Event Rules
At A Girl & A Gun, extraordinary things happen when women come together to learn, grow, and build confidence. Our events are welcoming, encouraging, and professional. Every participant plays a role in creating a safe, respectful, and positive environment.
Whether you are brand new or highly experienced, you are part of a community that values growth, responsibility, and connection.
Our Community Standard
We are a learning environment first.
That means:
- Tips are offered with kindness.
- Questions are always welcome.
- Encouragement is the norm.
- Respectful behavior is expected from everyone.
Our guiding principle is simple:
Treat others with the same dignity, patience, and respect you would hope to receive.
Participation & Eligibility
A Girl & A Gun welcomes all who support our mission of women mentoring other women. Anyone may become a member and enjoy access to the article and video libraries, vendor coupons, and downloadable resources that come with membership.
A Girl & A Gun’s programs are used at training events across the nation, including both women’s and co-ed events, depending on the activity and topic. Women’s events are open to individuals whose sex was assigned female at birth. Co-ed events are open to all eligible participants. Some events are open to everyone, while others are reserved for A Girl & A Gun members. The event listing will always specify any membership requirements.
All participants must:
- Be able to legally possess and safely handle a firearm.
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Meet any applicable age requirements.
- Follow the policies of the host range, instructor, and A Girl & A Gun.
- Submit a General Release and Media Consent waiver before attending as a participant, spectator, staff, or guest.
All of our Chapter Facilitators are certified instructors, and all women and men are welcome to inquire about private lessons or classes and connect with skilled, supportive guidance through our network. All of our A Girl & A Gun courses are designed to be offered as open enrollment, meaning they may be made available to anyone, regardless of affiliation.
Safety Is Our Top Priority
Safety is our top priority. All participants must follow A Girl & A Gun safety rules, instructor direction, and venue policies at all times. Participants are expected to demonstrate the skills needed to safely take part in an activity and to behave in a safe and respectful manner.
If a participant is unable or unwilling to meet these standards, A Girl & A Gun may remove them from the event at any time. Removal may occur without a refund.
By participating in A Girl & A Gun activities, participants agree to:
- Follow all A Girl & A Gun policies, rules, and procedures, as well as the rules of any venue where events are held. These may change from time to time.
- Accept responsibility for knowing and following all applicable federal, state, and local laws related to firearm ownership, possession, and use.
- Accept full responsibility for their own safety, equipment, and conduct at events.
- Acknowledge that firearms training and group activities involve inherent risks, including the possibility of injury or health-related issues.
- Avoid the use of alcohol or impairing substances before or during shooting activities.
Every participant must follow the Four Rules of Gun Safety at all times:
- Treat all guns as if they are always loaded.
- Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what is behind it.
Bonus Rule: Keep firearms secured from unauthorized persons.
Range Authority
Your Chapter Facilitator or designated Safety Officer has full authority during events.
Anyone may call a Cease Fire if an unsafe condition exists.
Handling Firearms at Events
Cold Range Policy
Most A Girl & A Gun events are conducted as a cold range, meaning firearms must remain unloaded unless you are on the firing line and under direction. Firearms may only be handled at the firing line or in designated safe areas.
Do not uncase or handle a firearm elsewhere, including your vehicle, even if you believe it is unloaded. Load and unload firearms only at the firing line unless instructed otherwise. Holstering and unholstering must occur only in approved safe areas.
Always follow the instructions of the Chapter Facilitator, Range Officer, or Lead Instructor. Follow all host range rules and any event-specific instructions.
Restricted Firearms
The SIG Sauer P320 platform in all variants is not permitted at A Girl & A Gun events. This includes all models, configurations, and upgraded or modified versions of the P320.
Participants who own a P320 may bring an alternate firearm that is appropriate for the event. Many host ranges offer rental options if needed. For full details, background information, and owner guidance, please see the Statement on P320.
Prohibited Ammunition
The following ammunition types are not permitted at A Girl & A Gun events unless specifically authorized by the host range or instructor:
- Incendiary ammunition
- Armor-piercing (green tip) ammunition
- Tracer ammunition
Always review the event description for any additional ammunition or equipment restrictions.
Holster Use
If holsters are permitted at an event:
- Use only holsters that have the key features of a high-quality pistol holster.
- Use designated safe tables or areas when handling firearms.
- Do not handle holstered firearms outside approved areas.
Steel Target Use
When steel targets (AR500 minimum density) are used, the following minimum distances apply:
- Pistol: 7 yards minimum
- PCC: 10 yards minimum
- Rifle: 50 yards minimum
Steel targets must be designed to deflect lead to the ground, and inspected regularly and replaced as needed to maintain safe shooting conditions.
Dry-Fire Activities
Dry-fire practice may be conducted during classroom or structured training activities. When dry fire is in progress, the following rules apply:
- Remove all ammunition from the training environment.
- Designate and maintain a safe direction at all times.
- Visually and physically confirm the firearm is clear before beginning.
- Follow all instructor commands and procedures.
- When finished, immediately pack up and secure all equipment.
