Friday Night Steel is intended to be a safe, fun and relaxing way to spend your Friday evening. This competition is in its 24th year now and has been growing in popularity every year. Anything that detracts from our goal of practicing pistol skills in a safe, organized, and enjoyable manner is discouraged. To this end, we have summarized the range rules as follows. For questions or clarifications please contact the FNS Match Director or Senior Range Officer.
FNS Range Rules
- There will be no stealing, cheating, fighting, arguing with range officers, unsportsmanlike conduct and unsafe or unruly behavior. No one present during the shooting event may be under the influence of alcohol or other mind altering substances. Depending on review of the individual situation by the FNS and/or FSA management, this could result in the individual(s) being disqualified from the match and/or possible barring from all future Friday Night Steel events.
- Eye and ear protection will ALWAYS be worn by ANYONE who enters the range area. There will be no exceptions to this. We will try to have spare eye and ear protection available for shooters who forgot theirs or for visitors or observers in the range area.
- We operate a cold range at all times. This means that no loaded firearms are permitted anywhere on the range until it is your turn to shoot and you are under the direction of a timer/safety officer. When you are not shooting, firearms must be unloaded and either holstered or in a container.
- No one, even though licensed by the State, may carry a concealed firearm at the range. This is a FSA club rule. Also, the handgun may only be transported openly in a holster in the FSA pistol range area only, not in the upper parking areas or clubhouses.
- Any competitors activities determined to be unsafe will result in a match disqualification. The most important rules being to keep the muzzle of the handgun pointed downrange at all times, and finger off of the trigger until actually shooting. Also, handling of firearms is restricted to the firing point and designated “Safe Handling” areas. Magazines, ammunition, and accessories can be handled at any time or place.
- No person except the shooter, RO/timer and scorer will position themselves in front of the designated yellow safety line when the range is active. There will be no exceptions unless the entire range is completely cold (no competitor at the line and no firearms on the tables).
- When starting from the table, single or double action auto pistols may start in the cocked position with the safety or decocker disengaged and finger off of the trigger. Revolvers must start with the hammer down. If drawing from a holster, single action autos must have the safety engaged or the hammer down on a double action auto. When drawing from a holster hands must be either hanging naturally at sides or wrists positioned above shoulders. No part of the hands can be touching the gun at the “start” when drawing from a holster. If the competitor ‘jumps the gun’ anytime between the standby call and the buzzer, a 9 second procedural will be assessed.
- When shooting rimfire rifles or pistol caliber carbines the muzzle must be touching the table and finger out of the trigger guard.
- Holsters must be belt/side mounted and positioned on the competitor’s strong side. No inside-the-waistband,cross draw or shoulder holsters may be used in the competition. Serpa style holsters are not allowed. The holster must be visible to the range officer at all times and not covered by a garment. The trigger finger must not be placed inside the trigger guard until after the pistol is drawn and is oriented towards the target area. It is also recommended not to use “tactical gloves” or any hand covering when shooting
- The competitor must finish the course with the gun that he/she starts with. If there is a mechanical failure then the competitor can try to repair it and continue shooting. If the gun cannot be fixed then the shooter must take a DNF (did not finish) for the remaining runs. If no shot is fired in a run and the gun fails to fire for any reason, the timer is allowed offer the shooter a “re-start”. The shooter must take “misses” for lost targets if the gun malfunctions and can’t be cleared after a shot is fired during a string. The decision of the attending RO and Timer is final.
Timers and Scorers
- Only experienced shooters that have read and understand the range rules and commands and have been authorized by FNS Management will act as RO/timers. Under no circumstances is a new shooter or novice shooter allowed to operate a timer unless authorized by, or under the direct supervision, of a qualified RO/timer. New or unapproved shooters may act as scorekeepers (writers). It is also the job of the scorekeeper to notify the next shooter in line to “get ready” in order to avoid delays. Scorekeeping will allow newer shooters to participate in the timing and scoring process so they can gain the needed experience. When conducting timing or scorekeeping the individuals must concentrate on the job at hand and avoid distracting conversation or activities. No smoking will be allowed by the Shooter, RO/Timer or Scorer while shooting is taking place. The timer will give commands according to the FNS range rules available on this website. Any deliberate or persistent variation from these commands will result in the timer losing his/her RO/timer privileges.
Accidental Discharges
- An accidental discharge (or AD) is a serious violation and is defined as the discharge of a firearm before the timer is activated, and/or placing a shot below the top of the railroad ties or above the earthen backstop. A person having an AD will automatically be disqualified from shooting for that match and the situation will be reviewed by the Match Director. To minimize the chance of this happening, if a holster is being used the safety (if the firearm has a safety) will be engaged and trigger finger removed from the trigger guard before the firearm is holstered and re-holstered.
New Shooters
- FNS events are intended for shooters who have experience with handguns. Competitors should have, at minimum, basic knowledge of loading, unloading, firing and safe gun handling. Adult shooters that haven’t fired in an FNS event previously will need to check in with the Match Director or a Senior Range Officer for a safety and review of range commands before registering. When registering for the first time indicate on the computer or card that you are a “new shooter” If a shooter is a known experienced pistol competitor this requirement may be waived by the Match Director or his designee on a case by case basis.
Young Shooters
- Due to safety concerns, children below the age of 13 will generally not be allowed to shoot in the competition. Young shooters between the ages of 13 and 18 will be identified as “Junior Shooters” and must be in the direct presence of a parent or guardian at all times during the event.
Illness or Injury
- Any physical injuries or illnesses (such as heat related disorders) experienced by competitors or observers at the range must be reported immediately to the Match Director or a Range Officer. We have first aid supplies and hydration therapy available at all times. We will have an air conditioned room available adjacent to the range if needed.
Brass Collection
- Shooters are allowed to recover their own spent brass. When there is a break in shooting at the firing point with Range Officer permission. The shooter is to recover only the brass he/she has fired or equivalent. No wholesale brass collection will be allowed unless authorized by the Match Director. Unclaimed brass is the property of Friday Night Steel.
These rules are subject to change at the discretion of FNS management. It is the responsibility of all participants to be aware of and abide by all current rules.