If there are shooters on the range whom I don't know, I'll hang back and watch them for a while. Since I don't like confrontations of any sort (and I'm sure most of you don't), if there is a safety violation not directed at me or one that has not resulted in a round leaving the range or damage to club property, I'll try to explain how what they did or are doing is contrary to club rules (for example, using the target backer support posts as a place to hang their target).

Naturally, some tact here goes a long way. If the precipitating act is no longer an immediate safety issue, get the offender away from others--for example, a father with his child or a guy with his wife or his buddies. Get him away from them so that his reaction to being wrong and being told so in front of them doesn't add fuel to an already lit fire and make the problem worse. On the other hand, if the occasion demands immediate verbal action, do so in the least offensive manner possible. Yelling "Hey, stupid!" or something stronger is not a good conversation starter. As to getting physically involved, I'd only do so if I were sure that doing it was the only option left to me.

Backing up a bit, my home club has a very thorough and mandatory new-shooter orientation. The instructor literally reads the rule book word-for-word to the applicant member, with a discussion period afterward. The instructor himself is one of a small group of experienced and trained club members. Range rules are well posted at the sign-in book, at the entrance and on the ranges.

In addition, all members are told that they should act as range safety officers themselves and should report violations. The usual version of due process is followed, with notice given to the offender and an opportunity afforded him to defend himself against the charge. The discipline, if so indicated, varies from an admonishment to expulsion.

Nice and tidy, eh? The only flaw in this setup is the assumption that no one dies or has a hole put in him.

Given the infinite variety of personalities, coupled with many who dislike and actively avoid a confrontation anywhere in their lives (and particularly so if the individual being confronted has access to a firearm), the only solution that has a very good chance of succeeding is making the observance and practice of the rules of gun safety into a form of gun etiquette. In reality, range survival uses all the same tools as are applied to any confrontation, with the same options.

Oh, one thing more regarding range survival: Be an example; practice what you preach.