What
Every Enthusiast Should Know Concerning Gun Range Safety and Etiquette
In recent years, many
highly publicized gun range accidents have drawn unwanted attention from gun
opponents and contributed to the misconception that ranges are unruly or
unsafe. In Arizona, a nine-year-old girl while being instructed to fire an Uzi
submachine gun fatally wounded 39-year old range worker Charles Vacca. United
States Navy Seal veteran Chris Kyle met with tragedy on a Chalk Mountain, Texas
shooting range while attempting to aid a former Marine with PTSD. While Kyle’s
death was far from a mere accident, it served in only furthering the public’s
perception of the range environment as intrinsically dangerous. In light of
these unfortunate incidents, more awareness and education is needed to ensure
that the range experience is productive, safe, fun and respectful. After all,
most of your interactions with other enthusiasts will take place on a range. While
most shooters are familiar with the basic NRA safety guidelines, there is much
more to range etiquette that when practiced can help to foster a safer and more
respectful experience when visiting your local range.
According to the NRA,
the “big three” in gun safety always applies when sharing public spaces with
other shooters. ALWAYS keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction. ALWAYS
keep your finger OFF the trigger until ready to shoot, and ALWAYS keep your gun
unloaded until ready to shoot. However, range etiquette encompasses much more
that will ensure that your day of shooting will be both productive and safe.
The first thing that
should you should be aware of when planning to visit a range is that educating
yourself begins beforehand. While many range officers welcome newcomers and are
willing to assist you in proper shooting practices, there are limitations. It
is recommended that you attend a basic firearms safety course. Some ranges will
even require that you do so and submit certification prior to you being allowed
to use their facilities. You can locate NRA training courses in your area by
performing a zip code search at www.nrainstructors.org
where you can find a wide range of courses specific to your particular skill
level and firearm. These include pistol, rifle, shotgun, self-defense, and
safety. They even have courses available for women or youth who sometimes feel
intimidated within general courses.
Once you arrive at the
range, safety begins far from the firing line. It’s a good idea to use a range
bag to carry your firearm into the space. Always transport the firearm unloaded
with the safety on unless you plan on using a concealed carry weapon. If so,
proceed to your station after checking in and replace defense ammo with target
rounds in accordance with all safety procedures. You should not be expected to
unload a concealed carry weapon in the parking lot or at home. Always inquire
as to your range’s rules regarding concealed carry policies while on site. Ask
for a printed copy if they are available and keep yourself apprised of any
updates.
The Range Safety
Officer (RSO) or Range Master is the ultimate authority while you’re on the
range. This is not debatable. Their instructions are absolute and you will find
your experience more enjoyable by paying attention to them. They are
responsible for everyone’s safety and have received the highest levels of
instruction available certifying that they are more than able to handle any
range situation. They are a great source of information should you have any
questions while at the range and are generally happy to help. Just make sure
you ask at the appropriate times when it does not interfere with range
operations.
While the RSO has the
ultimate responsibility, all visitors are responsible for safety. There is only
one exception when visitors can direct action on the range; that is when they
observe an unsafe condition. Let’s say you have dropped your firearm or notice
someone pointing their muzzle in a dangerous manner. You can then call a
“Ceasefire” to stop the firing action and bring the condition to the RSO’s
attention where they can then remedy your concerns. Once the RSO has taken
charge they will take over the range and instruct the visitors on how to
proceed. All shooters have the responsibility of calling a “Ceasefire” whenever
they have any safety concerns….any at all. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Besides observing “the
big three” familiarizing yourself with the common range commands is the best
way to ensure you’re in compliance with the RSO’s directives. We have already
discussed the most important range command of “Cease Fire.” This may be called
for a variety of reasons and all visitors must immediately stop all shooting
when it is called by an RSO or any other visitor. The ceasefire will remain in
effect until the RSO decides otherwise. Shooters will empty the chamber on
their firearm, remove any magazine, open the action, and place the firearm
(action up and observable) onto the bench making sure it is pointed downrange.
You will then step back from the firing line and await the RSO direction. NEVER
handle your weapon during a ceasefire…..NO EXCEPTIONS.
Prior to anyone going
downrange, the RSO will visually check that all shooters have stepped off the
line and that their firearms are benched properly. Usually, they will ask, “Is
everyone clear?” You should always check the line yourself before proceeding
downrange. Again, safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Once all have returned to
the line, the RSO will announce, “The range is going hot.” This does not mean
that shooting can resume, only that may then safely load and ready your weapon.
The only command that does is “Commence firing” or “you may begin shooting.”
These safety
fundamentals and range commands are only the beginning towards what we refer to
as “range etiquette.” Common courtesy should be the basis, however, you may be
surprised by that far too often you’ll encounter some range visitors could use
some further instruction. Beyond obvious safety concerns, you only have control
over yourself. Should you notice something serious, always bring it to the RSO
or the range proprietor.
Here’s a basic list of
tips to foster a respectful shooting environment:
-Resist
the impulse to offer unsolicited advice to other shooters.
-It’s
never a good idea to bring your pet. Even if your club allows restrained pets
you should still consider the harmful effects to their hearing and the
unnerving of other guests.
-Use
range-approved targets. The range should be a tidy environment with a certain
amount of consistency. It may be fun to shoot fruit, cans, or bowling balls,
but most ranges will never allow such. It’s extremely unsightly in the field
and environmentally insensitive.
-Always
wear ear and eye protection; you and your guests.
-Never
drift back from the firing line while shooting. This is a common error and will
make you neighbor nervous.
-Everyone
hates a brass scavenger. Never pick up brass during an active session. Never
pick up other’s brass without their permission and always wait until the
session is over and the RSO is aware of what you’re doing. I’ve heard stories
of shooters turning around on a hot range to find people picking up their brass
as they shoot! Don’t be “that guy.”
-Fire
at targets only; not target stands, frames, supports or posts.
Ultimately,
range safety is everyone’s responsibility; even a duty. But with sufficient
education, common sense, and proper etiquette we can help build a mutually
respectful environment within the shooting community. Visit the NRA site for
more information and support your local ranges so that they remain a safe,
productive place for the advancement of responsible firearm culture.
Daniel Williamson
January 9, 2017
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