Round In The Chamber

[Straight Arrow]

Obviously some here have not experienced the safety being accidentally rubbed OFF and a round shattering rock at your feet.
Also worthy of consideration is that many, if not most, firearm accidental shootings are the result of mishandling the firearm, taking out of the vehicle or otherwise moving it unsafely.
Whatever the case, it's always with a round in the chamber. Consider strongly that no accidental shootings result from NO round in the chamber.

 

[Forkyfinder]

Curious - what do folks do when hunting with an MSR?

 

[Nuts]

Obviously some here have not experienced the safety being accidentally rubbed OFF and a round shattering rock at your feet.
Also worthy of consideration is that many, if not most, firearm accidental shootings are the result of mishandling the firearm, taking out of the vehicle or otherwise moving it unsafely.
Whatever the case, it's always with a round in the chamber. Consider strongly that no accidental shootings result from NO round in the chamber.

I have not experienced this. Likewise its obvious that folks have not relied on the guy next to them handling a gun properly and having a round in the chamber to protect them. I don't think that taking a loaded rifle out of a vehicle should come into play here. That's completely different IMO then hunting. As for handling unsafely. I am a nervous nelly and check the safety anytime the gun is shifted and about every couple minutes when in hand. 100% muscle memory I think nothing about. If climbing over, up or down. Chamber gets emptied. Typical walk/hike in pipe. I am sure nobody with a strong opinion here is going to have an epiphany and change there mind. I would ask you though based on your last point. If one simply sticks to quilting they could minimize many risks. Folks who refuse to get in a car don't crash. Folks who don't hike or hunt don't get hurt from falls etc. Folks who don't own or ever handle guns or be with anyone who does are less subject to an AD. But crap then there is the needle jab while quilting. Obviously a bit over the top but where does it stop? If taught properly there should never be a reason for an AD.

 

[Straight Arrow]

If one simply sticks to quilting they could minimize many risks. Folks who refuse to get in a car don't crash. Folks who don't hike or hunt don't get hurt from falls etc. Folks who don't own or ever handle guns or be with anyone who does are less subject to an AD. But crap then there is the needle jab while quilting. Obviously a bit over the top but where does it stop? If taught properly there should never be a reason for an AD.

Don't mean any disrespect, but that is a Captain Obvious argument that is just silly. It in no way contradicts the conclusions and recommendations of gun safety instruction based on a myriad of data, information, and safety sense resulting from analysis of firearms accidents. In essence, the univerally accepted rule is "don't chamber a round until you are sure of your target and beyond".

 

[Nuts]

Don't mean any disrespect, but that is a Captain Obvious argument that is just silly. It in no way contradicts the conclusions and recommendations of gun safety instruction based on a myriad of data, information, and safety sense resulting from analysis of firearms accidents. In essence, the univerally accepted rule is "don't chamber a round until you are sure of your target and beyond".

No offense taken. It was meant to be comical. That universally accepted rule must change at the Mississippi river. The actual Golden Rule of hunting east of the Mississippi is:

"Treat every gun as loaded, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, Be sure of your target and beyond: Know what's behind your target to prevent accidents"

Not sure where the rule your referring to comes from?? I have never heard that. Does not mean it is not a thing its just new to me. Can you reference anything that says that? I would be interested in seeing what else is different then I am used to. I suppose different states and areas have different hunter safety courses and education. IDK. Some hunts I due totally get it. But as a universally accepted rule. That's a new one

As an FYI. Not argumentative or meant to be offensive. This would be a great camp fire discussion mixed with jabs for the duration of the hunt both ways. Everyone wants to be safe and do the right thing. If requested by someone to keep the chamber empty I would not have an issue in most circumstances obliging. But I would also comment on it every chance I get. In a joking manner of course. I can dish it and take it. Seeing others points of view is the way we grow and learn. We all have different experiences and can learn from each other.
And have fun doing it!

 

[Straight Arrow]

"Not sure where the rule your referring to comes from??" Nuts

It comes from Hunters Safety instruction as a student myself, then with my kids and grandkids as I attended with them. To be clear, all in Montana and primarily focused on big game hunting and firearm safety. Each and every instructor brought experience and expertise to the instruction based on their own personal perspectives and attitudes regarding firearms safety, but pretty much consistent and in line with what I expressed.

For whatever worth, my Hunter Safety Course certification dates back to 1957 and I have been hunting, mentoring, and studying firearms safety since. I'm headed to the mountains today for a couple days of safe hunting.

 

[DFS]

If you want to hike around with one in the chamber by alls means do it, it’s just not for me or anybody that I hunt with.

