Range officers - clarification requested

[Tiff]

I've been reading through the updated (2013) NRA Handbook & NSRA website and to be honest I'm a tad confused.

On a non MOD range, is a qualified RCO required to be present on the FP while shooting occurs (i.e if not stipulated in the range orders)?

Following on, IF an RCO is not required and only an RO need be present, can the RO shoot at the same time as part of the detail (again if nothing is stipulated in the range orders to the contrary)?

Your thoughts would be very welcome.

Tiff

[TattooedGun]

As I am to understand it, as an RCO, an RCO is required on a MOD range, or else we wouldn't need the qualification.

Also an RCO is to have full control over the range, they MUST NOT shoot, as they would not have their concentration on the safety of the shoot in hand, even dealing with hang fires and so forth should be delegated to someone else so they can keep watch over others and not get distracted...

[M99]

Tiff.
The answer to your question would appear to be no, as neither the MOD nor the NRA /NSRA have any control or bearing on non MOD ranges. Range or local orders may dictate that one is required though.
Of course there is then the anomaly of Bisley!!

[Blackstuff]

AFAIK private/non-MOD ranges do not need RCO's. Just follow the ranges own requirements

[TattooedGun]

Oops, just realised I misread and thought you were talking about MOD ranges...

I'll just walk away looking at my shoes...

[nickb834]

At my range the rules are broadly to keep the insurer happy but aren't a legal requirement (that's my opinion regards legality - check for yourself!).

The insurer stipulates that there's a minimum of 2 adults present when shooting is taking place.
The club rules stipulate only one has to be a member (non member can't shoot obviously except on guest days).

My club has only very recently completed training for RO's with the NSRA - previously there was no training other than in accordance with my clubs own very ad hoc on the job method. The NSRA was really for us to cover our existing activities (we're an indoor small bore / pistol caliber / "Carbine" rifle range *1) from an insurance, and our own piece of mind that we were being dilligent point of view - but also to get previously untrained members familiar with RO-ing, as we're trying to get ourselves back onto our local MOD Range (Strensall - ironically enough where the Army "taught" me to shoot back in the day) which of course means we need NRA sign off as competent shooters (chairman could but shouldn't sign us off - we've not been on a full bore MOD Range in years) AND we need NRA trained RO's.

In short - most of what we do isn't a legal requirement, it's insurance and to comply with a ranges local requirements.


*1 Carbine is a great source of debate - A Mosin M44 in 54R is fine to shoot but a Mosin 91/30 in 54R is not - regardless of the energy of either of the downloaded rounds (to get under the limits)