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This is a really good thread!

Maybe veering a bit OT, but "carry" and "safety" go so hand-in-hand it is hard to separate them.

As I mentioned applies to me and I think it is obvious it applies to others by reading the posts here, safety perceptions vary alot.

For example, to me, the concept of strolling around in the field with a gun action open is "preposterous". To me it invites ingress of dirt and over time begs mechanical damage as a result. There are few guns actually designed to be carried in such a fashion. I say "preposterous" not to belittle anyone, but to show just how different these perceptions are among us. Naki, your post, and the requirements in your country are quite intriguing and fascinating! What is expected or required {?} in some places is seen differently elsewhere.

Yes, I have to admit that my own safety standards are thus probably judged "preposterous" elsewhere!

When carried in my hands, my guns are loaded, with safety on though I do not put much stock in safeties. I guess this amount of risk I assume and accept as inherent to using a gun. But maybe that is why I am obsessed with muzzle control and also carry with finger along the stock above and outside the trigger guard. As for muzzle control, that is why I don't like the AC in company, the muzzle is "generally" IMO, too easy to sweep another with, though as I stated above and JPK described well, ANY carry can result in injury should a trip or fall occur.

When carried on my back with doublesling, they are carried loaded magazine, chamber empty, safety on. Ditto in the scabbard on the horse or when carried on UTV/ATV or when bear hunting in a vehicle. Ditto pistols with a positive firing pin like the Tokarev, or a hammerless action like the Ruger or Luger. My son has been carrying his Ruger pistol alone on his trapline since he was 12 and when he comes back long after dark I do indeed sometimes check it to make sure it was carried properly. I have often wondered about an AD while alone, 5 miles back in 4 feet of snow and the sun heading down over Lindstrom Peak...

I do not trust safeties either, but I demand of a safety that it not fire the gun when wiggled, and that type of inspection is made constantly on my guns to make sure it doesn't happen or the condition develop by use. Over the years and while I was in the business I saw many kooky things happen, and thus I check guns for "push off" and mechanically proper function all the time.

I have taught my kids that all guns are loaded, in fact as well as theory. For me that is not just theory. It is fact. An unloaded gun is a useless gun. In the home or out. I don't put much stock in bayonets.

My kids have been raised around shootin irons, are conscious of the fact of the uselessness of an unloaded gun, and also conscious of the danger inherent in them. Perceptions vary. But then, my kids have been raised around horses, chainsaws, haystacks and machines. It is a fact that there are far more and easy ways for them to get killed or maimed around here than by a gun.

But they also know that once the bullet leaves the barrel, there is no putting it back.

Great post, folks. A real eye opener to be sure.

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What are the Rosary, the Cross or the Crucifix other than tools to help maintain the fortress of our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

Edited by 9ThreeXFifty7 (23/02/08 03:29 AM)

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