[TMG]

I had another intersting experience while teaching the other night. One that occurs all too often!! :x
We were finishing class with a little competition shoot. Between relays, I went down range to adjust the steal plates. When I turned around, I saw this giant 1911 barrell pointing right at me, the owner looking down at it as he inserted a fresh mag, and the slide was forward; I run a hot range.... I assume one was in the chamber... :shock:

Whether your attending a class or just out shooting for fun... Please take the time to KNOW and FOLLOW the 4 main safety rules! I've seen people shoot themselves, and Ive been shot at while at the range.... all could have been avoided by following these simple rules!!!

From Mr. Jeff Cooper

1. All firearms are loaded. - There are no exceptions. Don't pretend that this is true. Know that it is and handle all firearms accordingly. Do not believe it when someone says: "It isn't loaded."

2. Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you are not willing to destroy. - If you would not want to see a bullet hole in it do not allow a firearm's muzzle to point at it.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger unless your sights are on the target. - Danger abounds if you keep your finger on the trigger when you are not about to shoot. Speed is not gained by prematurely placing your finger on the trigger as bringing a firearm to bear on a target takes more time than it takes to move your finger to the trigger.

4. Be sure of your target and what is behind it. - Never shoot at sounds or a target you cannot positively identify. Know what is in line with the target and what is behind it (bullets are designed to go through things). Be aware of your surroundings whether on a range, in the woods, or in a potentially lethal conflict.

Remember, safety is a state of mind, not mechanics! Take nothing for granted!

 

[Jeff Johnson]

Yikes! Did you have a few words with the guy?

The NRA states the rules this way:

NRA Gun Safety Rules

• Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
  This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.[/*]
• Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
  When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.[/*]
• Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
  Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.[/*]

 

[W. Clark Aposhian]

When someone is checking or changing targets. Everyone must affirmatively acknowledge downrange rules in effect.
Stand behind firing line and No one is to handle any firearms or benched equipment during the target check change
period.
Sincerely,
W. Clark Aposhian

 

[tapehoser]

Reminds me of a buddy when I was younger. He went out shooting with the scouts - dad was the scout master. They all had their .22's and dad saw a muzzle swing past his face at point-blank range.

Needless to say, buddy did not participate that day and got to learn a good, hard lesson while sitting by the car for the rest of the day!

 

[Guest]

I always wear my armor at the range now. I took a (now ex-) girlfriend shooting once. She was so excited about the recoil when she shot my Glock 27 that she just started laughing and for some reason turned and ended up with me on the wrong side of the sights. I immediately disarmed her and ended that range trip.

 

[Jeff Johnson]

Hey Jamie, welcome to the forum.

Whenever I take somebody to the range, I make it clear what the rules are, then I demonstrate with my fingers in the shape of a gun what some idiots do. I say that the idiots will fire, then turn their whole body around, including the gun, to say something and wind up pointing the muzzle right at others. Having demonstrated the stupid act with a pretend gun made out of my fingers, I stress to them how important it is to follow the rules.

That seems to help it sink in.

 

[Guest]

I HAD made that rule clear to her prior to handing her the gun, but I guess it just didn't sink in until I forcefully disarmed her. It never happened again, as I never took her to the range again. I haven't had this problem with anyone else.. I make sure that anyone I take shooting knows that they keep the gun aimed downrange, even if they know it isn't loaded. I make sure they know that aiming a gun at me will result in my rapid, automated response.