Bull Run Shooting Center

Shotgun Sports Safety Rules

Public activity at all properties and facilities owned and operated by NOVA Parks is controlled by state law, local ordinance, NOVA Parks Regulations, NOVA Parks Rules, and general operating policies, permits, and procedures, each providing penalties for noncompliance.

The following NOVA Parks Rules apply to conduct at Bull Run Shooting Center. The Shooting Center is to be used in a manner providing for the safety and enjoyment of all. Failure to abide by these rules may result in violators being ejected from the park. 

• Shotguns are the only firearms permitted for recreational activity at Bull Run Shooting Center. The possession or use of all firearms must be in strict accordance with Virginia state law and Park Authority Regulations.
• All shooting must be conducted under the supervision of a NOVA Parks authorized field safety officer.
• Shooters and spectators must comply with orders of any authorized field safety officer.
• Shooters must be at least eighteen (18) years of age or be accompanied by an adult while on the premises. The minimum age to shoot here is twelve (12) years old.
• Persons under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances that may inhibit their ability to react are prohibited from shooting.
• Inexperienced shotgun shooters are required to complete our Learn to Shoot Safety Class prior to initial use of the range.
• All shooters must pay appropriate fees prior to shooting.
• Eye and ear protection are mandatory.
• Shooters must ensure that shotguns are properly maintained, and barrels are clear of obstructions.
• You may only use traditional sport style shotguns. Tactical, pistol grip, and hammer guns are not permitted at this range. Barrels must be twenty-three (23) inches or longer. This includes full size and youth model shotguns.
• Shotgun slings are not permitted.
• Restrictions Regarding Ammunition:
  • Shot sizes #7½, #8, and #9 are the only sizes permitted.
  • The maximum dram equivalent is three (3) drams, and no faster than 1300 feet per second.
  • Ammunition must conform to the firearm manufacturer’s specifications.
  • All ammunition not purchased here must be presented to counter staff for approval prior to shooting.
• Shotguns should be pointed safely at the ground or in the air away from all persons.
• Shotgun actions must remain open, and shotguns may be loaded only when the shooter is positioned at the station and instructed by the field safety officer to prepare to fire.
• Load over station rails when possible.
• Load no more than two shells at a time.
• Do not stand in front of the shooting station.
• Never let the muzzle of the gun point at anyone or anything you do not want to destroy.
• Shooters must keep their finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
• In the event of a misfire, keep the gun pointed down range for at least thirty (30) seconds.
• “Dud” ammunition must be presented to the field safety officer for disposal and may not be discarded on shooting fields or shot fall areas.
• No person is permitted on the shooting fields, beyond the safety fence, except those shooting a round supervised by an authorized field safety officer. All spectators must always remain outside the safety fence.
• No pets of any kind, except dogs assisting individuals with disabilities, are permitted inside the safety fence or buildings.
• If target machines are being loaded, step off the shooting station until you are given the okay by staff.
• Only authorized personnel are allowed in the trap houses, storage rooms, staff lounges, offices, and other restricted areas.
• In the event of an electrical storm, the shooting fields and sporting clays course must be vacated immediately.
• Talking to or distracting field safety officers who are supervising the discharge of firearms is prohibited.
• All guns must be removed from their cases and actions opened before entering the building.
• Profanity and abusive language or behavior is prohibited.
• Conduct that may endanger the welfare of any person is strictly prohibited.
• NOVA Parks assumes no responsibility for personal property.

Indoor Archery Safety Rules

Public activity at all properties and facilities owned and operated by NOVA Parks is controlled by state law, local ordinance, NOVA Parks Regulations, NOVA Parks Rules, and general operating policies, permits, and procedures, each providing penalties for noncompliance.

The following NOVA Parks Rules apply to conduct at Bull Run Shooting Center. The Shooting Center is to be used in a manner providing for the safety and enjoyment of all. Failure to abide by these rules may result in violators being ejected from the park. 

• Archers are required to participate in a safety orientation prior to initial use of the archery range.
• All archers must pay the appropriate range fee.
• Archers under the age of fourteen (14) must be accompanied by an adult.
• Crossbows are strictly prohibited.
• Broadhead points are strictly prohibited.
• All shooting must occur at the established shooting line and is strictly prohibited at distances beyond or in advance of the line.
• Some targets are at fixed positions of twenty (20) yards or eighteen (18) meters. Movable target stands must be used when shooting at shorter distances.
• Archers must shoot only at the target in their designated lane and may not shoot across lanes.
• No shooting is allowed when any person is beyond the established shooting line.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are your Upper Field games?
  Wobble, Trap, Skeet, and Five Stand - listed easiest to most challenging.
   
• What types of ammunition can I shoot at Bull Run Shooting Center?
  Target load ammo only; shot sizes of #7.5, #8, or #9, 3 dram, and no faster than 1300 fps. If you will be renting a shotgun, lead shot only.
   
• Can I teach my children or friends?
  No. Only Bull Run Shooting Center instructors are permitted to teach at the park. View learn-to-shoot options.
   
• Can I shoot my home defense shotgun?
  If the barrel is 23 inches or longer with no forward pistol grip or telescoping, collapsible, or folding stock.
   
• What are game tickets?
  Wobble, Trap, Skeet, and Five Stand require that you present a single game ticket purchased at the pro shop before the start of each game.
   
• Is there a minimum age to shoot here?
  • For Shotguns: You must be 12 years of age or older and always accompanied by a parent or guardian. Young shooters are required to be with a parent or guardian until the age of 18. A guardian is not an 18-year-old friend accompanying a 17-year-old friend.
  • For Archery: You must be strong enough to control the bow by yourself. Generally, this is around age six or seven.
     
• If I have rifle or pistol experience only, can I shoot a shotgun at the park?
  No, you must have shotgun-specific experience or take our Learn to Shoot safety class.
   
• What is your Learn to Shoot Safety class?
  NOVA Parks’ shotgun safety program is a must have for those with no or limited shotgun experience. This class is required before shooting here if you have no shotgun experience. If you successfully pass the class, you are given a certificate for a free gun rental plus buy one/get one free game tickets!
   
• What game do you recommend for a novice shooter or a beginner who just came from the Learn to Shoot Safety class?
  Wobble. This is our introductory/novice game, but still a lot of fun and our most popular game!
   
• What is Sporting Clays?
  Sporting Clays is a clay target game which is played out on our 15-station wooded clay course that requires purchase of a clay card and is self-trapped. The traps are not set in any specific order like the Upper Fields and are different on every station. This game was originally created to simulate hunting.
   
• If I have hunting experience with a shotgun but no clay target/game experience, can I shoot there?
  Yes, if you demonstrate safe shotgun handling at all times.
   
• How many shells come in a box?
  One box of ammunition contains 25 shells. If you purchase a case of ammunition, we offer a 5% discount. A case contains 10 boxes, which can be used for ten Upper Field games or five Sporting Clays games.
   
• Do you rent a shotguns?
  Yes, we rent shotguns to those with shotgun specific experience. They are $20 for the entire day and can only be rented with a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID. We will hold the ID behind the counter until the shotgun is returned.
   
• Do you rent archery equipment?
  No. FFX Archery does provide equipment for students taking classes. You must provide your own if not taking archery lessons.