3 Reasons the gun comes out...

[Rastoff]

...and this ain't one of them: Police: Man accidentally shoots himself, wife at church | Fox News

There are only three reasons your carry gun should come out of the holster:

1. To deal with the bad guy. After all, this is why we carry, no?
2. To practice at the range. If you're not practicing to include presenting from concealment, you should. The range is a specific and safe place to do this.
3. To put the gun away or clean/maintain it at home.

Strict adherence to these rules helps keep the owner in the proper mindset. That mindset is, when the gun comes out, it's a serious situation, not a casual one.

Notice that nowhere in this list is "show off to your friends." Even if someone knew I was carrying, and they asked to see it, the answer would be no (unless it was a police officer and an official contact). You want to show off your gun? Do it at home or at the range.

Further, why was he carrying a gun that he thought was unloaded? What's the point of that? Further still, why was he pressing the trigger on a gun that was pointed at something he didn't want to destroy? Can you say poor muzzle consciousness?

This story should serve as a reminder that guns are serious business and should always be handled as such.

[WheelGunMagic]

Can't argue with any of your 3 reasons. Sad, but an excellent reminder. Thanks for posting.

[misswired]

[QUOTE=Rastoff;139818626]...and this ain't one of them: Police: Man accidentally shoots himself, wife at church | Fox News

There are only three reasons your carry gun should come out of the holster:[LIST=1][*]To deal with the bad guy. After all, this is why we carry, no?[*]To practice at the range. If you're not practicing to include presenting from concealment, you should. The range is a specific and safe place to do this.[*]To put the gun away or clean/maintain it at home.
(3.5) To shoot a snake...any snake!

[okiegtrider]

A whole lot of fail in that story.

[keith44spl]

Prayers for those folks.

Some days makes a feller wish he'd stayed in bed..........

.

[S&WsRsweet]

Bad situation we need to teach and preach safety and discipline more than we do .

[Breakaway500]

Avoidable negligent discharge.

"Parks said the bullet sliced the man's palm, then entered the left side of his wife's abdomen and exited the right side."

Who says the lowly .380 isn't worth carrying?

[wingriderz]

Yes we all need to preach more saftey. At least this story didn't have the usual "The Gun Just Went Off " added from the media.

[TomkinsSP]

Years ago there was security camera footage from an elevator on YouTube. A police detective (the defective detective) was showing off his sidearm to an attractive lady. Whatever his intent it went awry when he LITERALLY shot himself in the foot. At least no innocent bystanders were hurt.

[Kurusu]

Originally Posted by TomkinsSP

Years ago there was security camera footage from an elevator on YouTube. A police detective (the defective detective) was showing off his sidearm to an attractive lady. Whatever his intent it went awry when he LITERALLY shot himself in the foot. At least no innocent bystanders were hurt.

There is only one "gun" worthwhile showing to an attractive lady. And:

1 An elevator is not the best place to do it.

2 It is not made of metal (or any kind of polymer).

3 First make sure the lady is willing before the next step ( maybe this should be number one).

[dben002]

Could not agree more with Rastoff.

[Old cop]

I have a close friend who is minus his left index finger b/c he failed to follow all the safety rules.

[vigil617]

I saw the story yesterday in the paper, and it was a useful and needed reminder to me that the business of carrying is fraught with peril. One absent-minded, human error can be life-changing -- or -taking. Thanks to Rastoff for pointing out the few instances when taking a gun out is necessary.

"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty" -- and the price of safety, too.

Prayers up for this elderly couple, especially for him as he deals with having accidentally shot his beloved. I cannot imagine what that would be like.

[Muss Muggins]

He was in his 80's . . .

[KSDeputy]

Shooting every snake makes no sense. Most non-venomous ones are our friends. They eat mice, and other vermin, and keep them out of our homes. We only shoot venomous snakes because we fear they will bite us, or our dogs. The others we appreciate. We live in the country, and see a lot of snakes.

