Most people do not handle firearms safely!

[killchain]

My impression of the army (second hand, but based on real stuff) is that they are terrific about trigger finger control but sloppy about where the rifle is pointed. I have a fairly recent picture of an airborne infantry platoon in Afghanistan taking a break. Muzzles (including the LT's) pointed everywhere, but no fingers inside the trigger guards. Anybody with first-hand info willing to confirm or deny?

It depends on the particular unit.

But in a situation like that, since everyone is practicing the right trigger discipline, it's almost a non-issue.

In all my time in the Army, I never witnessed a negligent discharge that wasn't in a clearing barrel. Heard a few horror stories, but they very well could have been those "tell the troops to scare safety into them" stuff.

Like the LT who supposedly didn't clear his sidearm, his RTO reminded him of it, and good old LT says, "Yeah I did see?" and promptly commits accidental suicide.

 

[TomTerrific]

I had a similar experience as the OP at the indoor range I frequent a couple of weeks ago. Two women in the next stall were handling their pistols carelessly. When one of them was twirling it on her finger, I reminded her that the weapon should be pointed down range at all times instead of at me. Her reply was "It's not loaded." I said something to the range crew but didn't get much of a response.

My recollection of the Army is that we were pretty well disciplined. I was in Pershing Rifles in college and the only time I was around loaded rifles was at summer camp in 1960 when the rifles were M1s and the ranges were KD. You always kept that piece pointed down range or got an earful.

As an officer we functioned as safety officers at the range. Same deal only we did the chewing.

YMMV,

Tommy

 

[KodiakBeer]

The four rules.

1. While keeping your finger off the trigger, keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.

2. While keeping your finger off the trigger, assume the gun is always loaded.

3. While keeping your finger off the trigger, be sure of your target and what's beyond it.

4. While keeping your finger off the trigger, keep your stupid finger off the trigger.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

If most people did not handle guns safely, then we'd be having a lot more deaths and injuries than we do. By and large, MOST treat and handle guns very safely, with only a small number of accidents occurring in ratio to the number of guns in hand.

 

[Gouranga]

I started my girls on gun safety rules with Nerf guns. it is funny to see them actually get on other kids about not putting their finger on the trigger until they have it pointed at the intended target.

Though when i stepped my oldest up to my pellet gun (replica of a 1911 45), I handed her the gun. She picked it up finger outside the trigger guard, it is cool to see the habit instilled so young. I was NOT trained that way and nearly had an AD because of it (with gun pointed downrange) at the time because of it. The good part is, i have never broken 2 rules at the same time during my learning experience.

Beyond the 4 standard rules, I would also add,
"do NOT get complacent." - I see too many experienced gunner break this one for a second with bad consequences.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

If most people did not handle guns safely, then we'd be having a lot more deaths and injuries than we do. By and large, MOST treat and handle guns very safely, with only a small number of accidents occurring in ratio to the number of guns in hand.

I disagree. I see folks regularly violating various safety rules. The reason why more folks aren't injured or killed unintentially isn't because of safe handling, but because for unintentional injury or death to occur, multiple rules must be broken. For example, just having your finger on the trigger when you aren't ready to fire is a safety violation. Sweeping a person with the muzzle is a safety violation, but no injury or death will occur unless the gun discharges while the muzzle is pointed at someone.

Additionally, lots of violations occur without injury or death because other than the gun handler, there is nobody else around to be harmed.

 

[MinnMooney]

Why the heck would someone argue with you "but it's not loaded" while pointing a gun at you instead of just taking their finger off the trigger?!?!

from the O.P.

That the exact reason why I've been taught to say this in a situation where a child or novice hesitates to give you the gun they just found :
"Quick! Shoot the bed(couch/tree/desk)!" That is one of the few ways to make sure that they will not shoot you thinking that it's a "pretend gun".

 

[joeq]

Really? Everyone I'm around knows how to safely handle a firearm. Some of these people aren't regular shooters and they still know how to handle firearms. Your statement is far too broad and frankly you should know who your handing a firearm too. Your making most gun owners sound like morons.

 

[Skinny 1950]

A.............Assume every firearm is loaded.
C.............Control the muzzle direction at all times.
T.........Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard.
S.............See that the firearm is unloaded....PROVE it safe.

P..............Point the firearm in the safest available direction.
R..............Remove all ammunition.
O..............Observe the chamber.
V..............Verify the feed path.
E...............Examine the bore for obstructions.

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