cmccmc
Member
I've not been in the organized business of guns for too long. But in that short time I have noticed something rather disturbing.
Before I go on, let me first say that my two best friends are law enforcement officers. Another is departing for Iraq in weeks. I have NOTHING but love and respect for both communities. But, I call them as I see them.
Both Law Enforcement and Military have poor range etiquette and safe gun handling skills when on civilian ranges. From local PDs to State SWAT. To fresh from Basic to SF Operators. I have seen and have contact with them all. I can not count on one two hands and two feet the times I have been flagged with loaded and unloaded weapons, seen the 180 broken and other lapses of judgment on the range and in my gun shop.
Three scenarios:
The Chief at a local PD brought his duty weapon in for repair. He upholstered the firearm pointed it at me, dropped the mag and ejected the round. The CHIEF!!!
A State Law Enforcement officer was shooting with me at a Private Military Co. range. He sweep me with his unloaded weapon 5 or 6 times. Loaded once, and I stopped him and admonished him. This guy is a trainer for the military through this PMC as well.
A police officer that is a friend of our business has handed me TWO loaded weapons across the counter for either repair or cleaning. Both, unknowingly on his part.
Now, I know that if you are in a stack and move through a door... chances are you will flag your buddies lower extremities. Part of what you do. You minimize sweeping your comrades but the facts are the facts. Got it.
But in a live fire training environment with civilians you must be able to switch gears. There is NEVER a scenario where you sweep someone except in an ammo free environment after a designated SO says the gun is clear. (other scenarios might apply as well) Even then barrel flags are best, training guns are better. Demonstrating operation from a teachers stand point is difficult to do and not sweep students. But, should be done if at all possible.
You don't break 180 with a loaded weapon except for a precious few drills that only a certain level of expert should attempt. Never at a civilian range in the view of those that might be impressionable.
Basic gun handling is taught in most police academies I would assume. And I know for a fact that most patrol officers are never taught it as a priority again. (Occasional videos and class room mentions don't count.)
As for the military, I am at a loss as to why I have seen so much poor range etiquette and safety. Especially confusing when seen from special operators. Could it be arrogance? I know young law enforcement officers go through that "King **** Cop" phase. But most career guys get out of it after a while. Perhaps a the military have a similar phase as well?
I am seriously thinking a starting a training program for military and law enforcement that teaches acceptable range etiquette and safety on civilian ranges. Any thoughts?
Benjamin Cook
Right Wing-Propagandist and Local Arms Dealer
Before I go on, let me first say that my two best friends are law enforcement officers. Another is departing for Iraq in weeks. I have NOTHING but love and respect for both communities. But, I call them as I see them.
Both Law Enforcement and Military have poor range etiquette and safe gun handling skills when on civilian ranges. From local PDs to State SWAT. To fresh from Basic to SF Operators. I have seen and have contact with them all. I can not count on one two hands and two feet the times I have been flagged with loaded and unloaded weapons, seen the 180 broken and other lapses of judgment on the range and in my gun shop.
Three scenarios:
The Chief at a local PD brought his duty weapon in for repair. He upholstered the firearm pointed it at me, dropped the mag and ejected the round. The CHIEF!!!
A State Law Enforcement officer was shooting with me at a Private Military Co. range. He sweep me with his unloaded weapon 5 or 6 times. Loaded once, and I stopped him and admonished him. This guy is a trainer for the military through this PMC as well.
A police officer that is a friend of our business has handed me TWO loaded weapons across the counter for either repair or cleaning. Both, unknowingly on his part.
Now, I know that if you are in a stack and move through a door... chances are you will flag your buddies lower extremities. Part of what you do. You minimize sweeping your comrades but the facts are the facts. Got it.
But in a live fire training environment with civilians you must be able to switch gears. There is NEVER a scenario where you sweep someone except in an ammo free environment after a designated SO says the gun is clear. (other scenarios might apply as well) Even then barrel flags are best, training guns are better. Demonstrating operation from a teachers stand point is difficult to do and not sweep students. But, should be done if at all possible.
You don't break 180 with a loaded weapon except for a precious few drills that only a certain level of expert should attempt. Never at a civilian range in the view of those that might be impressionable.
Basic gun handling is taught in most police academies I would assume. And I know for a fact that most patrol officers are never taught it as a priority again. (Occasional videos and class room mentions don't count.)
As for the military, I am at a loss as to why I have seen so much poor range etiquette and safety. Especially confusing when seen from special operators. Could it be arrogance? I know young law enforcement officers go through that "King **** Cop" phase. But most career guys get out of it after a while. Perhaps a the military have a similar phase as well?
I am seriously thinking a starting a training program for military and law enforcement that teaches acceptable range etiquette and safety on civilian ranges. Any thoughts?
Benjamin Cook
Right Wing-Propagandist and Local Arms Dealer
:banghead:
