DVGC Rules & Regulations

  • The Duty RO has the primary responsibility for the operation of all Ranges on the day.
  • The Duty RO is responsible for securing a Police Incident number for each Shoot Day Event and closing the Incident Number with the Police Call Centre at the end of the days shooting.
  • All ranges will be closed by default and will only be opened by the Duty RO who will appoint the Range RO for those ranges that the days shooting activities are to be carried out on.
  • Members are required to register their participation in the days scheduled activities before any other ranges will be opened for any other shooting.
  • A closed range may be opened by the Duty RO at the request of any B endorsed member, but only if Range RO requirements can be met.
  • B endorsed Members may RO themselves if they are the only person on the range, but if there are at least two Members on a range one Member must be a qualified RO.
  • No pistol shooting is permitted on any Range that hasn’t had a Range RO appointed by the Duty RO.
  • The Duty RO must update the Range whiteboard for any change in the Range RO during the day.
  • Visitors are only permitted to shoot .22 cal 60 round ISSF practice match.
  • All members must record their scores with the Range RO or on the Attendance Sheet, an attendance will only be recorded if an organised match score is recorded.

Specific rules for Pistol shooters

  • All pistols must be in a bag or case when transferring from your vehicle to the Magazines are not to be inserted in the firearm. The Carpark IS NOT A SAFE ZONE
  • All pistols carried too and between ranges must be either in a bag, or case.
  • NO PISTOLS MAY BE HOLSTERED ANYWHERE EXCEPT THE SAFE ZONE OR RO NOMINATED TEMPORARY SAFE ZONE.
  • Pistols must only be removed from a bag, case or holster in the Safety Zone or on the firing line when instructed by the RO.
  • ONLY a Holster qualified shooter can holster a loaded firearm.
  • If you are NOT Holster qualified, you can still shoot from the 45deg position by removing the unloaded Pistol from its case, bag or holster whilst on the firing line, loading a magazine into the Pistol and then standing ready with the Pistol at 45deg. No movement is permitted during COF
  • If not wearing a holster, then the Pistol must remain in its case/bag and be taken to the firing line on the RO’s instructions.
  • Ammunition must not be handled in the Safety Zone.
  • No firearm may be loaded until instructed to do so by the RO.
  • When firing is completed, all pistols must be cleared by the RO before bagging or This includes dry firing.
  • You must not move from the firing line until your pistol has been cleared.
  • Only pistols on a B license may be discharged on the range.
  • C and P category firearms may not be fired on the range.
  • We require you to go to Pistol NZ website at pistolnz.org.nz and read their rules under services/member services/pistol NZ members update handbook.

  • Road gate to be kept shut at all times. The Range Officer of the day is to lock and return the key to the Lock Box.
  • Forestry roads are to be treated with respect – lights must be switched on when driving on the forestry roads.
  • All members must sign-in on the range attendance book, and visitors sign into the visitor’s book and pay $20 attendance fee, as soon as they arrive at the Range.
  • Shooting is not to commence until the Safety Signs and Red Flags are put up by the Duty Range Officer.
  • Members bringing visitors are directly responsible for the safety of the visitor and must introduce the visitor to the Range Officer.
  • All shooters must wear their name tags – visitors to wear a Visitor name tag at all times.
  • Members signing in on the range book/sheet are required to participate in the Club activity for that day.
  • Targets are to be placed so that no trees are hit by bullets.
  • All shooting is to be done in strict accordance with Pistol NZ rules.
  • The Club shooting days are the 1st, 3rd, and 5th (if any) Sunday of each month.
  • The grassed areas around the firing points must be kept short for fire prevention purposes.
  • Under No Circumstances are any steel targets to be shot with Rifle Calibers other than non-magnum pistol calibers.
  • No rubbish either inorganic or organic is to be left or burnt in or around the range area.
  • No fires are to be lit within the forest or the range area.
  • Smoking is not permitted within the forest or the range area.
  • No Black Powder shooting is allowed during the high fire risk season.
  • If the fire risk becomes extreme, access to the forestry block and the Range may be closed.
  • Members MUST acquaint their visitors with these rules – our continued shooting throughout the year depends on strict adherence to these rules.
  • You MUST have a 1Kg Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher (or Larger) in any vehicle entering the forest. No Extinguisher = No Entry
  • No Tracer rounds to be used ever on the ranges.!!!!
  • Shotguns must only be shot facing downrange towards the backstop on the 25M Range
  • No High Power Magnum Hunting pistol rounds may be shot at steel targets. ie Jacketed 357 Magnum, 44 Magnum etc.  Only Factory Low Power Lead CAS and low power Lead or Copper/Lead Washed hand loaded  rounds are permitted.
  • No High Power Pistol Rounds through Rifles may be used on steel except as approved by the Committee.
  • No animal or plant/vegetation material may be brought into the forestry area
  • No member may consume alcohol at the range until any firearms in that member’s possession are locked away in their vehicle, and that person may no longer handle any firearms that day.

  • Confirm with Duty RO which range you are opening.
  • Ensure the Whiteboard is noted with status and Range RO name.
  • Ensure that you have the range box, fire extinguisher, Rubbish Bin, score sheets, and COF notes for the event as required.
  • Ensure that all visitors and probationary Members’ shootings are supervised one-on-one by a B endorsed member. The Duty RO will allocate a B endorsed Member to accompany and supervise each visitor.
  • Pistols are not to be left unattended in the safe area. All pistols must be cleared onto the range by the RO from their case or bag on the firing line.
  • Pass all scores and report any incidents to Duty RO.
  • Ensure range is left in a clean and tidy condition.
  • Advise the Duty RO if you need relieving and when, or if relieved who by.
  • Check that Visitors and Shooters are wearing nametags at all times.
  • Visitors are only permitted to shoot .22 cal 60 round ISSF practice match.

  • Visitors are required to apply via email to the Club Secretary for each visit or via phone at least 3 days prior to the visit. If more than one person is attending, the details of the others in the party must be given also.
  • Failure to book ahead of time may see you turned away on the day by the Duty Range Officer.
  • Visitors are permitted to attend the range to a maximum of three visits. You will then be required to submit a Membership Application before further visits can be allowed.
  • Visitors are to meet the Durty RO at the Cafe at the top of the Dome Valley at 9:30am. Be prompt or you will be left behind.
  • Turn your headlights on when driving on the Club access road, and remember to turn them off when you stop.
  • You MUST have a 1Kg Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher (or Larger) in any vehicle entering the forest. No Extinguisher = No Entry
  • Immediately identify yourself to the Duty RO
  • Immediately Sign in on the Visitors Book in the correct Surname alphabetical page.
  • Write out a nametag for yourself on the sticky labels provided.
  • Pay $20 range fees to the Duty RO.
  • Advise the Duty RO if you need to purchase ammunition.
  • Read the Club’s Range Rules and this Visitors procedures notice.
  • The Duty RO will appoint a Club Member to escort you around the range and provide one-on-one supervision of your shooting for the day. Please do not walk around the ranges unaccompanied by your escort.
  • Advise the Duty RO of your target score for the day.
  • You are permitted to visit the range up to 3 times before you must submit an application for membership.
  • For future visits, remember that you must pre-book a place for the day that you want to visit the range again. Check the Calendar page on the Club Website for a list of the future normal shooting dates.