Safety stigma? Now there's an oxymoron for you.
Actually ... incoming philosophy major's thoughts.
There is such a thing. The idea is, of course the four safety rules are in effect to protect everyone around a gun owner/handler from an accidental discharge. So, that being said, the only "safe gun" is a gun that's non-existant, which is well ... counter to the main purpose of this board. Now for a less ethereal example though.
Now, let's assume for a moment, that the same rules apply to cars. One of these rules would be.
NEVER CROSS A SOLID WHITE LINE ON THE ROAD.
Crossing white lines that are solid is not only potentially unsafe, but also illegal. Now, let's further assume, you have a driving instructor, or some other mandatory corrector sitting next to you, such as your spouse, brother, what-have-you ...
So, every last time you cross a solid white line on the road, whether this be to pull in to Jack in the Box, whether this be to pull into a driveway, swerving to avoid a dog/person or any other such situation, you get a long lecture, or pulled aside by this person in your A-Driver's seat and corrected on your behavior.
How would you feel about developing good emergency or even normal driving skills?
Take for example a range that doesn't allow you to shoot from draw. Or a range where you can only shoot one round every three minutes. Or an air force range, where you get threatened with a pistol and told to notify a RO before doing the SPORTS procedure.
Would you say that any of these ranges are conducive to learning how to shoot?
Maybe a for a hunter. But the second amendment isn't written for hunters.
My point here is that there is no "absolute" rules, much like the proverbial "absolute truth."
Handling a gun is an inherently unsafe practice. Much like crossing a road. There are steps in place to avoid the worst kind of accidents. But that doesn't include a personal road guard wearing more than a car proof vest wherever you go, for very obvious reasons.
So yes. there is such a thing as being too safe.
I'm not saying we ought to break the rules because they're inconvenient. I'm not saying the rules are useless.
What I am saying is that the rules are being treated more like a religion than safe gunhandling practices at times.
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That being said I like the "property, not people" line for gun safety.
Sounds less intimidating and douchy and does the exact same thing.
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