I do not consider it "harsh" at all to make certain that each person understands the seriousness of "making a mistake" with a firearm.The Annoyed Man wrote:Perhaps I am harsh, perhaps not; but I lovingly and gently explained the safety rules to my 6 year old son the first time I ever took him to the range; and then I looked him in the eye and made sure I had his full attention before firmly explaining to him that if he ever broke any of these rules even just once, I would never take him to the range again.
I have had literally hundreds of inexperienced children and adults come out and shoot at my place over the years. We have NEVER had an accident. But, I am careful to "lay down the law" BEFORE any shooting starts.
Some folks would consider my pre-shooting speech a bit "harsh"...but I will not tolerate inattention or horseplay when using firearms. If a person makes a minor mistake such as failing to open the action or put the weapon on safe after firing they are warned (but I make it memorable). If they continue to do so...they are politely asked to leave (right then). Infractions such as "pointing a weapon in an unsafe direction" gets you expelled immediately.
Through all the years and hundreds of people....I have had to ask only one person to leave. My nephew (on my wifes side...20 yrs. old at the time) just couldn't seem to get it through his head to put the safety on a .22 rifle I had him shooting. The third time he failed to do it (just minutes after his first scolding) I deemed him incapable (or unwilling) to follow instructions. I asked him to please leave and not to ask me to take him shooting again. I have not the slightest regret about it.
The time to be "tough" is BEFORE the shooting starts. If anyone gets offended and wants to leave....fine! I find that one on one instruction and a clear and firm understanding of what is expected works very well. I also pray before every shooting session. I simply ask everyones indulgence concerning this..and have never had a complaint.
And just in case anyone thinks that being demanding concerning safety will take the "fun out of shooting", I have a veritable "waiting list" of folks that have shot with me before wanting to come back.
No Chris, I don't think you were "harsh" at all. I think you did it "just right"!