[The Big D]

One would think eighty (80) trips around the sun would equip one with sufficient common sense to avoid playing 'show and tell' with a gun.

In this case it clearly did not.

Be safe.

[vigil617]

Originally Posted by KSDeputy

Shooting every snake makes no sense. Most non-venomous ones are our friends. They eat mice, and other vermin, and keep them out of our homes. We only shoot venomous snakes because we fear they will bite us, or our dogs. The others we appreciate. We live in the country, and see a lot of snakes.

Agree 100 percent. And truth be told, there are vastly better tools than a handgun for doing away with one if that is necessary. Just one humble opinion from a guy who is a good enough shot, but wouldn't be optimistic about being able to hit a snake on the move with a killing blow.

[keith44spl]

Well here in a few days,

When all the children, grand children, great-grand youngin's gather in for a big Thanksgiving dinner....

They've got a lot to be thankful for.
But, ol Gramp's may be having a lit'l crow instead of that golden brown turkey.

*We all need to be careful, everyday in everyway.

.

[Kurusu]

Originally Posted by vigil617

Agree 100 percent. And truth be told, there are vastly better tools than a handgun for doing away with one if that is necessary. Just one humble opinion from a guy who is a good enough shot, but wouldn't be optimistic about being able to hit a snake on the move with a killing blow.

you just reminded me of a story I read.

There was an infestation of rattlers. The Army was called to help control the menace. Troopers had strict orders to give account of every shot fired. One day the officer in charge received a cardbox. Inside there were 7 spent .45 ACP cartridges, a live rattler and a note saying "I missed all 7 seven shots".

[Mainsail]

It's been about ten years now, but there was a story in a local paper in PA where the reporter went out to cover an open carry picnic/gathering. The reporter asked several of the OCers if he could see their gun, and each one only turned to make it easier for the reporter to see the holstered gun. None of them pulled it out of the holster.

Around that same time period I was in a big-box shorting goods store carrying openly and some older gentleman stopped me. He asked what I was carrying but was far more interested in showing me the glock he pulled out of his fanny pack.

[vytoland]

"man accidentally shot himself and his wife while showing off his gun in church." = current Darwin award.....

[blues7]

Originally Posted by vytoland

"man accidentally shot himself and his wife while showing off his gun in church." = current Darwin award.....

Except at his age he's probably way past producing any (more) progeny.

[TomkinsSP]

Originally Posted by KSDeputy

Shooting every snake makes no sense. Most non-venomous ones are our friends. They eat mice, and other vermin, and keep them out of our homes. We only shoot venomous snakes because we fear they will bite us, or our dogs. The others we appreciate. We live in the country, and see a lot of snakes.

I need some snakes, when the weather gets cold, the mice move indoors and my two big young healthy dogs just watch...

[TomkinsSP]

Originally Posted by Kurusu

There is only one "gun" worthwhile showing to an attractive lady. And:

1 An elevator is not the best place to do it.

2 It is not made of metal (or any kind of polymer).

3 First make sure the lady is willing before the next step ( maybe this should be number one).

What did that Gunny that now sells G***** say. "This is my rifle..."

[misswired]

Originally Posted by Muss Muggins

He was in his 80's . . .

I'd probably carry an empty revolver, with one bullet in my front shirt pocket.... Or a slicked up 1911 cocked and locked to the picnic after the service. Depends on what the nursing home lets me out with.

[keith44spl]

Originally Posted by Muss Muggins

He was in his 80's . . .

Yup,

That's a mark the rest of us wanna try to reach sumday.....

Hopefully, the rest of us will learn from other's mistakes along the way.


.

[TomkinsSP]

Originally Posted by misswired

I'd probably carry an empty revolver, with one bullet in my front shirt pocket....

One more than Andy had...

[Whitwabit]

Some may disagree but there are some people who reach a point that they shouldn't be allowed to carry concealed !! For the safety of themselves and others !!

