This blog is in gratitude for my dad, Randy, teaching us four girls the importance of good manners. Happy Father’s Day to all you Dads! Thanks for all you do and teach your children – it’s so important. 🙂
I’m so ever grateful for my Dad! My dad was barely an adult when he entered the Navy and fought in the Pacific arena during WW11.
Being brought up at that time in our history, good manners was demanded. You often dressed for dinner and of course everyone was there for family dinner. And good table manners were expected! Napkin in the lap, elbows off the table, cut one bite at a time and so forth. I learn which fork to use first (think back to Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts) and knew which bread plate was mine. Oh, those were the days! … but I digress…
There were no cell phones or internet, we actual had conversations and talked face to face.
Something of a lost art, I fear. However, that brings me the topic (timely as it’s Father’s Day weekend) of practicing good gun range etiquette.
What is “Gun Etiquette”? For many of us older folks (a relative term), it’s pretty much common sense. That is a blend of common sense, courtesy and of course, safety. We want to make sure your day at the range is fun, and good gun range etiquette makes it even better, for everyone.
First thing is always safety:
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. ALWAYS assume the gun is loaded
4. ALWAYS be aware of your target and what’s beyond it.
If you’re new to shooting, most gun ranges require you to watch (or read) about gun safety prior to using the range and they may have their own specific rules which will apply. Most indoor gun ranges also have an RSO (Range Safety Officer) keeping an eye over all the shooters in one specific bay.
“Pay attention to the RSOs, who will tell you what to do in case of an emergency. Remember that the Range Safety Officer has absolute authority on the range. Compliance with his or her instructions is mandatory.” (NRA)
There’s certain terminology when you’re on the range that must be obeyed at all times!
“Ceasefire” is used whenever all shooting MUST STOP!
Generally, this is because of a potential problem or danger. Sometimes, the RSO will need to go down range. More common than not, it’s simply that his / her attention must be away from the firing line.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility and remember Anyone who spots a potential problem should call “Ceasefire”!
When the ceasefire is over, the RSO will ensure that no one is downrange before stating, “The range is hot” (or he may say it’s going Hot). This command alerts everyone that the range is shifting from a cold range or ceasefire state to shooting again.
But wait for the “commence firing” command has been given before you shoot. Commence Firing is the go-ahead command given that tells everyone it’s safe to begin shooting – when you are ready!
A few other rules of Good Gun Range Etiquette are:
1. Do not fire at posts, supports or target frames. These are expensive and time-consuming to replace. It could prevent anyone else from using that lane after you.
2. Shoot only range-approved targets. Check with your range to find out what types of targets are allowed. Some ranges allow only approved paper, cardboard, club-furnished metal targets and clay targets.
3. It’s good etiquette to leave the range better than you found it. Picking up trash, cleaning your firing station, sweeping the casings away and obeying all of the range rules are good gun range etiquette!
4. Please, Don’t bring your pet to the range!
It’s a great weekend to take Dad or let Dad take you to the range! Be safe and enjoy!
