Bramble,

Interesting note. We too are taught not to trust a mechanical safety and that the first rule of gun safety is to never point a gun at something you don't want to shoot or where you can't see what might get shot.

I suspect that the issue isn't walked up shooting but rather the prevelance of pumps and semi autos over here.

On the other hand, every photo that I have seen of guns on the line awaiting driven birds has featured the shooter with a closed double, obviously loaded as he stands looking for incoming birds. Other photos, where it is clear that the shooter is relaxed and not focussed to his front may show an open gun. Is this normal - the closed, unmounted but ready to mount gun in the hands of the shooter awaiting driven birds?

JPK