MOA Top Shot

Shooting Safety Guidelines

Effective October 12, 2026

These guidelines are a reminder, not training. Every range and match has its own rules and range officers; their rules and commands always come first. If you are new to shooting, take a certified safety course before competing.

The four fundamental rules

  • Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
  • Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
  • Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have decided to shoot.
  • Be sure of your target and what is in front of it and beyond it.

At the range

  • Wear eye and ear protection at all times on and near the range, including scorers and spectators.
  • Follow the range officer and range commands immediately. Anyone may call "CEASE FIRE" when they see something unsafe; everyone stops at once.
  • Keep firearms unloaded, actions open, and cased or in a safe area except when on the firing line and instructed to load.
  • Handle firearms only at the firing line or in designated safe areas. Never handle ammunition in a safe area.
  • Use only the correct, factory or properly loaded ammunition for your firearm.
  • No alcohol, cannabis, or impairing drugs or medication before or during shooting.
  • Minors must be directly supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Know the location of first aid, emergency exits and how to call for help.

Using the app safely

  • Never use your phone while holding a firearm or while on the firing line. Enter scores only from a safe position, after the shooter has finished and the firearm is safe.
  • Scorers should stand where the range officer directs, out of the line of fire.
  • Scores can wait. If there is any doubt, stop, make it safe, then score.

Acknowledgment of risk

By using MOA Top Shot and taking part in any event, you acknowledge that shooting sports carry inherent risks of serious injury, hearing loss and death; that you participate voluntarily; that you will follow these guidelines, the range rules and all laws; and that each event is run by its organizer, not by MOA Top Shot. Organizers may also require their own waiver.