Offering advice at the range?

[Aintso]

Couple times lately I've sat at a bench next to shooters that seemed to have a nice assemblage of gear but were struggling at 50 yds to put one on the paper. While glassing others targets I see no holes, dirt kicking up above or below, and the poor guy is still putting 20+ rounds downrange. In both case's a bore sighting was needed (AR's), and both shooters thanked me for my help. My question is, has anyone had a bad experience "Butting In" like I did, and wish they hadn't?

 

[Wishoot]

Yes.

I hate unsolicited advice. Doesn't matter if it's the shooting range, golf course, music studio or anywhere else.

If I'm struggling, I will ask for help. If I see someone struggling that I can help, I'll simply approach them and ask them "How you doing"? If they ask for help, I'll help.

 

[boom boom]

I've helped a couple. One guy that had just purchased a PPK/S and was having a miserable time with it. A second was a guy having trouble aiming at the target @5 yards. Got both on track.

Generally, I avoid ranges during busy times as it can be a bit distracting for me as I like to concentrate on shooting rather than what is around me at the time. Was the same way on golf.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

I think it’s all in how you do it.
The know it all who comes over usually isn’t appreciated even if their right. Nor is the guy who acts like everyone’s dad. But if you come over in a way that shows you’re friendly and simply want to help if it’s wanted then that’ll usually make a friend.

The thing is some people like me are cautious about asking for help, and we’re not fond of the know it all. So coming over and saying hello and starting a conversation as mentioned above is a good approach.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

Sometimes it can't be helped. My son and I were setting up at the local rifle range when a father and son showed up with brand new rifles, a 30-06 for the father and a 308 for the son. They obviously had never been to a range before so we asked if they had ear protection. "I didn't know we needed it." So my son provided them with some ear plugs and did a quick rundown of the range rules. Then a few shots in, both had developed horrible flinches, especially the boy (who was about 14). We produced a 22 rifle and my son did some quick coaching. I think they had a good time after that, but I don't know if they ever hunted with their new rifles.

 

[WrongHanded]

I try not to offer unsolicited advice to anyone at the range. I figure the first step in fixing a problem is recognizing you have one. At that point, a person can either seek help, or try to fix it themselves. If they ask, I will gladly try to assist. If not, their shooting is not really my business, so besides the occasional glance at the targets of others, I try to stay out of their business.

 

[GBExpat]

... If I see someone struggling that I can help, I'll simply approach them and ask them "How you doing"? If they ask for help, I'll help.

I think it’s all in how you do it. ...

This.

 

[JONWILL]

Hardly ever get into the other persons shooting. None of my business unless they are unsafe.

 

[Ks5shooter]

If they are unsafe they will ABSOLUTELY get my advice

 

[Aintso]

Definitely agreed on "How you do it" Hokie! These 2 guys had a genuine look of bewilderment, and didn't seem the type to ask. I left them alone after they got on the paper. I don't plan on making a habit of it.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I'm lucky enough to be able to schedule my range visits so My wife and I are alone.

If it's a legitimate safety issue I'm obligated by club rules to say something but beyond that I live by "Not my circus, Not my monkeys."

 

[WestKentucky]

I chitchat a bit and if somebody is struggling I judge from the chitchat what I should do.

 

[redneck2]

If someone is obviously struggling, I see no problem asking “would you like a little help?” If not, don’t push it. If they do accept help, tone it down. They’re not there for a lecture. If you come across as Captain Blowhard, it gets real old, real quick.

Even the best golf pros and professional athletes in the world have coaches.

 

[Hokie_PhD]

Sometimes it can't be helped. My son and I were setting up at the local rifle range when a father and son showed up with brand new rifles, a 30-06 for the father and a 308 for the son. They obviously had never been to a range before so we asked if they had ear protection. "I didn't know we needed it." So my son provided them with some ear plugs and did a quick rundown of the range rules. Then a few shots in, both had developed horrible flinches, especially the boy (who was about 14). We produced a 22 rifle and my son did some quick coaching. I think they had a good time after that, but I don't know if they ever hunted with their new rifles.

That’s frightening. But glad it worked out well.

I can’t imagine if it was a slow day and they were alone.

The public range near Va Tech where I used to shoot obviously had many students there. Most were decent folks. A few times I’ve seen some without ear protection, so I went to Harbor Freight and bought a box of disposable ear plugs. Id keep several sets in my range bag, and if I saw someone covering their ears I’d reach in to my bag during a cold period and hand them a set. I never had a negative response and I think it made some enjoy their day vs being uncomfortable and not fun.

