The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post

Discern · June 9, 2012, 03:01 AM

If you have the vest and want to wear it, that is an option for you. Not saying it is wrong to wear the vest. It sounds like you may need more qualified help on the range.

One thing I believe is vital for a class is having enough qualified instructors and range officers to assist the shooters. The instructors and range officers need to understand that when they are on the range, their job is to assist the shooters and help ensure a safe and productive range session. Chit chat with other range help can be done when they are off the range.

I do understand what Jammer Six is saying. I have worked with many shooters, and not once did they point the muzzle at me or another person on the range. They are given instruction before they ever get to the range and instruction while on the range. I watch them very closely and can address a potential problem quickly if necessary.

Some may consider the following to be overkill, but it was worked very well for me and the shooters I have assisted.

When possible, I have them shoot from the side of the range that is opposite of their strong hand. Example - if they are going to be shooting right handed, I start them to the left side of the range as long as the shooters to the right have good muzzle control and safety discipline. A right handed shooter will have a tendency to have the muzzle pointed to their left - especially when inserting/removing magazines, cartridge or casings.

When possible, I avoid the shooting lane next to the wall. We don't want the bullet from one of their shots to hit the wall. The lane next to the wall can also be intimidating for many shooters. Put the experienced and accurate shooters in the lanes next to a wall.

The muzzle is ALWAYS parallel to the shooting lane/floor/ceiling. If they start to break this rule, they are corrected well before the muzzle would sweep someone else.

I have them start out by dry firing and loading/clearing the firearm with snap caps. This lets them learn how to handle and operate a firearm in a less stressful situation.

I then have them load and shoot only one cartridge at a time for several minutes. This gives me time to watch their muzzle control, trigger finger control (trigger finger on the frame until the muzzle is on target), how they are able to handle the recoil and other safety disciplines. Many shooters lose their muzzle control when they remove/insert a magazine from the mag well or cartridge/casing from a revolver cylinder or when they are bringing the firearm on target. Most people have a tendency for that dreaded cowboy arc you see in most movies or TV shows. Starting out with one cartridge at a time also gives them practice loading and clearing the firearm. I allow them to load more than one cartridge in the magazine or cylinder when they demonstrate they have good muzzle control, trigger finger control and other safety disciples.

I take the shooter through progressive steps. Moving to another step helps them feel good about their progress. It also helps to reduce or relieve their fear of firearms. We want them to understand and respect firearms not be fearful of them. If a shooter understands what is required of them in advance by classroom time and demonstration on the range, they are very likely to be able to follow instructions when given proper instruction on the range. It is very gratifying to see a shooter handle a firearm safely and be able to shoot accurately.

June 9, 2012, 03:01 AM	#31
Discern Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2011 Posts: 471	If you have the vest and want to wear it, that is an option for you. Not saying it is wrong to wear the vest. It sounds like you may need more qualified help on the range. One thing I believe is vital for a class is having enough qualified instructors and range officers to assist the shooters. The instructors and range officers need to understand that when they are on the range, their job is to assist the shooters and help ensure a safe and productive range session. Chit chat with other range help can be done when they are off the range. I do understand what Jammer Six is saying. I have worked with many shooters, and not once did they point the muzzle at me or another person on the range. They are given instruction before they ever get to the range and instruction while on the range. I watch them very closely and can address a potential problem quickly if necessary. Some may consider the following to be overkill, but it was worked very well for me and the shooters I have assisted. When possible, I have them shoot from the side of the range that is opposite of their strong hand. Example - if they are going to be shooting right handed, I start them to the left side of the range as long as the shooters to the right have good muzzle control and safety discipline. A right handed shooter will have a tendency to have the muzzle pointed to their left - especially when inserting/removing magazines, cartridge or casings. When possible, I avoid the shooting lane next to the wall. We don't want the bullet from one of their shots to hit the wall. The lane next to the wall can also be intimidating for many shooters. Put the experienced and accurate shooters in the lanes next to a wall. The muzzle is ALWAYS parallel to the shooting lane/floor/ceiling. If they start to break this rule, they are corrected well before the muzzle would sweep someone else. I have them start out by dry firing and loading/clearing the firearm with snap caps. This lets them learn how to handle and operate a firearm in a less stressful situation. I then have them load and shoot only one cartridge at a time for several minutes. This gives me time to watch their muzzle control, trigger finger control (trigger finger on the frame until the muzzle is on target), how they are able to handle the recoil and other safety disciplines. Many shooters lose their muzzle control when they remove/insert a magazine from the mag well or cartridge/casing from a revolver cylinder or when they are bringing the firearm on target. Most people have a tendency for that dreaded cowboy arc you see in most movies or TV shows. Starting out with one cartridge at a time also gives them practice loading and clearing the firearm. I allow them to load more than one cartridge in the magazine or cylinder when they demonstrate they have good muzzle control, trigger finger control and other safety disciples. I take the shooter through progressive steps. Moving to another step helps them feel good about their progress. It also helps to reduce or relieve their fear of firearms. We want them to understand and respect firearms not be fearful of them. If a shooter understands what is required of them in advance by classroom time and demonstration on the range, they are very likely to be able to follow instructions when given proper instruction on the range. It is very gratifying to see a shooter handle a firearm safely and be able to shoot accurately.