Range Description
Range 1 aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ) is an unknown distance, 320-yard multipurpose range used for recreational fire events sponsored by the Quantico Shooting Club (QSC). Target placement is permitted between 10 and 320 yards. Recreational calibers are authorized up to and including .50 BMG.
Range 1 is unique from other ranges used by the QSC aboard MCBQ in that it has a 21-position shoot house with a concrete slab floor and overhead, side and back cover. Weather permitting and at the RSO’s discretion, the firing line may be moved forward of the shoot house to accommodate larger numbers of shooters.
Please note the following regarding Range 1:
- .338 Lapua is not authorized for use on Range 1
- Be advised MCBQ Range Control may place further restrictions on ammunition eligibility on Range 1 at any time for any reason.
Range Operations for all Ranges Aboard MCBQ Operated by the QSC
For recreational fire events, the QSC generally opens ranges at 0800 hours with the objective of going hot no later than 0900 hours. We cycle every hour for 45 minutes hot, 15 minutes cold to accommodate target changes and new arrivals. Ranges usually close for the day no later than 1400 hours, however it’s at the RSOs discretion to make schedule adjustments as needed. Enforced range operation rules include, but may not be limited to the following:
- At the start of the range day, shooters may bring cased firearms to the firing line during target set up time
- All firearms must remain cased until after the safety briefing is complete and the RSOs have communicated the firing line is hot
- Under no circumstances will shooters handle firearms when the firing line is cold
- All weapons will always be pointed straight down range
- Empty Chamber Indicators (ECIs) are mandatory for all uncased weapons not being fired on the Range 1 firing line
General Range Safety Rules for All Ranges Aboard MCBQ Operated by the QSC:
- Always treat weapons as if they are loaded
- Keep your fingers off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
- Always point your weapon in a safe direction
- Always know what’s behind your target and backstop
The QSC and its members are guests aboard MCBQ. We are indeed fortunate to have access to the fine ranges on the Calvin Lloyd Range Complex. As such, the QSC takes range and firearms safety very seriously. Any violation of published safety rules or RSO commands may result in the shooter’s immediate removal from the firing line and range complex for the day. All safety violations are fully documented and retained on file per QSC and MCBQ procedures. Repeated safety violations will result in the shooter’s expulsion from the QSC.
Shooter’s Obligations
- Shooters will listen to and obey all commands issued by the QSC Range Safety Officers (RSOs). Their commands and request are not negotiable
- Shooters must bring their own targets, target backers, target stands, target stand supports and fasteners
- Ear and eye protection is required on all ranges aboard MCBQ operated by the QSC and must be provided by the shooter
- Food, hydration and bug spray are the responsibility of the shooter
- At the end of the day, all shooters must police their brass and remove all trash before exiting the range
- Before heading to the range, shooters are responsible for:
- Checking the QSC club calendar for last-minute updates to the day’s shooting event
- Reading and understanding the RSOs range notes linked in the QSC club calendar for the day of the shooting event
- Shooters must always follow safe firearms practices while on ranges aboard MCBQ operated by the QSC
Target and Target Systems Requirements
- Targets are limited to paper, wood, plastic and approved ballistic steel.
- The following targets are not permitted on any range aboard MCBQ operated by the QSC:
- Targets that create shards, such as glass
- Reactive or explosive targets, such as Tannerite
- Gimmick-like targets such as dueling trees, Texas Stars or spinners
- All ballistic steel targets must be:
- Constructed of AR500 steel with a minimum thickness of 3/8”
- Mounted or hung with a forward cant or the ability to react / rebound with a bullet hit so as to deflect bullet fragments towards the ground
- At the discretion of the RSO team, steel shooters may be segregated to one side of the Range 1 firing line with a minimum lateral distance of six feet between steel shooters
Minimum Engagement Distances for Ballistic Steel Reactive Targets
The following are the MCBQ published minimum distances for engaging steel reactive targets on Range 1:
- Pistol - 10 yards (No pistol magnum calibers, FN 5.7 or +P ammo on steel)
- Magnum Caliber Pistols (.357mag, .44mag, +P) – 25 yards
- Pistol (Braced) / PCC / Rimfire Rifle - 25 yards
- Shotgun (Buck / Bird Shot) - 11 yards
- Shotgun (Slug) - 55 yards
- 5.56mm / .223 Ball - 110 yards
- 7.62mm / .308 Ball - 165 yards
- No calibers above 7.62 / .308 allowed on steel targets on Range 1
- 300 Win Mag – Paper targets only
- .50 BMG – Paper targets only
- 6.5 Creedmoor – Paper targets only
- 6.8mm – Paper targets only
NET-NET: NOTHING ABOVE 7.62mm ALLOWED ON STEEL REACTIVE TARGETS ON RANGE 1
The following are short video presentations intended to help make your range day more enjoyable.
A Sturmgewehr 44 copy on Range 1 and a black powder shooter.
A typical range day on QSC's Range 1.