Range Rental Suicides

M

MLeake

New member
Recently, there have been a rash of these in Central Florida (where my parents still live).

Shoot Straight has ceased renting guns.

For those who haven't read about it, this started when a mentally ill mother shot her 20ish son and then herself with a range rental gun. Since then, at least two more people have committed suicide with rentals.

Media made a big deal out of mentally ill people having access, and glossed over the fact that people renting guns sign forms to the effect that they are not mentally incompetent, criminals, etc.

I remember that a range rental suicide happened in the Seattle area around 2000 timeframe. As a result, the range where I used to shoot changed its rental policy. In order to rent a gun, one had to bring a gun. The rationale was that the person could have shot themselves with their own weapon, so the rental didn't add any extra capacity for suicide. Gave the range a moral defense, if not necessarily a legal one.

So, what if anything do forum members think ranges should do about this sort of scenario?
 
I am familiar with the store and range and I support their choice 100%. They had 2 suicide events within a 30 day period. That would almost be enough to make me close the range completely.

Plus, it's their business, they can do whatever they wish.
 
Last edited:
I agree it's their range...

... and I don't fault their decision.

OTOH, the Seattle approach could have been an option, too.

Another would be to push for legislation limiting liability in such instances, so long as the store followed state law.

Not looking to knock the range, at all. But I am curious as to what options forum members would recommend for ranges in general.
 
I think the rule (bring a gun to rent a gun) is a great idea! That seems like a good way to shut this nonsense down.
 
We had a suicide at the range where I work. There was another a few years before I started working there, as well as an accidnetal shooting of an employee. The lawyers made us change the paper form we use for rentals to ask a few questions: Are you suicidal or homicidal, are you taking meds for being crazy, and such. It won't stop anybody, but it keeps the lawyers and the insurance company happy. We had thought about doing an instant background check on everybody renting, but the State says you can only do one for purchases. That would eliminate our rentals to tourists, which is a big part of our business.
 
There isn't a range officer on the planet who can prevent a range suicide. That's just not gonna happen.
 
I worked at a store/range in the early 90s in Phoenix, when a man used a range rental to blow his head off.
The range closed for a week for the investigation and clean-up, everyone that wanted it got psychological help and the range re-opened in about 8-9 days.

I understand how the owner(s) of a range could choose to close the range or implement new policies. The one to bring a gun to rent a gun is good for some cities, but in the range I'm referring to, they rented automatic weapons and had a lot of tourist trade, so that wouldn't have worked.

There is, arguably, nothing you can do. If someone really wants to end it all, they'll find a way. Granted, gun rental is quick, easy and if done correctly, 100% effective, but if they couldn't access a gun, they'd find another way.

C
 
wait. links to the articles

where did this happen? cause i heard it second hand from some people, but your saying the same thing but for a different state?
 
Yea, I remember that. It was in the Orlando area I think. I have only been to the Tampa store, great store. Did they stop renting as well?
I am not a gun renter so this is fine by me. Hopefully it does not discourage new shooters who want to learn without making a large purchase.
 
well, i live in Tx, and the store employees open carry in the store (pro shop and indoor range) although they have no R/O in the firing line - just cameras. They still rent out guns to us folks whether we have our own or not. They just ask "have you shot/ rent from here before?". And it works for me and my buddy at work who sometimes on impulse just wanna burn an hour at the range before going back to work. Even if they require for us to bring our own, i'd still go there.
 
Quote:
Here's a novel idea...how about a Range Officer?
Click to expand...
Do you really think a range officer would be able to prevent a murder/suicide ... let alone actually stop one in progress?
Click to expand...

I'm totally on board with this comment. I am definitely all for RO's in any type of range activity. But in this situation, I can't see it making a difference one way or the other
 
Renting guns is sometimes a way to sell new ones, if someone wants to try a model. But, perhaps if they come in with a gun already and have a CCW or CHL, etc. Another suggestion is only to rent to a pair of folk.

But if you rent, someone is going to do it. While guns don't cause suicides, they do supply an easy methodology to some who are prone to such. You can just move them away by getting rid of rentals.

Might have a waiting period for new folks who haven't shot at a range before and don't have a CHL or ccw permit. Come in and register, then come back in a week.
 
There is a range in the Tacoma area that requires a 30 minute safety class for all first time participants at their range. It was inconvenient because I was from out of town and we only had an hour to spend and so 30 minutes of safety training really cut into our shooting time. When I pressed a little further, I learned that one of the primary purposes of the course was for the instructor to basically appraise the students mental state. Hey said this option allowed them to filter out suspect individuals who are either drunk or otherwise mentally incapacitated. I think something like this might not be a bad alternative for those who don't have guns to bring to the range.
 
My range is in Des Plaines, Illinois. While they open carry there on the premises their insurance company mandates that anyone renting a gun MUST bring someone into their stall with them, NO SINGLES whatsoever! However, you can do whatever you want if you bring your own gun. I guess they've done studies which show someone is less likely to take their own life if someone is with them. Haven't had a suicide there in years.
 
Links, and comment on range officer

In at least one of the recent Orlando suicides, I'm pretty sure there was a range officer. I remember seeing a news clip of security video, and the reporter saying the range officer could be seen backing away from the shooting. I think that may have been in the mother/son murder-suicide incident.

Meanwhile, here are links to a couple of articles in the Orlando Sentinel.


http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...ange-attempted-suicide-061409,0,1772757.story

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...l-bk-gun-range-suicide-070109,0,1973083.story
 
Just ask prospective renters if they want the special, easy to clean, "suicide station." It's the one at the end by the hose and mop.

Usually, confronting someone's suicidal motives explicitly causes them to snap out of it. To most it would be a dark joke, to others a sobering up.
 
Some people commit suicides with cars. Some jump off bridges. Others use sleeping pills. So I'm not surprised a few chose to use guns. And thus renting a gun is also not a surprise for a few to commit suicide.

Does that mean one should not rent guns? Or allow people to walk across bridges? Or sell sleeping pills?

No, but I would have a range officer in the actual shooting range with anyone who rents a gun, just at the minimum to help them in case the gun jams or an accident.

The presence of a range officer just might keep someone on the edge from actually committing suicide.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top