In another thread on the forum, someone mentioned a shocking accident at last weekend’s OGCA show in Clinton Co, Ohio.
I was not there. However, details of the incident are described here:
This Forum Costs Me $$$
This incident has been confirmed in various independent news sources. They are not hard to find, so I’ll refrain from posting them.
We must all be aware that the inherent potential dangers in handling firearms are always present and an accident can occur whenever basic safety precautions are relaxed or overlooked.
Consider the safety fundamentals that could’ve prevented this from happening:
1) Most importantly, when handling a gun, confirm it is unloaded, the chamber is empty, and the “source of ammunition” (magazine) is removed or rendered inoperative (open that cylinder!) if possible. Whether it’s on a table at a show or on the bench at the range, ask if you can confirm the unloaded status before handling.
2) When handing a gun to another person, open the action, confirm it is unloaded and hand it to the other person so they can visually confirm the same.
3) When a firearm is handed to you by another, either ask them to open the action or allow you to do so.
4) Don’t handle firearms whose loaded/unloaded status is not personally verified by you.
5) Be aware of the direction the muzzle is pointed at all times whenever a firearm is being handled, either by yourself or others!
(The more people and/or guns you’re around, the more important this is!)
Unfortunately, these rules only work when people have been trained to follow them. Once ingrained, through training, they become part of your gun handling regimen, and your observance of others when they are handling firearms.
Obviously, both the owner of the firearm at the OCGA show, and the person who discharged the firearm violated a number of the above rules and are both guilty parties of this negligent accident.
The show organizers also bear some of the guilt for relying on inadequate safety precautions and/or inspection practices.
Incidentally, the above rules are/were conditions for acquiring a Firearms Acquisition Certificate in more than one British Commonwealth country. One could be expected to pass a test by regional firearms officer before issuance of said permit. (And, they would try to trick you!).
Having been both a competitor and range officer on some of the most regulated ranges, in some very restrictive countries, I can assure you these rules work.
Clearly, the “zip tied action” practice is no guarantee of anything. It is a false indicator of safety status and led directly to sloppy gun handling.
Unfortunately, this show with either be cancelled permanently and/or new, more onerous rules, none of which will ever obviate potential accidents or be able to act as a substitute for poor firearms safety, will be enacted.
Let’s keep the two victims of this avoidable tragedy at the OCGA show in our thoughts and prayers, and hope a sensible investigation will lead to a more robust attitude towards firearms safety that still allows us to enjoy ourselves.
And, let’s use this accident to remind us to be attentive and vigilant in our own gun handling, and whenever with others in circumstances where guns are present.
I offer the above with my humble respect to all of our forum members.
I was not there. However, details of the incident are described here:
This Forum Costs Me $$$
This incident has been confirmed in various independent news sources. They are not hard to find, so I’ll refrain from posting them.
We must all be aware that the inherent potential dangers in handling firearms are always present and an accident can occur whenever basic safety precautions are relaxed or overlooked.
Consider the safety fundamentals that could’ve prevented this from happening:
1) Most importantly, when handling a gun, confirm it is unloaded, the chamber is empty, and the “source of ammunition” (magazine) is removed or rendered inoperative (open that cylinder!) if possible. Whether it’s on a table at a show or on the bench at the range, ask if you can confirm the unloaded status before handling.
2) When handing a gun to another person, open the action, confirm it is unloaded and hand it to the other person so they can visually confirm the same.
3) When a firearm is handed to you by another, either ask them to open the action or allow you to do so.
4) Don’t handle firearms whose loaded/unloaded status is not personally verified by you.
5) Be aware of the direction the muzzle is pointed at all times whenever a firearm is being handled, either by yourself or others!
(The more people and/or guns you’re around, the more important this is!)
Unfortunately, these rules only work when people have been trained to follow them. Once ingrained, through training, they become part of your gun handling regimen, and your observance of others when they are handling firearms.
Obviously, both the owner of the firearm at the OCGA show, and the person who discharged the firearm violated a number of the above rules and are both guilty parties of this negligent accident.
The show organizers also bear some of the guilt for relying on inadequate safety precautions and/or inspection practices.
Incidentally, the above rules are/were conditions for acquiring a Firearms Acquisition Certificate in more than one British Commonwealth country. One could be expected to pass a test by regional firearms officer before issuance of said permit. (And, they would try to trick you!).
Having been both a competitor and range officer on some of the most regulated ranges, in some very restrictive countries, I can assure you these rules work.
Clearly, the “zip tied action” practice is no guarantee of anything. It is a false indicator of safety status and led directly to sloppy gun handling.
Unfortunately, this show with either be cancelled permanently and/or new, more onerous rules, none of which will ever obviate potential accidents or be able to act as a substitute for poor firearms safety, will be enacted.
Let’s keep the two victims of this avoidable tragedy at the OCGA show in our thoughts and prayers, and hope a sensible investigation will lead to a more robust attitude towards firearms safety that still allows us to enjoy ourselves.
And, let’s use this accident to remind us to be attentive and vigilant in our own gun handling, and whenever with others in circumstances where guns are present.
I offer the above with my humble respect to all of our forum members.
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