Our 12 Non-Negotiable Range Rules: Simple, Clear, and Why They Keep Everyone Safe in 2026

Whether it’s your very first visit or your 500th, every single person who steps through our doors at Bays Indoor Range in Belvedere, SC follows the exact same 12 rules. No exceptions — not for law enforcement, not for instructors, not for the owner’s cousin.

These aren’t “suggestions.” They’re the reason we’ve had zero accidents since we opened. Print this, screenshot it, read it out loud — whatever helps it stick.

The Bays Indoor Range 12 Commandments

Treat every firearm as if it is loaded — Always. No “but it’s unloaded” jokes.
Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy — Keep it downrange at all times.
Finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you’ve made the decision to fire — “Index” means straight along the frame.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it — Bullets don’t stop at paper.
No loaded firearms anywhere except the firing line when the range is HOT — Uncasing and holstering happens at the bench only.
Absolutely no handling of firearms when anyone is downrange — Cold range = hands empty, guns in holsters or on bench pointed downrange.
Eye and ear protection required at all times inside the range — No exceptions, even if you’re “just watching.”
Only one firearm uncased on the bench at a time — Keeps confusion (and mistakes) to zero.
No rapid fire that exceeds your ability to guarantee every hit inside the 9-ring — Speed is earned through accuracy.
Brass belongs to Bays — You may pick up your own brass behind the firing line only when the range is cold.
Immediate cease-fire on command — If anyone yells “CEASE FIRE,” you stop shooting instantly, finger off trigger, muzzle downrange.
Respect every person in the building — Kindness is part of safety.

Three Extra Safety Habits We Teach Every New Shooter

The “180 Rule” — Never let your muzzle sweep past 90° left or right of straight downrange.
Verbal + Visual Ready Check — Before going hot, we ask “Eyes? Ears? Clear?” and every shooter answers out loud.
The 4-foot Rule — When moving with a holstered gun, keep at least 4 feet between you and the next person.

What Happens If Someone Breaks a Rule?

1st time (most cases) → Friendly correction and re-explanation
2nd time → Free one-on-one safety refresher with an RSO
3rd time → You leave for the day (membership credit still valid, no refund on daily fee)

We’ve only had to ask two people to leave in five years. The system works because the rules are crystal clear from day one.

Print This for Your Range Bag

Want a wallet-size version? Stop by the front desk — we hand them out free with every new membership or first visit.

Download PDF version here → baysindoorrange.com/contact

Safety isn’t just Rule #1 here — it’s the only rule that matters. Everything else is details.

See you soon. Stay safe, shoot straight, and treat every gun like it’s loaded.

Questions about any rule? Drop them below — our RSOs answer personally within a few hours.