I was going to post about something else, but I saw the front page of the Voice and felt the need to comment.
First off Mr. Parsons, KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER until you are ready to fire. Second off KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER and lower the hammer for the picture. With firearms discipline like that, your son was right to take your .308 off of you.
The 4 rules to firearms safety are easy to remember and follow.
1. Treat every firearm as a LOADED firearm. Why? Because too many people have been shot by 'unloaded weapons'
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Why? Because your finger is THE most important safety feature.
3. Know your target and what is beyond. Why? Because the bullet may miss the intended target and hit a non-target around or beyond the target.
4. NEVER point a weapon at anything you are NOT willing to destroy (IE KILL). This one needs NO explanation.
Mr. Parsons while I applaud your determination to protect yourself and your friends, YOU NEED A CLASS ON SAFETY. You are 4 for 4 in violating these simple safety rule.... IN ONE PICTURE!!!!
Hammer back (in old rifles the hammer IS often the safety), Rule #1 broken.
KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER, Rule #2 broken.
You are sweeping the air with the barrel, Rule #3 broken.
You have NO idea where your rifle is pointing, Rule #4 broken.
Before someone says, "Maybe it was unloaded", re-read rule #1.
While I agree with Mr. Parsons intent I disagree with his plans. 'Shoot them in the leg' & 'Shoot them in the kneecap'?! In defensive shooting scenarios you are taught to fire for the 'center of mass' (COM) in order to maximize stopping power (Notice I DID NOT say killing power). Death may result from this action. It is unfortunate, But you are using a DEADLY WEAPON. And with a .22 (a round extremely short on 'stopping power'), if you have to fire, you try to maximize your chances to STOP an opponent.
Dan Emplit WBFD
USN 1986 - 1992
Dang it Dan, you got it on quicker than me. You are 100% correct in admonishing Mr. Parsons in the "Improper" handling of a weapon. Even though he might be frustrated with the looter/scavenging actions of others, the one safety feature you did not mention was "THE BRAIN"!!! And as they tote you away in matching bracelets, you just might wonder, "What was I thinking", alas too late. And as for shooting someone in the legs, forget it. Any bullet wound anywhere on the body can become a mortal wound.............
ReplyDelete