So, yesterday I was at the range. I coach 4H rifles, so, we were out there with kids. I had 6, 11-12 year old kids. The range we use is outdoors. Each “lane” is about 20 feet wide, and around 100 yards long. We were all the way at the end. Now, 3 lanes down, a couple of “tacticool” types were doing some shooting. Me and the 2 4H members that had just shot, went to examine and retrieve their 25 foot targets for score. We did not cross any other lanes, as we had no need. I hear handguns firing, which is normal. Then, my wife, with some alarm, informs me that the dirt at the end of MY LANE is kicking up. These two were shooting across 3 lanes, at the 100 yards target BEHIND ME!
I hollered across to them, to remind them shooting across lanes is not only unsafe, but it is against the rules. They acted agitated, and started towards our group. Thankfully, they turned a round and left.
That whole scenario could have gone sideways in a hurry. A fight maybe? Or worse, a pulled shot, right into me or an 11 year old kid.
People like that should not be allowed on ranges.
It is people like that that give a bad name to all of the responsible gun owners.
Glad it didn’t escalate any further.
What was wrong with those people and what made them think they can shoot across lanes at targets. 
I hope you reported this dangerous act to those in charge of the range
Absolutely I did.
They were not even supposed to be shooting from behind you across range or any other way
At my range, no one can walk down the range to retrieve, change targets except the range officer. He will announce range is cold, every shooter must unload gun, remove magazine , leave gun on shelf and sit on bench until he announces range hot resume shooting.
That would be good also, at my range we do not have a range officer. Everyone shoots from the same distance and NO ONE goes down range until the range is clear. If anyone wants to protest we just clear the range for that person and call the Sheriff’s department and they are told to leave the property and do not come back. The range belongs to the Sheriff’s Depart. and we get to use it as our Public Range
They got that MOTHER LOOK and thought o sh__ and got the heck out of there.
I’m glad no one got hurt, and they decided to leave and didn’t start any trouble.
Wow!! Reading that gave me chills. WTH could they have possibly been thinking?
Well, there were 6 other adults. I wasn’t the only adult in our group. I had numbers on my side.
I without hesitation would have reported them to the range owner.
Very Bad Behavior.
45…I had almost the same incident happen with our son, years ago. We were sighting in a rifle at a range. Outdoor range, many lanes. No range officers present. Wild wild west in Idaho. No other vehicles in our area, and no evidence of any one else around. After say half dozen rounds, someone yells cease fire. A fellow was far out at the end of our lane/area was picking up his long range targets. I almost crapped my drawers. Where he was picking up his long range targets, he was in the sage brush. Couldn’t be seen. Again, no evidence of anyone near, or near any of our lane. As my son and I waited for this fellow to clear, he then arrives, and gets face to face with both of us. Belligerent. He then realizes in his fit of anger, that my young son was standing next to me, and decided to move on. In his fit of rage, there was no way to explain this fellow he was in the wrong. I let him walk away, and kept my mouth shut. Thus the building of our own range.
45…almost forgot to mention…you are good people for working with the youth!!!
That is a perfect example of someone who doesn’t have situational awareness. This could’ve been a tragedy. Wow how could someone live with themselves if they shot this man. I know I couldn’t. Well we did learn something here and that’s even though it looks like it’s clear, double check the area. God bless y’all.
Johnny…the situation is difficult to trust another shooter/stranger on any range! That is why we built a bullet trap, as we can shoot in our shop, doors open, bunsen burner running, in the winter and nasty days. Many do not have that option! A year or two ago, mrs and I had a date night and traveled to a nice indoor range. Someone in another lane, with a group of onlookers, were shooting a 50 cal. Big bangs…group of people huddled around 1 lane, laughter, funny biz, we left. Not safe!
OK, so people need to shoot and train. I am not discouraging anyone, and am not being offensive to say a beginner shooter, or to any shooter. Once upon a time, I was a beginner. Was I safe? No bueno! Did I violate a rules of firearm safety? Probably! That is why taking classes are so important! I look back on my earlier days as a beginner and transitioning on a journey. Scary!!! I was not safe, and neither was anyone else around me! Please folks, train, take classes, and stay safe!
Brother you have said a mouthful. AMEN
Thanks. I really enjoy it. Gives me the opportunity to show young people the joys of responsible firearm ownership. Also, gives me an excuse to buy more guns, because it’s for the children 
. Last, since my son is on the team, I get to “coach” a sport he enjoys. A little extra father son bonding.
Agreed. However our range officer, when present, only controls Hot / Cold. When the line goes Cold, a flip of a switch activates Red Warning Lights and a Buzzer. All firearms must be benched and shooters step back from bench. Only after confirming that lanes are clear does the RSO announce Hot.
I didn’t like reading that story at all.
This is my ultimate goal.