Safety Violation Say Something Or MYOB

[J-Bar]

Several days ago I shot at a local indoor range for the first time in a couple of months. Me and one other shooter in one room with 10 handgun lanes. After a few minutes a third shooter came in and set up three lanes to my right. The second time his green laser sight tracked on the floor about 5 feet in front of me, I made my gun safe and left the room. I went back into the main store and the RO/clerk asked if he could help me. I described what happened, that the shooter on lane 8 was exhibiting poor muzzle control, and I decided to remove myself from the range until he was done. The clerk did nothing. The shooter on lane 8 continued to paint the room green for another 20 minutes, then left.

I can't control the idiot on lane 8, I can't control the clerk, I can only control myself, get out of harm's way and not go back.

 

[readyeddy]

There’s not much one can do for people who drink Clorox, eat Tide Pods or point guns at themselves.

 

[Hasaf]

With a smile and a wave, I might say, "not safe."

After that, well, it is pointed at him and not me, and he is clearly a voluntary participant.

 

[Sistema1927]

If it is an actual safety violation, and not a misunderstanding on my part, then I say point it out. If it is a safety violation that threatens me, my loved ones, or my property, then I am going to be downright mean.

 

[toivo]

I feel like I'd have to say something, for several reasons. One is that people really do get killed this way: "I didn't know it was loaded," etc. The other is that this kind of behavior makes us all look bad. Finally, I have RSO and Home Firearm Safety Instructor certifications, and I would feel like I was ignoring everything I learned if I didn't say something.

The most tactful way to do it would be to take him aside and say it privately -- "Can I talk to you for a minute?" -- rather than embarassing him in front of his friends.

 

[Trey Veston]

Reminds me of the video in Tiger King (yes, I actually watched that train wreck) when the dude is in the office with the other dude and first dude is pointing a loaded Ruger semi-auto at the second dude. Second dude scolds him for pointing guns at people. First dude responds by saying it's a Ruger and the magazine is removed and you can't fire it, then promptly points it at his own head and pulls the trigger, firing the round in the chamber and making the world a better place.

 

[shootstraight57]

I read alot about people shooting themselves with a unloaded gun, or so they thought!

 

[mmb617]

In the situation as described here I'm sure I would mind my own business. He's not endangering me and I'm not his keeper.

 

[Speedo66]

I think you did the right thing, his blowing you off might have been embarrassment.

But it definitely sounds like he's a contender for a Darwin award.

 

[Boomerang]

I run a private range and club. It's automatic that I say something if I see it.

 

[whm1974]

For those of you who would say or do anything, there is the possibility that you will become a Social Pariah for failure to prevent another person death. And also the large amount of guilt you will be racked by...

 

[MCFLYFYTER]

I'd tell him to have his children run around the yard and try to keep the dot on them. It's good practice for when you eventually shoot them because you are an idiot.

 

[whm1974]

I'd tell him to have his children run around the yard and try to keep the dot on them. It's good practice for when you eventually shoot them because you are an idiot.

Be very careful as he might be way too stupid to take your hint and dumb enough to actually keep the dot on them running around...

 

[Trunk Monkey]

For those of you who would say or do anything, there is the possibility that you will become a Social Pariah for failure to prevent another person death. And also the large amount of guilt you will be racked by...

What is this large amount of guilt that you speak of?

 

[George P]

I run a private range and club. It's automatic that I say something if I see it.

A range scenario has nothing to do with the OP; in the OP, MYOB; in your scenario, say something............

 

[luzyfuerza]

If I had nothing better to do, I'd get out my phone and start recording the "RDS demo".

 

[MutinousDoug]

I was introduced to firearms in about 1960. Then I spent 18 months in the US Army, 1969/70, almost 11 months of which was in the infantry in RVN and Cambodia. Later shot "Bullseye/conventional pistol" for 7-8 years in the 80's and NRA High Power until last year. I read this entire thread and don't remember hearing the term/acronym: "RDS".
Any of you experts feel like enlightening me?

 

[.38 Special]

A grown man ought to know better than to point a gun at himself. If he hasn't figured it out by now, it's unlikely anything I can say or do will make a dent in him.

As others have pointed out, of course, a safety violation that puts me or mine at risk is a whole 'nother story.

 

[.38 Special]

I was introduced to firearms in about 1960. Then I spent 18 months in the US Army, 1969/70, almost 11 months of which was in the infantry in RVN and Cambodia. Later shot "Bullseye/conventional pistol" for 7-8 years in the 80's and NRA High Power until last year. I read this entire thread and don't remember hearing the term/acronym: "RDS".
Any of you experts feel like enlightening me?

I'm guessing "real dumb shooter" but will wait with you to hear the actual answer.

 

[whm1974]

RDS...??? A Auto Loading Pistol will be my guess.

 

[rust collector]

I figured RDS meant red dot sight, but may be wrong.
My reaction under those circumstances would depend on my relationship with the neighbor. If we were friends, I would leave until I had a chance to visit without others present. Then express worry and how we tend to become complacent. The less judgmental, the better, but always worth a try to save a life or at least show you care.

 

[Ed Ames]

I was introduced to firearms in about 1960. Then I spent 18 months in the US Army, 1969/70, almost 11 months of which was in the infantry in RVN and Cambodia. Later shot "Bullseye/conventional pistol" for 7-8 years in the 80's and NRA High Power until last year. I read this entire thread and don't remember hearing the term/acronym: "RDS".
Any of you experts feel like enlightening me?

In the context of firearms it generally means "Red Dot Sight".

 

[Pete D.]

If I am at the local public range and someone “covers” me with sloppy gun handling, I will say something about that.

 

[FFGColorado]

I walked out my front door this morning and observed my idiot neighbor pointing a handgun at his own chest while attempting to show the RDS to another neighbor.

Before thought to keep my big mouth shut I mentioned it was an unsafe act. He assured me that the gun wasn't loaded and I told him that we treat all guns as loaded and he blew it off.

Going forward I don't care if I walk out the door and he's got the gun in his mouth I'm not wasting my time saying a word.

In the same position would you say something or keep your mouth shut.

For my neighbor, I'd certainly say something and he blows me off well, then he does but at least he heard how he's being 'stupid in public'...

 

[walterelm]

He pointed it at him self?
You didnt see if he checked the gun to be unloaded?

Well ... you havent seen enough to interfere ... i would mind my own business