Standard Operating Procedures
Black Bear Shooting Club | Black Bear Shooting Complex
Effective Date: April 2025
​
Complex-Wide Rules
Black Bear Shooting Complex ("the Complex") is an elite precision shooting facility with operational protocols that apply at all times regardless of location. These protocols have been established to ensure the highest levels of safety and operational excellence for Black Bear Shooting Club members and their authorized guests.
​
FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THESE PROTOCOLS MAY RESULT IN A FORMAL REPRIMAND, IMMEDIATE REMOVAL, OR PERMANENT REVOCATION OF ACCESS PRIVILEGES TO BLACK BEAR SHOOTING COMPLEX.
​
The Black Bear Shooting Club & Complex standard operating procedures are as follows:
​
1. FOUNDATIONAL FIREARMS SAFETY PROTOCOLS
1.1. ALWAYS maintain the firearm oriented in a tactically safe direction.
1.2. ALWAYS maintain trigger discipline until prepared to engage.
1.3. ALWAYS maintain firearms in an unloaded condition until prepared for deployment.
1.4. Maintain absolute certainty of target identification and awareness of terminal ballistics environment.
2. TACTICAL SAFETY PROTOCOLS
2.1. Utilize appropriate eye and ear protection systems at all times while on active ranges.
2.2. No alcoholic beverages or controlled substances are permitted within the Complex.
2.3. Any individual suspected of being under the influence of performance-altering substances will be directed to vacate the premises immediately.
2.4. No smoking on any firing line or within enclosed tactical environments.
2.5. Execute all commands issued by Range Safety Officers (RSOs) without hesitation.
2.6. In the event of any operational anomaly or emergency, cease fire immediately and await tactical directives from qualified BBSC staff.
​
3. ADMINISTRATIVE PROTOCOLS
3.1. Members will receive check-in/check-out procedural instruction during orientation. Members are required to notify designated BBSC contacts upon arrival at and departure from the Complex.
3.2. BBSC does not permit convicted felons on the Complex under any circumstances. Any individual determined to be a convicted felon attempting to access the Complex will be removed immediately and relevant law enforcement agencies will be promptly notified.
3.3. All personnel must execute the Black Bear Shooting Club comprehensive liability waiver prior to accessing the Complex. Each individual must renew this waiver every five years or upon notification of substantive modifications to the waiver terms.
3.4. Members must request authorization from BBSC executive leadership prior to bringing service animals or personal pets to the Complex.
3.5. No unauthorized personnel shall be present on the Complex during non-operational periods. Operational hours are Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, unless otherwise specified for sanctioned events.
3.6. Tactical professionals under 10 years of age are NOT permitted on the Complex except by special authorization from executive leadership with properly executed minor release documentation.
3.7. For tactical professionals between ages 10-17 accessing the Complex, the legal guardian must execute the BBSC minor release documentation prior to the minor accessing the premises. All minors must maintain continuous direct supervision by a qualified adult at ALL TIMES.
3.8. Minors and their supervising adults will be immediately directed to vacate the Complex in the event that the minor is found unsupervised or exhibiting unsafe or disruptive conduct.
3.9. All personnel shall operate vehicles at speeds not exceeding 15 MPH on Complex access roads.
3.10. BBSC reserves absolute right to remove and permanently restrict access for any member, non-member, or guest without financial consideration for violent, inappropriate, unprofessional, unusual, disorderly, insubordinate, and/or compromised behavior.
3.11. Non-BBSC instructors are prohibited from conducting any training operations without prior authorization from BBSC executive leadership.
3.12. These Standard Operating Procedures may be modified periodically. Current SOP documentation will be available at www.blackbearsc.com. All members should regularly review these documents for operational updates.
​
4. GENERAL RANGE PROTOCOLS
4.1. Operational security and tactical safety are collective responsibilities. All members have an obligation to maintain situational awareness and assist others in adherence to established safety protocols. Report any safety violations to an RSO and/or BBSC staff immediately.
4.2. All personnel must utilize appropriate hearing and eye protection systems at all times when on or in proximity to active firing lines.
4.3. Shoulder holsters and cross-draw carry configurations are prohibited within the Complex without proper authorization from leadership.
4.4. Utilization of cellular communications devices while on active firing lines is prohibited — these devices create operational distractions. Secure communications devices in vehicles or maintain them in silent mode near firing lines. RSOs will maintain communications capabilities for operational security purposes.
4.5. Engage only designated and approved targets.
4.6. Ensure all projectiles impact authorized terminal ballistics environments.
4.7. Do not engage target frames or support structures.
4.8. Maintain operational discipline by securing all tactical debris, expended brass, and refuse before departing operational areas.
4.9. Report any equipment malfunctions or security concerns to BBSC staff immediately.
4.10. Execute immediate cease-fire when any personnel calls "Cease Fire" or when range signals activate.
4.11. During cease-fire conditions, all firearms must be rendered inert, actions open, and properly secured on the firing platform or in designated racks.
