Range rules

[steveo1234]

How do you handle others violating range rules and behaving in an unsafe manner? I know... two separate issues. This is at a private range. The shooters in question were violating the 6 shot max rule that our club has. Not a big deal, I know and it really didn't bother me. However I decided to leave based on their poor gun handling... sweeping other shooters with loaded guns and a generally casual attitude.

These guys looked like "gangster wanna-bees" with a bad ass attitude. I was reluctant to confront 3 armed idiots with little no common sense. When we got to the parking lot I also noticed NJ plates on what I think was their truck so they may have not been club members.

How would you have handled this situation?

[Curmudgeon]

Just as a general response, every range I have ever belonged to had specific policies for dealing with members who violate range rules, most particularly safety rules.

So far, all those ranges dealt rather harshly with violators. Why don't you discuss this with those who run your range?

[TheWolff]

I probably wouldn't say anything about violating a 6 shot max rule, but I'd say something every single time the muzzle wasn't downrange. Well, I'd probably say something twice and leave. Does your range have a logbook where you could have gotten their names and possibly given them to management?

[Python73]

Your club should have RSOs to deal with that kind of thing. If they don't it is something for the board to decide how to handle. Unless you feel comfortable asking people for ID it is best to let it go. And sadly the unsafe behavior really can't be addressed without confrontation in many cases. Some old timer gave one of our RSOs hell on Sunday for telling him he needed to have eye_pro on at the pistol range. The guy was all "FU I always shoot without eye_pro!" Happens everywhere.

[internet troll]

There are some things you need to speak up about and unsafe handling of guns at the range is one. You don't know them or their level of expertise with a gun.(if they are constantly sweeping you it's probably pretty low) I'm not willing to risk my well being on the hope that they don't do something stupid while sweeping you.

I would say something once to them once in a friendly manner, then if it happens again I would have left and followed the clubs procedures for dealing with problems like this. They may have looked like wannabe gangsters, but there is a good chance that if you said something to them they would have been polite, respectful and more careful. Sometimes people just need a reminder of the rules.

[Quigar57]

I don't usually run into the idiots that you described but I often run into people using the range who are not members. Nice thing about the range I go to is that you have to have your membership displayed (Like a fishing license). So if I see a person without one I politely ask if they have a membership card, if they do not I inform them that they are one a private range and unless they wish to purchase a member ship they will have to leave. Usually by this time the pack up and go or fork over the $40 annual membership fee.

I have never had to but I know other people that have contacted PSP and had them escort trespassers from the range. They are pretty good about it because they use that range to qualify, at no charge.

While not against the rules, I always seem to be sharing the range with that guy that wants to shoot one shot then walk out and look at his target. I take a spotting scope and use shoot-n-c targets so that I don't have to do this, it just aggravates the hell out of me.

[EandGWZ]

I tell the range master or owner.

[chalmitch]

No matter where or with who-poor gunhandling is not to be tolerated. Especially when dealing with handguns.

What would I do? Bad question desrves a bad answer - I have warned people nicely then warmly; I have dropped their mags out; I have made a ruckus to get them ejected from commercial and private ranges for their multiple failures and poor displays of style and sense.

Remember your life is in their hands just like when drunks run a red light.

Best regards,
chalmitch

[vicious]

If they are violating one of the 4 rules I'll politely say something. Otherwise it's the RSO's problem to enforce whatever the silly rules are in his feifdom

[Cherokee60]

Truly, whatever you choose to do, remember that their unsafe behavior can cause you significant injury. Err on the side of caution, put your own welfare before teaching some dope about etiquette. Some lessons are not worth the effort.

If they don't know the rules, and a gentle word works...good. If not, and you feel you have to say it twice...probably best to leave. I've never been a sissy, but I'll be damned if I'll argue with an ass with a gun. Just not a "win-win" scenario.

Be safe.