What should you do first if you believe a firearm is mishandled?

When handling firearms, safety is of utmost priority, and the first action to take in the event of suspected mishandling is to report the situation to a range officer or authority. This step ensures that someone with the proper training and authority can assess the situation and take necessary actions to mitigate any risks. Range officers are specifically trained to handle such incidents and can diffuse potentially dangerous situations effectively.

Reporting the situation immediately allows for timely intervention, which can prevent accidents or injuries. The presence of an authority figure ensures that the situation is managed according to established safety protocols, thereby promoting a culture of safety at the range or facility.

While asking the person to stop might seem like a reasonable first step, it may not always be effective, especially if the individual is unaware of their misconduct or if they react negatively. Similarly, calling for emergency services or documenting the event may be important follow-up actions, but those should occur only after immediate safety concerns are addressed by notifying an authority who can take control of the situation.