Ranges At The Heritage Guild

Firearms Range Policies and Procedures

Range Safety Video

REQUIRED VIEWING AT OUR RANGE IN EASTON, PA. 

Basic NRA Firearms Rules for Safe Gun Handling

  1. Always treat a firearm as if it is loaded
  2. Always keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard until ready to fire
  3. Always keep firearms unloaded until ready to use
  4. Always keep muzzle pointed down range
  5. Always make sure that firearms are in safe operating condition before use
  6. Always use the correct ammunition for your firearm
  7. Never use alcohol or any kind of drugs before or while shooting

Range Rules

to ensure your enjoyment of our facility

  1. Obey all commands and instructions from the Range Officer.
  2. Approved eye and ear protection is required at all times in the range.
  3. All guns must be cased or holstered when not in the shooting port.
  4. Only one gun uncased or unholstered at any time. If two people in port, only one shooter at a time. Pass gun by placing it on shooting bench, not hand to hand.
  5. No loading or unloading of firearms except on bench in shooting port.
  6. Guns must be pointed down range loaded or unloaded, actions open or closed, at all times
  7. Line of sight shooting only. No drawing from hip or holster. No trick shooting.
  8. Use range approved paper targets only.
  9. No rapid fire.
  10. Do not shoot at anything other than targets. Anyone observed deliberately shooting at things other than their target (frames, lights etc) will be assessed a $ fee and asked to leave the range.
  11. Use the help button to call the range officer for help with any jams, misfires or other questions about your firearm.
  12. No retrieval of spent cartridges or anything dropped across the firing line.
  13. No eating, drinking or smoking in the range.
  14. Children 10 and over may use the range when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times in the range and store
  15. You must be 21 years old to shoot a handgun & 18 years old to shoot a long gun without being accompanied by parent or legal guardian.
  16. Proper attire is required. No sandals or open toed shoes, no low necklines or excessively loose clothing or jewelry.
  17. Range Officer has the right to eject or refuse anyone access to the range. Failure to follow basic gun safety and the range rules will result in immediate expulsion and suspension of membership.
  18. All ammunition is subject to inspection and approval. You must use approved ammunition ONLY.  No tracers, steel core, or armor penetrating ammunition.  Shotgun shells are limited to buckshot and slug ONLY.
  19. All firearms must arrive and leave the range in a case or holster. No uncased or unholstered firearms may leave the port.
  20. If a misfire or malfunction occurs, keep the firearm pointed downrange and signal the Range Safety Officer for assistance. DO NOT leave the firing line with a loaded or jammed firearm.
  21. Instruction by Heritage Guild Staff ONLY.

*Heritage Guild advises that pregnant women should NOT use the range*

Range Etiquette

If you want to go shooting for the first time, all of the rules you must follow can be intimidating and overwhelming. At any range, there are written rules that must be followed. Along with these rules are certain standards of etiquette that are expected from everyone. Gun range etiquette is a blend of common sense, courtesy, and safety. A day at the range is fun, and good range etiquette makes it even better. Below are some basic instructions to make it easier for you on your first trip to the range.

Before You Come to the Range:

  • We require closed toe shoes in the range and recommend that you do not wear low cut shirts to avoid getting burned by spent brass casings.
  • You must bring a valid government issued photo ID card.
  • We require eye and ear protection in the range. Eye and ear protection is available for rent or purchase at the range.
  • Read our Range FAQs.
  • Consider taking a beginner's class (view our current courses).

If You are Bringing Your Own Firearms or Ammunition:

  • Ensure you are in compliance with your Federal, State, and Local laws before transporting firearms or ammunition in your vehicle.
  • Before leaving home, ensure your firearm and any magazines you have are UNLOADED and the action is OPEN.
  • Transport firearms and ammunition in separate containers.

Once You Get to the Range:

  • Check in at the front counter. There is some paperwork you must complete and a safety video to watch before you can start shooting. You will need to provide your government issued photo ID at this time. Your ID will be retained at the range counter for the duration of your time in the range.
  • If you will be renting a gun from us, you will choose which firearm(s) and ammunition you will be using at the range. Rental guns are a great way to familiarize yourself with a variety of firearms and to try out firearms that you are considering for purchase. There will be a fee for renting the gun, as well as for the cost of ammunition.

Heading into the Range:

  • Before you head inside, you'll be given a range pass and if you are renting from us, a rental gun pass(es). At this point, you would put on your eye and ear protection and head inside the range.
  • Eye and ear protection must be worn by shooters and observers.
  • REMEMBER, no food or drink is allowed in the range.
  • Observe the "open one door at a time" signage. Make sure one door closes completely before opening the next door and entering the range.


Once inside the range, you'll be greeted by one of our Range Safety Officers (RSO) who will assign you a shooting lane and, if you are renting, get you your rental firearm. The Range Safety Officers are in charge. You should do exactly what the Range Safety Officer tells you to do. If you have questions, comply first, then ask about the rule or range command.

Heritage Guild Gun Range

You are required to know and follow the range rules.

  • Coat hooks are provided to hang up jackets or range bags.
  • Staplers are also provided to assist you in hanging your targets if needed.
  • If you are not familiar with how to operate the target retriever or if you are unfamiliar with the firearms you are shooting, be sure to ask the Range Safety Officer and they will be happy to help you get started.
  • Only shoot your own targets and only shoot at the targets. You do not want to shoot at any target that is not in your lane. You also do not want to shoot at target frames, support posts - anything other than the target itself.
  • Whenever you present a firearm to anyone for any reason, always do so with the action open and the barrel pointed in a safe direction (down range). This is the standard way of demonstrating that the firearm is unloaded and safe to handle.
  • Always keep the barrel of the firearm pointed away from people at all times, even if it is unloaded. Keep you finger outside the trigger guard except when you are actually ready to shoot (even if the firearm is unloaded).
  • CEASEFIRES are used whenever all shooting must stop. The RSO is NOT the only person who can call a ceasefire. Anyone who spots a potential problem should call, "Ceasefire!" The RSO will repeat the words and see to it that all firing stops immediately. During a ceasefire, there should be no handling of firearms. The key things to remember are:
  • ​Chamber is empty and ammunition source (magazine) is removed.
  • Action is open.
  • ​Hands off!
  • ​Step away from the firing line.
  • Once you are done shooting, ensure your firearm is clear and safe and that there is no ammunition left in the magazine or storage case. If you had rented a gun, allow the Range Safety Officer to pack up the rental gun and retrieve your gun rental tag.
  • Be sure you have all your personal belongings, range pass, and any rental passes before you exit the range.

After Leaving the Range:

  • After exiting the range please wash your hands. Sinks and D-Lead hand soap are available to wash your hands free of any lead contaminants.
  • Take your range pass and any rental passes back to the range counter and retrieve your photo ID.
  • Be sure to look around the rest of the Heritage Guild and notice our extensive inventory of new/used firearms, accessories, ammunition, and archery equipment. Ask an associate for a tour of our other ranges and our archery section including our 10 yard indoor archery range!