All guns should always be handled as if they are loaded and should never be pointed at anything you aren't willing to have destroyed !!

That was the very first thing that was ever taught to me when I was taught to shoot !! and it's the same rule I have always taught anyone in the handling of a weapon !!

[shouldazagged]

Originally Posted by Muss Muggins

He was in his 80's . . .

I'm eighty, and I damn sure know better than that.

[TomkinsSP]

Originally Posted by Whitwabit

Some may disagree but there are some people who reach a point that they shouldn't be allowed to carry concealed

The late great George Carlin suggested that instead of a drinking AGE, we have a drinking IQ. Could work for many other things as well...

[misswired]

Originally Posted by TomkinsSP

One more than Andy had...

Andy should've made Barney carry his one bullet in his back shirt pocket...

Front shirt pocket..OOps( my slip was showing)

[L-2]

This is as good a time as any for me to go over the safety rules. I'm doing this just from memory in my words as I think about them.

It only takes violating two of the rules to incur a tragedy/negligent discharge (ND).

Here goes, and these should be in any order.

1. All guns should be considered loaded, and I'll add in the words, "until absolutely/completely verified".

2. Don't point the firearm/muzzle at anything you do not wish to be destroyed/injured/killed.

3. Keep one's finger off the trigger until consciously ready to shoot.

4. Be aware of your intended target and what's around/behind/beyond it (as we don't always hit what we aim at and consider ricochets and shoot-throughs.

There can be more considerations and these can be discussed (somewhere else) with any gray-areas/uncertainties. On the internet, this can result in endless "what-ifs" and may just-as-well be done in a face-to-face classroom setting or discussion along with each individual pre-thinking various scenarios for himself/herself.

[TomkinsSP]

Originally Posted by L-2

1. All guns should be considered loaded...

2. Don't point the firearm/muzzle at anything you do not wish to be destroyed/injured/killed.

3. Keep one's finger off the trigger until consciously ready to shoot.

4. Be aware of your intended target and what's around/behind/beyond it (as we don't always hit what we aim at...

All else is commentary. - Maimonides

[S&WIowegan]

These misadventures don't always make the papers/news shows but are not uncommon. Within the last 5 years we had a negligent discharge at our largest gun show. Older gent was setting up his table apparently decided to verify the gun wasn't loaded by pulling the trigger....BANG! Nobody was hurt but the guy was banned from displaying at the show ever. His story was something along the lines of a relative borrowed the gun and failed to clear it.

If you are friends with retired cops, ask sometime if their locker room had experienced accidentals. They might tell you some scary stuff.

[Kurusu]

Originally Posted by keith44spl

Yup,

That's a mark the rest of us wanna try to reach sumday.....

Hopefully, the rest of us will learn from other's mistakes along the way.


.

I just hope that if I ever reach my 80s, I still keep my witts.

[Old TexMex]

I hope it’s o.k. to take my pistol out before I go in the post office, or the courthouse, or the county lockup? None of those were on the chisled in stone list....Will I get in trouble for telling on myself......oh my. Think I’ll stick with the four guidelines I learned fity some years ago.

[Old TexMex]

Did he mean to shoot her? Not a very good choice. Even if he did....

[Arik]

Originally Posted by Old TexMex

I hope it’s o.k. to take my pistol out before I go in the post office, or the courthouse, or the county lockup? None of those were on the chisled in stone list....Will I get in trouble for telling on myself......oh my. Think I’ll stick with the four guidelines I learned fity some years ago.

I would put those under rule 3.... to put the gun away, since that is what you're doing! There's probably a few more reasons that fit under that rule without having to be specifically stated. Like when I have to go from my office to an out of state store/office. Or when I go to the bathroom. Or .... ? Essentially we're still just "putting the gun away"

As for the topic and what the guy did. I never saw a reason to show my guns to anyone. Not because I'm keeping a secret but I simply don't understand it. I don't show off my new pencil or printer ink, socks, phone charging cord...etc. Yet they're stuff I buy and use! Even my friends have to ask if I bought anything new for me to remember to show them. Just something that's not on my mind of things to do

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I try to keep my carry disciplines as simple as possible.

