June 2019 — Doesn’t matter folks. Whether you are new to firearms or have been shooting for years, it’s always a good idea to revisit your personal safety practices AND take notice of those around you. Recently at the range I was asked by someone to come over to their bay to help unjam their gun. This person readily admitted they were a newbie, so I was more than happy to help. My training time had ended and I was in no hurry. We’ve all been a newbie at some time in our life, right? As I dropped the mag and cleared Newbie #1’s firearm, we began to talk and she was very comfortable asking me lots of questions which I was happy to answer. She introduced me to her friend in the next bay. As we talked about Newbie #2’s firearm, Newbie #1 came around the partition of the firing bay holding her firearm and muzzling me. I immediately corrected the situation and both of them were appreciative to know or be reminded about the muzzle rule – always keep firearm pointed down range – AND we discussed proper transfer of firearms from bay to bay and from person to person, including how to lay your firearm on the bench to “show clear”. As an RSO (Range Safety Officer), I see these things a lot. Just want to remind everyone that SAFETY is always #1. Even if you have to pack up and leave, be sure YOU are safe and be sure others around you are following the 4 Rules of Gun Safety Rules:
Always treat all guns as if they are loaded.
Always keep the gun pointed down range in a safe direction.
Always be sure of your target and what is behind it.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot.
I’ll be talking about how to further extend safety on the range in the coming weeks. How many RSO’s do you know have medic training and/or carry an IFAK (individual first aid kit) on the range? How many of you have heard of the Stop The Bleed class? It’s like I told my sister the other day. “Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home”. YES. Good! Then, why don’t you have a firearm? And, why don’t you have a first aid kit, too? Let’s make sure you have all the equipment you need and more importantly that you know how to use them!
Until next time, Stay SAFE!
If you’re not training, you’re not learning.
Tina
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