The USMC and QSC Ranges:

The Quantico ranges and training area encompass 54,440 acres with 184 sq. mi. of Special Use Airspace that has a 15,000' ceiling, 55 active live and non-live fire ranges and training facilities, 39 Training Areas, 66 Landing Zones, 3 Drop Zones, and a full scope of military and law enforcement training from small arms familiarization, to company-size live fire and maneuver, to delivery of aerial ordnance.

QSC is fortunate to have the use of one small portion of the Quantico ranges, the Calvin A. Lloyd Range complex adjacent to the Weapons Training Battalion area. The map (below) shows the rifle, pistol, tactical and shotgun ranges we utilize on weekends, and the surrounding Weapons Training Battalion area. 

• MCBQ Range Regulations can be found here and range Standard Operating Procedures are here and on each individual range page
• Members can bring guests for recreational fire but a guest must sign a waiver and pay a range fee of $10
• Please bring your own targets and stands, the QSC does not provide either 
• Rules are strict regarding the transport of firearms on the base, Please read Transporting Firearms prior to visiting 
• NFA items (Short-barreled rifles and Suppressors) are allowed - Full automatic or the simulation of full-auto fire is NOT allowed

A short video on how to have a successful range day at the QSC.

Our digital assistant (Monica) offers one minute of hints, tips and advice before you come to the range. More detailed information on each range and how they operate are below.

How the QSC Ranges Operate:

You must bring your own targets (and target stands unless using a KD frame), hydration, sunscreen, bug spray, ear and eye protection, etc. Always check the club calendar for any last minute changes before coming to the range. Our digital assistant provides a brief overview of range operations.

How the Club Calendar Works: The Marines notify the QSC which ranges we have available on the Sunday preceding the upcoming weekend (as ranges are back-to-back, or due to logging, maintenance, hunting, etc., a "conflict" could cause a range closure). QSC notifies our Range Safety Officers which ranges are available and the RSOs sign up to open a range (remember that we need 3 RSOs to open a range). On Thursday night we finalize the available ranges and place them on the Club's Calendar for the upcoming weekend. We understand it's not the most responsive system, but we do follow Marine Corps policies.  

Each range has its own "pace." Regardless of the range, the RSO notes for any given day and range are linked from the Calendar. Those notes establish the final rules for that day's activities on that particular range.

A Recreational Fire Range (Range 1 & "Ironman," which was formerly Range 305) allow target placement from 7 yards to the max for that range (300m for Range 1 and 450y for Ironman; however, there are restrictions on distances for steel). A rec fire range will (for example) open for target placement at 0730 and go "Hot" at 0800 when the EMT arrives. They then go Hot and Cold about every 30-45 minutes so people can check targets, or come and go. You can shoot your pistol at 7 yards and on the same lane, have your AR target at 150yds so you can alternate. We do limit transitions and drills until we know a person is competent. As an example, we had a member doing 'up" drills with his AR on Range 1 (21-position covered with a concrete pad). Usually not a problem, but he decided he would do them facing the rear of the facility so he had to turn, with a loaded weapon, which means he was flagging the entire firing line during his drill. We pay strict attention to safety because the skill levels of members vary.

A Structured Fire Range (ranges 2 & 3, which are both 600yds) are usually only used for the rifle teams or shooters practicing for interservice matches, across the course (service rifle), Camp Perry, etc. These ranges are placed on the club calendar and operate at the pace of the shooters or the course of fire they are practicing.

A Precision Fire Range has a much different pace. For example, Range 4 is 1,000y but the RSO determines the course of fire for the day. A Saturday session could be 300y & 600y, 600y & 800y, 600y only or (much less frequently) a 100y, 300y and 600y day. Sunday is always a 1,000y day. We adhere to USMC range rules and since the ranges are parallel to each other, there are sometimes overlapping "surface danger zones," therefore, we place targets at the 1,000y target line and the firing line moves between the known distance (incremental) firing lines (100y, 200y, 300y, etc.).

So, on a Saturday, they may shoot 300 & 600y. You arrive at the pits at 0715 and setup your targets. Pits close at 0745 for safety brief and first shot is at 0800. They may stay Hot for 1-2hrs with NO target checks or pit trips. They do this as most long range shooters have target cameras or steel that gives immediate auditory feedback and where hits can be observed. When the line is ready, they conduct target checks, and when the line or RSO is ready, they would move from the 300 to 600 yard line to shoot until they time out or run out of ammo. So, there may be the initial setup, one target check, a line move and another target check before completion. If you're late to setting up targets, you will wait until the line is ready. 

Sunday is similar, with target setup by 0745 and first shot at 0800. The line may do a target check at 0930, one at 1130, etc. If you're late, you wait. Sunday offers the ability (when Range 3 is not occupied) to place steel at differing distances. forward the 600y line and to the 1,000y target line. So, while the firing line remains static at the 1,000y firing line and the target line is static, you may (on the right side of the range) find 8-9 steel targets at differing distances. For example, there could be three steel targets at 619y, each a differing size, then one at 683y, one at 728y, etc., etc., out to the final target at 1,000y. 

RSOs are the Lifeblood of the QSC:

The backbone of Quantico Shooting Club is a cadre of volunteer Range Safety Officers. Our RSOs open ranges for recreational fire, matches. Please take the time to thank each RSO for volunteering and giving up their time for your benefit. RSOs are our lifeblood, if we lose them, we lose the club so please join the RSO ranks. Visit our Range Safety section to learn more about becoming an RSO. 

A Google Earth Range Map:

A Consolidated Range Map (not to scale):