Range rules and consistency of enforcement

[THX]

There's a range in Houston that I like for a variety of reasons (low fees, fair prices, very friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable staff), but I find myself gravitating toward a range like Top Gun where safe practices are strictly enforced. I notice people sweeping me with barrels way too often at this other range, and there's just very little supervision to speak of. Whereas this morning at Top Gun I didn't see the guys next to me walking around with their pistols before the RO came over and really dressed them down. Yes, it's an expensive place to shoot/buy, but I'm definitely willing to pay a little more for consistently enforced range rules.

It's hard to tell a range officer about unsafe handling without sounding like you're telling him how to do his job. Have any of you ever done that successfully?

[SlickTX]

It's hard to tell a range officer about unsafe handling without sounding like you're telling him how to do his job. Have any of you ever done that successfully?

That's a tough one. Its kinda like last night when my wife walked into the den and asked me what was on the TV. I said "dust". That didn't turn out well.

[texanron]

There's a range in Houston that I like for a variety of reasons (low fees, fair prices, very friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable staff), but I find myself gravitating toward a range like Top Gun where safe practices are strictly enforced. I notice people sweeping me with barrels way too often at this other range, and there's just very little supervision to speak of. Whereas this morning at Top Gun I didn't see the guys next to me walking around with their pistols before the RO came over and really dressed them down. Yes, it's an expensive place to shoot/buy, but I'm definitely willing to pay a little more for consistently enforced range rules.

It's hard to tell a range officer about unsafe handling without sounding like you're telling him how to do his job. Have any of you ever done that successfully?

I would say something to the shooter the moment he/she swept me with the muzzle. I hear good things about Top Gun but have yet to make it down there.

[Piney]

Yes, I've brought what I considered to be an unsafe condition to the RO on duty on numerous occasions over the years. Each time, the problems brought up was quickly addressed. Never have I had any resistance from the RO. That being said, I've always taken a position by saying that I feel unsafe because of such and such. I don't feel that's confrontational or telling him how to do his job.

[michael e]

I try to get to the range when they open sat mornings, there are less people to deal with and floors are clean so its easier to find my brass. Yesterday he talked to me for few mins while unpacking like normal. Asked if I ever shoot the same guns 2 weeks in a row, then said have a good day. Went and talked to other people as they came in and kept the lanes next to me empty till was full. I left a few weeks ago when he got into it with another girl about unsafe gun handling. I will leave befor I get shot by someone not paying attention or not safe.

[doc.lonestar]

Unsafe practice by a shooter is everyones concern - we all should be SO with an opinion when safety is in question. It only takes one of us to prevent someone from killing or injuring everyone on the line.

In the event that the RSO will not address an unsafe shooter - I will say something as non confrontational as possible but still be very firm in that I do not approve of getting shot while on the line.

[TDDude]

As an NRA certified RSO, I will say that the more eyes, the better. I don't work at a gun range; I can't afford the pay cut. But I do a lot of work with Boy Scouts and that is why I went ahead and got all the NRA certs that I have.

One question that I always ask and stress to the boys is "Who can call a Cease Fire?" The answer is "Anyone!!" If anyone sees anything that is "off", it is that persons duty to speak up. Calling a cease fire at a public range probably isn't an option but raising an issue is.

If you see something on the range, bring it up and don't be shy. Public ranges are exactly that, Public. Beginners need to learn and the RSO can't see everything and everyone all the time. If a newbie can't accept a little criticism then they need to leave. If an old timer slips up, he needs to be reminded. If the RSO won't back you up, then you should move on and not come back. The range owner will get the point when he's seeing empty lanes or loses his insurance because of "accidents".