Thread: Sako 75 halfcock

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

The problem (apart from safety concerns) with a hunter proceeding 'loaded safety on' is that unless about to fire the hunter is breaking rule 3 of the firearms code. Modern cars are safer than old cars but that doesn't mean we are allowed to disregard the road code. There was a recall on Remington 700's over some safety issue 3 or 4 years ago from memory so who knows if other modern rifles will develop problems over time with wear and tear.

I would argue the hunter in front with the loaded rifle when actively hunting would expect to be ready to shoot as they would be hunting. 1/2 bolt means the gun is still loaded.

Originally Posted by mikee

I would argue the hunter in front with the loaded rifle when actively hunting would expect to be ready to shoot as they would be hunting. 1/2 bolt means the gun is still loaded.

This thread has caused me to do a bit of reading up on different actions. Some rifle actions are safe to carry with a round chambered and de-cock safety applied - such as Blaser. Others are not. Some actions are safe carried with the bolt in the half open position - such as M98 while others are not.
I cannot remember ever having an animal suddenly present itself where the 'hunter in front' was too slow to chamber a round and shoot but would have secured the animal had there been a round in the chamber and the safety applied. I guess that this has happened to me at some stage but I think that it is so seldom that we should not take the risks of accidental discharge or of not identifying the target properly because of an up and bang mindset. Having to quietly load the chamber once game is near adds just a little more time for a lot more safety IMO

Originally Posted by Moa Hunter

This thread has caused me to do a bit of reading up on different actions. Some rifle actions are safe to carry with a round chambered and de-cock safety applied - such as Blaser. Others are not. Some actions are safe carried with the bolt in the half open position - such as M98 while others are not.
I cannot remember ever having an animal suddenly present itself where the 'hunter in front' was too slow to chamber a round and shoot but would have secured the animal had there been a round in the chamber and the safety applied. I guess that this has happened to me at some stage but I think that it is so seldom that we should not take the risks of accidental discharge or of not identifying the target properly because of an up and bang mindset. Having to quietly load the chamber once game is near adds just a little more time for a lot more safety IMO

Heaps of the animals I've shot in tight bush would have gone walking if I'd had to spend the time chambering a round. Especially sika. Safety is a flick of the thumb as you shoulder the rifle.

My tikka has the half bolt mod, I dont use it though.

If hunting in a pair, second hunter has an empty chamber, if navigating a patch of difficult terrain I empty the chamber. It's all a balance.