Club Steel Targets Returning

Club Steel Targets Returning — With Important Safety Enhancements

A reinstated club benefit, based on expectations of individual resonsibility

Following the Board’s earlier decision to remove Club Steel Targets from the 15-yard Pistol Range due to safety concerns and repeated rule violations, the Mill Creek Rifle Club is pleased to announce that club steel targets will be returning, with some important limits.

This decision reflects careful consideration of member feedback and the Board’s continued commitment to providing an enjoyable shooting experience—while ensuring the long-term safety and viability of the range.

The return of steel targets is not a return to prior practices. Instead, it represents a reset under stricter oversight and clearly defined rules designed to address the issues that led to their removal in the first place.

Effective immediately upon reinstallation, the following amendments to 15-Yard Pistol will apply:

• No downrange shooting will be permitted. All target engagement, including both steel and paper, must be conducted from behind the 15-yard bench. No firearms will be permitted downrange of the 15-yard firing line, and no one may be downrange for any reason other than to hang or retrieve paper targets or to paint or reset the steel.
  • IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Because firing will be limited to the 15-yard line, which is on concrete, no drawing from the holster to fire or reholstering loaded firearms will be allowed.
• Rifles and similar firearms are not allowed. The longstanding rule prohibiting rifles, shoulder-fired firearms, and braced pistols on the 15-yard pistol range will be strictly enforced without exception. Violations may result in immediate disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

 

 Leadership Perspective

“Bringing steel targets back is something we know many members have been hoping for,” said President Mike Borkon. “But it only works if everyone understands that this is a controlled reintroduction. These rules are not suggestions—they are essential to keeping our range open, our members safe, and the popular opportunity to shoot steel available to everyone.”

Safety Director Marco Tapia agreed: “The issues that led to removal in the first place were entirely preventable, by simply reading the rules and using some common sense. These new limitations are about managing risk and maintaining safe angles on steel. If members follow the rules, there’s no reason we can’t keep steel targets available for everybody long-term.”

Why These Rules Matter

Recent enforcement actions and member conduct reviews made clear that inconsistent adherence to range rules—particularly involving firearm type—played a direct role in the removal of steel targets. These updated requirements are designed to:

• Maintain safe bullet impact angles
• Prevent damage to targets and range infrastructure
• Eliminate high-risk misuse of the range
• Protect the club from liability and potential closure

Moving Forward Together

The Board recognizes that steel targets are a valued part of the shooting experience at Mill Creek. Their return is a privilege contingent on member cooperation. Members are expected to:

• Know and follow all posted range rules
• Correct unsafe behavior of fellow members when observed
• Report repeated or serious violations

Failure to adhere to these updated rules will not only result in individual consequences but may also lead to the permanent removal of steel targets once again.

“I understand the frustration by the majority of the members being forced to suffer because of the irresponsible action of a few," said President Borkon. "I also sympathize with a perception that this action took too long. But it was the board's unanimous concensus that it would not be wise to rush something just to quiet the squeeky wheels. We are going to get this right. That means having the proper safeguards, signage, and communication in place first. When steel returns, it will be because it’s safe and sustainable, not because we moved too quickly to satisfy impatience.

"Steel targets are back because our members asked for them, but keeping them here is entirely up to every one of us. If we follow the rules, expect simple personal responsibility, and hold each other accountable, they’ll stay for us all to enjoy. If not, we’ll lose them again."

If you have input, please email the president, safety director, or maintenance director at the emails available at this link.