Firing Range Safety Hacks

If you’re looking to make your time spent at the range as smooth as possible, you’ve come to the right place. While you may be expecting a list of “don’t ever” mandates, this is is a list of suggestions to make your range time safer and hopefully more enjoyable.

Beware of Firing Range Shills

I feel obliged to remind you that I’m going to recommend a few products, but rest assured, I do not receive any kickbacks. Maybe you have a superior alternative languishing in your junk drawer somewhere for all I know. Or, maybe you want to buy everything I recommend just so you can burn it in defiance. And, if you do, make sure to make a video and put it on social media. That way I can enjoy the mindless destruction while I scoff at in front of others. After all, isn’t that what the internet is all about? Anyway, jokes aside, on with the show.

The Unlikely Specter of Squib Loads

Maybe your firearm has never suffered a squib load, but as with all things in life, Murphy’s law applies. Whether the zombies are gaining ground, a hungry dinosaur is getting increasingly larger in the rearview mirror, or you’re trying not to look like a putz at the firing range, that’s when something is most likely to go wrong.

The most obvious way to avoid a squib load is not to have one to begin with. Ammo isn’t cheap, and cheap alternatives may have questionable reliability. But finding what’s right is something that comes with time and experience, and in the interim, a squib load unfortunately may be part of that experience.

First and foremost, when the weapon doesn’t fire correctly (trust me, you will hear it and feel it if and when a squib round happens) remind yourself not to try to fire again. Yes, I know that you already know better, but some of the most obvious things tend to elude the subconscious when we’re frustrated. A squib load is a problem, a destroyed weapon is a loss, and a destroyed shooter is an avoidable tragedy.

If you can safely disassemble your firearm, use a cleaning rod to push the bullet from the barrel. While the reason for the squib round may be baffling, due your best to make an educated assessment. Could a hand load have gone wrong? Is your ammunition too old? Could the ammunition have been stored in horrible conditions?

If you’re looking for a deeper dive into squib loads, I recommend Kevin Creighton’s article found here. I neither endorse any of the organizations he’s affiliated with, nor am I affiliated with them myself, but it’s a solid read and there’s even a video to demonstrate what a squib round can sound like.

Know the RSO Lingo

Keep a list of commands given by the Range Safety Officer (RSO)- especially if you’re at an unfamiliar range. Commands like “cease fire” and “commence fire” are obvious enough, but as I’ve said before, terminology may be different. For example, “Going live” or “hot” may be called instead of, or even in addition to, “commence fire’.

When it’s time for inspection, you may hear “stop,” “cold,” or “range safe”. Make sure your chamber is open, unloaded, and ready for inspection by the RSO. Even if you’re just practicing your aim and have no intention of firing, it’s imperative that you present your weapon for inspection to the RSO immediately when requested to do so. Depending on the rules, you may

have to leave your weapon in a designated location or wait for the RSO to come to you. Either way, expect to be ready to leave your firing lane just in case.

When the RSO calls “stop, cold, or range safe,” keep in mind that it’s important to be alert and avoid any kind of distraction. You might not have anything going on that warrants the RSO’s attention, but someone else might, and you don’t want to be that one person who’s having a conversation or being otherwise unintentionally distracting at an important moment.

Under no circumstances should anyone go downrange to the targets unless the RSO has given the all clear.” As I said before, the RSO’s callout may be slightly different, so keeping a list and being mindful of it is a must.

Hearing Protection

You know you need ear-pro, and I’m not here to preach to the choir about the obvious. But it’s worth saying that not all ear-pro is created equal. As someone with tinnitus, I take hearing protection very seriously. If you’re not checking the NRR rating when you use any kind of hearing protection, I highly recommend that you start. The higher the number, the better.

You’d be surprised at just how much you can still hear while wearing earmuffs that boast a 30 decibel reduction. So, definitely double up with foam earplugs (or, better yet, custom molded earplugs) underneath your ear muffs. I’ve had good luck with the very ubiquitous 3M Peltors, though your mileage may vary. If you’re looking for something that will better allow you to hear what’s going on around you, check out the Sordin Supreme Pro X series while you’re shopping.

For a more technical rundown of hearing protection options, check out Oleg Volk’s article right here at MGS

Ballistic Eye Wear

If you’re looking to up your BEW game, check out Sawfly– especially if you’re looking for prescription eyewear options. Sawfly has RX compatible lenses, polarization, and plenty of options to choose from. If you’re looking for ceramic coating or something with a different style, you may lean toward Oakley or another brand. However, if you’re looking for something lightweight and sturdy, Sawfly is worth a look.

Avoiding Hot Brass

It’s human nature to roll up your sleeves and get the best barehanded grip possible when using something highly technical. But when hot brass is involved, no way! There’a lot of light weight gloves out there to give you a good grip and protect your hands. If you’re looking for a place to start, check out Magpul’s technical gloves 2.0. They’re even compatible with touchscreens, so you won’t have to to remove them just to make a quick note or check a timer on your phone.

As for sleeves, opt for an elastic cuff if you can. Button up sleeves are great, but that button on the cuff may provide an unfortunate point of entry for hot brass. It may seem unlikely, but it’s certainly possible.

Whatever your goals are at the range, I hope your journey is as easy as possible, and thanks for reading.

 

Written by: Lanna Perkins, Education Writer