4.12. Do not advance beyond established firing lines until the range has been formally declared "Cold" by authorized RSO personnel.
​
5. COMPLEX ARRIVAL PROTOCOLS
5.1. All personnel shall restrict movement to established Complex roadways except in designated parking, staging, or range areas. Unauthorized exploration of the Complex is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
5.2. Never proceed past any closed access control points, cables, safety indicators, or tactical barriers without confirming the operational status of that area.
5.3. Black Bear Shooting Complex maintains COLD range protocols. No personnel other than BBSC staff and authorized security professionals or uniformed "on duty" law enforcement personnel are permitted to possess loaded firearms outside of designated firing lines. All personnel will ONLY LOAD at the firing line when explicitly directed to do so by the RSO responsible for that particular range. No personnel shall wear a loaded concealed, non-concealed, or holstered firearm off the designated firing line of any range without explicit Chief Range Safety Officer or executive leadership authorization.
5.4. Firearms transported into any administrative structure must be unloaded and properly secured in appropriate transport configurations.
5.5. Members are to coordinate with the RSO prior to retrieving any equipment from their vehicles. This enables the RSO to conduct appropriate safety briefings and direct the member to the designated operational area.
5.6. The RSO may conduct tactical equipment inspections and ammunition verification prior to authorizing range access. Operational safety briefings will be conducted at this time.
5.7. Maintain all vehicles on established access routes and away from low-lying terrain features. Do not operate or park vehicles on any maintained surfaces near firing lines.
5.8. Park only in designated staging areas.
​
6. RANGE OPERATIONAL PROTOCOLS
6.1. BBSC requires the utilization of chamber status indicators on all ranges and during all competitive events. Exceptions are permitted for handguns on designated handgun ranges.
6.2. All personnel shall execute the commands of BBSC Range Safety Officers and Chief Range Safety Officers without hesitation.
6.3. Engage targets only from authorized firing positions. Each target must have an appropriate terminal ballistics environment before engagement. Do not engage in directions that could result in projectiles entering adjacent properties.
6.4. No personnel shall engage targets outside their designated firing lane.
6.5. No personnel shall engage wildlife under any circumstances.
6.6. No personnel shall intentionally direct fire over established backstop structures.
6.7. Consumption of food, beverages, and use of tobacco products is prohibited while on active firing lines.
6.8. All Members are responsible for maintaining operational discipline in their assigned areas. Secure all tactical debris, expended brass, and refuse in appropriate receptacles or remove from the Complex. Maintain the professional standard of your range environment.
6.9. Operational inquiries about range facilities, target systems, or procedures should be directed to the designated RSO or BBSC executive leadership.
​
7. AUTHORIZED WEAPONS SYSTEMS
7.1. Fully automatic firearms are NOT permitted at Black Bear Shooting Complex unless specifically authorized by BBSC executive leadership. Members utilizing other NFA-regulated items must maintain appropriate documentation in their possession.
7.2. BBSC authorizes firearms up to .50 caliber on specifically designated ranges.
7.3. Magnum calibers of 338 or larger are NOT to be deployed against BBSC steel target systems at distances less than 600 yards.
7.4. All firearms must be legally possessed and maintained in proper operational condition.
7.5. All firearms must be unloaded and properly secured when not on designated firing lines.
7.6. Firearms may only be removed from transport configuration and handled at designated firing lines or authorized safe areas.
​
8. AUTHORIZED AMMUNITION
8.1. Steel core, tracer, and incendiary projectiles are prohibited unless explicit authorization has been obtained from BBSC executive leadership. Any projectile exhibiting magnetic properties may NOT be deployed against steel target systems.
8.2. All members are subject to magnetic verification testing of their ammunition before engaging BBSC steel target systems. If any component of the projectile exhibits magnetic properties, that ammunition is not authorized for use on steel target systems.
8.3. A maximum projectile velocity limit of 3,150 feet per second shall be strictly enforced when engaging steel target systems.
8.4. No tracer, incendiary, or explosive ammunition is permitted under any circumstances.
8.5. Only approved calibers are authorized. Consult with BBSC staff for the current authorization list.
9. AUTHORIZED TARGET SYSTEMS
9.1. Members may deploy only paper targets at the Complex unless authorization has been granted ahead of time. All other target systems utilized will be those provided by BBSC.
9.2. No member will adjust or reconfigure steel target systems without explicit authorization from BBSC executive leadership.
9.3. No member will deploy targets without direct supervision from a BBSC RSO, CRSO, or authorized staff member.
9.4. No member will attempt to deploy targets outside of BBSC designated range areas.
9.5. The BBSC CRSO maintains authority to implement any necessary protocol adjustments deemed essential for operational security, tactical safety, or the professional integrity of BBSC.
9.6. Engaging unauthorized objects that may produce unpredictable ricochet effects or fire hazards is strictly prohibited.
