What Would You Have Done?

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Mr.Blue

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I'm shooting at the indoor range with all lanes occupied. The guy next to me, who looked ex-military, is shooting rapid fire with his pistol. This doesn't bother me until I realize that he can't control the gun under recoil. It must have been a .45acp. He keeps hitting the steel target holder and I hear ricochets. He was also using some crappy Russian steel bullets (which aren't allowed at this range), as I could see sparks on the backstop every time he shot.

What really bothered me were the ricochets. I was hit in the leg, chest, hat, stomach, as well as hitting the barriers in my lane. I was scared of getting hit with a stronger ricochet and being severely injured. I was going to say something to the guy, but thought better of it and left early. The guy was nice enough, even complimenting my shooting. I just wished he realized that he was not skilled enough to be shooting so fast.
 
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What really bothered me were the ricochets. I was hit in the leg, chest, hat, and stomach. I was scared of getting hit with a stronger ricochet and being severely injured. I was going to say something to the guy, but thought better of it and left early. The guy was nice enough, even complimenting my shooting. I just wished he realized that he was not skilled enough to be shooting so fast.
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rule #1) if at any time you see something unsafe...SPEAK UP!

ide rather have the guy think im a jerk than someone get hurt.


after being hit with the first ricochet....i would have politely talked to him and addressed all the issues you brought up...some people are genuinely misinformed and accidents do happen.

after the second ricochet.... i would have address the RSO, if there is no RSO at your range....talk you the guy again and let him know his actions are unsafe and unacceptable..

..and if he doesnt change, ide have simply left.
 
You were getting hit with bullet frag riccochets? Or ejected brass riccochets? Any time someone is being unsafe it is your duty to call their attention to it. No excuses. You can be nice and assume he doesn't realize this. But you need to always call their attention to it.
 
I've had the same thing happen. Nice little cut across the cheek from the guy to my left. Informed him of what had happened. When my girlfriend was shooting a few minutes later and damn near jumped out of her skin while at the line due to catching a piece of lead with her chest, I also informed the RO. RO came over and checked out his lane and found that he'd been shooting all over the place. Ceiling, target hanger, a light fixture had all been hit. He was removed from the line.
 
An indoor range implies a supervised one. Discreetly inform the safety officer of what is going on. For that matter, if target frames, holders or brackets are being hit on a regular basis, the safety officer is remiss for not noticing.
 
I would immediatly inform the Rangemaster of what is obviously an unsafe act/ condition. maybe the guy could have benefitted from some education, and possibly would have even appreciated it. if he has a pistol and is paying range fees, he is showing signs that he is attempting to learn. as experienced shooters (I will base this comment upon the supposition that you are) we have the oppertunity to teach or counsel those who have less knowledge and understanding of safety factors. you may have had a chance to point someone in the right direction, and maybe even save him or someone else some pain in the future.
 
I think I would have started a polite conversation with the gentleman and let him know what his misses were doing. If that didn't work, the RSO would be informed.

I used to shoot quite a bit at the indoor range here. Got to know the RSOs very well and was comfortable pointing things out to them, especially if I was on the opposite end of the line from their station. Sometimes just a, "Hey, can you keep an eye on the guy next to me? Or maybe stroll on by and "notice" what's going on?" works wonders.

I'm quite tall, and if I was right up against the platform on my lane, and someone else was in the lane next to me and a foot or so back, I would frequently have my head swept by a loaded weapon. It's amazing how idiotic some people can be. I ALWAYS say something when I see irresponsible conduct on the line.
 
This issue came up in the thread about hot brass. The shooter is responsible for everything that comes out of his gun--period! We often dance around trying to be polite when someone is oblivious to the danger they are causing. You don't have to be rude (right away) to point out that his bullets are coming back. If he is unconcerned after that is pointed out, then get rude and insist he stop what he is doing. If there is no Range Safety Officer, complain to the management if he doesn't stop or blows you off in another way. No need to wait until someone gets hurt. Shooting is a safe sport because (and when) we shooters pay attention to where the bullets are ending up.
 
As a Range Master myself I am in full agreement that the second something becomes unsafe it is time for a "Seize Fire" I've called them for a lot less than that. If I didn't wish to do it myself then I would have brought it up to the RSO. I am prior military myself, and even though there is a general familiarization among all military personnel with weapons, that certainly does not mean that they should be given the benefit of any doubt where safety is concerned.

I think this was a good thread to post though it is most definitely an issue that many other people may wish to see discussed but don't wish to bring it up.
 
I guess I should have said something to the shooter. I just don't like the possibility of an argument happening with armed people. I try to steer clear of any potential arguments around guns. I just wish the RO was watching better.
 
One of the advantages to the high cost of ammo these days, is that most folks don't spend all that much time at the range.
I'd have taken a break and left the shooting area, until he was done.
Maybe saying something to the RO. if the guy didn't leave soon.
 
-hitting the steel target holder- -hitting the barriers in my lane.
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Whoever is in charge of, or responsible for,that property needs to be informed that it was being destroyed. Usually a RO or some manager is responsible to see that the business's property is not damaged by an irresponsible customer.
 
If I'd already had small talk with the guy, or he commented on my shooting I'd tell him what he's doing is dangerous, since you already built a small rapport with him. If we hadn't spoke I'd go alert the RSO ASAP. For those that would just leave, wouldn't you feel bad if you took off and the next person that took your lane got seriously injured?
 
Query:

How does one look "ex-military"?

If you were to look at me now, you'd see an old fat greybeard who's pushing sixty.

Forty years ago, I was carrying an M-60 in a parachute infantry outfit.

Remember the old adage, "Don't judge a book by its cover".

When I was in high school, the toughest kid in my class got his behind righteously kicked by a younger kid, all of 5'6" and 115#. Turned out the kid had lived for several years in France and was more than conversant with savate (q.v.).

Again, appearances can be deceiving.

ed
 
How does one look "ex-military"?
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He had a US Army camo shirt, OD green military looking range bag, was in good shape, clean-cut, and had a very short cropped afro. It seemed like a good assumption that he was ex-military.

My dad, uncles, and both grandfathers are ex. Marines/Sailors, so I mean no offense.
 
I'm shooting at the indoor range with all lanes occupied. The guy next to me, who looked ex-military, is shooting rapid fire with his pistol. This doesn't bother me until I realize that he can't control the gun under recoil. It must have been a .45acp. He keeps hitting the steel target holder and I hear ricochets. He was also using some crappy Russian steel bullets (which aren't allowed at this range), as I could see sparks on the backstop every time he shot.

What really bothered me were the ricochets. I was hit in the leg, chest, hat, stomach, as well as hitting the barriers in my lane. I was scared of getting hit with a stronger ricochet and being severely injured. I was going to say something to the guy, but thought better of it and left early. The guy was nice enough, even complimenting my shooting. I just wished he realized that he was not skilled enough to be shooting so fast.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure the Russian ammo didn't have steel bullets but rather steel cases. ;)

That cheap Russian ammo can make great range fodder, btw.
 
It does make sparks downrange though. I've seen it numerous times. It must be the steel under the lead which is under the copper/brass jacket.
 
Could very well have been steel-jacketed bullets too. Not uncommon. Personally, I avoid indoor ranges unless I'm really desperate for some shooting. I don't even like going to public outdoor ranges. I prefers to do my shooting solo, thank you.
 
no offense to the guys that have to, but,this is one of the reasons i am not a "range ninja" I cant stand shooting around a bunch of idiots that dont know what they are doing. Ill stick to the backyard thank you.
 
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