Impromptu Ranges and safety during a shoot

[2ndChildhood]

Strong interest here for the RSO class.
I'll be there barring only the most dire of other priorities.
2C

[Ice Pirate]

Safety has always been a huge concern for me because I've had some close calls before. I've been on a range firing when there were people down range that weren't supposded to have been there. I learned first hand, how quickly things can go wrong and have been extremely lucky. I just hope and pray that none of you will ever have to learn these lessons first hand.

There may have been some quirks with camera angles but the main pic that really started this was the one of a woman behind the tables shooting a revolver while another guy was forward of the table with a rifle. In my time on AF Ranges I've seen even experienced shooters, with wheel guns, put rounds in the dirt not 3' in front of them. That's what really kind of touched me off.

As for the group pic. I don't see anything wrong there. Even if one or more of the guns hadn't been fully cleared, if there was no one touching them while the pic was set up and taken, then, no worries. Been in that situation my self and more than once.

However, it really does my heart good to read the responces on this topic. I'm ecstatic to see that you take safety as seriously as I do.

BBadmin,
Stunning idea! Absolutly great! The main thing for any range, is to have someone to insure the safety of all shooters. Having multiple RSO's is even better. I too would love to attend an RSO class if possible. You'er never too old or experienced to learn something new.

You might also set some RSO to Shooter ratios. On a formal range we always had to maintain 1 primary instructor, plus 1 RSO for every 7 shooters. That may be a bit much for an impromtu shoot like yours. You may think about just maintaining one at each end if you have like 20 or more shooters. Some thing like that.

I'm also grateful that, at least as far as those who've responded anyway, no one took my remarks negitively. To be honest, I've only fired on civilian ranges a few times, and wasn't really impressed with some of them. I've see some where the safety is pushed so hard, it takes all the fun out of shooting, like the range at Cherry Creek State Park. I've also seen some, that will remain nameless, where your safety is left to pure luck. I firmly believe that there can be a middle ground where we can ensure the safety of ourselves and our friends, without taking the fun out of shooting. The RSO idea is a great start!

[bbadmin]

Safety and safety issues are never a negative topic.

Thank you for bringing it up. It is already under hot discussion in the mod's only forum.



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[newracer]

I would also be interested in becomming a RSO.

[samuraii]

I am also interested in the RSO training. It's something I have been meaning to do anyway to help out at AGC. It's nice to help out but even better to be able work off some of the anual dues. :mrgreen:

[bbadmin]

Give me a couple of days, and I'll start throwing out tentative dates.

[GearHead]

Since I'm new to the shooting world, I would definitely benefit from this class. I may not take the role of RSO at a shoot, but I will know what they expect of me..

[BadShot]

I actually like the idea of RSO duty offsetting club dues... or even better, being part of club membership or what not.

To RSO you have to be willing to step up to someone and tell them to stop what they are doing. I seriously doubt we would have anyone pop a quark or anything, but you need to be willing to make those types of calls and do them without doubt.

I'm really glad this has been brought up as well... Thanks Ice Pirate, good constructive observation and even more thanks to BB for taking it to the next level.

[Gman]

The pictures aren't a very good indicator since they're 2 dimensional and lack relation to distance. I think I saw the picture being referred to and the individual kneeling with the AK is over 3 tables to the side of the revolver shooter.

I've also been puzzled by identifying who was in charge. I would usually check with everyone on the line before going downrange, but you can't keep your eye on everyone while you're setting up targets.

I also admit that everyone does a pretty good job with muzzle control and keeping their firearms cleared when not in use.

Put me down for the RSO class, too. One day would be easier than 2.

...and I'm not worried about you making a "profit" by doing the class. Since you run this website out of your own pocket, we know where any profits are going. [poke]

[bbadmin]

When I do RSO duties I wear an orange vest. Most of you hunters already have one. That way its easy to see who's in charge.