goldpelican
Member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2015
- Messages
- 259
Obviously this particular instance was ultimately a case of muzzle and trigger discipline no matter what the distraction was, however it sounds like the guy was otherwise an experienced owner that taught his kids how to handle firearms at appropriate age, just like many of us on here have, do or will. A freak occurrence, but fodder for the anti-gun media judging by today's coverage.
Honestly I would think that a range visitor is more likely to be shot by a stranger's poor range discipline than this incident being repeated, but if the simple act of switching from a t-shirt to a long sleeved short, or adding a brimmed hat to reduce the chance of unexpected hot brass from either your own gun or another shooting lane mitigates the risk... it's worth considering.
So summing up recommendations:
Finally Ryanxia's quote:
Perhaps a little mantra before every day of shooting to remind ourselves of muzzle discipline. I used to do a lot of SCUBA diving - at the beginning of every dive there was a mental mantra my buddy and I would go over in the event of an underwater emergency (panic is a big killer) - "STOP, breath, think, act". It could be applied to the range as well. Surprise should be the cue to stop and think, not to flail around with a gun in our hand.
Honestly I would think that a range visitor is more likely to be shot by a stranger's poor range discipline than this incident being repeated, but if the simple act of switching from a t-shirt to a long sleeved short, or adding a brimmed hat to reduce the chance of unexpected hot brass from either your own gun or another shooting lane mitigates the risk... it's worth considering.
So summing up recommendations:
- wide brimmed hat (like a boonie hat)
- t-shirt with tight fitting neck, or buttoned collared shirt
- long sleeves
- covered footwear
Finally Ryanxia's quote:
We need to not lose that muzzle discipline when we're surprised while shooting
Perhaps a little mantra before every day of shooting to remind ourselves of muzzle discipline. I used to do a lot of SCUBA diving - at the beginning of every dive there was a mental mantra my buddy and I would go over in the event of an underwater emergency (panic is a big killer) - "STOP, breath, think, act". It could be applied to the range as well. Surprise should be the cue to stop and think, not to flail around with a gun in our hand.