Treat every dry-fire session with the same seriousness and discipline as live fire.
Range Commands You Should Know
- Cold Range: Firearms remain unloaded unless on the line.
- Hot Range: Firearms may be loaded per event rules.
- Going Hot: Live fire is about to begin.
- Load: Insert ammunition.
- Make Ready: Chamber a round or close the cylinder.
- Low Ready: Loaded firearm pointed safely down range, finger off trigger.
- Fire/Shoot: Engage your target.
- Cease Fire: Stop shooting immediately.
If Your Firearm Malfunctions
- Keep the muzzle pointed downrange.
- Attempt to clear the malfunction if you know how.
- If unsure, set the firearm down safely and raise your hand for assistance.
- If a round sounds or feels unusual, stop shooting immediately and call for help.
Removal for Unsafe Behavior
Safety is the responsibility of every participant. A participant may be removed from the line at the discretion of the A Girl & A Gun Leadership Team and/or the Range Safety Officer for violating any of the Four Rules of Gun Safety.
A disqualified participant must stop shooting for the remainder of the event. She may remain as an observer at the discretion of leadership. Event fees and payments are nonrefundable in the case of disqualification.
Actions That Will Result in Removal from the Firing Line
The following actions will result in immediate removal from the firing line and may result in disqualification:
Negligent Discharge
A negligent discharge is defined as the unintentional or unsafe discharge of a firearm, including any instance where a bullet:
- Strikes the ground within 10 feet of any person
- Leaves the confines of the backstop
- Travels in an unsafe direction
The following are considered negligent discharges and result in disqualification:
- Any shot fired during the load or make-ready sequence
- Any shot fired during the reloading process
- Any shot that does not impact a proper berm or backstop
Dropping a Firearm
Dropping a loaded firearm during the loading or unloading process will result in disqualification.
Dropping an unloaded firearm will not result in disqualification. Under the supervision of AG & AG Leadership or a Range Safety Officer, the firearm will be safely retrieved and the participant may continue shooting.
Breaking the 180-Degree Rule
Allowing the muzzle of a loaded firearm to break the safety plane in violation of the 180-degree rule.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
This is not an all-inclusive list, but unsportsmanlike conduct may include:
- Being unreasonably disruptive to other participants
- Confrontational or combative behavior toward leadership or staff
- Intentionally cheating or altering targets or score sheets
- Repeated trigger finger violations
- Behavior that makes others feel unsafe or uncomfortable
Youth Participation
Girls age 17 and under may attend A Girl & A Gun events at the discretion of the Chapter Facilitator and subject to the policies of the host range. Readiness is based on maturity, attention, and the ability to safely follow range commands. While many youth participants fall between the ages of 10 and 17, some children may demonstrate these skills as young as 8, while others may not be ready until age 12 or older.
Participation in A Girl & A Gun activities may occur only under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian. The guardian must be an active A Girl & A Gun member and is responsible for the youth’s safety and conduct at all times. The youth must remain within arm’s reach throughout the event. A Youth Membership may be purchased so the participant receives her own personalized name tag.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to teach their children to respect firearms and understand the basic safety rules before attending a live-fire event.
Health and Hygiene
Lead Exposure
Lead exposure is a known risk when handling firearms, ammunition, and range equipment. All participants are expected to follow basic hygiene practices to reduce exposure.
- Do not eat, drink, or touch your face until your hands have been cleaned.
- Wash hands thoroughly after shooting or handling firearms or ammunition.
- Use heavy-metal-removal soap or lead-removal wipes when available.
- At outdoor ranges, bring your own hand-cleaning supplies if running water is not available.
Participants are responsible for managing their own hygiene and taking reasonable steps to reduce lead exposure.
Pregnancy
Pregnant participants must follow these restrictions:
- Indoor range use is not permitted during pregnancy. No exceptions.
- Participation in any shooting activity during pregnancy should occur only with guidance and approval from a healthcare provider.
- Outdoor or non-shooting activities may be permitted at the discretion of the Chapter Facilitator or Lead Instructor.
These policies are in place to reduce potential risks from lead exposure and noise and to prioritize the health and safety of both mother and child.
Event Policies
Participation Waiver
All participants, spectators, and staff must sign the A Girl & A Gun waiver before attending. Learn more >Video & Recording
Recording the instructor during training sessions is not permitted. Written notes are encouraged for students who would like to remember key terms and concepts.Property Responsibility
Participants are financially responsible for any damage to range equipment or facilities. A Girl & A Gun and host ranges are not responsible for lost or unattended items.Brass Collection
Unless otherwise stated by the host range, participants may collect their brass after shooting. If unsure, inquire with the host facility.Event Cancellations
If an A Girl & A Gun event must be canceled or rescheduled, we will notify participants as quickly as possible. For events hosted by outside ranges or instructors, please follow their communication channels for updates.Thank You for Being Here
A Girl & A Gun is more than just shooting events. It is a community where confidence grows, friendships form, and women find a strength they never knew was possible.
We are glad you are here, and we look forward to seeing you on the range!