RSO Range Standard Operating Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a cease-fire command, a shooter continues firing. What is the RSO's immediate priority?
- Warn the shooter verbally and allow them to finish their string
- Physically stop the shooter and secure the firearm if necessary (Correct answer)
- Call the range hot again to avoid confusion
- Document the incident and address it after the session
Correct answer: Physically stop the shooter and secure the firearm if necessary
When verbal commands fail during a cease-fire, the RSO must physically intervene to stop firing and secure the firearm to prevent injury.
Question 2: What is the standard protocol for handling a 'squib load' (a round with insufficient powder charge) on a live range?
- The shooter should fire another round to clear the obstruction
- Call an immediate cease-fire and have the shooter wait for the barrel to cool before clearing
- Call an immediate cease-fire and keep the firearm pointed downrange while an RSO assists (Correct answer)
- Have the shooter holster the firearm and leave the line until the round clears itself
Correct answer: Call an immediate cease-fire and keep the firearm pointed downrange while an RSO assists
A squib load requires an immediate cease-fire; the firearm stays pointed downrange while an RSO assists, because firing again could cause a catastrophic barrel obstruction.
Question 3: Which SOP element defines the maximum number of shooters permitted on the firing line at one time?
- Firearms handling rules
- Capacity and lane assignment policy (Correct answer)
- Target retrieval procedures
- Ammunition inspection protocol
Correct answer: Capacity and lane assignment policy
Capacity and lane assignment policies set the maximum number of simultaneous shooters to ensure safe spacing and RSO oversight.
Question 4: A range SOP requires eye and ear protection. A shooter removes their ear protection briefly to hear instructions. How should the RSO respond?
- Allow it since the range is cold
- Require the shooter to keep hearing protection on at all times while on the range (Correct answer)
- Write a warning in the range log and continue
- Only enforce the rule when the range is declared hot
Correct answer: Require the shooter to keep hearing protection on at all times while on the range
SOPs require hearing protection at all times on the range because an unexpected discharge can occur even during a cold range.
Question 5: When should the RSO conduct a pre-session range inspection according to standard SOPs?
- Only after an incident has been reported
- Before shooters are permitted on the firing line (Correct answer)
- After the first relay of shooters has completed their strings
- At the midpoint of each range session
Correct answer: Before shooters are permitted on the firing line
Pre-session range inspections identify hazards such as debris, equipment failures, or target damage before any shooters access the line.
Question 6: A range SOP specifies a minimum distance between shooting lanes. What is the primary safety purpose of this requirement?
- To allow RSOs to walk between shooters easily
- To prevent muzzle blast and brass ejection from injuring adjacent shooters (Correct answer)
- To comply with insurance regulations only
- To give each shooter equal target visibility
Correct answer: To prevent muzzle blast and brass ejection from injuring adjacent shooters
Lane spacing prevents muzzle blast, ejected brass, and inadvertent muzzle sweep from creating hazards for shooters in adjacent lanes.
Question 7: According to standard range SOPs, who has the authority to declare the range 'hot' after a cease-fire?
- Any shooter who has completed their inspection of the target area
- The most experienced shooter on the line
- The RSO or designee only after confirming the target area is clear (Correct answer)
- The range owner regardless of whether an RSO has checked the area
Correct answer: The RSO or designee only after confirming the target area is clear
Only the RSO or their designee may declare the range hot after personally verifying that all personnel are off the target area and behind the firing line.
RSO Range Standard Operating Procedures 3
During a cease-fire command, a shooter continues firing.
What is the RSO's immediate priority?