9.7. Engaging any reactive or binary explosive compounds is strictly prohibited; this includes Tannerite and similar formulations.
9.8. Never engage BBSC infrastructure or support facilities. Any operational equipment or tactical assets must be utilized exclusively for their designed purpose, including: firing platforms, seating, rest systems, equipment staging areas, and target deployment systems.
​
10. TARGET MAINTENANCE PROTOCOLS
10.1. Members must supply appropriate target restoration materials and are required to restore all relevant and reasonably accessible targets before departing the range. Certain ranges maintain target deployment systems, but members must provide their own paper targets and backing materials.
10.2. When advancing downrange to restore steel target systems, implement full cease-fire protocols across all affected ranges and follow established "downrange protocols" for each range. This requires visual and verbal confirmation that all firearms are rendered safe and all personnel are clear of firing lines. No handling of firearms or ammunition is permitted while personnel are forward of firing lines. Pistol ranges may maintain operations when personnel are downrange on segregated rifle ranges.
10.3. Firing operations may resume only after the range has been confirmed secure, with no personnel present downrange, and proper range resumption protocols have been executed.
​
11. TACTICAL TRAINING AREAS
11.1. Utilize only under direct supervision of BBSC staff or authorized tactical instructors.
11.2. Adhere to specialized safety protocols for each training scenario.
12. COLD WAR BUNKER AREA
12.1. Access to this restricted area is permitted ONLY with BBSC staff escort. This area is otherwise STRICTLY OFF LIMITS.
12.2. Do not interact with or manipulate any historical artifacts or equipment.
12.3. Documentation and imagery capture allowed only with explicit authorization.
13. MEMBERSHIP AND GUEST PROTOCOLS
13.1. Members must complete verification procedures during the check-in process.
13.2. Guests must maintain direct supervision by a sponsoring member at all times.
13.3. Members assume full responsibility for all conduct of their guests.
13.4. Guest privileges remain subject to immediate revocation at the discretion of BBSC personnel.
14. TRAINING AND COMPETITIVE EVENTS
14.1. Advance registration is required for all training courses and competitive events.
14.2. Cancellations must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance for consideration of financial reimbursement.
14.3. BBSC reserves the right to modify or reschedule any event.
14.4. Participants must satisfy all prerequisites for advanced tactical courses.
15. IMAGERY AND DOCUMENTATION
15.1. No photography or video documentation without prior authorization from BBSC executive leadership.
15.2. Authorized documentation activities must not compromise tactical operations or safety protocols.
15.3. BBSC reserves the right to utilize any imagery or documentation captured on the Complex for promotional purposes.
16. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
16.1. Adhere to all established guidelines for lead management and recycling protocols.
16.2. Utilize only approved maintenance compounds at designated stations.
16.3. Report any contamination concerns or environmental anomalies to BBSC staff immediately.
16.4. Respect wildlife and natural environments.
17. DISCIPLINARY PROTOCOLS
17.1. BBSC staff maintain absolute authority to remove any individual from the Complex for unsafe tactical practices, aggressive conduct, unprofessional behavior, or violation of established protocols.
17.2. Repeated protocol violations may result in suspension or permanent revocation of membership privileges.
17.3. BBSC reserves the right to deny service to any individual.
18. LIABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
18.1. All users of BBSC facilities assume all inherent risks of personal injury and property damage.
18.2. BBSC assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged personal equipment.
18.3. Users agree to indemnify and hold BBSC harmless from any claims arising from their use of the facilities.
BBSC reserves the right to modify these operational protocols at any time. It is the responsibility of members and guests to maintain awareness of current protocols.
​
By utilizing BBSC facilities, you acknowledge that you have received, comprehended, and agree to abide by these standard operating procedures.
​
​
Key Protocol Summary
​
1. Tactical Safety Fundamentals
• Always treat all firearms as if they are in ready condition
• Maintain trigger discipline until prepared to engage
• Always maintain proper muzzle discipline
• Maintain positive target identification and awareness of terminal ballistics environment
• Utilize appropriate eye and ear protection systems at all times on operational ranges
​
2. Range Discipline
• Execute all commands issued by Range Safety Officers without hesitation
• Engage only designated target systems
• Maintain operational discipline by securing tactical debris
• Execute immediate cease-fire when commanded
​
3. Firearms and Ammunition Protocols
• Deploy only legally possessed firearms in proper operational condition
• No tracer, incendiary, or explosive ammunition
• Deploy only approved calibers (verify current authorization list)
• Maintain firearms unloaded and secured when not on designated firing lines
​
4. Facility Protocols
• Complete check-in procedures before proceeding to any range
• No controlled substances permitted on the Complex
• Maintain speeds below 15 MPH on all Complex access roads
• Respect wildlife and natural surroundings
​
5. BBSC staff maintain authority to remove any individual from the Complex for unsafe tactical practices, unprofessional conduct, or violation of established protocols.
By utilizing BBSC facilities, you agree to adhere to all established operational protocols.