What part of range safety don't you understand?

[sharpenit]

At the indoor range last night, I'm two bays away from a dad and three sons, aged something like 6 to 9. They're shooting pistols and .22 rifle. At one point, I step out of my bay and look over and dad has a pistol lying on a table and instead of being pointed downrange, it is pointed right at me. The .22 rifle is lying on an adjacent table and instead of being pointed downrange, it is pointed the opposite direction -- right at one of his sons who is sitting on a chair watching his family members shoot.

DUH!

I usually speak to such nitwits myself, reminding them that firearms are always to be pointed downrange, but this time, I got a range employee, who explained this fundamental safety rule to nitwit dad.

I hope nitwit dad learned something.

[garyb]

I hate to see things like that. The range officer was not doing his job. If there was not a range officer, the range owners were not doing their job. I would not shoot at an establishment like that. I prefer to shoot at well controlled NRA sanctioned ranges in competition (IDPA), or private clubs where I can train alone or with my trainer without others distracting me. I don't really enjoy indoor shooting, but that's just me. I've never seen an indoor range that did not have a safety officer watching every movement.

[Barth]

Stupid is as stupid does

+1 on delinquent range officer.
You really shouldn't have to deal with irresponsible and dangerous shooters.

I do feel that some level of basic gun safety training should be required for gun ownership.

[garyb]

Agreed and many states are doing that. I support safety training too. But some guys feel this is unconstitutional and against our gun rights. It's the fear of more gun control...so I understand the fear against anymore gun laws. However, safety first.

[chrish]

gary, i'm one of 'those guys' haha. don't want (or see the point in) the additional regulation. government required training will, imo, do very little (nothing) to stop stupidity or lack of attention. we are all trained by the government to drive cars and well...you know.


most private ranges already have some kind of safety training required and there are still violations going on regularly.


but I agree w/ you guys that its an issue at the range, particularly public ranges. it just has to be nipped in the bud as soon as you see it. fear of confrontation has to be removed from your mind and just do it. I think the OP did the right thing mentioning it to the staff. The more they know crap is going on, the more likely they are to implement something or keep a better watch themselves. I'm sure they don't want an incident.


My private range runs required range safety training up front before you can shoot there and every member on the line is considered a range officer...but you can guess how well that goes over time, people bringing visitors, yadda yadda. my point there is, private range, required training, and still a safety violation from time to time. some people won't call-out their friends and family when visiting, avoid the confrontation for whatever reason. is what it is. all we can do is keep up the reminders and reinforcement when we see it.


I personally will not visit a public range that does not require some up front safety training. too many goof-balls their with their first gun, laughing, cutting up, acting like morons. But required training by a range vs some government regulated buying requirement isn't something I'd be willing to back, personally.

[Bawanna]

I prefer gravel pits with no people, no range monarchs or people watching my every move. I of course am also completely opposed to any required firearm training in order to own guns. There should be training available but it's up to the individual to take the class, not the government to require it.
I compare it to a new law her in Washington that you have to have a boater safety card to drive your boat no matter what size. I was old enough that I didn't have too but now I understand that everyone has to take it.
It's easy, do it on line, square peg in square hole type test but still send money. I been driving my 14' little aluminum boat a long time, don't need no boater safety card.

My transportation mode usually dictates that I go to an indoor range. They watch but they don't bother over every little minute detail.

If a range requires a class or safety orientation, I'm out of there.

We have a couple nice outdoor rifle ranges, nice facilities but with range officers that have ego's the size of Nebraska. I won't even go there anymore. Their mission is to find you doing something wrong, no matter how trivial.
Hard to focus on shooting and having a good time when you got a storm trooper critiquing every move you make.

[jocko]

for once ur right. I love gravel pits....
I would think u 1911 guys would love um to asu can just dig in the back drop sand about 1 inch and pullthe unhyarmed bullets and load again,and again and again. Just sayin

[berettabone]

I don't have the luxury of a gravel pit, but at the gun club, you would have at least 5 or six people immediately explaining to you, what you were doing wrong, in a not so nice way...............................

[jocko]

ever think about just lookin them in the eye and sayi9ng. 'FOKK OFF PR!ck"..

[Bawanna]

I'm sure I've told the story about the range officer, myself, and my Thompson Contender in 30-30 before. Anyone not heard that?

[Bawanna]

ever think about just lookin them in the eye and sayi9ng. 'FOKK OFF PR!ck"..

More than once as I was loading up my gear. Not near enough shooting ranges around anymore. If you find one you get along with you best take good care of them. I have to drive close to an hour to the indoor range I use. They are decent, not overbearing. They seem to be doing better again, the pro shop has a real decent inventory.

Wish it wasn't so far away and ammo was normal again. No problem with my beloved 45's since I reuse the bullets like jocko says but even the 22 is a cherished commodity these days.

[jocko]

I have also found that if u fart or stick some smelly sh!tin ur pants or even sh!tin ur pants they will not lotter around long either. What ever works best. I have alot of sheep sh!t.
around my property, so I just stuff some of that in my pockets. Actually can't remember when anyone has ever stuck around my booth to long either

[garyb]

I'm sure I've told the story about the range officer, myself, and my Thompson Contender in 30-30 before. Anyone not heard that?

I'll bite. I ain't heard it Bawanna

[garyb]

I could not imagine giving a youth a gun, or even a newbie adult, without safety training. I would not hunt with anyone that did not have hunters safety training. Two different things , but both equally important in my opinion. I see no infringement...only safety. I appreciate and share some of the same anti gun paranoia that all gun owners share, but safety training or even gun handling skill training are essential. Some morons actually learn. To say morons will remain morons is like saying these kids will never learn anyway...so close the schools and give the money to the politicians. Makes no sense. It is only because it temporarily restricts legal gun ownership, that seems to be the issue against safety / gun handling training. Most states have not allowed hunting without hunter ed. No big deal and no different. You can still purchase, so not an infringement of our right....even if we are guarded (rightfully so).

[getsome]

Was at a range last year with my son and someone walked up behind me and tapped me on my shoulder just as I touched off a round....I turned around and saw 2 very nice looking Japanese young ladies standing there holding a rented Glock 19 magazine they were having trouble loading....Always glad to help out a new female shooter I looked at the magazine and it had a stuck round loaded they couldn't get out....

It was loaded backwards!!!, bullet end facing the rear of the mag....My son got the round out and showed them how to properly load the thing then we promptly loaded up and left....I won't go back there because not only do they not have a safety officer they will rent anybody anything they want, no questions asked and don't even ask if they have ever shot a gun before or show them how to use it safely.....