RSO Range Inspection and Rules 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What action should an RSO take if a shooter is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs on the range?
- Allow shooting only with a partner present
- Remove the shooter from the range immediately and deny access until sober (Correct answer)
- Limit the shooter to rimfire firearms only
- Require the shooter to sign a liability waiver before continuing
Correct answer: Remove the shooter from the range immediately and deny access until sober
Impaired shooters present an extreme safety hazard and must be removed from the range immediately regardless of how minor the impairment appears.
Question 2: Which of the following range inspection findings would require the RSO to close that lane or bay immediately?
- A slightly faded lane number marker
- A damaged or penetrated side wall baffle that could allow rounds to escape the bay (Correct answer)
- A minor scratch on the shooting bench surface
- A target retrieval system running slightly slower than usual
Correct answer: A damaged or penetrated side wall baffle that could allow rounds to escape the bay
A compromised baffle or side wall can allow rounds to exit the designated shooting area, creating an immediate lethal hazard that requires closing that section of the range.
Question 3: When is it appropriate for an RSO to allow shooters to go downrange to check or change targets?
- Whenever there is a lull in shooting activity
- Only after a formal cease fire has been called, all firearms are unloaded and benched, and the range is declared safe (Correct answer)
- After the RSO verbally confirms no one is shooting
- Only when fewer than five shooters are on the range
Correct answer: Only after a formal cease fire has been called, all firearms are unloaded and benched, and the range is declared safe
Shooters may only go downrange after a formal cease fire, with all firearms unloaded and benched or holstered, and the RSO has declared the range safe.
Question 4: What is the RSO's role in enforcing eye and ear protection rules on the range?
- Recommend protection but leave the decision to individual shooters
- Ensure all persons on or near the firing line wear appropriate eye and ear protection at all times when live fire is occurring (Correct answer)
- Require protection only for shooters, not spectators or RSOs
- Enforce protection rules only for new or inexperienced shooters
Correct answer: Ensure all persons on or near the firing line wear appropriate eye and ear protection at all times when live fire is occurring
RSOs must enforce hearing and eye protection rules for all persons present during live fire, including spectators and range staff, without exception.
Question 5: A range inspection reveals that brass and spent cases have heavily accumulated on the firing line and adjacent areas. Why is this a safety concern?
- Brass can interfere with electronic target systems
- Accumulated brass creates a slip hazard that can cause a shooter to fall while handling a firearm (Correct answer)
- Brass casings may be reloaded by unauthorized persons
- Spent brass attracts wildlife to the range
Correct answer: Accumulated brass creates a slip hazard that can cause a shooter to fall while handling a firearm
Spent casings on the floor create a slip-and-fall hazard, which is especially dangerous when shooters are handling loaded firearms.
Question 6: At a multi-bay range, an RSO in one bay hears what sounds like a shot from the closed, adjacent bay. What should the RSO do?
- Ignore it since the other bay is officially closed
- Immediately investigate to determine if an unauthorized person is using the closed bay (Correct answer)
- Call range headquarters to report the sound and wait for instructions
- Post a notice on the closed bay door and continue with current duties
Correct answer: Immediately investigate to determine if an unauthorized person is using the closed bay
Any indication of discharge in a closed area must be immediately investigated to confirm safety and determine if unauthorized use or an accident has occurred.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes a 'cold range' condition?
- A range that is closed due to cold weather
- A range condition where all firearms must be unloaded with actions open and no live fire is permitted (Correct answer)
- A range where only reduced-power ammunition is allowed
- A range with no active RSO present
Correct answer: A range condition where all firearms must be unloaded with actions open and no live fire is permitted
A 'cold range' means all firearms are unloaded, actions are open, and no live fire is taking place — typically called during administrative periods or safety briefings.
RSO Range Inspection and Rules 5
What action should an RSO take if a shooter is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs on the range?