Thread: Downwards or Safest Direction

Slightly off topic. I cant remember much of my course when I done it 20 years ago but I don't recall it ever teaching me real life handling of a firearm, this is something I had to pick up along the way and dint have the family members to show me the ins and outs of a real firearm.
I only bring this up because a friend (in his 40's) came around last night to look at one of my guns as he had just past his test on the Monday (his kids have been hounding him to get his FAL so they can go hunting), what concerned me was how unfamiliar he was with a firearm (and some very unsafe moments). I know everybody has to start somewhere, but I don't see the point in passing your FAL when you have no idea how to operate a firearm? All the theory in the world isn't going to stop you blowing your hand off or worse the people around you. How is he meant to teach his kids safe handling when he hasn't been shown himself?
You cant get your drivers licence if you cant drive (some people do apparently).

Originally Posted by screamO

Slightly off topic. I cant remember much of my course when I done it 20 years ago but I don't recall it ever teaching me real life handling of a firearm, this is something I had to pick up along the way and dint have the family members to show me the ins and outs of a real firearm.
I only bring this up because a friend (in his 40's) came around last night to look at one of my guns as he had just past his test on the Monday (his kids have been hounding him to get his FAL so they can go hunting), what concerned me was how unfamiliar he was with a firearm (and some very unsafe moments). I know everybody has to start somewhere, but I don't see the point in passing your FAL when you have no idea how to operate a firearm? All the theory in the world isn't going to stop you blowing your hand off or worse the people around you. How is he meant to teach his kids safe handling when he hasn't been shown himself?
You cant get your drivers licence if you cant drive (some people do apparently).

One has to start somewhere. To own a firearm one has to have a FAL.
If one is lucky one will have friends and family to learn from/with or one might join a club.
It sounds like your friend has you to learn from.

Originally Posted by Cyclops

One has to start somewhere. To own a firearm one has to have a FAL.
If one is lucky one will have friends and family to learn from/with or one might join a club.
It sounds like your friend has you to learn from.

I agree, and I'm happy to shear my limited knowledge. I just believe some of this should be covered when you obtain your FAL. It's all very well being told to point the gun in a safe direction, only load when ready to fire, etc. It's more the how to eject the live round if not fired, how to remove the bolt, etc. I know it sounds simple but have seen it, shit I struggle every time with my semi shot gun because I only use it once every couple of years and if I was to play with an AR I would want some one to show me the ins and outs first.
I'm sure most people would ask for help but I bet a lot don't.