Range Location

The Central Ozarks Western Shooters are guests of the Central Ozarks Practical Shooters and utilize their range, located on the west side of Phelps County on County Road 7640.

The COPS range is located in Phelps County, Missouri, just northeast of St. Robert, Missouri.  Take I-44 to Exit 169, turn south on county Highway J, for 4.5 miles, turn east on Phelps County Road Number 7640 (a gravel road) for approximately 0.7 mile to the COPS' range entrance on the north side of the road.  (Exit 169 is approximately 115 miles southwest of St. Louis, MO.; 85 miles northeast of Springfield, MO.; and approximately 15 miles southwest of Rolla, MO.)

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Firearms Safety on the Central Ozarks Practical Shooters Range

No mechanical device has a will of its own. A gun never “goes off” unless something causes it to do so. The aspect of safety is central to gun handling and our training. Memorize the following four principles of firearm safety. Threat them with absolute seriousness. Burn them into your consciousness.

1. ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS (considered to be) LOADED. No exceptions. Don’t pretend. Be deadly serious about this.

2. NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER (OR POINT AT) ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY.

3. KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON TARGET.

4. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET. Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified.

Range Conduct Rules

1. Un-bagging of a pistol/revolver is only allowed at a safety area or under the supervision of a Range Officer. Long gun will be cased until on the ready line and then uncased under the direction of a Range Officer.

2. Ammunition will not be handled in a safety area. Magazines may be loaded in any area, but a safety area.

3. Pistol/revolver will be holstered until authorized by a Range Officer to load and make ready. Long gun will be cased until on the ready line and then uncased under the direction of a Range Officer.

4. Keep your pistol holstered except when on the firing line.

5. Stand firm on the line. Plant your feet and do not fidget.

6. Do not turn around with a pistol in your hand. Holster first, then turn.

7. Do not let the pistol “dangle.” The pistol must be in the shooting position, “guard” position, or holstered.

8. Keep the muzzle down range during manipulation.

9. Keep the trigger finger outside the trigger guard when in motion.

10. Keep rifle and shotgun actions open except when on target or during a tactical drill.

11. Bagging of a pistol/revolver is only allowed at a safety area or under the supervision of a Range Officer. Long gun will be cased until on the ready line and then uncased under the direction of a Range Officer.

12. With the exception of target engagement and under the supervision of a Range Officer, running is not allowed on the range.

13. Keep the trigger finger outside the trigger guard when in motion.

14. The 180 degree safety plane must be observed at all times when shooting a stage. Breaking the safety plane, (horizontally or vertically), or in any way pointing a firearm at a person or in an “up-range” direction, will result in disqualification from the match.

15. Ammunition dropped on the ground by a shooter during his/her shooting of a stage are “dead” rounds. They may not be retrieved until the clock is stopped.

16. Shooter will not ingest any substance that may affect his/her ability to participate with a maximum state of awareness in a completely safe manner. Both prescription and non-prescription pharmaceuticals that may cause drowsiness or any other physical or mental impairment must be avoided.

17. As a minimum ear and eye must be worn by all persons on the range, including spectators.

18. Adequate clothing and footwear must be worn to meet the weather conditions.

19. Steel targets must be at least 10 meters from the firing position. Steel targets will not be used for rifle or shotgun slug practice (includes rifle ammunition shot from a handgun).

20. All projectiles, whether from a firearm or any other device, must impact in a safe manner down range, below the top of the berms or fall down range, in a safe manner , within the confines of the firearm's bay being utilized.

21. Alcohol, in any form, is not permitted on COPS range at any time.

Prepared by Bob Delp and Mike Herman, with contributions from Tom Breazeale.

TAKE NOTICE that by reading these rules and making use of the COPS’ range facilities, you are asserting that you have previously used firearms, and that you are not prohibited by any of the laws of the United States or the State of Missouri from possessing firearm(s). You are further acknowledging that you are aware of the hazards and risks inherent upon the use of firearms and upon physical proximity to any shooting activity including, but not limited to, accidental discharge of firearms and resultant personal injury or damage to property. By making use of the COPS’ range you are voluntarily and freely assuming all such risks. In addition, you are acknowledging that you are aware of these safety rules, are agreeing to fully comply with these safety rules, and agree to ensure compliance with these rules by those who may accompany you while at the COPS’ range. In making use of the COPS range facility, you are agreeing to release COPS from any and all liability which might arise out of any damage, loss, injury, or death which you might sustain while using the COPS’ range facility, and further agree to indemnify COPS and hold it harmless for any acts committed by you which give rise to any claim against COPS. - Joe Rigler – Legal Advisor.