BP Pistol Safety Ques.

[Branko_D]

To my thinking the guy with the pistol focused on the wrong thing first off. His first reply SHOULD have been that the cylinder wasn't capped at all. Within the rules of all the black powder organizations I've seen the definition of "loaded" for muzzle loaders is the presence of a cap or flint in the firing position.

That's more or less the rule in competition here, once it's capped it's considered loaded.

 

[MAKster]

While the gun won't fire without the caps there is no way to see that there are no caps without being a foot away. Every organized range that I've been to required during cease fires that all mags were removed and actions were open so the range officer and other shooters could tell from a distance that the gun could not fire.

 

[rodwha]

If loaded without caps I've had to remove the cylinder depending on the range officer. Some have postponed the cease-fire to allow me to discharge. Some were not too concerned without caps.

But then these guys, not being familiar, had spent a good deal of time talking to me and learning, not so much about safety and operation, but curiousity. Turned out in my favor later as I didn't know I had been talking with an owner who bent some rules for me (shooting my .50 cal rifle with light loads on the pistol range, and bringing wet newspaper to check for penetration of my pistol loads at a private booth). Unfortunately we moved from there before I could take advantage.

 

[MIOkie]

"I don't think a shooter should be offended if questioned by another about the status of a pistol on the line before people go down range. Just be aware of local rules."

I agree.

Safety is always the number one concern. Add a little common courtesy and you have the makings of a good day at the range.

 

[LonesomePigeon]

This: "To my thinking the guy with the pistol focused on the wrong thing first off. His first reply SHOULD have been that the cylinder wasn't capped at all. Within the rules of all the black powder organizations I've seen the definition of "loaded" for muzzle loaders is the presence of a cap or flint in the firing position. The hammer position isn't ever mentioned. So that's why I'm thinking that the fellow didn't give the very best answer in the first instance."

And this: "I don't think a shooter should be offended if questioned by another about the status of a pistol on the line before people go down range. Just be aware of local rules."

I would not consider a capped revolver at half cock safe during a cease fire. In my opinion, since you didn't know it was not capped, it was reasonable to question the man. Just my opinion.

 

[schpier]

I only go to my local range alone or with people whose behaviours I know and understand. I know that doesn't address the question but I feel safer knowing who is who.

 

[yugorpk]

How about just pulling the cylinder if thats the case.

 

[Branko_D]

Pulling out the cylinder isn't so easy with the Colt and other reproductions. Not every BP revolver is a Remington NMA replica.

 

[whughett]

So.............it all comes down to a little common sense.

 

[BCRider]

Yep. And coated with a bit of respectful courtesy.

The owner may well have been new to cap&ball too. If so he was likely a bit nervous to start with having to learn all the new procedures and how to perform the loading operations without breaking the range's rules. Even if the question WAS posed to him in a respectful manner his nervous reaction on top of all the rest might be the reason for the sort of answer he gave.

We weren't there so we just don't know.

 

[swathdiver]

Yeah, pulling a cylinder to satisfy a namby pamby RSO is ridiculous.

When the range is cold everyone steps out of the shooting bays until it is hot again. It's not going to make any difference in the world whether or not your gun is loaded or unloaded. If someone steps into a bay on a cold range, they go home. Checking for loaded and unloaded guns is a waste of time.