RSO Range Inspection and Rules 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When inspecting a range's backstop or berm, what is the primary safety concern an RSO should evaluate?
- Aesthetic appearance of the berm
- Adequate height and density to stop all projectiles fired at the range (Correct answer)
- The color of the material used in construction
- Whether the berm was recently landscaped
Correct answer: Adequate height and density to stop all projectiles fired at the range
The backstop or berm must be of sufficient height and material density to capture all rounds fired, preventing projectiles from escaping the range.
Question 2: A shooter on the firing line has a firearm malfunction and the action cannot be opened. What is the correct RSO response?
- Tell the shooter to keep trying to clear it
- Have the shooter lay the firearm down with the muzzle downrange and wait for RSO assistance (Correct answer)
- Have the shooter immediately unload and leave the line
- Ask other shooters to help clear the jam
Correct answer: Have the shooter lay the firearm down with the muzzle downrange and wait for RSO assistance
When a firearm cannot be cleared, it should be set down muzzle downrange and the RSO should assist, ensuring the muzzle never covers any person.
Question 3: Which condition of the range surface should an RSO flag as a hazard during a pre-session inspection?
- Dry, compacted dirt that is slightly dusty
- Standing water or mud creating slippery footing on the firing line (Correct answer)
- Grass that is trimmed to less than 2 inches
- Light discoloration of the concrete shooting benches
Correct answer: Standing water or mud creating slippery footing on the firing line
Standing water or mud on the firing line creates a slip hazard that could cause a shooter to fall while holding a firearm, posing serious danger.
Question 4: At an outdoor range, which environmental condition should cause an RSO to suspend range operations?
- Temperature above 85°F
- A lightning storm approaching the range (Correct answer)
- Wind blowing parallel to the firing line
- Overcast skies reducing visibility slightly
Correct answer: A lightning storm approaching the range
An approaching lightning storm is a life-threatening weather condition that requires immediate suspension of range operations and evacuation of personnel.
Question 5: What should an RSO check about target stands or frames during a range inspection?
- That they are painted a bright color
- That they are stable, properly positioned, and will not cause bullet ricochets (Correct answer)
- That they are made of metal rather than wood
- That they face north for optimal lighting
Correct answer: That they are stable, properly positioned, and will not cause bullet ricochets
Target stands must be stable enough not to tip and positioned so that missed shots or bullet fragments do not ricochet back toward the firing line.
Question 6: A range rule states 'no rapid fire.' A shooter fires three rounds in quick succession. What is the RSO's first action?
- Issue a written citation to the shooter
- Call a cease fire and address the rule violation with the shooter (Correct answer)
- Ignore it if no one was injured
- Permanently ban the shooter from the range immediately
Correct answer: Call a cease fire and address the rule violation with the shooter
The RSO should call a cease fire and speak directly with the shooter to correct the violation and reinforce the range rule before allowing shooting to resume.
Question 7: What is the purpose of posting clearly visible range commands and rules at the entrance and firing line?
- To satisfy state licensing requirements only
- To ensure all users are informed of safety expectations before and during use (Correct answer)
- To advertise the range to new members
- To limit the RSO's legal liability exclusively
Correct answer: To ensure all users are informed of safety expectations before and during use
Posted rules and commands ensure every shooter is aware of expected behavior and safety protocols, reducing violations and improving overall range safety.
RSO Range Inspection and Rules 3
When inspecting a range's backstop or berm, what is the primary safety concern an RSO should evaluate?