Range Safety Etiquette You May Not Know 

Thank you, Mr. Langdon. God bless you and your family.

I was at a local Los Angeles range. EMPTY. Two first time shooters at the other end of the range. They have a malfunction. Turns out it was a stove pipe but I could not see it clearly from where I was. They walk down the hallway with the gun in hand, a finger inside the trigger guard, the muzzle all over the place. I immediately say, Ladies, please put the gun down and get an employee to fix the malfunction. “Huh?” I repeat it. Finally I walk over and ask them to put the gun down. They do. They get a good lecture from the range master…but why was that lecture not administered BEFORE they got out there.

This is really helpful. It's so vital but so ignored and forgotten.

That is so important. I am very obvious with my handling of what I was used to but when I was invited to a big get together and try lots of different handguns and long guns, some stuff that is on wheels...my etiquette by certain type of firearms was off in the environment I was in. On a half open outdoor range with overhead barriers I held a quite short pdw on the hand guard vertically, muzzle up after I was uncomfortable holding it down gripping the stock being close to lots of feet while talking shortly and moving back to some tables to switch to something different. I made some of the group uncomfortable while most didn't notice. The direct, clear way that was told to me afterwards helped me a lot. The communication in that moment was crucial. It wasn't severe or else it'd be more stern and immediate. The best thing in safety and getting comfortable on the range was by a good friend by meeting up early going through what I'd call a full dry range visit. The more ranges one visits, the more one has to ask what is expected and if the rule on a board are currently valid. Asking early and via mail helps. I added things that are weirder to me like: - Walking up/down stairs that have more people on them, later on grid stairs seeing people above and below. - Getting on and off golf cart like vehicles on big ranges. - Being on a small boat with others is scary and it maybe feels safe after doing that a lot - Hiking uphill with someone in front - Walking a tight footpath in line with others handling shotguns - Handling break action shotguns in clubs that quickly get rid of you if they cant clearly see what you do from far away how you hold them between boxes, walking, driving Bright chamber flags with rings to rip them out relax ROs, Wardens etc. Making sure showing clear doesn't become a formalism, eye contact... A bluegun with a focused light on it was helpful with muzzle awareness.

Thank you so much for these excellent and much needed videos!! I strongly believe range etiquette is crucial for a great and more relaxed experience especially for newcomers. They are easy to spot as they come through the door and may not be up to speed yet on safety and etiquette. A smile and a nod or wave of the hand (especially if it is empty) can go a long way to promote awareness and even asking for help if needed? Newcomers may be looking for the clues you can provide and it is also an opportunity to be of service to them, even if only as an example, while being safer for everyone. Last week at the range with my friend, someone reached back out to me to help understand and clear a malfunction. It was an opportunity to be friendly and helpful and teach a little about maintenance...

Great video! Good communication is key in all aspects of life, but especially when the consequences of failure could be lethal.