Range Safety and the RSO

Rules To Live By

Shooting range safety is of utmost importance to ensure the well-being of all participants and bystanders. Whether you’re an experienced shooter or a beginner, adhering to safety rules and guidelines is crucial to prevent accidents and maintain a safe environment. Here are some essential tips for shooting range safety:

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Firearm: If you’re new to shooting, take the time to learn about the firearm you’ll be using. Understand how it works, its safety features, and how to properly load and unload it. If you’re uncertain, seek assistance from a qualified instructor.
2. Always Treat Firearms as Loaded: No matter what, treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Never point a gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot, and keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
3. Follow Range Rules: Each shooting range will have specific rules and regulations. Always abide by them and listen carefully to any instructions given by the range staff.
4. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear: Ear and eye protection are a must on a shooting range. High-quality earmuffs or earplugs should be worn to protect your hearing, and safety glasses will shield your eyes from debris and shell casings.
5. Maintain Muzzle Discipline: Always keep the muzzle pointed downrange, toward the target. Never point the gun in an unsafe direction, even if it’s unloaded.
6. Know Your Target and Beyond: Be aware of what lies beyond your target. Bullets can travel a considerable distance and pose a risk to people and property beyond the target area.
7. Keep Finger Off the Trigger: Your finger should remain off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire. This helps prevent accidental discharges.
8. Unload When Not in Use: When not actively shooting, keep the firearm unloaded and the action open. Only load the gun when you are on the firing line and ready to shoot.
9. No Alcohol or Drugs: Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during shooting. They impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents.
10. Be Mindful of Others: Respect the space and boundaries of other shooters. Avoid handling firearms behind the firing line, and don’t handle someone else’s firearm without their permission.
11. Cease Fire Protocol: If you observe an unsafe situation or need to attend to something urgently, call for a “cease-fire.” Everyone must stop shooting immediately and follow the range officer’s instructions.
12. Store Firearms Safely: When you’re not at the range, store firearms securely in a locked container or safe, with ammunition stored separately.

Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility at a shooting range. If you’re uncertain about anything, don’t hesitate to ask for help from range staff or experienced shooters. Always prioritize safety and be vigilant in following the rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience.

The Importance of Range Safety Officers

Range Safety Officers (RSOs) play a crucial role in maintaining safety and order at shooting ranges. They are responsible for overseeing the range activities, ensuring that all shooters follow the safety rules and guidelines, and responding to any potential safety issues. Here’s a closer look at the duties and responsibilities of Range Safety Officers:

1. Safety Oversight: RSOs are primarily responsible for ensuring the overall safety of the shooting range. They enforce safety rules and regulations to prevent accidents and promote a secure environment for all participants.
2. Educating Shooters: RSOs often provide safety briefings and orientation to new shooters, acquainting them with the range rules, proper firearm handling, and safety procedures.
3. Enforcing Range Rules: RSOs enforce the specific rules and guidelines of the shooting range. This includes making sure shooters have appropriate eye and ear protection, maintaining proper muzzle discipline, and following range-specific protocols.
4. Assisting Shooters: RSOs offer assistance to shooters, especially those who may be unfamiliar with the range or have questions about firearm safety and operation.
5. Emergency Preparedness: RSOs are trained to handle emergency situations, such as accidental discharges or injuries. They know how to respond quickly and appropriately to mitigate potential risks.
6. Cease Fire Coordination: RSOs coordinate “cease-fire” periods during which shooting stops to address issues downrange or to allow people to move safely to and from the firing line.
7. Managing Range Activities: Depending on the shooting range’s setup, RSOs may coordinate shooting sessions, allocate firing lanes, and ensure the range is operating efficiently and safely.
8. Addressing Safety Violations: If a shooter repeatedly violates safety rules or exhibits unsafe behavior, RSOs may intervene, provide corrective feedback, or, in extreme cases, ask the shooter to leave the range.
9. Monitoring Environmental Factors: RSOs are attentive to changing environmental conditions, such as weather or lighting, that could affect range safety. They may make adjustments to shooting procedures accordingly.
10. Range Maintenance and Setup: RSOs often assist in maintaining the range and setting up targets or shooting equipment to ensure it’s done safely.
11. First Aid and Medical Assistance: In the event of an injury, RSOs may provide immediate first aid and call for medical assistance if needed.
12. Communication and Customer Service: RSOs need excellent communication skills to interact with shooters of varying experience levels and ensure everyone is well-informed about safety protocols.

Range Safety Officers typically undergo training and certification to become qualified for their role. Their presence is crucial in fostering a safe shooting environment and promoting responsible firearm use at shooting ranges.

SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT