A Few Range Safety Rules

FROM THE RSO (Range Safety Officer)

Last year I thought I should upgrade my knowledge and qualifications with great training by enrolling in the National Rifle Association’s Range Safety Officer course, so I could help our Pistol Club.

What I learned in that class coupled with my 60 years of experience using firearms to this day, have led me to write this short article about a few rules we should all observe when practicing with and even cleaning our firearms.

First, keep your firearm’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction – that would be downrange. With few exceptions,(like shooting black powder) downrange is where your firearm should be pointed until cleared of ammunition, flagged and cased.

The second rule is that you should keep your firing finger off the trigger until you have your intended target in the optic or iron sights. Then and only then should you place your finger on the trigger. Be conscious and aware of this at all times.

Third, keep you firearm pointed at the burm behind the target area and to the sides of your firing lane. If your firearm discharges while pointed above the burm, your round will travel well beyond the firing range and could possibly hit someone or private property.

If your firearm discharges below the burm, your round could bounce off the ground and travel over the burm and well beyond the firing range and could possibly hit someone or private property. Remember that once you fire a projectile, you own the projectile and are responsible for its destination.

Your firing range will have a more comprehensive set of rules – familiarize yourself with and abide by those rules.

And at home, when you handle your firearm, keep your finger off the trigger and always make sure your firearm is clear of ammunition.

While this is not an all-inclusive set of rules, it’s a great way to start handling your firearms safely.