What does "cease-fire" mean at your range

[ditchdigger]

They also weren't told not to sweep brass or get things out. They aren't told to talk to their friends either, does that mean they should stand silently until the RSO is done?

Most of my shooting is in Hi-Power Rifle competitions and a lot of that is on military ranges.

You do what the RSO says. If he didn't say you can't do it, don't assume you can. Ask him if it is OK.

The RSO only performs RSO duties. From the OP, it sounds like the RSO was also the person repairing the target.

[Mot Mi]

In my area, it is stop shooting, clear the firearm, lock it back (including any other weapon), magazine out, stand behind the line, and do not move your equiptment. If you need something from your bag or bench ask a RO. 1 2 3 can't be hard during a cease fire.

[ijustdontknow]

In the OP, they were instructed to stay along the back wall.

They were not told to sweep range brass or get things out of their range bag.

The commands were to stay back against the back wall away from the firing line. No such commands to stay out of your range bag that was also along the back wall (and not at the firing line) were given until someone violated that unknown rule.

This added detail makes it sounds as if there was something going on that you might have been unaware of

Yeah if that was possible, I would admit it. I don't know everything but I do know they were merely fixing a target hanger that didn't come back. (A) that was not urgent enough to justify how they handled it (B) it could have waited. They might have been practicing for a more emergency type cease fire since at this indoor range they are rare. But they could have communicated much more clearly and in an informative/educating way rather than screaming.

Most of my shooting is in Hi-Power Rifle competitions and a lot of that is on military ranges.

You do what the RSO says. If he didn't say you can't do it, don't assume you can. Ask him if it is OK.

The RSO only performs RSO duties. From the OP, it sounds like the RSO was also the person repairing the target.

He actually was not. The more I think about it, the more I think they were running a practice drill for more emergency type situations. Being my first time as a part of something like this was definitely a learning experience.

[Junkie]

Most of my shooting is in Hi-Power Rifle competitions and a lot of that is on military ranges.

You do what the RSO says. If he didn't say you can't do it, don't assume you can. Ask him if it is OK.

The RSO only performs RSO duties. From the OP, it sounds like the RSO was also the person repairing the target.

So you don't do anything at all other than what he says?

You don't sit down if there's a chair there? You don't talk to your friends while waiting? You don't go take a leak if you need to? You just stand there as silent and motionless as you can unless he says otherwise? If you want people to not do something, you need to tell them that. Otherwise, they're likely to do other things they believe are reasonable (and at most ranges, reloading during cease fire is seen as reasonable).

[beardog308]

There is no RSO at my range, but we cooperate and make sure actions are open, mags dropped, and everyone is outside the fence/gate.

[cannon]

At our club it means set down guns unloaded with open actions and not touching the gun.

You can still load mags, play with non firearm parts, pick up brass or whatever.

[adamjay]

Well, it is clear that rules and protocols vary among particular ranges. I agree, what is needed is communication - about protocols before shooters are on the line, and while on the range. It's not difficult and it is safer for the RSO to communicate clearly and exactly what he needs, rather than yell at people when they break a rule.

I went to a new (to me) indoor range last weekend and was stunned at how little instruction they gave about their unique policies. I had to fish for it all - definately made me feel uncomfortable as to who else was on the line and what they might do.

The way I learned - "cease fire" can be called by any shooter on the line at any time if there is a reason. When it is called by the RSO, stop firing immediately and await instructions. Do not clear the weapon until so instructed.

In my experience, generally "cease fire" called by the RSO is followed by, "clear your weapon, lock actions open, place on bench and step behind the line. Remain behind the line and do not touch weapons. Range is Cold." (See, that's not so hard!)

Most of the ranges I go to and have been to are much more relaxed, a couple guys on the line, running it as they see fit and agree. Then again, every member is required to take a brief range safety clinic before they are allowed to shoot. I have no problem politely requesting people lock actions open and not handle firearms while people are down range when I shoot on public land. If they have a problem with that, I don't want to be there.

[pterrell]

Ceasefire to me either means stop shooting and either condition 4 or elevate muzzle to 12 o'clock (USMC) or stop shooting, condition 4 with open breech/bolt locked back and back away from the firing line.

In the desert with my friends, its just weapons down/holstered. Nobody touching them or loading rounds.

[Jimi Jah]

The RSO didn't say you could leave.

That's why I don't go to Angeles anymore.

[Junkie]

Ceasefire to me either means stop shooting and either condition 4 or elevate muzzle to 12 o'clock (USMC) or stop shooting, condition 4 with open breech/bolt locked back and back away from the firing line.

In the desert with my friends, its just weapons down/holstered. Nobody touching them or loading rounds.

That's a good point, if you're out in BFE it means a very different thing. If it's just a friend and I out shooting in the middle of nowhere, we're likely to sling rifles for the trip downrange. Hell, a loaded magazine in them is typical.

[pterrell]

That's a good point, if you're out in BFE it means a very different thing. If it's just a friend and I out shooting in the middle of nowhere, we're likely to sling rifles for the trip downrange. Hell, a loaded magazine in them is typical.

The key is communication and setting rules that everyone understands and follows.

[ja308]

Ive seen jerk RSO's at lots of ranges .
As an NRA certified RSO I try to communicate in a respectful tone of voice and address individuals with respect .

I do understand the urgency of 1 RSO with a bullhorn trying to enforce saftey rules. This does not imply its OK to call people names.
Its likely these are long time RSOs that are experiancing a burnout!
# 1 Rule, being yelled at or called names is NOT personal .