Terrain Navigator
CD ROM topographic map coverage for ALL of Alaska

Click for more information

Complete Catalogs

Alaska Hunting Books
Alaska Fishing Books
Alaska Travel Books

Plan Your
Alaska Trip
with The Milepost

Click here for more information or to
order your copy

[ Return to Contents | Post a Reply | Post a new message ]

Bill,

You mentioned closing the bolt on a round, but making sure the firing pin is not cocked.  The only way I know to do this is to close the bolt on the chambered round with my finger on the trigger.  Naturally you close the bolt slowly to prevent the rifle from firing.  

Here's the question: When you do this, isn't it still possible for the firing pin to surge forward and dent the primer if you fall or if the rifle is jarred suddenly?

A former hunting partner of mine used to recommend this procedure and I did it for one season with him.  But one time we were packing meat and as we "loaded up" for the pack back, my rifle went off.  Of course, I ALWAYS keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, so there was no harm done physically, but after that happened, I ejected the empty, looked him straight in the eye and said, "That is the last time I will ever do that."  That was 19 years ago and I have never done it since.

What's your take?

-Mike

Message Thread:

• Loaded or empty chamber while hunting? Thebear_78 Jan 12 2006
  • Magazine Full, Chamber Empty Mark Jan 17 2006
  • It really does depend on the situation Buck Nelson Jan 15 2006
  • loaded or not Magnum Man Jan 14 2006
    • SUPRISE Akres Jan 14 2006
      • Odd Man Out Terry Sacora Jan 15 2006
        • BIG difference Michael Strahan Jan 15 2006
  • gun safety twodux Jan 14 2006
  • This topic should not create so much animosity AlaskaCub Jan 13 2006
  • really holly Jan 13 2006
    • you can't compare holly! bushrat Jan 13 2006
      • safety first and always holly Jan 15 2006
  • chambers Bill S. Jan 13 2006
    • Question on firing pins- Michael Strahan Jan 14 2006
      • w/ you, mike jklingel Jan 14 2006
  • Why even ask? Jim in Delta Jan 13 2006
  • MT Akres Jan 13 2006
    • wow, thats a tough pill to swallow fullkurl Jan 13 2006
    • empty chignik Jan 13 2006
  • Depends on what you want to kill! jklingel Jan 13 2006
    • small correction jklingel Jan 13 2006
  • Depends on the situation Michael Strahan Jan 13 2006
    • Agreed AkHunter45 Jan 13 2006
    • Loaded abnAK Jan 13 2006
    • well put Mike. fullkurl Jan 13 2006
  • loaded Mr. Pid Jan 13 2006
  • Empty GunsmithRob Jan 13 2006
    • Always KYHunter Jan 13 2006
    • empty BRWNBR Jan 13 2006