What are the responsibilities of a range master?

[Cult Hero]

I had a rather frustrating experience at my local range yesterday and wanted some insight as to how I might have handled things differently.

I have been a member off and on and been visiting this range for several years and familiar with most of the range masters but yesterday there was a new range master I hadn't met before. I had three friends who had expressed interest in shooting and having never shot before wanted to go with me.

I was to meet them up at the range and go through safety etc etc for handgun, and rifle. I got to the range earlier to set up and signed in with the range master. I told him I had three non shooters coming up and that I would be working with them and he immediately told me that he would safety them first.

I didn't think much of this, as it was his range so I went with it. My first friend showed up and the range master comes up and for the next 15 minutes or so proceeds to go through safety, gun handling etc etc with us. I was a little frustrated as I have a process I like to go through with my friends and first time shooters involving gun handling, gun presentation, range rules, making a gun safe etc etc, but I figured I would grin and bear him.

I asked if I would be able to do the safety with my next two friends when they arrived as I had seen his presentation to which he replied no, it was his job. This is where I found myself getting frustrated as I view the responsibility of the range master to keep everything safe, make sure all protocols are followed, look for errant behavior etc etc. I don't view it as his job to teach beyond the basic safety of the range unless requested.

When my other friends showed up he once again came over and took a good 10 -15 minutes going through everything with them. I grew increasingly frustrated when he told my friends girlfriend that she would not be able to rack the slide on the gun as only 20% of women could. He then told her how scared she was while she was holding the gun and that she look terrified.

I asked him to stop telling how how scared she was and that it was not constructive. He told me it was his range and his responsibility. He asked me to not undermine him. He continued moving on to magazine release and making safe the handgun but couldn't manipulate my HK mag release and proclaimed it to be awkward and poorly designed.

Long story longer, he left us to our own devices and I was able to get my friends girlfriend shooting again and reassure her that she was doing great. He then wandered over and while she was shooting told her how terrified she was once again. At this point I told him enough and that he was having more negative effect than positive. He pulled me aside and told me he didn't like my attitude and at his range it was his rules. I told him that I would always speak up if I saw him doing something dangerous on in this case deconstructive to which he told me I was insubordinate and I didn't know the pressure of keeping everyone safe.

Needless to say it was a frustrating experience for us all. I have never had a problem at this range and have had several first time shooters up there with no issues. I am asking for insight into how I could have better handled the situation. Is there precedent for a range master instructing also? Is there anything I could have done differently? Am I out of line? I don't want to be arrogant to the fact that I have plenty to learn and there are lots who know tons more than me, but yesterday was a big disappointment.

[Off the Roster]

according to the NRA the RSO is there to monitor but not instruct. that said, they are also responsible for following the SOPs of the range. sounds like your first step would to be to find a range manager and find out if RSOs doing full safety briefings is part of their SOPs. If the answer is no, i would let the manager know what you and your friends encountered. if the answer is yes, i would still mention that the RSO took it far past the realm of safety and succeeded in instilling actual fear in a new female shooter.

[razr]

Do you currently hold an instructor certification?

[russ69]

You were doing fine. I would have done a couple of things differently. First I would not have told the RSO anything about my own business. He is there for safely running the range that is all. No need to tell him anything. Second, I would have only taken one new shooter at a time. Three new shooters at one time is too much unless you are running a class with full range control. Unfortunately finding gruff RSOs is not all that difficult, so your experience may not be all that uncommon.

[WyattandDoc]

I think your mistake was telling him about your friends before they showed up. It attracted attention to them. I've never told a RM who I have with me. Frankly it's none of their business. I brought my 14 year old daughter, signed her in, educated her about the rules/regulations and shot away. Never had an issue, but I don't walk up to anyone and announce my business.

[WyattandDoc]

Do you currently hold an instructor certification?

Are you inferring that if he doesn't have an intructor's permit, he's incapable or less qualified to educate his friends on gun/range safety?

[Ritchie8719]

Do you currently hold an instructor certification?

A good question to ask of the "range master" as well. These titles are used loosely.

Not that you need to be certified to a better than average job of teaching someone, or even three people, to shoot.

Their range, their rules. If you really want to get them excited, ask to see the rules, and start looking for another place to shoot.

[Cult Hero]

no, I am not an instructor and don't pretend to be. My intention was to get them shooting a couple magazines and feel safe doing it. I had no desire for them to be proficient shots their first day out, just not reckless or unsafe.

I feel the more I can expose non shooters to our sport the better off we will all be when they view a gun as a tool rather than a evil object bent on destruction.

I guess it was my mistake in communicating my intentions, hindsight being 20/20 I would have just signed in and gone about my business.

This particular RM was grilling everyone as they signed in as to had they been there before, were they first time shooters, was it a new gun etc etc.

There were two experienced shooters next to me that live between this range and another down south. They were checking out this range as they usually go south, but they weren't a big fan of the overbearing nature of the RM.

Lesson learned, I will just keep quiet next time. I just wasn't sure if there was any precedent or procedure that I might not have been aware of regarding liability, ins, etc etc.

Thanks

[razr]

Are you inferring that if he doesn't have an intructor's permit, he's incapable or less qualified to educate his friends on gun/range safety?

Not necessarily, but if I was the RSO responsible for the safety of the property and shooters I would be concerned and would want to brief the new shooters to be sure they are safe. I would also treat people with respect. RSOs don't have to hold an instructor certification but must be able to jump in incase of an emergency.

[Cult Hero]

I absolutely agree. I would have had no problem or issue with that as I see that as his responsibility.

The problem was that he seemed more interested in proving is knowledge and flexing his muscle than keep the range safe.

One point during a cease fire, I went out change targets and had to yell back at a shooter who had moved up the line to start messing with his pistol. The RM was there the whole time but not paying attention.

[postal]

Sounds like someone just wanting to feel 'important'.

Not normal responsibility of an RO.

[SoldierLife7]

I would either find another place to shoot or talk to management about the situation. I understand that it is "his job" to ensure range safety, but as OP stated, he wasn't being constructive.

A lot of non-shooters are scared of guns...It's very counterproductive to reinforce this.

[sl0re10]

My first time at a range, the establishment's rule was, I had to go with someone who knew how to shoot at a range and have them teach me the basics... then after that I was gtg to come on my own.

[sl0re10]

One point during a cease fire, I went out change targets and had to yell back at a shooter who had moved up the line to start messing with his pistol. The RM was there the whole time but not paying attention.

Classic. Messes with your friend but not watching the line on a cease fire...

[Dave A]

Sounds like the RO was a bit overzealous, particularly when he is conversing with the young lady about how she appeared afraid of the firearm. I would find out who the head RO is and talk to them about it.

At the range where I am a member, each unfamiliar person is asked by the RO if they are new to the range. If the answer is yes, then they are asked to read the range rules which are posted on the side of the office building. If the range is hot at the time and they do not have ear and eye protection, they are told to get them, or are loaned some belonging to the club. Only then are they allowed to pay and sign in. The rules are for safety, but a lot of people seem to read them and then forget what they read.

I normally spend about four hours one day a week at the range and know the RO's who work that day very well. It is amazing how many stupid things you can see going on by just watching. Yes, they can get a bit grumpy at times and I understand why.