Break-barrels

[djmay71]

Question for all you tree-hugging CGNers (airguns....get it? Oh nvm)

Anyways, when plinking in your backyard (if you can, of course, legally) do you find yourself breaking the barrel, and keeping the barrel pointed in a safe direction?

I ask, because I was showing my cousin how to use an airgun, and I was speaking out loudly, ACTS and PROVE, everytime we loaded the gun.
Near the end, my cousin must've been catching on, because when I break the barrel, I leave it hanging there, pointing at the ground.
He promptly asked, "Is that leaving it pointing in a safe direction?"
I thought about it, and I said, "You're right."

So I ask- when you are breaking the barrel on your fave airgun, are you respecting the C in ACTS, and controlling the direction of the muzzle?

 

[.22LRGUY]

Yes, I am. Even more importantly, the direction the rifle is facing as you begin/complete the barrel closing. Important to keep your fingers away from the trigger once cocked too. The gun can be damaged at the very least, injury can be a result too.

 

[mkrainc]

Yes, to the OP's question.

When introducing a new shooter to the sport, an air rifle is what I start them out on. That way I can safely observe them as they handle the tools of the trade, nip bad habits in the bud right away.

If they show the proper respect for the lesser, then they get to move up.

 

[IanC]

I break the barel with my right hand,and keep a good hold on it and load with my left hand. Some spring guns will even break a little so it can be loaded before compressing the spring. All things mechanical can or will fail. I saw a picture a few years ago of a fellow that loaded his rifle with the barrel hanging. It failed and came swinging back up with his finger in the breach which made for a serious injury and a lasting memory for me. So NO cocking it then letting go of the barrel is not contoling the muzzle to me.

Actually with all the differences with airguns its probably "safer" to start out on a rimfire.
I don't think an airifle a lesser, to me a high power springer is advanced in function versus a rimfire
IanC

 

[IanC]

Oops i double posted but to follow up. I had not considered being shot by the newbie.
I have had taken many first time shooters to the range and have never had a gun or airgun pointed at me, even with kids. I Must be a lucky guy i guess...
Training and an understanding of what a firearm or airgun can do to its target is key.
Good on ya djmay71 for the acts and proves, Great avatar!

IanC

 

[mkrainc]

Actually with all the differences with airguns its probably "safer" to start out on a rimfire.
I don't think an airifle a lesser, to me a high power springer is advanced in function versus a rimfire
IanC

I agree with you in the function department, but in the case of an accidental discharge in the wrong direction, what does the least damage?

That is what I meant by "lesser." I just feel more comfortable when a newbie is handling a pellet gun. I'ld rather be shot with a pellet than with a rimfire. (not that I'ld want to be shot by either )

 

[Rick O'Shey]

At the velocities of the high power air rifles, I wouldn't want either. My Ruger will blast through 3/8" plywood at 40yds.
I feel that even though the barrel is broken and pointed at the ground, that the rifle part should also be pointed safely. Its part and parcel. They are still fun to shoot and very accurate.

 

[jjohnwm]

I started my granddaughter, when she was around 9, with a break-barrel airgun which I had to #### for her. I was merciless when it came to drilling the serious nature of shooting safety into her mind. She quickly learned the term "infraction" and knew that it signalled the end of shooting for that day, and she was meticulously careful to avoid breaking any rules. Now, a few years later, she has moved up to .22's and .410's, and she is a safety Nazi.

A friend came over to sight in one of his guns, and she caught him in a momentary indiscretion with the direction of his muzzle...not completely downrange, and only for a second. She yelled "infraction!" and pointed her stubby little finger accusingly. I had no choice...I had to call off the shooting session. Hard feelings resulted (from my buddy), but were quickly forgotten.

I'd much rather that she errs on the side of caution, than grows up as an unsafe shooter.

John