Announce new shooter at range?

igotta40 said:

Let’s say proper indoctrination of firearms safety and range rules have been drilled in beforehand.

Click to expand...

In that case, I'd say leave him be. Specifically pointing out to others an inexperienced shooter is on the range seems to me like your saying "keep an eye on this guy". Which could make him and other shooters very uneasy. Not necessary.
Now introducing him as inexperienced and new to the range with some handshakes and whatnot is a totally different story.

It is blatantly obvious at what level of experience a person is. At our local range, unless they act in an unsafe manner or have a weapon problem or question they get left alone.

Hey range safety guy, where is the bathroom?
Hey range safety guy, my gun just stopped. What should I do?

The ranges I belong to ask when you sign in . The RO ask if you have ever been shooting before , if they don't recognize you. One range even offers free instructions and assistance if you are new. At the other ranges the RSO just keeps an eye on them through the first hot range session and gives assistance if asked for buy new shooter. I like both systems

It could be easier to just say something to the RO upon arrival & leave it at that? There may be a waiver form to sign etc. Most times the only reason people know it's a student driver in the car is because of the goofy sign on the roof. If your range is properly regulated, the basic safety rules and club rules should be on a highly visible plackard at each firing position i.e. bench. There's no way around it, 1st time on bicycle is wobbly and others notice. As long as your new shooter is basically competent don't worry about it

Based on what I've seen at the range from time to time I'd say your fine without any warning.

igotta40

I will typically let the person know who's running the range that I have a new shooter with me and that I only need one stall because I won't be doing any shooting that day. They're always very accommodating and usually give me a discount on the range fees. I don't see any reason to announce the new shooter's presence to any of the other shooters there.

When I bring a new shooter to the range, I go over ettiquete and safety before we even leave for the range. First time on a range for a new shooter can be a stressful experience (especially an indoor range), so I go over exactly what's going to happen, how to use the double doors, point all firearms downrange ....ect. After that, I stay with them until they are comfortable and I feel they no longer require constant supervision. That way they have a good experience, don't have to have an RO have to correct them, and hopefully enjoy shooting as a sport.

The one or two times I have seen poor range etiquette, call it safety problems, it has been "know it alls" teaching friends or youngsters. Most newbies possess a certain amount of fear and respect for their weapons. If you know the other shooters at the range something like, "I'd like to introducing you to my friend so-in-so who just started shooting" might get them support and attaboys. Otherwise I would just let it go.

bersaguy said:

When I bring a new shooter to the range, I go over etiquette and safety before we even leave for the range. First time on a range for a new shooter can be a stressful experience (especially an indoor range), so I go over exactly what's going to happen, how to use the double doors, point all firearms downrange ....ect. After that, I stay with them until they are comfortable and I feel they no longer require constant supervision. That way they have a good experience, don't have to have an RO have to correct them, and hopefully enjoy shooting as a sport.

Click to expand...

This.

First off, if you're bringing someone to the range who is new, it is safe to assume that YOU know the rules and are competent with handling a firearm safely? Is IT? (NOTE: not making any judgement on YOUR particular abilities. Just stating that there should be at least one adult at the table.)

Secondly, perhaps introducing your visitor to the RO with, "This is his/her first time here." That will open up for the question from the RO, "First time shooting?" if he chooses to ask. If they are competent shooters, you can work that into the intro as well. And, the RO can keep an eye on them until he assesses their gun handling capabilities. No need to put a scarlet "New Shooter!" sign on anyone's back/front. Their actions are YOUR responsibility. YOU know that they are new to shooting. YOU brought them to the range around other people. YOU are responsible for doing everything within your power to ensure everyone's safety. That brings me to a perfect example:

I've seen too many overly-exited, new shooters come to the range who are more interested in showing off their new gun/gizmo than they are supervising the clueless, unsafe visitor whom they are trying to impress. Both me and my son were muzzle-swiped with a live firearm, a finger on the trigger by a woman who just HAD to turn around and see the reaction of all her friends when she actually hit paper. The one who brought this new-to-shooting person, was comfortably sitting on the bench, way behind the shooter. I was so mad, I swore that if I got shot, I was going to at LEAST work my way over there and beat them both before I bled out!

Been to ranges where the guy who brought me said, "Don't point your gun at me and I won't point mine at YOU!" Fair enough. He never needed to by the way.

It doesn't take a village to keep a range safe. It takes personal responsibility. (The world need MORE of that!)

I know, I'm sounding a lot like a grumpy, old man. But I'm not getting any younger ya know!

It isn't a bad idea. Depending on the circumstances it might be a really good one.

The few ranges I've been to, all indoor, the RO will ask you if you've shot there before. If you haven't they will instruct you on how they want you to act, doesn't matter if you're new to shooting or not.

So in my case no, there would be no need to say anything to a RO.

