Guys, check your rifles...

[Fast14riot]

I will carry in condition one if I have spotted an animal or am expecting to see one, but for just walking/carrying I empty the chamber and safety on (my safety locks bolt closed, cannot unlock bolt when engaged).

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Carry your shit however you want. Just make sure the gun functions how it should

 

[Tommie]

One should check every one of their rifles annually for safety operation. Unload the rifle fully, close/cock the bolt, put on safe then pull the trigger, release, place safety off. If a safety fails in this instance, get it repaired/replaced. Many have loaded rifles with safety on and it is unnerving and dangerous to find out then, that releasing the safety fires the rifle. Muzzle awareness should always be in force as keeping an open action when not actively hunting or shooting.

This thread has inspired me to check my weapons periodically. Some haven't been touched in several years and I shouldn't assume all is well if/when I do finally take them into the field. Thanks!

 

[M14AMU]

It takes an IQ only a couple notches above my #12 boot size to know how to be safe with a firearm! Taking schit for granted is what gets folks in trouble....or dead!!

 

[mikecr]

I physically remove the safety on my guns -so that I never rely on one.
Chamber a round only when fully ready to kill something.

 

[K22]

Good post - we must constantly remind ourselves safety first. I don't mind these kind of posts, in fact I think they are of great value - it's always good to review your own safety practices.

I do carry a loaded rifle when hunting but I'm almost always hunting alone. Never had an issue but that doesn't mean it can't happen. Thanks.

 

[people]

Hall monitors? Is it necessary to call others names because they choose not to do it your way?

Wow if you call that name calling you must have very thin skin. Please do not go to snipershide and never ever to the AKfiles.

 

[people]

What is surprising is how so many do not function check their stuff. I function check every cleaning at a minimum.

 

[Raythemanroe]

Local guy brings in a Savage 110 a couple days ago. It went off when his girlfriend had it slung over her shoulder elk hunting. Well he had a Timney trigger installed about 5 years ago. There is a set screw adjustment for the safety. It wasnt adjusted and the safety was not working. He had been using it like that for years... Kind of scary when you think about it. Anyhow, if you or any one else messe with a trigger, be sure the safety is operational. Also with the safety off, slam the bolt around, bounce the butt on the floor make sure it the sear holds. rant over

Unloaded of course, figured I would add that.. You know, cause if you need to explain to check the function of the safety you may need to state doing so while unloaded..


Ray

 

[LHSmith]

You never walk behind someone with your gun loaded. Thanks Larry

??? Still confusing? So, you gave the guy ahead of you YOUR gun because YOU were loaded? Or you gave the guy your loaded gun? Either scenario, I agree it would be dangerous to have you walk behind anyone. Phonics would be a good fit for you.
Alex- good tip...just had to bust on ol Lar

 

[Canadian bushman]

I think a rifle is designed to be safe when carried with a round in the chamber, and the saftey on. If you decide to do so, thats your decision and i have no problem with that.

I personally dont put a round in the chamber until im ready to shoot something. Just my preference.

 

[JRS]

Without a round in the chamber, my chances of shooting a grouse, or a number of other animals is virtually zero. An empty chamber in a rifle/shotgun, or a bow without an arrow nocked, is nothing more than an expensive stick.

 

[ryanjay11]

I personally dont put a round in the chamber until im ready to shoot something. Just my preference.

I concur. I'm ready to shoot something when I'm hunting, so I carry loaded.

 

[Shynloco]

I think a rifle is designed to be safe when carried with a round in the chamber, and the saftey on. If you decide to do so, thats your decision and i have no problem with that.

I personally dont put a round in the chamber until im ready to shoot something. Just my preference.

If you rely FULLY/100% on the design of a weapon for safety purposes, you are already behind the 8ball and opening yourself up to potential problems and even a life changer. Having investigated several shootings (including Officer Involved shootings) as a law enforcement officer, some "accidental", you can't imagine the number of infamous, "I had the safety on " stories I heard over the years. So my take is do whatever you think works for you when it comes to how you carry a weapon. But if something bad happens, just remember YOU and only YOU will carrying the brunt if things go south. And sometimes the results and aftermath are a very ugly picture.

Alex

 

[dragman]

I always carry a round in my chamber when hunting and a 1911 cocked and locked every day. I guess I'm living too dangerously for the hall monitors in this thread.

While I agree I carry my carry guns locked and loaded they are for a different purpose. ever millisecond is important when trying to save my life or other human life.
Having a gun over my back in a hunting situation there is NO reason to have a round chambered. period.

 

[carlsbad]

I think I have a gun with a safety, but I'm not sure. --Jerry

 

[Canadian bushman]

Without a round in the chamber, my chances of shooting a grouse, or a number of other animals is virtually zero. An empty chamber in a rifle/shotgun, or a bow without an arrow nocked, is nothing more than an expensive stick.

I agree. When i wing hunt, my gun is chambered.

I also chamber my rifles once i get in the the stand.

Im not one to fully trust a saftey so i error on the side of safety when i carry or transport my guns.

I also believe if safties are maintained and checked regularly, like the OP suggested, most of them are of a great design and very reliable. I wont criticize anyone for carrying chambered in situations i choose not to.

I also agree keeping your finger out of the trigger guard and being aware of where your weapon is pointed is great insurance.

 

[Canadian bushman]

If you rely FULLY/100% on the design of a weapon for safety purposes, you are already behind the 8ball and opening yourself up to potential problems and even a life changer. Having investigated several shootings (including Officer Involved shootings) as a law enforcement officer, some "accidental", you can't imagine the number of infamous, "I had the safety on " stories I heard over the years. So my take is do whatever you think works for you when it comes to how you carry a weapon. But if something bad happens, just remember YOU and only YOU will carrying the brunt if things go south. And sometimes the results and aftermath are a very ugly picture.

Alex

I dont trust safties 100%, and i rely on more than just one thing to keep me and my hunting buddies safe. Like im sure the vast majority of us here do.

A fully operational weapon and keeping said weapon pointed in a safe direction are on top of that list.

 

[JRS]

I dont trust safties 100%, and i rely on more than just one thing to keep me and my hunting buddies safe. Like im sure the vast majority of us here do.

A fully operational weapon and keeping said weapon pointed in a safe direction are on top of that list.

That is one of the reasons I prefer a revolver over a semi-auto, in a handgun

 

[M-61]

"If the muzzle is always pointed in a safe direction".......everything after that becomes a mildly interesting and not a catastrophic story.
For me that is the number ONE rule.