Nothing wrong with the 3 rules.
In my mind the basic thinking behind keeping your trigger finger away from the trigger until ready to fire is mostly aimed at somebody accidentally pulling the trigger because of a muscle twitch or fall.
No doubt it is good practice for general firearms handling.
If I'm faced with an angry bear, that is coming in fast or very close I would have no problems keeping the gun faced in a safe, or on target direction and pulling the trigger intentionally to release the action. If the situation allows for using the action release even better, I just think a person should know the quickest way if needed and I don't see a safety issue with an intentional trigger pull in this scenario.
It really boils down to finding and sticking to one system.
Qualified as such I agree ....... I was envisioning reaching for the shotgun...from scabbard, slung, sleepin bag, pack etc...which are likely scenarios with bears.....and simply pullin the trigger, rackin' the slide while deploying the gun. This will occur when U are off guard and maybe even resting/asleep...your judgement in when/if the muzzle is clear may not be optimal is entirely likely.
I stand by the racked empty chamber/bolt locked thing tho. The bolt should stay closed/locked when carried in the field....nothing good can come by it getting open.....only bad things from minor to complete inability to load/fire.
Can-Down Not slaggin' ya one bit...or anyone else. I don't intend to offend or rip at my fellow CGNrs....seriously just sharin' what was drilled into me by very respected teachers....and has served well.
My commentary may well be perceived preachy, holier than, not intended to but perception is reality.
Anything taught, learned, experienced, gleaned simply gets taken in..with a grain or more of salt....and added to the ole' hardrive for decision making.
The topic is serious and I have seen the results as I mentioned many times unfortunately. I've carried loaded weapons in the field professionally in the past.... as well as dealt with and will deal with the aftermath of many AD's. A lot of these occured with inexperienced operators who were grossly negligent...... BUT it does happen to experienced operators....and it always violated one or more of the 3....assumption it was unloaded, muzzle covered something vulnerable....and the trigger got pulled without the intent of it going off.
And the bit about freedom.....I recently lost my grandfather. Among the many things he did for me was teach me to shoot, and handle a gun. He fought through WW2.
He never touched a gun after the war...other than to teach his kids and grandkids. He wasn't a gun enthusiast prior to or after the war...he hunted with one as a child and teen simply to eat.....grew up rural on the prairies under hard times. He impressed on us the value of freedom and how hard earned it has been...and will continue to be.
I always associate the freedom to have/use firearms and our general freedoms with him...and now the recent group of combat veterans much younger than myself who I work/associate with....and the reference just jumps out. Always will.