 

[Forkyfinder]

If you want to hike around with one in the chamber by alls means do it, it’s just not for me or anybody that I hunt with.

What do you do when you are hunting with an AR style?

 

[DFS]

What do you do when you are hunting with an AR style?

I personally don’t.

 

[Forkyfinder]

I personally don’t.

Neither do i. Though ive not thought of that as the definitive reason i dont. I dont walk around with a chambered round with a bolt gun though.

Just not seeing a way to do it very efficiently without a chambered round in an ar.

 

[MS 9x56]

Obviously some here have not experienced the safety being accidentally rubbed OFF and a round shattering rock at your feet.
Also worthy of consideration is that many, if not most, firearm accidental shootings are the result of mishandling the firearm, taking out of the vehicle or otherwise moving it unsafely.
Whatever the case, it's always with a round in the chamber. Consider strongly that no accidental shootings result from NO round in the chamber.

Not trying to be a SA but how does one rub off a safety? I have been hunting for 60 years and have never had my weapons safety rub off unless I took it off to shoot.

 

[ashersdad]

Pretty sad that all of these seem to have been avoidable.

https://trending.thespun.com/trending/causes-of-death-announced-for-5-u-s-hunters-found-dead

 

[CRJR45]

Why is there an argument going on ? Personal choice, personal responsibility.
Do what you want , and so will I .
It seems silly to debate anyway , many more people have died from a car accident on the way to hunt or falling out of a tree stand .
Pick whatever you choose to be afraid of , but if a loaded weapon in the hands of someone you will never hunt with concerns you , you have issues , IMHO .

 

[Nuts]

Perhaps the difference is the species and type of hunting. In the east with whitetail you are hunting about as soon as you leave the truck. You need to be ready to shoot when the opportunity presents itself. Perhaps in the west you are doing more hiking to get to where you are hunting? Not sure on posters experiences. As baffled as you are that I would have one chambered I am just as baffled that you wouldn't. Which leads me to think its the way you were raised, educated, and experiences. Same as my opinion is based.

My quote " "Treat every gun as loaded, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, Be sure of your target and beyond: Know what's behind your target to prevent accidents"
is directly from the NRA approved hunter ed digest for PA. In a quick search of it I saw nothing suggesting what you quoted. Perhaps if I had been taught that from a young age or experienced it I would be as ephaptic as some here.

 

[Frequently Banned Troll]

I think I’ve already said it, but this thread is total proof that most hunters, or at least a high percentage of them are really stupid.

That’s not an argument.

 

[SaskHunter]

Complacency kills. If you do something enough, there's a chance that you will start to cut corners or become more careless over time. I would say that American gun culture is attributable to higher accidental shootings; the US has more than three times the amount of firearms per capita that what we have in Canada, a lot of people conceal/open carry and an overall more relaxed attitude towards firearms. We rarely have people shooting themselves taking a rifle out of a gun case or toddlers shooting themselves at home, because it is simply illegal to have a loaded firearm in vehicles or dwellings, so the chances of loaded weapons in those settings are much lower. Some European countries have far higher hunters per capita rates than Canada and the US, yet have even fewer firearms related deaths.

Just my two cents , this whole thread needs to be deleted. Stuff like this is just canon fodder for the anti gun crowd .
We all know of a tragic situation, but why air them ALL here on a public forum ?

If you have to hide facts to win your argument, you've already lost.

 

[CRJR45]

I think I’ve already said it, but this thread is total proof that most hunters, or at least a high percentage of them are really stupid.

That’s not an argument.

But , has stupidity ever been cured on the interweb ?

 

[CRJR45]

If you have to hide facts to win your argument, you've already lost.

Ok , but that’s how the anti hunter will beat us , by parading tragic stories to young minds as facts , over and over .

I’m a firm believer that the book and movie Charlottes Web is the reason many kids became vegetarian, because they saw animals portrayed as humanistic. Over and over , replayed as a way to keep the kids occupied while the adults were busy adulting .
I could be wrong and don’t care to argue , lol

 

[Frequently Banned Troll]

I’ve been eagerly awaiting @Lota lota Bullchit’s season recap of jump shooting elk in the heavy timber, and his mass of 2025 “punched tags”

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Neither do i. Though ive not thought of that as the definitive reason i dont. I dont walk around with a chambered round with a bolt gun though.

Just not seeing a way to do it very efficiently without a chambered round in an ar.

Is it really that different from running the bolt on a bolt action? Little tougher to be discreet about it but you’re pulling a bolt back and pushing or letting it move forward either way.

The concealed carry arguments are silly. Pistol in holster=safer than gun in hand.