Absolutely concur. Clear, concise, and unambiguous language is crucial.
It is the same way I can understand when people get confused when a police officer is screaming at roadside, "STAND DOWN! STAND DOWN NOW!"
Newbies at the range
- Thread starter Jack B.
- Start date
- Status
It is the same way I can understand when people get confused when a police officer is screaming at roadside, "STAND DOWN! STAND DOWN NOW!"
Chuck R.
Member
Around here, mostly rural everybody shoots on private property, but most probably wouldn't be described as an "improved" range. I do happen to live within an hour of 2 public ranges in MO and 3 private "Cub" ranges where I shoot matches. I've also got my own range.
One of the benefits of being in the county, outside city limits and sandwiched between Topeka, KC and St. Joe.
kmw1954
Member
Yes it is pretty hard to misconstrue or misunderstand. which is also why I don't think you read my whole post or the previous post which clearly stated the announcements and commands that we use at our range. The "All Clear is not given until after an inspection of the firing line is completed and all benches and firearms have been secured. Still it would amaze you how many people think it is OK to go down range before the inspection or "All Clear" is given. Some seem to think it is clear as soon as the light comes on.
kmw1954
Member
Oh and also just today I had to give an emergency ALL STOP! command as we had 3 White Tail deer come down over the berm and enter the range.
Yeah, I think I missed that. My apologies.
I'd hate to think of just how many people do go downrange at the wrong time. Just a few weeks ago, I saw some guys going to check their targets while the signs over the shooting benches still said "Fire."
CoalTrain49
Member
I belong to a private range. People can bring guests but they're usually well coached by the member who brings them. If there are any complaints the member gets to explain it to the board. We have a public day every week but there are usually 4 or 5 RSO's with eyes on everyone.
I've been to a few public ranges but the fact that they're really expensive and you can't keep your brass keeps me away. Plus it seems like there's always a party going on with a bunch of young guys passing around one pistol and trying to impress each other.
I've been to a few public ranges but the fact that they're really expensive and you can't keep your brass keeps me away. Plus it seems like there's always a party going on with a bunch of young guys passing around one pistol and trying to impress each other.
Case in point, the guy in the closest spot on the rifle range was nice enough to offer me 'a look' through his pricey scope- the other week. Problem was, the range was cold, and there were guys wandering downrange fixing targets.
I tried to explain to him that I don't handle any weapons when the range is cold. He repeated, "it's okay, it's not loaded."
I said, maybe later.
I tried to explain to him that I don't handle any weapons when the range is cold. He repeated, "it's okay, it's not loaded."
I said, maybe later.
citizenconn
Member
First off, I am thankful for new gun owners at the range, because otherwise I might have to buy 6.5 CR and .308 Win brass. For a while it was .300 Blk. Thank you to all the donors.
That being said, my Dad and I were at the outdoor rifle range we frequent with no ROs a couple months ago and these real hot dogs pulled up and pulled out their short barrel ARs and started blasting away. They were using red dots and didn't even have binoculars to see if they were hitting anything at the 50 yard range on their plain white, range supplied targets. Despite signs admonishing against fast firing they were doing a bunch of mag dumps and having a grand ole time perforating the dirt about 25 yards down range. Problem was, whenever they would move around they kept flagging folks in other lanes, and when one of the flagees asked them to please be more careful, the chief flagger got real pissed and called the other guy a liar and said they would handle it with fists, like real men.
Just when it looked like it was going to be a re-enactment of the OK Corral, the flagee and his buddies said f*** it and left rather than get into fisticuffs or worse. We left soon after. Because with guys like these you aren't going to teach them any lessons. What would y'all have done? We did report them to the range office as we were leaving, and I gave them photos of the offenders license plates.
That being said, my Dad and I were at the outdoor rifle range we frequent with no ROs a couple months ago and these real hot dogs pulled up and pulled out their short barrel ARs and started blasting away. They were using red dots and didn't even have binoculars to see if they were hitting anything at the 50 yard range on their plain white, range supplied targets. Despite signs admonishing against fast firing they were doing a bunch of mag dumps and having a grand ole time perforating the dirt about 25 yards down range. Problem was, whenever they would move around they kept flagging folks in other lanes, and when one of the flagees asked them to please be more careful, the chief flagger got real pissed and called the other guy a liar and said they would handle it with fists, like real men.
Just when it looked like it was going to be a re-enactment of the OK Corral, the flagee and his buddies said f*** it and left rather than get into fisticuffs or worse. We left soon after. Because with guys like these you aren't going to teach them any lessons. What would y'all have done? We did report them to the range office as we were leaving, and I gave them photos of the offenders license plates.
kmw1954
Member
With an unattended facility you are pretty much left to the mercy of the JO's and not the overbearing RO's. Exactly why is it you think that attracts those types of people to unattended ranges. They don't have an RO bustin them for the inappropriate and unsafe practices and firearm handling..
jmorris
Member
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2005
- Messages
- 24,211
You might get into a shooting sport. There are lots of them out there for guys that want to go fast up close, or shoot tiny groups at driving distances, even dress up as cowboys and shoot their old smoke poles.
One thing they all have in common are safety rules, that if not followed, you can no longer play.
Most are “cold” ranges, with marked “safe areas” that are the only location a competitor can handle their firearm and ammunition is not allowed in a safe area.
Even with all of that accidents can happen. So you are right to be cautious of ranges open to the public, with zero safety officers or rules to follow.
