|
|
04-12-2018, 01:21 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 100
|
|
When walking with someone else, never have one in the chamber. Regardless of how competent or confident a person is, a first accidental discharge can happen in spite of years of training or experience IMO. If for no other reason it’s a good safety model to pass on to others. When hunting alone and anticipating a shot opportunity I will have one in the chamber with the safety on, muzzle pointed in a safe direction
|
04-12-2018, 01:25 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Sylvan Lake
Posts: 3,482
|
|
There are many "accidents" that take place during to loading and unloading of guns. I would bet money it is the most common instance of accidental discharge. It is also common for people to be shot with a presumed unloaded firearm.
The only accidental discharges I have ever witnessed was when slamming shut a break action shotgun.
Where exactly are the barrels pointing when a break action is closed. It can't be up because the shells would fall out and it would be just as unlikely that it be pointed straight down as one would have to be lifting the butt stock into an awkward position to achieve this.
I am not saying people that carry an open shotgun are pointing it at other hunters. I am suggesting that the barrel is slightly below horizontal and hopefully pointed down range. The problem I have is that my dogs are generally down range. Add to this an excited hunter, and this could be dangerous IMO.
Anyway, safety on, gun loaded and barrels up or you can find someone else's dogs to hunt over. Right wrong or indifferent, thems the rules.
People might also want to consider the amount of dust ect., that enters via an opened action and the undo wear to the pins with the action not being locked up when walking.
If I am with another hunter and we are walking together, I unload and take up the rear. I make no attempt to load and fire if buddy misses. I will not walk with another person behind me with a loaded rifle or shotgun.
I deer hunt alone and have one in the chamber with safety on. I hunt in the bush and racking a round is just not an option. I like very close quarters where raising the rifle takes care and extreme quiet. I have had them hear the safety.
|
04-12-2018, 01:56 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Alberta
Posts: 3,648
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by airbornedeerhunter
I absolutely disagree. I always have a round in the chamber and the safety on from the moment I depart my vehicle to the moment I return to it. To each their own but in my opinion doing otherwise has nothing to do with safety and more to do with the user being unsure of themselves and a lack of confidence in their personal weapons handling. I can't imagine sitting while coyote calling and waiting until I have a dog come in on high alert to make the unnecessary movement and noise making that cycling the bolt would create, worse yet if it was a big deer. Chances are you would lose the opportunity.
|
It's all about safety and nothing about confidence.
Quote:
Originally Posted by airbornedeerhunter
Just curious how that goes over with hunting partners? Are they like minded? I think if I went hunting with someone else and they asked me to keep my rifle unloaded while walking or while with them I would decline and then never take them with me again.
|
Are group ensures the company we keep are all like minded.
|
04-12-2018, 02:02 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 663
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by fps plus
Had anybody every slipped , tripped and or fallen while hunting ? If they did I don't imagine they planned on doing it .
If the above story is true it is an example of don't rely on a safety.
|
I fell in a hole while bird hunting. My husband said one minute I was right next to him and then next minute I was gone.
|
04-12-2018, 02:12 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,556
|
|
when I hunt alone one in safety on
|
04-12-2018, 02:16 PM
|
Banned
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Morinville
Posts: 2,608
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sledhead71
It's all about safety and nothing about confidence.
Are group ensures the company we keep are all like minded.
|
If one is unsure about their ability to safely carry a loaded firearm maybe they shouldn't be carrying one.
|
04-12-2018, 02:18 PM
|
Banned
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,338
|
|
Always one loaded and safety on
|
04-12-2018, 02:29 PM
|
Banned
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,665
|
|
I never ever use the safety. Loaded magazine empty chamber and rifle uncocked. If I'm in a blind loaded mag and bolt open. Muzzle is always up. If I don't have time to chamber a round when hunting then imo I don't have time to properly shoot the animal I'm hunting.
|
04-12-2018, 02:56 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,453
|
|
Loaded guns
Quote:
Originally Posted by airbornedeerhunter
If one is unsure about their ability to safely carry a loaded firearm maybe they shouldn't be carrying one.
|
Maybe overconfident gun handlers, vehicle drivers, swimmers ect are what cause accidents and funerals.
|
04-12-2018, 03:07 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 220
|
|
For big game I mostly hunt in a stand .I chamber a round when I get there.safety on .my first fifteen years of hunting was in shotgun only areas of southern ontario.i can't imagine seeing a deer at 50 yds or less ,then racking a shell into the old 870 and having the deer stay still while all that racket is going on.i have seen deer come alert at a safety coming off as well.muzzle control
|
04-12-2018, 04:06 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 991
|
|
I suspect most of the answers here really depend on the type of hunting being done.
To me, it makes little sense to be stalking without a round chambered. The noise of chambering one will undo hours of patient slow movement into position. Similarly, why not have a round chambered if you are sitting in a blind?
If I am not stalking, or have a rifle slung, I am much more likely to have the chamber empty.
