What do you like to see in a Range Safety Officer?

[springmom]

Robert Hairless asked the most important question. That old "Golden Rule" thing is a good guide.

Still, here's what I like:

1) Attentive, and I don't mean hanging around chatting with me. Pay attention to what's happening on the firing line at all times. You can't possibly see everyone, but if you and the other RO's divide up that long line and keep your eyes open, you'll SEE the idjits behaving dangerously before I have to go find you and TELL you they're behaving dangerously.

2) Friendly. I appreciate it that the people at my local range know me and remember my name (or nickname, which around there is apparently "The Gun Lady".)

3) Helpful when asked. Both parts of that are important. Yesterday, when I needed a screwdriver to try to reattach my #$#$(@#$@)# 10/22 scope mount I was able to ask the RO and he went and fetched it. I do NOT want help shooting, although appreciative applause is always welcome.

4) Firmness with idiots. If somebody is endangering the rest of us, do not be afraid to boot their butts off the firing line. I do not want to go home with more holes in me than I came with, and you are important to that. I don't mind reminding somebody of the range rules if they're doing something dangerous, and I have, but if I am ignored and I come to you and bring the situation to your attention, and if you come and see the same thing, I expect you to either do something to stop the bad behavior or remove the bad behavers.

5) Appropriate distance. Please don't come stand right behind me. I don't engage in unsafe behavior at the range, so there is no need for that. And appropriate behavioral distance. Don't chat with me about your car, your girlfriend, or your latest vacation unless it's clear that I'm not busy shooting. I paid for the range time; we can visit later.

HTH.

Springmom.

 

[xMetal]

I'd like to see the frame of mind of a teacher or mentor, not an enforcement officer or drill sarge.

Most people will react much better to a person that is there in a capacity to help. You can be firm in that capacity too. But if all you do it bitch and yell, then most folks will bristle against that and not be very happy to be there.

 

[larry_minn]

"CountGlockula
Certification.

That's pretty much all you need.

Also, remember you're a "Safety Officer" NOT an Instructor. Make sure those that don't know what they're doing are kindly escorted out of the range.

And make sure the customers show you that they are proficient in using a weapon BEFORE they enter the range...it'll save a lot of hassles and lives."

I have to agree with most of this. You are to keep things safe. IF you have time/things are under control you can give basic help. Better yet to suggest they take a course offered by range.
I did help with minor things/mainly related to safety. (showing how to ensure gun is unloaded,how to make line safe. I didn't try to shot how to get great hits.

 

[Chester32141]

Speaking of RSO's .... I'd love to take my Nylon 66 to the range but there is no way to hold the action open so I haven't ... any idea if my not being able to hold the action open would be a problem for an RSO ... ?

 

[Antipasta]

They sell inexpensive (A buck or two) "flags" that can be put in the action, or use a large, empty cartridge - sort of an intentional stovepipe.

I'm a relatively new RSO and will make an effort to incorporate all the comments that have been shared here. Thanks!

 

[10 Ring Tao]

Common sense.

A firm confident demeanor.

Addresses issues in such a way that corrects behavior BUT DOESN'T KILL THE DESIRE TO HAVE FUN WHILE SHOOTING.

 

[sm]

I like good looking brunette Southern Belles with hazel eyes that shoot 28 ga shotgun for clay sports.

Good looking blonde Southern Belles with green eyes that carry a BHP sidearm for handgun stuff.

Rifle stuff, both/ either one are just fine and dandy.


Well the question was asked - just being honest is all...

 

[Conqueror]

Conqueror...

The range officer isn't in sales. He's there, either being paid little, or as a volunteer.

I'm probably going to get trained the next go-round. I wear jeans, tie-dyes, and I've got a beard that I am NOT going to trim up. If I wanted to look like a cell phone salesman, I'd go into that line of work.

Your rationale is quite poor. "I'm not being paid so I'll show up looking however I please." Would that fly if you volunteered at a hospital, or a business? Just because you're unpaid doesn't mean you do whatever you want. You may think you're not in sales, but if any part of your conduct - including an unkempt appearance - results in a first-time shooter not wanting to return to the range, then you will have done a disservice to our sport.

 

[woodybrighton]

if you look the part it helps
I take archery classes always make sure I look professional a cheap ironed polo shirt costs little. even if your volunteering it helps people spot you

 

[cassandrasdaddy]

one qualification that never occured to me till now

one who cares enough to seek others input on what makes a good rso. nice start to being a good one

 

[Andrewsky]

Thanks for the information so far.

I will find out more for you guys tomorrow when I meet with the owner. Maybe he will provide a shirt with some logos on it.

At my old range in AZ the range officers wore a really nice uniform like police officers wear. They even had badges. One of them was carrying a Nighthawk Custom 1911!

I'm not going to be carrying a gun. Should I be nervous about that?

 

[pharmer]

Safety+humble+helpful= ideal RSO. Joe

 

[CountGlockula]

Andrewsky: I'm not going to be carrying a gun. Should I be nervous about that?

It depends on the owner's policy. For indoors, if you're working the night/closing shift...yes, you should be carrying. Late night, closing the register, cleaning up, counting cash, etc is prone for criminal activity.