When we qualify (every quarter), the range is "hot". The only time it is cold is after the last stage at the 25yd line and a new set of shooters are entering the range. They're loaded and holstered... the set that just qualified is empty and holstered.

There is no loading or handling of firearms while any person is downrange (except by the ones downrange, of course).

Before departing the range after qualifications, any shooter may go downrange at the 3yd line, unholster, and charge their weapon. In fact, all agents are reminded to do so to avoid leaving the range empty and forgetting that.