Thursday, February 23, 2012

Empty chambers...

Empty chambers look like this...


Empty chambers look like this...


Empty chambers look like this...


Empty chambers DO NOT look like this...


Our friends' teenage son learned a gun safety lesson on their farm this past Monday... Don't try to catch a dropped gun!  Accidents with firearms can happen, and thank the Good Lord this young man's injury doesn't have any permanent or long-term physical implications.  He's a good kid and has handled firearms for years.  It can happen to just about any of us.

As an experienced and long-time shooter, hunter, former law enforcement officer, NRA certified instructor, and 4H Shooting Sports instructor... I have found that the most important part of owning and/or using firearms are the safety rules.  

So let's review the Gun Safety Rules:
- ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
- ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
- ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use
...and the additional rules for using or storing a gun.

- All guns are always loaded.
- Never let the muzzle cover anything which you are not willing to destroy.
--> - Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target. 
- Identify your target, and what is behind it.

Two other thoughts on this topic...
1. Do you have a blowout kit handy, or a first-aid kit, or even a plan - just in case?
2. You can argue all day about self-defense calibers, but that little .380ACP went through this young man's hand and then went through the sidewall of their vehicle's tire, leaving them with a flat-tire.  Just some food for thought.

Follow the gun safety rules.  Make sure your gun is unloaded when not in use... keep it pointed in a safe direction... and check three times... for empty chambers...

4 comments:

  1. Indeed. Glad the young man was not seriously hurt! Thanks for posting this.

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  2. Really a great, and important, post. Firearms need MUCH respect.

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  3. So happy to hear the young man is ok. An excellent reminder. Can NEVER be to careful!

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  4. Ouch! Glad the young man is going to be Ok. Thanks for the (painful) reminder.

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