject to possible disciplinary action up to and including termination of membership without refund of dues and/or fees, as well as being held liable for any damage occurring as a result of the violation.
General Safety Rules for Black Powder Shooters
The following safety rules shall be followed by all black powder shooters when shooting at either a club sanctioned event or on an individual basis. There are additional club rules pertaining to specific matches held by ALMGC, available through the Match Committee. Unless otherwise specified by AMLGC Rules NMLRA/NRA/N-SSA rules will be observed. AMLGC Rules supersede all other rules.
1. Range Officers, acting under the authority of the Chief Range Officer, shall have the authority to run and control all matches. They shall have the right to inspect any shooter’s equipment and firearms to ensure compliance with any safety concerns or match rules.
2. Any muzzle loading rifle or pistol that loads from the muzzle or into the front of the revolver’s cylinder may be used. Break open firearms that load from the breech are not allowed. Firearm weight may not exceed 14 pounds. Metallic sights only, no optical devices such as telescopic sights.
3. Firearms are not to be loaded with either powder or ball until the Range Officer declares the line “HOT”.
4. Firearms are to be capped or primed at the firing line only, not at the loading bench. Keep the muzzle pointed safely downrange when capping or priming.
5. Allowable ammunition for matches- Rifle projectiles will be patched round ball only. Pistol matches may be shot using round ball or bullet shaped projectiles.
6. Clearing misfires- The “breaching” of a firearm or “pulling” of a ball must be done so as not to endanger any person or club property. Keep the muzzle pointing safely downrange at all times. The use of a CO2 ball discharger is highly recommended. No fouled firearm shall be removed from the firing line until declared safe by a Range Officer.
7. Bullet propellant shall be Black powder or NMLRA approved Black powder substitute such as Pyrodex.
8. There will be no open containers of black powder on the loading bench or firing line. Powder will be loaded into the firearm using a powder measure or separate holder. Loading from a powder horn or powder container directly into the muzzle is unsafe and is not permitted.
9. All flintlocks and side vented firearms must be fired from a position that does not
endanger their fellow shooters. A safety shield must be provided/used by the person firing a flintlock or side vented firearm.
10. Safety glasses and hearing protection are mandatory for shooter’s safety.
11. There will be no blowing down the front muzzle of the barrel of any firearm in a manner that requires placing the shooter’s head in front of the barrel.
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10. There shall be no smoking within 10 feet of the loading bench
Violation of any of these rules will be subject to review by the Board of Directors and any member found to be in violation is subject to possible disciplinary action up to and including termination of membership without refund of dues and/or fees, as well as being held liable for any damage occurring as a result of the violation.
Alamo Muzzleloading Gun Club
La Coste, Texas
These rules were adopted by the AMLGC Board of Directors January 8th, 2023. These rules supersede all previous versions.
Board of Directors
President – Alan Pinel
Vice-President – Bill Knipscher
Treasurer – John Burke Sr.
Secretary – Ian Straus
Entertainment Committee Chairman – John Burke Jr.
Range Committee Chairman – Gary Quandt
Match Committee Chairman – Clif Denny
Member At Large – Dennis Rich