So again it’s all how you treat people.

Btw just a bit of sick humor hit me on how to handle them and people who bother others at the range. but I’m not sure how to post it without pissing off the humor impaired and/or a mod as I’m not sure how it’d be taken. So I’ll just say, I got a laugh as to things we shouldn’t do but would make a real sick comedy.

So instead of posting that I’ll say I’m glad you helped them and hopefully thought them that they needed to learn more.

 

[Wisco]

The problem is rarely the unsolicited advice, but how it’s delivered.

If it’s safety, speak up firmly and concisely.

If it’s general help like getting on target, be polite and ask if you can spot them because you couldn’t help but see where their rounds impacted.

If it’s a matter of something they’re just not doing the way you want them to do it, MYOB.

Nothing worse than Mr. 5.11 with his full kit on telling me I need both hands on the pistol and how no one shoots one handed and my “pattern” is proof I need training...all the while not noticing a brace on my right hand/wrist.

 

[patmccoy]

I've helped many, but always ask first "Would you mind a suggestion?" Usually the answer yes, and I give them all the help I can. Occasionally they just growl, and I walk away.

Of course this does not apply to safety violations, where I am not shy about stepping up to advise them of the safety problem. Occasionally get growled at there too, but almost always with a later apology from them.

 

[EIB0879]

As long as they keep the rounds down range and don't point firearms at other people, I would keep my unsolicited advice to myself.

 

[EIB0879]

One time I was shooting at an archery club on Sunday. There was one other person on the target range and we were shooting at 30 yards. This guy couldn't shut up about how my setup needed improvement and my choice of bows. We went down to pull arrows and I had a nice tight group and his wasn't.

I remember looking at him and saying "look at that..guess I do know what I'm doing."

Just because you think you know everything doesn't mean you do.

 

[RETG]

If I actually went to a range anymore, I would not offer advice. If a person is unsafe, it will be more than advice.
I'm lucky to be surrounded by BLM and Federal forests, so that is where I shoot. And due to the weather conditions out here in the summer; my primary shooting times are now in the late fall through late spring.

 

[Walkalong]

I think it’s all in how you do it.

Yep, and sometimes they don't want help, which is fine too.

 

[dirtman]

Most of it comes of good intentions... I remember one time at the range in Gunnison, Col. i had just got in after a long bumpy drive and wanted to check the guns.... everything was perfect, nice tight group 2 " high, right where i want it....
one of the old guys was looking over all the groups shoot and came over to tell me "nice group" but its way to high......
I thanked him for his concern and put my guns away... the elk hunting was great....

 

[ultratec1]

If someone asks for advice I am more than willing to offer my opinion. But what I cannot stand is a local guy that frequents our range, that is constantly talking about how great of a shot he is, how he was a "sniper" in the military, has the best accessories for his gun yet when he shoots at the targets at 50yrds it looks like he shot it with 6 shot from a 12 ga.

 

[sota]

best way I can discuss this is by example:
noticed a dude on the range getting knocked back pretty hard on recoil with some wonder 9.
during a lull I looked at him and said "thing's got a heck of kick, eh?"
he responded in the affirmative and a look of displeasure at the effect, so I asked him if he wanted to try something that might help.
showed him the modern isosceles stance, suggested he give it a try, and it helped.
he thanked me. at that point I let it be and figured if he wanted anything more he'd ask, which he didn't. his shots did at least hit the paper plate he'd stapled up afterwards.

 

[Good Ol' Boy]

I'm pretty easy going.

I'll gladly listen to any words anyone wants to offer. Whether I do anything with them is another story.

I generally only offer words of my own if someone asks.

 

[Riomouse911]

The last time I offered advice was to a couple of older guys (mid-late 60s) who were having a devil of a time getting a scope sighted in on a 10-22...at 5 yards.

One guy kept complaining louder and louder the group wasn’t moving as he turned the adjustment dial 1-2 clicks and shot again. After about 45 minutes of their back and forth complaining I just said “I just sighted in my 10-22 rifle with a new scope at 25, I was surprised how many clicks it took, it was more than I thought it would.” I then asked, “ Your scope is moving 1/4” at 100 right?” I think they finally figured from the obvious that 1/4” at 100 is probably the width of a business card at 5...

I left before they had it 100% dialed in, but it was a lot closer after I pointed that out...