As others have pointed out though, muzzle control matters even when you think the chamber is empty. I have seen many instances of hunters, and sport shooters opening the action on their gun, and being surprised when a round dropped out. At least half the time they were previously carelessly pointing it around stating it was unloaded.
|
04-12-2018, 04:11 PM
|
Banned
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Morinville
Posts: 2,608
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by antlercarver
Maybe overconfident gun handlers, vehicle drivers, swimmers ect are what cause accidents and funerals.
|
Well I've spent perhaps thousands of hours walking around in the woods with a hot weapon and I've never shot myself or anyone else. There is no such thing as accidental discharges, they are caused by negligence there should be referred to as negligent discharges. Accidents don't happen. Negligent acts happen.
|
04-12-2018, 04:58 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,546
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesB
I suspect most of the answers here really depend on the type of hunting being done.
To me, it makes little sense to be stalking without a round chambered. The noise of chambering one will undo hours of patient slow movement into position. Similarly, why not have a round chambered if you are sitting in a blind?
If I am not stalking, or have a rifle slung, I am much more likely to have the chamber empty.
As others have pointed out though, muzzle control matters even when you think the chamber is empty. I have seen many instances of hunters, and sport shooters opening the action on their gun, and being surprised when a round dropped out. At least half the time they were previously carelessly pointing it around stating it was unloaded.
|
+1 exactly
|
04-12-2018, 05:11 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Camrose county
Posts: 3,540
|
|
If I'm hunting out of blind I'm loaded. If I'm walking with my double barrel,it's usually cracked with shells in the chamber if with the pumps or autoloader they're not loaded while walking, when walking with rifles they are never loaded,only load when I see the target, sometimes guns go off accidentaly ,seen a single shot Cooey go of for no reason in a boat blew a hole right in the boat ,years ago while hunting with my brothers my pump went while chambering a load, the shot hit road and peppered my brothers legs,there was no harm done.I have a lot of respect for guns it only takes a second to have a life altering accident,my 2 cents happy hunting.
__________________
If people concentrated on the really important things in life,there would be a shortage of fishing poles.Doug larson. Theres a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot. Steven Wright.
|
04-12-2018, 05:33 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,546
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fish along
If I'm hunting out of blind I'm loaded. If I'm walking with my double barrel,it's usually cracked with shells in the chamber if with the pumps or autoloader they're not loaded while walking, when walking with rifles they are never loaded,only load when I see the target, sometimes guns go off accidentaly ,seen a single shot Cooey go of for no reason in a boat blew a hole right in the boat ,years ago while hunting with my brothers my pump went while chambering a load, the shot hit road and peppered my brothers legs,there was no harm done.I have a lot of respect for guns it only takes a second to have a life altering accident,my 2 cents happy hunting.
|
Firearms shouldnt be loaded in a vehicle of any kind, and who knows what kind of equipment failure/finger on trigger/ muzzle in unsafe direction combination was involved in the shotgun load. Either way. People need to know how their firearms function and respect their use.
Neither of those incidents match the practice of having a loaded chamber with maintaining safe handling while hunting on foot.
|
04-12-2018, 05:34 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 580
|
|
I used to hunt with the safety on, until I came across a deer, shouldered my rifle, squeezed and nothing happened because the safety was on. I was never really comfortable walking around with a round in the chamber anyway. I also found it cumbersome to unload everytime I came across sketchy terrain. I like to be consistent so the is less chance for error if I load everytime I intend to shoot.
Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk
|
04-12-2018, 06:04 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,604
|
|
I have never used the safety on any gun. Loaded (ready to fire) or unloaded(will not fire).
|
04-12-2018, 06:13 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2007
Location: WMU 303
Posts: 8,537
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fish along
If I'm hunting out of blind I'm loaded. If I'm walking with my double barrel,it's usually cracked with shells in the chamber if with the pumps or autoloader they're not loaded while walking, when walking with rifles they are never loaded,only load when I see the target, sometimes guns go off accidentaly ,seen a single shot Cooey go of for no reason in a boat blew a hole right in the boat ,years ago while hunting with my brothers my pump went while chambering a load, the shot hit road and peppered my brothers legs,there was no harm done.I have a lot of respect for guns it only takes a second to have a life altering accident,my 2 cents happy hunting.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nyksta
Firearms shouldnt be loaded in a vehicle of any kind, and who knows what kind of equipment failure/finger on trigger/ muzzle in unsafe direction combination was involved in the shotgun load. Either way. People need to know how their firearms function and respect their use.
Neither of those incidents match the practice of having a loaded chamber with maintaining safe handling while hunting on foot.
|
Nyksta.............there is no issue with hunting waterfowl from a boat (with some restrictions).
|
04-12-2018, 06:41 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Camrose
Posts: 46,156
|
|
When hunting big game, I usually have the chamber empty unless still hunting, or making a final stalk, or when on stand. For waterfowl from a blind, the chamber is loaded the safety on, and the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. When upland hunting, the gun is broken over my shoulder, and I only close the action when the dog is on point, and I am about to flush the bird. In all cases, proper muzzle control is the priority.
