Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 1340 - Safety and Homeland Security
Subtitle 1340-02 - Administrative Division
Chapter 1340-02-03 - Department of Safety Approved Handgun Safety Program
Section 1340-02-03-.07 - FIRING RANGE REQUIREMENTS

Universal Citation: TN Comp Rules and Regs 1340-02-03-.07

Current through September 24, 2024

(1) Ranges shall be of adequate size to safely accommodate the number of students being trained.

(2) Ranges are to be constructed in such a manner as to provide for the safety of the students, instructors, spectators and all others in the immediate area.

(3) Ranges shall have a bullet impact backstop (berm) that will stop and render harmless bullets fired into it with all handgun caliber ammunition from all firing positions. This shall be accomplished without ricocheting projectiles or debris striking individuals at the firing lane.

(4) Outdoor Range:

(a) (Height) The backstop minimum height is twelve (12) feet. This height is the lowest measurement of the compacted or settled height.

(b) (Width) The width of the backstop shall extend a minimum of eight (8) feet beyond the end target unless the range has side berms.

(c) (Slope) The range side of the backstop (side facing the shooter) must be as steep as possible, but not less than forty-five (45) degree slope or a ratio of one (1) to one (1).

(d) (Thickness) Backstop shall be constructed with a minimum thickness at twelve feet (12') level of four (4) feet.

(e) (Side Berms) It must be a minimum of eight (8) feet high at the lowest measurement of compacted or settled height. It must be four (4) feet thick at the 8' level. It must extend five (5) feet past the last shooting position.

(f) All berms shall be free and clear of debris, such as high grass, trees, rocks, or anything that could cause ricochet or safety issues.

(5) Indoor Range:

(a) Backstop and bullet traps shall be constructed of materials capable of stopping the maximum caliber of ammunition allowed on the range.

(b) Backstop plates shall have a minimum thickness of point three seven five (.375) inches and shall be angled at forty-five (45) degrees.

(c) The plating used for backstops and bullet traps shall have manufacture specifications of no less than AR-500.

(d) Steel plates supported by concrete or masonry should be anchored by expansion bolts or toggle bolts as suitable for construction, with flush countersunk heads, no more than twelve (12) inches on center of edges of each plate.

(e) Baffles are required and must extend the entire width of the range and downward to cover and protect from ricochet.

(f) Walls, ceilings and floors must be hardened, solid, and/or bulletproof. Example: Walls, ceilings and floors must be hardened and solid, constructed of bullet proof materials.

(g) Ventilation and filtering system must comply with OSHA Lead Standard for General Industry 29 CFR 1910.1025 and all state and local building codes, laws and regulations.

(6) All ranges shall meet the boundary line requirements set forth in T.C.A. § 39-17-316(c)(1).

(7) All ranges shall provide adequate lighting to allow shooters and instructors to clearly see the targets from all firing positions.

(8) Access to the ranges should be limited, with controlled points of ingress.

(9) Warning signs, flags, lights and/or audible devices shall be utilized to ensure safety.

(10) All ranges shall have a current first aid kit and fire suppression device on site.

(11) All ranges shall have immediate access to a telephone or other communication devices in the event of an emergency situation.

(12) All ranges must document compliance with all applicable local county and municipal ordinances.

(13) All firing shall be done on standard silhouette B29 targets.

(14) Anyone on the range providing assistance to students during qualification must be certified as an instructor by the Department.

(15) The range shall have warning signs posted at all access points clearly identifying the area as a "firing range".

(16) The range must have a restroom facility in the immediate area.

(17) The overall safety of any firing range shall be determined by the Program Director.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 39-17-1315(b)(2), 39-17-1360, and Public Chapter 943 of 1994.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Tennessee may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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