I'm tired of people not following range safety rules

[ocabj]

To summarize a blog posting (http://www.ocabj.net/?p=192), I'm pretty much peeved with people violating range safety rules.

What's got me still bothered even after I got back home from the range today is how some guy was trying to argue and justify his disrespect of the rule to stay behind the red line (stay off the firing line, away from the firing point/benches) during the cease fire.

If you don't want people telling you that you are in violation of a range safety rule, then don't violate them.

So to the guy with the young child at the Inland Fish and Game range today on bench 3 at approximately 1300 hrs, you should set a better example for the children in your care. And I'd like to note that I didn't use profanity towards you until you opened the door when you told me to stay "f-ing cool". See you at the range next weekend.


The RED LINE: Stay behind it during cease fire conditions.

[USN CHIEF]

You did the right thing, good on you. Sucks when irresponsible people like that take lil kids to the range. I am sure that he will not do it again and if he does, best thing would be to alert a RSO the next time before he commits a safety violation so that you don't into any problems with this dude.

[technique]

Idiots are everywhere! Get used to it. I have never had a RO say anything to me other than "nice gun". Some people just can't follow simple instructions.

I personally don't care so much unless they cross the line and I'm down range. For some people they only make the mistake once. Thats all it takes. For instance they may not be accustom to a "line" they may be have only been to indoor ranges that the targets come to you.

The guy swinging a loaded gun in every direction other then a safe one is what concerns me most.


Vent brother, VENT!

[caldude]

I can understand people new to shooting not always following the range rules, mostly because they don't really know them, but they should know safe firearm handling rules. My first time to a range was with an experienced shooter who explained the rules before we ever went to the benches. I do the same with any newbies I bring to the range, and watch them carefully. Most RSOs that I know will somewhat politely remind people of the rules if they are breaking them (like going in front of the cease fire line), but if you flagrantly and knowingly break the rules, then you should be booted IMO.

[rg_1111@yahoo.com]

The RO should have a little talk wit the guy in red shirt.

[Ford8N]

I try and avoid the range. After you have been swept for the umpteenth time with a loaded firearm, lectured by a Fudmiester about the type of firearm you are shooting, told not to shoot the steel plates(when everyone else is shooting them too), you wonder why support the range.

[dfletcher]

I'd presume this range has a RangeMaster, correct? If so then I'd say go through him. The reason this guy's arguing with you - aside from him basically being a jerk - is that he perceives you have no juice, so to speak.

If you figure you shouldn't swear in front of the kid (I agree, you shoudn't) then don't - but don't use his crappy behavior to justify doing so. He's already established his poor behavior & you're swearing only diverts attention from the real problem.

[ryno066]

Was it that big old cat? like a dude thats 6'5"

[technique]

Was it that big old cat?

Probly...he's the only jaggoff with is foot on the line.

But seriously, that pic isn't showing that much bad behavior, yeah he's on the line. But plenty of people try to run and jump over to their shooting station for the shoot and c's, or Coke, or cigarettes, or whatever it is they left behind.

[OptionX3]

I was just at IF&G from 1400 to 1530.
When did this place get so packed? With high influx of newer shooters. Situations like this is inevitable. Just prior to leaving, seize fire took about 5min to start. People kept crossing the redline. Would you want other people touching their rifle if you're down range? Show some respect.

[Synergy]

I used to shoot a lot a Ben Avery Range in Phoenix. Its the largest public range in America. A old grey haired RSO once told me if someone tells you they have been to Ben Avery and have not been yelled at, then they are a liar!

RSO's can yell and be harsh to get a point across, imagine if you had to deal with stupid people handling a tool that could kill on a daily basis. I prefer to be at range with a hard a** RSO, because he/she is keeping me safe when I am out walking the range.

[ChrisXD45T]

I love my job as an RSO, but some days people can make it difficult for me.
I can write volumes on the stupid things people do at the range, and I haven't even been working there for a year yet.
It's only a particular type of rule breaker that really irritates me, and it's not some much that they simply disregard the rules, it's that they have to make some comment or give me a look when I tell them to stop what they are doing. They treat me like I'm the prick for being concerned, and more importantly, responsible for the safety of the range. I try hard to be courteous when reminding people of the rules, so long as what they are doing is not perceived as an immediate danger to someone. I lot of times I find that older shooters seem to resent me for my age (24). They look at me as if their saying "who are you to tell me what to do? I was shooting before you were sperm." I really wanna punch them.

[stphnman20]

I'll admit that I have gone back to the bench to get my cig's or my water that I left on the table.. The range I shoot at doesn't mind at all.. But, if you go back and touch your gun or even a mag will in cease fire, he will rip you a new one..

[ocabj]

Was it that big old cat? like a dude thats 6'5"

No, I didn't take a picture of the person in question.

[ocabj]

I'd presume this range has a RangeMaster, correct? If so then I'd say go through him. The reason this guy's arguing with you - aside from him basically being a jerk - is that he perceives you have no juice, so to speak.

If you figure you shouldn't swear in front of the kid (I agree, you shoudn't) then don't - but don't use his crappy behavior to justify doing so. He's already established his poor behavior & you're swearing only diverts attention from the real problem.

I mentioned it to the range officer after I packed up my gear. The RO knows me and said to just get him next time and he'll toss him off the range.

As far as cussing in front of the kid, I didn't. The guy came over to my bench to have words with me which was several benches away from where he was.