While carrying leave the dang thing holstered.

Has served me well.

[Rastoff]

Originally Posted by Arik

I would put those under rule 3.... to put the gun away, since that is what you're doing!

I would put that under rule 3 as well. The idea is you're doing something that doesn't alter the mentality of taking the gun out. To follow some law is a good reason. To show off to your friends is not. A large part of this is to instill the mentality of only taking the gun out for very serious reasons not just "because".

[Old TexMex]

All due respect, Cooper covered it. One can sub define and micro analyze, but why bother. The fellow broke 2,3, and 4. (And that’s if one assumes he knew (1) All guns are loaded).
Church is not a good place to familiarize your wife with the handgun.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Originally Posted by Old TexMex

A. All due respect, Cooper covered it. One can sub define and micro analyze, but why bother.

B. Church is not a good place to familiarize your wife with the handgun.

A. An exercise in overthink. The foundation of Net discussion forums.

B. Unfortunately, that wasn't a first. Makes a person sick to read about such a beautiful young lady in Florida being shot in the head because of a couple clowns in the church playing with a gun in a closet. Yeah that's right, playing with a gun in a church closet... unbelievable.

Hannah Kelley: Pastor's daughter accidentally shot in the head in church dies | Daily Mail Online

[Old TexMex]

Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil

A. An exercise in overthink. The foundation of Net discussion forums.

B. Unfortunately, that wasn't a first. Makes a person sick to read about such a beautiful young lady in Florida being shot in the head because of a couple clowns in the church playing with a gun in a closet. Yeah that's right, playing with a gun in a church closet... unbelievable.

Hannah Kelley: Pastor's daughter accidentally shot in the head in church dies | Daily Mail Online

Oh, Lordy mercy, Phil...I coulda gone a long time without reading about that sort of thing...I just got back from Mexico. Not many accidental shootings there.

[Dvan34]

Anyone can make a mistake even an expert can become distracted and have an accident or an accidental misfire. I recall Bill Jordan the famous Border Patrol officer accidentally shot another patrolman around the mid 1950's. Jordan was a legend, fast draw and expert pistol shot, an Ex-Marine Lt. Colonel with WWII and Korean War experience. I was in the Border Patrol at this time. Surprisingly nothing seems to come up with search engines on this accident. It was well known in the Border Patrol due to his reputation. Bill had apparently been demonstrating something to another officer with his unloaded revolver. Afterwards he reloaded it and re-holstered. Then for some reason he drew and fired at a mirror. The shot went through the wall killing one of his best friends. He had forgotten that he had re-loaded after dry firing. He was devastated.
It can happen with any of us. It just takes a second of distraction.

Bill Jordan (Marine - Wikipedia)

We had another accidental shooting during an exhibition at the local gun range in Calexico, CA. in the 1950's. The shooter was, I believe a police officer, demonstrating his expertise by shooting an apple off his daughter's head. He apparently had great success in many previous demonstrations. This particular day it -didn't work out too well for him or his daughter. I've always remembered this bit of stupidity.

[Dvan34]

Frankly, I've never lost my respect (fear) of semi-automatic pistols. I carried the 1911 in the Corps and Korea. In the Border Patrol and Customs Service we carried .38 Colt revolvers, eventually we were issued .357 SWs later. Now they are all carrying semi-autos, uncertain which brand. for CCW I have moved to an SW .40 Ca. Shield. SAs are a different breed of cat. When handling you must always be alert and not disrespect the pistol. You can't take anything for granted.

[TomkinsSP]

Every day I wake up. Shower. Put on my underwear. Other clothing, and a firearm. During the day I show not my underwear or firearm. Seems pretty simple.

Watch "Smokey and the Bandit", when does Burt Reynolds take his hat off...