Vicki Ray
A record number of PebbleCreek residents joined the gun club during the summer and fall, and club leaders responded by adding four new range safety officers (RSOs). Members will see the four new RSOs at trap/skeet shooting Tuesdays, pistol/rifle shooting Fridays, and other club-sponsored shooting events. The club now has 11 range safety officers.
RSOs ensure the shooting range is safe to use, give safety and COVID-19 briefings, assist in handling ammunition and gun malfunctions, and supervise shooting. Members signal the nearest safety officer if they need help.
If members are doing something unsafe (usually unintentional), an RSO will stop them from hurting themselves or others.
When a safety officer calls a ceasefire, members unload their firearm, leave the chamber open, place it on the bench for inspection, and step behind a yellow safety line. Only after RSOs declare the line safe may members approach their targets to admire their shooting prowess. Members may not approach the shooting bench or touch their firearm again until an RSO ends the ceasefire.
RSOs keep members safe by reminding them to
* treat all firearms as though they are always loaded
* never point a firearm at anything they’re not willing to destroy
* keep their finger off the trigger
* know what’s beyond their target
It’s a privilege to keep shooting during the COVID-19 pandemic, and members may only do so if we all wear masks, keep our distance, use hand sanitizer, and stay home if we’re sick.
Seasoned RSOs include Bill Casey, Dan Borchers, Jim Belina, Jerry Younker, Mitch Counce, Bernie Kagen, and Van Duncan. New safety officers are Bob Adkins, Pete Bahnmueller, Greg Ray, and Mike Schoenle.
For more information about the PebbleCreek Gun Club, contact Jerry Younker, club president, at [email protected].