Thread: A word to the wise re safety!

Originally Posted by Bagheera

Thanks Finnwolf.

You need to know your own rifle.
Half open bolt is for SMLE.
For Sako I use the safety:
Close bolt in safe direction.
Apply safety (pull back)
Check bolt is locked closed.
Point rifle in safe direction and pull the trigger real hard.
This is a “previously tested safety catch”
Carry with safety on till I get back onto a track or fire it.
Recheck after crawling through thick scrub as Ive had it flick off twice and the gun was live.

Pretty much my approach when hunting by myself. Unload if I have an obstacle to negotiate (steep bank etc). I generally run an empty chamber when hunting with others unless there is a reason to be "on point".

I have had my tikka modded with the half cock safety lock which I think is the best of the options. the bolt is locked in half cock when safety is on and the chances of the safety letting go and simultaneously closing the bolt and pulling the trigger all by itself must be tiny .
And our levers are the marlins with half cock hammer and cross bar safety , which we use both at the same time - cant get much safer than that short of nothing in chamber .