Range Safety Officers (RSOs) are the unsung heroes of the gun-range industry. They perform some of the most important jobs on the range, ensuring that shooters are adhering to range regulations so that the potential for injury and property damage are lessened. RSOs must be constantly on the ball, observing multiple scenarios and ready to step in at a moment's notice to keep the range and its users safe. They must possess a level of expertise regarding the operation of a variety types of firearms, and also able to address the varied situations that arise during range sessions, such as stoppages.
For outdoor ranges, RSOs are the ones who brave the elements, while other range employees enjoy the comforts of indoors. Sometimes RSOs often are not afforded the same respect as store clerks behind the counter when it comes to their knowledge of firearms and ammunition. RSOs are also often put in the position of dealing with upset customers—for reasons initially unknown to them.
Sadly, the RSO is often looked upon unfavorably because they are the ones enforcing the rules. After all, individuals go to the range to have fun, and having an RSO impose restrictions—even though it is for safety reasons—impedes on their fun. Sometimes the RSO can simply inform the individuals or group of shooters to stop doing something, reiterating the range rules. Other times, an RSO might be required to issue a warning, advising that a further infraction could result in expulsion from the range. The final tool in the RSO’s toolbox is the ability to remove an individual from the range.
While the vast majority of shooters at the range are knowledgeable on the safe and proper use of their firearms, others make the RSO earn every penny of their pay. There are three types of challenges RSOs must deal with daily: the first-time shooters; shooters who push the boundaries; and shooters who have no common sense. If you are an RSO, here are some tips to get you through your shift:
The First-Time Shooters
The first-time shooter presents a unique challenge for the RSO. The difficult thing for a Range Safety Officer is not to turn into an “instructor.” Doing so would focus attention on one shooter while leaving the remainder of the line unsupervised, without a vigilant RSO. Brand-new shooters require some type of instruction, even if just to teach the basic operation of the firearm and the safety rules.
The best way to handle a new shooter is to bring in an additional range employee. This extra individual can help the new shooters, leaving you as the active RSO. Or this employee can also serve as the RSO while you help the new shooter. Either way, the needs of the new shooters are met, and the firing line has a watchful RSO to keep everything and everyone safe.
Lastly, always encourage the new shooters to take an NRA Basic Rifle, Pistol or Shotgun course. Direct them to the NRA Training website. You can also call it up yourself and show them upcoming classes in their area.
The Push-the-Boundaries Shooters
The push-the-boundaries type shooter usually lacks respect for the range rules—as well as the RSO. This individual knows how far they can go before crossing the line to be counseled by the RSO. Sometimes they push the envelope too far and the RSO must address the issue at hand. The actions could result in a warning or even expulsion from the range if the violations continue or are severe enough to justify such a penalty.
Even though the push-the-boundaries shooter may know the safe and proper use of his or her firearm, he or she is still violating the rules. His or her actions could result in other individuals on the line thinking what he or she is doing is permissible, especially if they are being watched by new shooters. This creates a scenarios where you have others pushing the boundaries, which can create multiple safety issues.
The No-Common-Sense Shooters
The no-common-sense shooter quickly has the RSO scratching his or her head. These are the individuals that give responsible gun owners and range-goers a bad rap. If you are an RSO and you have a no-common-sense shooter, there are several things you can do. First make sure that they know and understand the NRA Rules For Safe Firearm Handling.
- Always Keep the Gun Pointed In a Safe Direction
- Always Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot
- Always Keep Your Gun Unloaded Until Ready to Use
The second thing the RSO can do is handle the situation the same as with the new shooters. Always encourage the no-common-sense shooter to take an NRA Basic Rifle, Pistol, or Shotgun Course. Direct them to the NRA Training website. You can also pull it up yourself and show them the classes in their area.
When you act as an RSO, you will inevitably witness and be required to address shenanigans attempted by less-than-responsible gun owners. As an example, I had a unique opportunity to be the RSO on a pistol range for a friend who was short-handed one weekend. It is not unusal for me to RSO on ranges where classes are being conducted but those opportunities only last for a couple of hours. Having had the chance to work on this particular range for two 10-hour days, I encountered all three of these types of RSO challenges. Sadly, the number of safety violations I witnessed by this third group astounded me.
It is imperative the RSO remain vigilant and ready to respond to potential accidents. I try to educate shooters who commit safety violations before having to remove them from the range. This is because I believe that an individual who owns a gun needs to know the safe and proper handling of it. Expulsion without education only puts an unsafe armed individual into the public.
On the second day as the RSO, I experienced a “first.” The owner of the range asked me to stay close to a group of individuals who had just checked in—three middle-aged men and a 15-year-old girl—who had paid their fees and were heading my way. The owner was concerned about how safe this group would be.
As it turns out, the owner’s instincts were correct, and the group exhibited the worst kind of safety violations. It was clear they had not been educated on any basic firearm safety rules, or at least they didn’t behave like they’d been trained. Their actions were egregious, flagging each other with muzzles, mishandling firearms, and exhibiting other dangerous behavior that demonstrated they had no business being on a range until they'd been through a safety course. The 15-year-old even offered me a beer from their cooler! Ultimately I had to order the group to leave. In all my years of shooting, I have never been offered alcohol on the range, especially on the firing line. The group was immediately expelled.
Being an RSO can be fun and rewarding but can also be extremely challenging. Clearly you meet likeminded people, and often great friendships can evolve. As the RSO, be sure to follow the Standard Operating Procedures for the range, be observant, and always be ready to step in to prevent any accidents.
And if you're not an RSO, pay attention to all they do to keep you and your fellow shooters safe. We couldn't operate without them!
