I'll try another gun safety thread... without rancor

[Phillip Allen]

from the thread started by salty about a 3 yo who shot and killed himself:
I have tried to save the last part of that thread but may not have done a good job... we'll see

try and have a gun safety discussion on THIS forum!

We could try Phillip. I own long guns, and would own a handgun if it wasn't such a hassle.

Rule 1 - Do not leave a gun, especially a loaded gun within reach of a child.

there's a lot more than that...

I agree Phillip !
That's just a start and related to this thread.
I don't carry a loaded gun. I hunt with a single shot 16 guage break action. Gun open and unloaded, shells in my pocket. Very low risk. I discovered the danger of walking with a loaded (not cocked) .22 when I was a kid, climbing over a fence. I still have the scar on my right thumb.

Where i grew up (Ohio) there were (are?) laws regarding transporting firearms in motor vehicles. IIRC:

1. The weapon must unloaded.

2. The weapon must be cased.

3. The weapon must be broken down insofar is practical. For instance, bolt-action rifles or shotguns must have the bolt removed (and stowed separately, if possible).

That would be a good start.

Fireams Safety Rules as were beat into my thick noggin when I were a wee lad:

0. Never load a weapon unless you intend to use it in the very near future. The weapon must be unloaded, cleared and decocked before putting it away. Ammunition to be stored separately from the weapon.

1. All weapons are to be treated at all times as if they are hot: loaded, cocked and safety off.

2. Never point a weapon at anything into which you are unwilling to fire a bullet. Never, ever, fire a round at anything unless you know absolutely the ultimate disposition of the bullet (e.g., never, for instnace, fire at something on a ridge or otherwise silhoutted against the sky: if you miss, you may inadvertantly kill Great-Aunt Agatha a mile away.)

3. The very first thing one must do on picking up or being handed a weapon is to clear it and lock open the action. Even if the person handing it to you just did that. If you don't know how to do so safely or are otherwise unwilling/unable to do so, don't pick up or accept the weapon.

4. See Rule #0, above.

Maybe me da were a harda$$...but I don't think so.

This is really sad.
I hope your courts will temper justice with mercy and suspend any jail sentence.

The parents HAVE to go to trial as a community deterrent re irresponsibility. and be sentenced.
The sentence should be suspended and the pair be banned for life from carrying or owning a gun. (IMHO)