Mn Fats said:

In that case, I'd say leave him be. Specifically pointing out to others an inexperienced shooter is on the range seems to me like your saying "keep an eye on this guy". Which could make him and other shooters very uneasy. Not necessary.
Now introducing him as inexperienced and new to the range with some handshakes and whatnot is a totally different story.

Click to expand...

This. But as the experienced shooter who brought him or her to the range, YOU should be the one "keeping an eye on this guy/girl", since YOU are the one who bought this inexperienced shooter there in the first place. YOU are responsible for the safety of everyone there, RO or not.

Great points above. I'll just say it depends on the range and person. Indoor public range, it makes little/no difference. Outdoor membership range with no RO, who you going to tell? In between I probably wouldn't unless somehow it's a range requirement and as stated - YOU are responsible. Frankly, my wife for example, very cautious (yes overly so) didn't need "extra attention".

I see no point announcing it unless you want to try and embarrase them. If the RO asks that's their business. If you don't feel confident watching the new shooter yourself maybe you shouldn't be bringing new shooters to the range.

If I am bringing them, I have already gone over the rules and procedures and all the regulars know it’s a person they haven’t met before.

That said, for a time “first time” was written on top of the score sheets of new shooters after they went through the safety briefing, made sure everyone helped them feel comfortable and part of the squad.

Not at all. A new shooter is usually nervous enough. I don't want to add fuel to the fire by announcing "Hey new guy/girl here! Everyone stay away!"

A regular or someone comfortable around firearms can spot a rookie pretty easily anyway. And an RO is on the lookout for such behavior that would lead to unsafe practices.

No reason at all to make the new shooter or the other around feel uneasy. I know how i felt when i was new like everyone was watching me, nervous, afraid to not do well and IMO that's when the mind wanders and an occurrence of an accident might become higher. I would tell the RO and that would be it. Its no one else's business. I will say this i will not go to a range where someone is watching me non stop and this is why i belong to a club. Come and go as i please, no one watching me or my guest and if the guest does something stupid i handle it.

If they are safe and know the range rules why bother? Only time we introduce newbies is for competitions where we pair them up with squads who don't mind helping someone get started.

I used to take everybody and anybody shooting when I was younger, friends, etc. I never really had any problems.
Once in more recent times I took a coworker and his cousin came too. Didn't think much of it till I had these two playing gangsta, holding guns side ways, horsing around, and just not paying attention in general. Like a couple of kids. That was the day I said " no more. I'll never bring any one shooting again."
I'd still go shooting with others who were already shooters, together but separate.
Just recently, I took my 14 yr old nephew. I didn't know what to expect. A good kid but a less than awesome home life. I did all I could to talk about safety, etiquette and repercussions. I did not shoot that day. 1 lane; I was on him like white on rice... At first, then backed off slightly, then a little more... That was about it, lol.
He did surprising well for a first timer, both in terms of safety and accuracy. I was pleasantly stunned in light of my last experience.
Now, I feel like I can take first timers like this. Not a gaggle of buddies (read: idiots).
Your responsible for your newbie. His accident and or negligence is yours, times 2 (at least).

When I take a new shooter to the range I usually am standing beside the person and watching them to ensure that they are following the rules that I have drilled into them. I do not feel the need to point them out as a new person but anyone with experience would know that because I am myself watching the shooter. I take many anti-gunners to the range and have converted a few of them.

Rshooter said:

I take many anti-gunners to the range and have converted a few of them.

Click to expand...

THIS is why it IS a good idea to bring new shooters.

While it helps not to be condescending, also showing them the enjoyment of shooting for sport and having options to do so can go a long way to win the war on public opinion.

Good for you Rshooter! May we ALL have opportunity to share our sport with those who don't (yet) understand it.

Jack B. said:

The ranges I belong to ask when you sign in . The RO ask if you have ever been shooting before , if they don't recognize you. One range even offers free instructions and assistance if you are new. At the other ranges the RSO just keeps an eye on them through the first hot range session and gives assistance if asked for buy new shooter. I like both systems

Click to expand...

My range doesn't let anyone who doesn't bring their own gun shoot alone. The reason was suicides but I think it also addresses the new shooter issue.

I recommend going about one's business at shooting ranges without calling undue attention to things. As a former NRA and Hunter's Ed instructor who has introduced dozens of new shooters to the shooting sports, I'm usually more experienced, capable, and attentive than most ROs, so I do not tend to convey additional info beyond what is asked. Good ROs tend to keep an eye on shooters they do not recognize until they are convinced they are safe. They usually don't have to watch our group more than 5-10 minutes before shifting their attention to others on the range. If the range is not too busy, they often circle back around and start asking for tips relating to skill building and equipment rather than expressing safety concerns. Our new shooters, especially the younger ones, are often praised by the ROs for their scrupulous attention to safety.

To anyone paying attention, it is very clear that we are absolutely safe, intentional, and disciplined in going about our business.