__________________
Only accurate guns are interesting.
|
04-12-2018, 06:50 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,999
|
|
I hunt mostly heavy timber and things happen fast,loaded with safety on all the time on foot.plus I hunt solo 99 percent of time so trusting myself in numerous ways is a must cause a sharp stick in the eye can ruin your day or life.
|
04-12-2018, 07:30 PM
|
Banned
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 915
|
|
X 2 Elkhunter ! I know for a fact I will never shoot myself or anyone else BECAUSE , There Is NOTHING out there worth getting killed over and if you don't get to shoot on time and you fail to fire What about it? Tomorrow is another day! I keep my chamber empty at all times , I have seen the results of accidental shootings?? never in my company always after the fact RIGHT after !You walk with a loaded gun with me ? You stay in the car! Lord almighty ! what a stupid thing to do!
|
04-12-2018, 07:37 PM
|
Banned
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Morinville
Posts: 2,608
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by parfleche
X 2 Elkhunter ! I know for a fact I will never shoot myself or anyone else BECAUSE , There Is NOTHING out there worth getting killed over and if you don't get to shoot on time and you fail to fire What about it? Tomorrow is another day! I keep my chamber empty at all times , I have seen the results of accidental shootings?? never in my company always after the fact RIGHT after !You walk with a loaded gun with me ? You stay in the car! Lord almighty ! what a stupid thing to do!
|
I would never hunt with someone who has such little faith in their own weapons handling that they are terrified to have one in chamber. Nor would I want a nervous Nellie with me who is quaking with fear because my rifle or shotgun is readied. I feel very fortunate to have a group of hunting buddies that are proficient with their firearms and trustworthy enough that we all can safely move amongst one another without fear of shooting each other in the face.
|
04-12-2018, 07:48 PM
|
Banned
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 915
|
|
I have plenty of faith in myself and anyone I hunt with EXCEPT that at my age and experience I know sheet happens to the best of them ! If everyone was as sure about themselves as some seem to be WHY are we still hearing of gun accidents? There wouldn't even be a point in talking about it would there ? But to each his own , Except when you are with me!
|
04-12-2018, 07:56 PM
|
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 3,701
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by airbornedeerhunter
I would never hunt with someone who has such little faith in their own weapons handling that they are terrified to have one in chamber. Nor would I want a nervous Nellie with me who is quaking with fear because my rifle or shotgun is readied. I feel very fortunate to have a group of hunting buddies that are proficient with their firearms and trustworthy enough that we all can safely move amongst one another without fear of shooting each other in the face.
|
X2
__________________
“One of the sad signs of our times is that we have demonized those who produce, subsidized those who refuse to produce, and canonized those who complain.” - Thomas Sowell
“We seem to be getting closer and closer to a situation where nobody is responsible for what they did but we are all responsible for what somebody else did.”- Thomas Sowell
|
04-12-2018, 08:24 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,392
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by airbornedeerhunter
I would never hunt with someone who has such little faith in their own weapons handling that they are terrified to have one in chamber. Nor would I want a nervous Nellie with me who is quaking with fear because my rifle or shotgun is readied. I feel very fortunate to have a group of hunting buddies that are proficient with their firearms and trustworthy enough that we all can safely move amongst one another without fear of shooting each other in the face.
|
X3
|
04-12-2018, 08:24 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,999
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by airbornedeerhunter
I would never hunt with someone who has such little faith in their own weapons handling that they are terrified to have one in chamber. Nor would I want a nervous Nellie with me who is quaking with fear because my rifle or shotgun is readied. I feel very fortunate to have a group of hunting buddies that are proficient with their firearms and trustworthy enough that we all can safely move amongst one another without fear of shooting each other in the face.
|
I agree 100 percent with you,a guy has to have faith in his handling of his weapon or just stay home and bake cookies.Nervous Nellies are dangerous.
|
04-12-2018, 08:50 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: calgary, ab
Posts: 123
|
|
Round in the chamber, bolt in but not " down". My bolt is a little stiff though so it doesnt slide open on me.
__________________
STAY FOCUSED
|
04-12-2018, 09:22 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,678
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nyksta
Firearms shouldnt be loaded in a vehicle of any kind, and who knows what kind of equipment failure/finger on trigger/ muzzle in unsafe direction combination was involved in the shotgun load. Either way. People need to know how their firearms function and respect their use.
Neither of those incidents match the practice of having a loaded chamber with maintaining safe handling while hunting on foot.
|
I guess you have no beaver hunting experience.
Or ducks or moose on a river.
|
04-12-2018, 09:23 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,678
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JD848
I agree 100 percent with you,a guy has to have faith in his handling of his weapon or just stay home and bake cookies.Nervous Nellies are dangerous.
|
Agree.
|
04-12-2018, 09:24 PM
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,546
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Battle Rat
I guess you have no beaver hunting experience.
Or ducks or moose on a river.
|
If its not in your hands controlling the muzzle in a safe direction, it shouldnt be loaded. If you put it down in the boat, unload the chamber
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 03:13 PM.
|