Small Arms Training (SAT) Range - 35 Yards

Range Description

The Small Arms Training (SAT) Range is a 35-yard, four-bay complex used mostly for matches and occasionally recreational fire events. All match event details will be posted on Practiscore. Recreational and practice fire events, sponsored by the Quantico Shooting Club (QSC) will be posted on the club’s calendar along with applicable range notes outlining important information about the event.

Match events regularly shot on the SAT Range include:

  • USPSA
  • Steel Challenge (SCSA)
  • Action Steel
  • PCSL
  • Multi-gun and 2/3 gun

Range Operations for all Ranges Aboard MCBQ Operated by the QSC

As noted above, all match events on the SAT Range along with specific instructions are posted on Practiscore. While the QSC calendar will show event dates and times, it will not include detailed information on the match. If participating in a QSC-sponsored match, it is the shooter’s responsibility to check Practiscore prior to arriving at the range for detailed information pertaining to that match.

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 SAT Range 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
  • It is the responsibility of the shooter to understand all caliber and ballistic steel restrictions on the SAT range. Do not show up on the SAT range and expect the OIC or RSOs to make any exceptions as they cannot be granted
  • 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

Authorized Ammunition

Due to the short distance from the firing line to the backstop on the SAT range (35 yards), only the following calibers are permitted to be fired on this range:

  • Pistol – All calibers
  • Shotgun (birdshot, buckshot and slugs*) – All gauges
  • Rifle:
    • 5.56mm*
    • 7.62mm*

* IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • The authorized ammunition listed above are hard and fast rules published by MCBQ Range Control. Exceptions cannot be made by the OIC or RSO team, so do not ask!
  • These are the permitted calibers on the SAT range for PAPER TARGETS ONLY. For ballistic steel targets, see the Minimum Engagement Distances for Ballistic Steel Reactive Targets section further down the page.

Be advised MCBQ Range Control may place further restrictions on ammunition eligibility on the SAT Range at any time for any reason.

Target and Target Systems Requirements for Recreational Fire Events

  • 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 SAT Range 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 the SAT Range:

  • 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
  • No other calibers authorized on steel targets on the SAT Range
    • Shotgun (Slug) – Not Authorized / Paper Targets Only
    • 5.56mm / .223 Ball - Not Authorized / Paper Targets Only
    • 7.62mm / .308 Ball - Not Authorized / Paper Targets Only

IMPORTANT NOTE: The minimum engagement distances listed above are hard and fast rules published by MCBQ Range Control. Exceptions cannot be made by the OIC or RSO team, so do not ask!

Updated April 22, 2025

The following are short video presentations intended to help make your range day more enjoyable.