Jim Watson
Member
Right, I have shot various forms of competition and there is more getting done in greater safety than any but the most strictly controlled rental range.
It can spoil you, though. I shoot matches, I shoot to test ammo or guns or set sights and practice skills. Casual plinking, turning money into noise is not interesting.
It can spoil you, though. I shoot matches, I shoot to test ammo or guns or set sights and practice skills. Casual plinking, turning money into noise is not interesting.
Hangingrock
Member
I learned firearm's handling and safety in Explorer Scouting and from their went into the Marine Corps which was very stringent on the safety and handling of firearms. The least safety aspect of handling firearms I witnessed was during sighting in days at Sportsmen's Clubs that had membership with varying degrees of safe handling procedures. I'm a land share member in a shooting range association and I avoid going there during sight in days prior to Dear season also.
kmw1954
Member
After working these past 2 years as an RO at one of Wisconsin's largest Public outdoor ranges I have seen enough idiocy and total disregard for any form of safety rules from people with attitudes bigger than their egos that I refuse to shoot at any unattended, uncontrolled venue.
Ever have a jerk pull a 300WM out a a case and stick it right in your chest and then tell you it's not loaded? I have. Then after scolding them I got the attitude and was called a Range Nazi. They were then shown the door by my manager.
Ever have a jerk pull a 300WM out a a case and stick it right in your chest and then tell you it's not loaded? I have. Then after scolding them I got the attitude and was called a Range Nazi. They were then shown the door by my manager.
The Glockodile
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2020
- Messages
- 1,688
When I started shooting in MS, it must have been obvious that I was a newbie - this guy came up to me and gave me a brief run - down on how to conduct myself at the range, and some basic shooting tips as well.
Needless to say I was quite thankful for the help.
Didn't realize until much, much later that it was Jerry Miculek.
Needless to say I was quite thankful for the help.
Didn't realize until much, much later that it was Jerry Miculek.
Just remember those newbies at the range are our gun hobby's future. If you run all of them off from the range there won't be anyone to take over the hobby when we are gone. That probably what is wrong with the anti 2nd amendment people now.
Our club range requires everyone take our range safety course before they are given their gate pass.
Our club range requires everyone take our range safety course before they are given their gate pass.
The Glockodile
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2020
- Messages
- 1,688
Everybody's a bearded, shemagh - wearing tacticle alfa male warrier nowadays...
kmw1954
Member
It's not the newbies that I fear. I can talk to and teach them. It's the Self-righteous ignoramus with the Big attitude that feels rules are for everyone but them. We seem to be breeding more of them as of late.
GJeffB
Member
With greatest respect,
The first group are rare or nonexistent, fortunately, the second group are graciously willing to learn, both etiquette and technique.
-jb, turn 'em on, or turn 'em off
That's a pretty broad brush. My thoughts are closer to
At least at my public range we have either very well schooled in safety shooters or at worse unschooled, well intentioned, future 2A supporters with a modicum of thoughtful suggestions. [shrug]
The first group are rare or nonexistent, fortunately, the second group are graciously willing to learn, both etiquette and technique.
-jb, turn 'em on, or turn 'em off
The Black Prince
Member
Leery no, observant yes. If I see somebody doing unsafe things I try to correct it once, if they aren't receptive I leave.
Then again inbelong to a private club and they don't play games with safety at all.
lightman
Member
There probably is a certain amount of danger but remember that we were all newbys at one time. Some of us were lucky enough to having a Family member to get us started, but we were still new at one time. I keep a little more vigilance than I used to but I also watch for anyone that may need help. I approach this with a gentle offer so as not to appear overbearing. Unless its a safety issue, then I'll be firmer. I've loaned staple guns, given away targets, let new guys shoot my guns, ect hoping to make a positive experience for those new guys.
CountGlockula
Member
Keep keep an eye on your surroundings. If someone is gun fiddling right next to you, then let the range officer know. It’s your job to stay alive, not the fiddler next to you.
citizenconn
Member
Maybe in general. But I have had several instances where it was only by god's grace that no one was injured.
Just a couple months ago at the range where my Dad is a member, this group of young 20s guys showed up showing off for one another with their AR pistols. They were at the shared 50 yard sight in range and the leader of these idiots kept flagging the guy to his right. The guy on the right politely asked him to be more careful and the leader guy blows up, calling the guy a liar and saying they are gonna settle it right there like men. Just crazy.
Me and my Dad are farther down the way, at the 200 yard range and take cover while this is playing out, and are watching this pack of idiots (6-7 guys) surround the guy on the right and his buddy. It was tense, like Tombstone level tense. Finally the guy on the right just packs up and leaves, and me and my Dad leave too and go report it to the range office. Nothing happens of course. By the time they get someone out there the pack of idiots are gone too.
I don't want to generalize, but these idiots were all one particular ethnic group, and all the other various shooters there spread across 5-6 groups of 2 were all a different ethnic group. I have seen this play out more than once at a range in the last couple of years when members of a particular ethnic group feel any unwanted constructive criticism is questioning their masculinity. I have never had this type of thing happen before the recent gun madness.
fair enough. I have not seen anything like that and now we shoot outdoors on a wooded property, so I probably won't any time soon. scary, but - you got in your auto and drove home, where you are more likely to get randomly hit and killed than at the range. I get it - just trying to be realistic and show a different perspective on what should really scare us.
- Status