If I was so concerned I felt I needed body armor, I'd change jobs.It seems taking a safety measure is reasonable.
You seriously need to review your own procedures about range rules and training before allowing anyone inside the range. I've been to places where the rules were pretty simple, well explained, and emphasized at length to all shooters. Letting people know where and when they can handle and load a gun are very important. Tell and require acknowledgement before letting them on the range. Lots of really good signs around are a big help also. If you're still overwhelmed, you need two RSO's. A well run range is a pretty safe place to be. With experience you'll know where to put your eyes and what to look for. I spend a lot of time watching what's going on behind the firing line. That's where someone's going to screw up handling a gun most of the time. Review your procedures.I probably should have been more specific in the original text. The range has twenty stalls. We rent firearms for use on the range. Many of the shooters have little or no experience. I can't keep an eye on everyone at all times.
The most recent situation involved a new shooter with a rental Glock 19. At the back table, the shooter inserted a full magazine in the Glock. With the slide locked back and a finger on the trigger, the shooter was struggling to release the slide while aiming directly at me. In a command voice, I said stop! Hand me the gun. I took charge of the gun and explained the problem. There after, this shooter behaved quite safely.
This particular incident made me consider the body armor idea. Most days are no ways this dangerous.
How many RSOs do you have on duty at once? You shouldn't be trying to watch 20 shooters -- you shouldn't be watching more than about five.Gary Gill said:I probably should have been more specific in the original text. The indoor range has twenty stalls. We rent firearms for use on the range. Many of the shooters have little or no experience. I can't keep an eye on everyone at all times.
Perhaps you have identified the problem ...SauerGrapes said:We have tons of rules, I swear some people can't or don't bother to read them.
Pray tell, what is your RSO doing during this time?Our gun club requires nothing.
Go buy a gun, blast away.
Every time a unfamiliar face shows up, I stand back and watch...
I've never seen range officers wear anything more than eyes and ears. I think I wouldn't be an RSO if I felt the need for more than that.