Negative on SUL.
At a public range on a line an SO will very likely have a problem with SUL, and I would too.
The bore of the firearm should most properly and _safely_ be aimed down range and no where else.
Not up, down, nor to either side. Down range...as in firearm bore on the horizontal.
Pointed in the air is a no brainer as to why that is a bad idea.
Pointed in SUL position is same as related to the deck material one is standing on be it concrete which will cause errant rounds to ricochet flatly and into the feet or ankles of _other_ persons standing around. Or if even on packed dirt debris can latter and even the round ricochet again off into other persons feet and legs.
When at a range and approaching a line the firearm should be as handled pointed down range (very old and well known NRA taught rules!) or stowed in a case or carrier of some sort and it with bore pointed down range.
Or best yet, _holstered_ on your body.
Position SUL is reserved for single person combat conditions handling of a firearm as when active but observing...or when in some tacti-cool class of tacti-cool characters.
Wrong - Gun High
Right - Pointed down range
Wrong - Position 'SUL'
Image source -
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=318889
Right - Holstered on body
As an SO if I saw a shooter at a public range approach the line/bench in the SUL position I would immediately stop him and insist on a correction, even as I know what SUL is and what it's purpose is toward...which is not for approaching the line/bench so as to shoot.
- Janq
Also note with SUL where is the bore of the firearm on the above pic pointing? (!)