What should be done if there's a loud noise heard during shooting?

Ceasing firing and awaiting further instructions from Range Safety personnel is the best course of action in response to a loud noise heard during shooting. This approach prioritizes safety and ensures that all persons on the range are protected from potential hazards.

When a loud noise occurs, it may indicate an unexpected event, such as equipment failure, a firearm malfunction, or a safety breach. Continuing to shoot could exacerbate any potential danger or prevent a timely response to an emergency situation. By halting all shooting and waiting for guidance from Range Safety personnel, individuals ensure that the situation can be assessed appropriately, and necessary actions can be taken to maintain safety on the range.

This protocol reinforces the importance of communication and adherence to safety rules in a shooting environment, as range staff are trained to deal with such incidents and can provide the necessary direction based on their assessment of the situation.