Courtesy at the Range...

[CountGlockula]

Check out A Target range near the Van Nuys Airport.

Too far for me. The RO's at my range are VERY attentive. Different strokes, for different folks. Like I've said I've been corrected from them and am very grateful. Also, there's a reason why people sign waivers.

I think when folks get away with breaking the rules, things will escalate. Rules are there for a reason: Trial and Error.

One example of being corrected:
I was rapid firing, RO tapped me and kindly showed me that I was shooting at the ceiling...Oops! Also, the lanes were really tight and therefore not noise friendly.

 

[Cosmoline]

Be careful here. I have noticed that a new RO is often a good deal more uptight and autocratic than someone who's been doing it for a while.

My biggest problem is they're too soft spoken. With double ear protection on I need RO's with a LOUD VOICE. But too many of them seem to mumble.

 

[Javelin]

I personally do not know any shooter that would take a safety observation from someone as an insult (as long as it really is unsafe or against the rules). If I see something unsafe I politely and calmly point it out... unless it is something wildly unsafe and in need of immediate correction or alert of the range (of course).

Heck if I am doing something that poses something unsafe I would sure as hell want someone to point it out to me. I will do the same for you.

 

[Slugless]

Do you guys encourage others to following the range rules? Especially, when other shooters are directly next to you?

Normally. I depends on how serious the infringement is and if I know the RO is likely to catch it in a few seconds.

The most common mistake is handling of firearms while people are downrange. That's a scary one.

Occasionally a newbie will sweep the barrel across the firing line.

I've never seen anyone not be polite in response. We have good range officers although the other day one started to "hot" the firing line when a guy was still downrange...

 

[Soybomb]

If someone is behaving unsafely at the indoor range I shoot at, I inform the staff. While the person might quit whatever they're doing I would prefer to have the staff watch them more closely so I can enjoy my shooting time without having to try to keep an eye on them.

 

[mekender]

Ditto that. And touching firearms during a ceasefire! I remember one person who lifted the rifle up and eyed down the barrel while we were waltzing out to check targets. I didn't actually yell, I just pointed and shook my head. It was sort of beyond yelling, in fact I really didn't want to make him twitch!

i typically use a public range with no RO's ive heard several stories of the past where people are downrange when someone starts shooting... thats all it too for me to start carrying my rifle down range with me...

 

[bsf]

Do you guys encourage others to following the range rules? Especially, when other shooters are directly next to you?

I try to avoid the issue altogether. I chose the club I just joined, in part, because I thought I would be able to have one of the short ranges all to myself when I shot. So far, that has been the case. Range rules are posted, so there should be no excuse. If I found myself in a situation where I was sharing a range w/ someone not following the range rules, and I felt endangered, I would inform the individual(s) that their behavior was making me uncomfortable. If they did not comply w/ the rules after that, I would probably move to another range. I would try to note their physical description(s), time of day, vehicle description(s), and plate(s), and turn it over club officials/range mngt.

 

[Tom Servo]

I find more and more RO's get a huge power trip over being the ro to the point when I show up I leave if I see certian individuals. Some of these folks try to kick you out because you do not want to hear their gun teachings ect. Age does not seem to affect the snobish attitude I think its just exactly what it is a HUGE POWER TRIP!

I'd report the RO if he had an attitude problem. We do have rules to follow, and we're not supposed to be hostile.

OTOH, our shoes are big, soggy, and very stinky things to walk in. I've honestly been in fear for my life a few times, When someone's covering another shooter with the muzzle, finger on the trigger, courtesy has to...erm...take a brief hiatus.

Nowadays, the average person was not raised on firearms. We live in a society based on instant gratification, and the idea that shooting might require training, practice and patience is considered passe by many.

I'd say 40% of people on a public range are just there to pull the trigger and hear loud noises. Another 40% are folks who shoot once a year, and they don't remember what they got taught the previous year. Only about 10% are what we would consider "shooters."

Yeah, I lost 10% in there. We'll chock that up to "margin of error.

Ideally, the RO's job should entail a light touch. Offer advice for improvement, and gently nudge people from borderline carelessness. At its worst, you're having to deal with people who are completely untrained and pose a very real danger handling firearms.

The trouble for alot of folks is distinguishing between the two. A few close calls make it easy to get paranoid and start stereotyping. Still, it's no excuse to be a jerk to everyone.