Suicide what-if scenario at gun range

[ExactlyMyPoint]

I called a few local ranges and inquired about renting a gun. Everyone one of them insisted that in order to rent a gun, you had to show them that you have one, either concealed carry or otherwise. You don't have to give it to them, just show them that you have one.

I discovered that the reason they do this is to prevent suicides, figuring that if you already have a gun, or access to one, you will not try and shoot yourself with one of their rented guns.

But let's say that there is a gun range that does not enforce this policy and you see someone acting strange and/or about to shoot himself. I realize that it could happen very quickly, but what do you do if you see something untoward happening?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Aaron1100us]

There is a video on liveleaks where that happened. Mom son at an indoor range. Son was shooting, mom took a relolver to the back od his head then turned the gun on herself. Horrible. What can you do though? So sad.

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[ppkheat]

IMHO you'll probably find yourself in a very dangerous situation.

If someone has gone to the trouble to go to a gun range and rent a gun to kill themselves this probably isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision for them. Intruding on them will probably get you killed with them killing themselves a second or so later.

Sad situation/bad predicament to be in.

[Hiram25]

Duck! Seek cover, if possible, and make sure they don't take you along!

[Guantes]

^^^^^^^^

What Hiram said.

[Bark'n]

Duck! Seek cover, if possible, and make sure they don't take you along!

This is about all you can do. You probably won't have time to do anything else.

Once they go to do the deed, it'll be over before you can do anything. From what I've seen, they don't mess around. They put the gun to their head and a second later "Bang."

I have yet to see one on video or read about one where they put the gun to their head and start walking up and down the aisle saying "Don't anyone move or I'll kill myself." They just do it. And then everyone present looks stunned like "What just happened?"

[DirkD]

happened at a range in Michigan a few months ago. I fail to see how they restrict the renting of guns if the idea is someone may be interested in making a purchase.

[ConcealedG30]

Sadly if they are there to commit suicide you won't know it till there is a mess to clean up.

They lady who shot her son at the gun range I believe left a note saying she sent her son to heaven and herself to hell. Obviously she had alot on her mind. Unfortunately she didn't know how to handle it.

[RevolvingMag]

Sadly if they are there to commit suicide you won't know it till there is a mess to clean up.

They lady who shot her son at the gun range I believe left a note saying she sent her son to heaven and herself to hell. Obviously she had alot on her mind. Unfortunately she didn't know how to handle it.

Yeah, I read the same thing.

But, there isn't much you CAN do- if you have ears on, and are making your shots, you won't know the difference until you see them on the floor. If you DO notice it the only thing you can do is hope you have a good place to hide. Or maybe a clear backstop if you think you can disable without killing. If they're being hostile instead of self-destructive.

[vista461]

We had two in a week at a range around here last year.

Second suicide in a week occurs at Badger Guns - JSOnline

[cuckoo429]

I live in Michigan, and I've rented guns from a few gun stores. NOTHING but your driver's license is required. They don't even ask you if you know how to shoot. All they require is that you use THEIR ammo for THEIR guns. They scrutinize me more for buying a six pack of beer in a liquor store.

[Tyler11B]

It doesnt matter if the individual owns a firearm or not, if they have made that decision to end it, then it will happen. Just remember if they get the urge to take a few people with them in the process then be sure you either a.)GTFO /b.)find cover/ or c.) put two in their heart before they destroy more lives then just their own

[SIXTO]

I've actually seen this with my own eyes while working at a range; Guy comes in and rents a 686, buys a box of 38's and a box of 357. Goes out, shoots up the box of 38 like normal, loads up with 357, turns around knocks on the partition glass to get everyones attention, puts the gun to his head and whammo, made spaghetti. There was nothing anyone could do even if they wanted to. The guy acted completely normal up to that point.

[45Gunner]

At a local range I used to go to, until they closed, they had three suicides in three weeks. The range closed for other reasons. At another local range, they had two back to back suicides in one week. Someone decides to take their own life and it makes all the papers and local TV coverage. Another depressed person gets the idea and copy cats. Not much can be done. And as already stated, if they have already made that decision, trying to intervene may buy you a trip to the other side.

There are no requirements here that you are a gun owner. As a matter of fact, it is assumed that you are renting a gun because you do not own one. It is up to the range master to determine if the renter is legitimate or acting weird enough to give him second thoughts about renting a gun. In my opinion, in this economy, range owners are just happy to get the business and give little thought about someone blowing their own brains out. And the truth of the matter is that it becomes a minor inconvenience if someone does so. The police come take statements. The cleanup squad takes care of the mess and the body is transported away. The range is closed for a few hours and then life goes on.

[WillyNilly]

I saw that video and since then I've been very nervous to go to the range. As stated you don't see or hear anything unusual til the body hits the ground.