Going Hot - Going Cold
"Hot" and "Cold" have specific definitions and you must be aware of the current state of a range at ALL times. There is no simple indicator to identify if a range is hot or cold. Knowing the current state is only accomplished through clear communication with others. Everyone's safety depends on it!
Range flags DO NOT identify if a range is hot or cold. Range flags only indicate that a range is in use.
If you are ever in doubt of whether a range is hot or cold, ask others!!
Everyone wants to have fun and be safe. Simple courtesy and sometimes a little patience makes the day more enjoyable for everyone.
Always remember, safety is everyone's concern!
A "Hot" Range
Members and their guests
- can be between the yellow ready line and the red firing line.
- can touch items on the benches.
- can touch, load and fire their weapons.
- must not cross the red firing line.
A "Cold" Range
Members and their guests
- cannot be between the yellow ready line and the red firing line.
- cannot touch any items on the benches.
- cannot touch, load or fire their weapons.
- can pass through the area between the yellow ready line and red firing line on their way to police brass, manage targets, etc. (but no stopping or touching anything on the bench!).
- can load magazines/clips, as long as everything needed to reload is already outside of the yellow ready line, prior to the range going cold.
Transitioning between "Hot" & "Cold"
This is where communication is critical. Make sure that everyone is involved and in agreement during when transitioning between hot and cold.
Going Hot -
- Nobody should be standing between the yellow ready line and the red firing line on a cold range. If anyone is, use the opportunity to educate on range procedures in a courteous way.
- Make sure that nobody is down range and everyone is behind the yellow ready line.
- Get a verbal or physical response from everyone present confirming everyone is agreement that the range is going hot.
- Once in agreement, clearly annunciate that "The Range is hot!" loudly enough that everyone can hear.
Going Cold -
- When going cold, a little patience is sometimes required.
- Make sure that you have all personal items that you may need outside the yellow ready line before the range goes cold. No touching anything on the bench after the range has gone cold!
- Check with everyone and let them know that you would like to go cold. Ask them how long they need to get ready to go cold. Sometimes people might need a few minutes to collect personal items or finish with the shots that they are taking.
- Get a verbal or physical response from everyone present confirming everyone is agreement that the range is going cold
- Once in agreement, clearly annunciate the "The Range is Cold!" loudly enough that everyone can hear.
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