Can’t Over-Stress Safety

[wisconron]

There is a large sign on the wall of one of the local gun shows we attend stating the following or similar:

1) Treat every firearm/gun as if it is loaded.

2) Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

3) Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

4) Know your target and what is beyond.

 

[Rolf-Longreach]

I always have to watch out for neighborhood cats when shooting in my yard. They have sauntered in front of the target a few times. I use open sights but even so I tend to be focusing pretty hard on the target.

At the archery range we always call "Range Hot" before nocking arrows and "Range Clear" before going to retrieve them. I have had people next to me fire an arrow and then immediately just wander out to retrieve it while the rest of us are preparing to fire. They have become indignant when we tried to correct them. Sure we are all shooting tight groups but sometimes equipment can malfunction or someone could slip sending an arrow in a strange way. I have also seen folks bring off leash dogs (there is signs prohibiting pets) who just run around down the range. Both occasions I just packed up and left. I don't want to be around with anyone who has such disregard for safety.



Wisconron:

I remember my dad teaching me those same rules before allowing me to shoot his crosman 2100 as a kid. 

In addition my dad and uncles made me swear I would never pull a gun out or brandish it to scare someone. The only time it should come out is when you are fully prepared to shoot it

 

[davelarson]

I also had a scary close call. Shooting at a 60 yard target in heavy brush I was getting ready to pull the trigger and a couple little neighbor boys came out of the bushes. Now I sit and watch the target area for a few minutes before shooting. Another thing I discovered is that the sound of pellets going into grass or leaves attracts cats and they go right to the place the noise is coming from. One thing that scares me is when I see anyone who is goofing off and being silly with any kind of gun. There’s simply no place for that at all in my opinion. We always had a rule that said treat your gun like it’s a laser beam that’s always on and never forget where the muzzle is pointing. 

 

[Willie14228]

On the both eyes open ++1 I was a one eyed shooter myself until a good friend pointed out the flaws and dangers 

Another is the double glance if I am shooting alone or hunting alone I always take my eyes off the scope and check down range 

I will freely admit it has cost me a shot or two but I don't like to wonder if I pass through something what it will hit. And I have had small illegal deer cross over my shooting lane during a shot line up