Three things not to do when shooting IDPA...

[PPGMD]

To me, resting the finger 'on' the trigger guard means it's across the trigger and too close during a run-and-gun situation. EXAMPLE: MY finger WON'T REACH the front of the trigger guard, so if it's across the trigger it's NOT a safe practice.

The RO has to make the determination necessary to maintain a safe shooting environment. I would fully expect the RO to either 'warn' or more likely DQ a shooter with this practice. The rules do give the RO decision making capability. The shooter can file an objection if he/she disagrees--good luck.

Again the rules say, "Finger outside the trigger guard," it doesn't specify where it should be outside of that. So as long as the finger is outside the guard the SO/RO shouldn't be DQing a person if they don't embrace the finger on the frame.

If an RO/SO feels that it isn't good enough, he should contact the IDPA, I just got an email that they are going to relook at the rule book via "Tiger Teams."

 

[MJ_ATL]

Our ranges are outdoors. I'm not familiar with indoor practices. At all our local ranges (5?), the SAFE AREAs are facing a berm within 2-3 yards. No one can be 'surprised' by having anyone show up "downrange' of the Safe Area. One of our ranges has only ONE safe area for the typical 5 stage match, so that makes it even easier to prevent unsafe practices.

This indoor range has a tactical bay that has a hardened ceiling all the way from the back to the front. We shoot the match in there. The safe area is in another bay which does not have a hardened ceiling past a certain point so having a loaded firearm past the shooting stalls is not allowed. For anyone but a range employee to go past the shooting stalls is not allowed either.

I think folks here are making some assumptions like that we have the entire facility to ourselves and forgetting that this is an indoor range. When people gear up to have them go to the berm in the range used as the safe area would put them downrange of the facility's other customers who are shooting at thier targets. When the incident occured the shooter walked into the bay while the employee was already downrange and then proceeded to handle thier weapon without checking downrange.

The safety area has got to be moved. ...

Taken under advisement, I'll discuss with the match director about moving the safe area. But there really isn't a perfect option like table 5 feet from a berm in an empty bay at an outdoor range.

Interesting points that Jenrick and PPGMD have made about the safety area being inadequate and I don't think anyone thought the current arrangement was a problem until this week. However, aren't we supposed to always check downrange for people before we handle weapons? I think firearm safety rules #2 and #3 cover this situation.

 

[MJ_ATL]

Again the rules say, "Finger outside the trigger guard," it doesn't specify where it should be outside of that. So as long as the finger is outside the guard the SO/RO shouldn't be DQing a person if they don't embrace the finger on the frame.

If an RO/SO feels that it isn't good enough, he should contact the IDPA, I just got an email that they are going to relook at the rule book via "Tiger Teams."

Understood, and no one has been DQ'd for not embracing finger on frame... I believe you misunderstand me here.

 

[jmorris]

I don't seem to understand why we keep trying to blame the person who was downrange and supposed to be there at the time for the other person's disregard of basic safety rules.

I guess I look at it like they guy that walks down range from a "safe area" sign is in the same class as one that falls into a lake past a sign that reads "thin ice."

 

[Jenrick]

Taken under advisement, I'll discuss with the match director about moving the safe area. But there really isn't a perfect option like table 5 feet from a berm in an empty bay at an outdoor range.

Interesting points that Jenrick and PPGMD have made about the safety area being inadequate and I don't think anyone thought the current arrangement was a problem until this week. However, aren't we supposed to always check downrange for people before we handle weapons? I think firearm safety rules #2 and #3 cover this situation.

I'm thinking a $10 folding table setup down by the backstop.

I'd also say it's partially the responsibility of the person down range to verify it's safe for them to be there. If I HAD to go down range of the designated safe area, I'd either have someone else telling people to stay away, or I'd physically block access to the area. I learned a long time ago to not rely on anyone else when it comes to safety.

On the shooters part, they should be able to treat it just like the stage proper. They don't check the COF to verify that no one is hiding behind a target, because it's supposed to be clear. Same with the safe area, it's called that for a reason, because it's where it's safe to handle your weapon. Rename it the "sort of, possibly, maybe/maybe not, better check twice and keep and eye out still" area and I think people would be more observant.

I certainly don't bother to check down the left and right on the firing line when I go to my local indoor range to make sure no one has hurdled that 4' tall bench tops and security wall, and is on the range. It's supposed to be clear, the premise is paid good money to keep it clear ( there are target returners etc to keep anyone from having to go down range etc.), and I'm going to treat it as clear until I'm advised other wise (cease fire, etc).

-Jenrick

 

[NoAlibi]

How about this...

We enjoy our sport and we want to attract others to enjoy it too. If someone yells at you and sends you home you will probably not come back again. We don't want this to happen.

We also don't want the risk of being shot by anyone who made a mistake; after all it doesn't matter if they didn't intend to do it you are still shot!

So, how about this - a special range class for new shooters prior to the match where a verbal briefing is followed by a closely controlled short course for the new shooter. The shooter will be bracketed by a RO on both sides who will follow the shooter and correct the mistakes, without penalty, before they become dangerous. If the shooter appears to know the safety rules, can follow instructions and performs reasonably, then he should be allowed to compete. What say you?

 

[waktasz]

Our club's new shooter safety briefing does include a few rounds of live fire,after instruction in the range commands, and a dry run through "loading", drawing, firing and unloading with an empty gun.

 

[NoAlibi]

waktasz: "Our club's new shooter safety briefing does include a few rounds of live fire,after instruction in the range commands, and a dry run through "loading", drawing, firing and unloading with an empty gun."

I had the good fortune to practice with some members of my multi-discipline shooting club and when IPSC match-time came I was ready.

I can't imagine someone not having that kind of exposure and showing up at a match with just a hope and a prayer.

Your club has the right idea and it will go a long way in bringing a new shooter back. I'll bet that if you surveyed the shooters that you put through the program they'd say they felt good about your concern for everyone's safety and that it also made them feel wanted.