"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I know"

[Glock Fan]

I've got a couple of folks I work with who uses the title phrase quite often. It's most times when being informed that they are violating a simple, yet important firearm safety rule. Anyone else deal with this type of person? Any suggestions on fixing the "yeah, yeah, yeah...." attitude without putting the guy on the ground or simply firing him/her?



gf

[toreskha]

Ask them if they know this so well, then why the hell are they continuing to do the wrong thing?

There comes a point in almost every type of thing (guns, cooking, driving, etc) where you've learned enough to know which rules are overly cautious and which are necessary, or which rules are in fact meant to link to other behaviors. On the other hand, after some more time, you realize that many of those rules are not overly cautious, but in fact make good sense.

Many people skirt rules simply because they see other people doing it. They don't want to put forth the effort, and quite frankly, it doesn't seem "cool". Deep down, everyone wants to fit in, and they don't want to be the only one demanding that people lock their slides back or put their ears on before going into the range.

Lead by example, and get as many others as possible to do the same. Don't slip up, not once - practice what you preach in every single instance. Most successful professionals of any kind have gotten where they are by not only practicing, but practicing good habits and form - whatever it is - shooting, weightlifting, bicycling, speaking, etc. There are exceptions, but those people (Mike Tyson) usually don't last long.

Basic rules exist for a reason - because it represents the most sustainable level of optimization available in a certain context. These have typically been developed, tried and tested by many who have come before, and they are rarely wrong (although amendments can occasionally be made).

[HK4U]

Were they reacting to what you said or how you said it? It would be hard to know without being there. You have to approach different people in different ways. Some people take advice well others not so well and some have a know it all attitude and can not take it at all.

[PascalFleischman]

Originally Posted by Glock Fan

I've got a couple of folks I work with who uses the title phrase quite often. It's most times when being informed that they are violating a simple, yet important firearm safety rule. Anyone else deal with this type of person? Any suggestions on fixing the "yeah, yeah, yeah...." attitude without putting the guy on the ground or simply firing him/her?



gf

Yeah, I busted the crap out of a guy at the range about a month ago. Dressed him down like you wouldn't believe. The dumbmule was turning to his buddy behind him, sweeping the entire shooting area with his (still loaded) Glock. I saw that and chewed his hind end out......people at the other end heard me through their ear protection. I've never seen the guy before, but when he pulled that stunt, I pulled no punches.

[Scarecrow]

Originally Posted by PascalFleischman

Yeah, I busted the crap out of a guy at the range about a month ago. Dressed him down like you wouldn't believe. The dumbmule was turning to his buddy behind him, sweeping the entire shooting area with his (still loaded) Glock. I saw that and chewed his hind end out......people at the other end heard me through their ear protection. I've never seen the guy before, but when he pulled that stunt, I pulled no punches.

good for you. gotta teach people to get rid of their bad habbits. I was teaching a friend to shoot one time with a rifle and when she had a question she would turn around and let the rifle follow her.. had to tell her real quick that is a big no no. luckily it was in her back yard so no one to put in harm's way.. but I let her know and see how dangerous that can be. she took it well and understood why I jumped on her so fast about it.

[lukem]

If I got the "yea yea" from someone I was at the range with I would firmly insist whatever it was again and tell them if they wanted to do it their way then I would leave and never shoot with them again.

I haven't had tis problem with anyone I've brought to the range luckily. I'm a pretty laid back person but as soon as we walk onto the line I get very serious and go over the firearm rules and then show them how I expect them to handle the weapon (keep it downrange even when turning around, locking slide back when done firing, etc). My friends have seemed to notice the seriousnes of it and haven't had to really GET ON anyone.

[toreskha]

Originally Posted by lukem

keep it downrange even when turning around

Just about every time I walk into the range, I see someone turn around for something, and in the process, wave the gun in my general direction.

[ronwill]

When you say "firing" them I assume you own a range, if so, give them a warning. Since they would be responsible for ensuring visitor shooters are obeying safety rules they need to be examples. If they don't change their way, for safety and possibly legal sake, fire them.

[Memphis]

You'll catch more flies with honey than vinigar. I'm with Luke on being extremely laid back but, when you step to that line or for that matter, simply pick up a firearm, then all that cool calm Memphis goes out the window. I may say something nice once and if I got a "yea yea yea" I would (nice but firmly) reinerate the subject. If it happens again my demeanor will not be kind and soft.

Everyone makes mistakes but, you can hardly afford any with a tool who's only safety is the human brain.

[robiewan]

If you have ever been on the receiving end of some idiot on a range, then you will be Very Alert every time you go to a range. Since I had some dumb woman shoot an arrow at a range, which missed by less than two feet when she missed her target, while half the people on the range were still picking up arrows, I take going to a range seriously. Did I dress her down? Dang straight I did! Walked out too.
Frankly gun ranges always make me nervous. I would rather be with a couple of close friends or family in the desert than on a range. Why? Because I know I can trust them, people on a range? I know nothing about them, and that is scary enough.
If someone comes back at you nonchalantly you have every right & reason to get ticked off and let the hills reverberate with your disdain. Maybe they will learn after a good solid dressing down. Who knows?