Club Firearms and Range Safety Test Requirement

[fewenuff]

The shooting club I belong to is thinking of adding a firearms and range safety test to the membership requirements. We are not sure if we want to exclude anyone based on a test score. We are sure that we want to put basic firearms and range safety information in front of each new member. Current and past events has/have swelled our membership numbers significantly. The newer and unfortunately some of the older members represent the full spectrum of knowledge or lack thereof on firearms and range safety.

Tests in general are learning and measuring tools. We are looking to use the test as a learning tool. There is something to be said for it to be used to exclude those that are clueless. Safety classes will be provided much more often if we move in that direction (FAIL? take the class FNG/FOG alike).

My question/poll to you folks: How should a firearms and range safety test be a part of membership requirements? Pass/Fail OR Educational OR No way! A test?

Thanks for your opinions!

 

[Chadwick122689]

Re: Club Firearms and Range Safety Test Requirement

A test might turn people away from learning, just because they lack the knowledge. How about a probationary period where new members must be under direct supervision the first few times shooting at the club. Just watch, if they do something unsafe then ask that they take a class or simply correct it on the spot. I've noticed that even though I'm much younger than most range goers, they do not take offense if I correct a safety mistake and usually are thankful for the information/help. Just my pennies worth

 

[sled_mack]

Re: Club Firearms and Range Safety Test Requirement

Would be nice if you could give them an option. Take the test or else go through an "orientation" that would include demonstrating range safety. Have monthly orientations scheduled, too.

Problem with tests is that some people will know the answers, but not act accordingly with how they answered (meaning they will act unsafe even after passing the test). Other people won't know the written answer to the test when asked in a direct question, but are fully capable of being safe at the range.

I would consider specific training classes as meeting the requirement. Possibly, if someone is a competitor in formal matches - F class, tactical, high power, IDPA, etc - for X number of matches, that might be considered to meet the requirement also?

Local ranges here aren't big enough to have ROs on duty. I think something like this would be a great idea, personally. Just be prepared to piss off a lot of people, new and old.

 

[fargo007]

Re: Club Firearms and Range Safety Test Requirement

I belong to a club that had a test DURING the orientation. It wasn't rocket science. Load & Unload a 1911 and a revolver properly without pointing it at anybody. Properly ease a cocked hammer down on the 357. The orientation included a Home Firearms Safety course from the NRA. I am certified to teach that course but I had to sit through it anyway.

The club has a 600Y range with pits an hour away from me so I had to just suck up the bs and get it done.

It was explained and demonstrated thoroughly to everyone beforehand, and nobody had any difficulty.

As long as a test is explained, simple and safety focused I don't think it's a bad idea. My situation shows how bolting other things on can take it to extremes.

--Fargo007

 

[canman]

Re: Club Firearms and Range Safety Test Requirement

A club here in the Charlotte area has an orientation, qualification and it's six months before you can shoot on the big range alone without being on a low bunkered bench,matches not included. Doesn't seem to be a problem the membership is high. There is also a full time range officer. I'm not a member but it's a good club.

 

[arborpro]

Re: Club Firearms and Range Safety Test Requirement

In the new member paper work the club so outline what discipline the shooter is interested in. handgun, trap, skeet, indoor rifle, highpower rifle, or general (like i just need a place to sight in my new gun). then one of the members on the board for that particular discipline sets up a day to work with that person.

 

[azdead]

Re: Club Firearms and Range Safety Test Requirement

I am an Instructor/Range Safety Officer for 12+ years. I can tell you this. Any moron can pass a test. This does not mean that they are or will be safe on the range. If you violate a range safety rule on my range (as long as it isnt insanely dangerous) you are immediately removed, counceled and given one more chance. Next time, I kick you off and schedule you again another day. We will have words before you are allowed back on. Public range? Perhaps have a point system, so many violations, booted....etc.