Range Safety Violations

[Abraham]

I've trained a few family members to pistol shoot.

That said, no pistol is handled until they've understood the theory (if you will...) of "safe pistol handling" in all it's aspects. Until I'm positive it's thoroughly drilled into them - they don't get close to a pistol. Doing this requires time, but it's well spent.

After this phase, I then teach them pistol handling - without a round in the chamber. All the while scrutinizing them for "safe pistol handling". If there's a safety slip-up, we're still O.K...but, it's at this phase I will shut down the training if they have a safety slip-up and tell them they're not ready. (it's never happened, as I drill them relentlessly prior to this time, but if it ever does happen, I will shut them down until a later time)

By the time we get to the range, they're highly safety conscious.

When we arrive at the range the pistol is finally loaded with one round and one round only.
If they perform safely and confidently, we eventually move on to two bullets and so on.

So far, this method has produced safe, quality shooters.

P.S. The "verbal only safety training" begins a month or more before actual pistol handling starts. Part of the training consists of impromptu quizzes about safe pistol handling. This repetition goes a long way to ingrain safe pistol handling.

When I started doing the quizzes I expected exasperation as I did them a lot - but, to everyone's credit, no on complained or showed me any impatience.

[Gearheart]

That is what I should have done.

I don't know that the other two people in my story learned anything, which is why my friend hasn't been back, but at least I recognized my own mistakes.

[NcongruNt]

Part of my pre-range discussions with new shooters is a recitation of the 4 rules. For folks that I have advance notice, they are given a link to the 4 rules and we discuss what each of them mean. They are required to memorize and list the 4 rules, explaining what each of them mean before we go out. This includes very specific discussion of muzzle discipline. This interactive discussion and feedback ensures that they understand the subject and aren't simply nodding and saying "yes", but have internalized the rules of safe gun handling.

If we have a pre-session time before we go out the range, we will handle the (unloaded) firearms with specific emphasis on muzzle and trigger discipline before we head out. All 4 safety rules are adhered to and discussed (muzzle, trigger, and safe backstop are discussed, and guns are treated as loaded). I have them dry fire some of the guns so they know exactly what it is like, and to ensure that they maintain proper gun-handling practices even before we go to the range. They are familiarized with the different kinds of actions we'll be shooting (DAO, DA/SA, SA, pump, bolt, etc) so that they understand how each gun operates, safe unloading procedures, and the nuances of each gun's controls. I cover each kind of action individually and return to any of them if they have any questions. This does take a bit of time (generally half an hour to an hour, and I make sure they know that we have time allotted for this in advance), but ensures that my shooters know how to conduct themselves properly when range time does come. We also discuss range rules specific to where we're going, and range etiquette in general.

I have never had a shooter display unsafe range behavior, and the only time I've needed to correct anyone was for trigger discipline - which is not unexpected, as every Hollywood gunslinger they've seen their entire life has always has his (or her) finger on the trigger at all times. Even then, they've always kept the firearm pointed downrange due to the discussions prior to shooting.

As an illustration, here's a photo taken immediately after my little sister's first shot firing a gun. Note muzzle discipline is maintained, despite her boisterous reaction to the event:



As with any new shooter, I am also right there beside here to guide her and prevent any serious safety violations from occurring.

[marksiwel]

Was paint balling this weekend, smacked a muzzle or two out of my face and read the riot act to a kid about keeping his booger finger off the trigger.
Then I was juggling taking of my vest and shot the gun by mistake (barrell sleeve was on though) , I felt like such a jerk.

[chabouk]

I like to emphasize muzzle discipline by using the "laser rule": imagine that the gun is a laser, and wherever it points gets blasted by a laser powerful enough to cut flesh and sever limbs. If you're not willing to destroy it, don't point the gun at it.