Draft of Gun Safety Guidelines (repost without HTML tags)

I'll give you an example of why these rules are important: When my youngest son was about 16, we were out shooting clay pigeons. He was using an old 20 ga. double of mine. He turned and picked up a couple shells out of the back of my wagon and loaded. When he snapped the gun shut, 1 barrel fired. Luckily he had it pointed downrange. I took the gun, loaded another shell, closed it and it fired again. Turned out to be a worn sear. I'll leave it to you to imagine the possibilities of this one.

please let me have any comments, or let me know where to find a better version. Thanks!

This is a decent list, but more applicable to children taking their first Hunter's Ed class. I mean, should a CCW or a cop unload their piece everytime they step into a vehicle or building? No.

I feel a gun safety list should be simple, yet all encompassing, and apply ALL the time to ALL gun owners/users. Jeff Cooper uses the Golden Four, thus:

All guns are always loaded Never point the muzzle at anything you aren't willing to destroy Never touch the trigger until the sights are on the target Know your target and what is beyond.

You included these basic elements in your list (Rule 3, 6, 8). This is really the heart of the matter. The other rules can be useful for certain occasions, but not to all gun owners always.

John

************************************** Play the best new shooting game for hunters! The Hunter's Shooting Association http://www.HunterShooter.com

I'll give you another example of the importance of safe gun handling. I once encountered a friend of my Dad's at a gun range. He had another man with him who was shooting a 9mm. He asked me if I wanted to try it and handed it to me with a full clip inserted and the slide locked back. As I released the slide, the gun fired. He said, 'Oh yeah, it does that sometimes.' I've never come so close to shoving a gun up someones ying yang in my life. What if I'd been pointing it somewhere that I shouldn't have.

Before you buy.

Good question. Sounds like you laid out good ones to start on the range or plinking. I would also get a copy of the 'Ten Commandments' of gun safety. Most gun manufacturers used to provide them. Also I would get your children through your states hunter safety course.

Most important set the example and be firm in enforcing the rules while making it fun. Be ready to quit when they are.

I have three older children. One is a dedicated hunter. The second does, but prefers fishing. My daughter has been offered the opportunity but declines, although she loves to plink. Today I have the chance to start over with a 6 and 10 year old and they both seem to be inclining toward hunting.

Be firm, but don't forget to make it fun. Best wishes.