Thread: Loaded Rifle

Originally Posted by 40mm

I read that if you are in the car then there are exceptions to some of those new rules.
Cant remember exactly which rule etc, but it basically meant that nothing had changed...
Correct me if I am mistaken guys.

That was my understanding. The changes around locks etc were when leaving the car. If you were still in the car, rifle was said to be in your possession. Not allowed live rounds in the rifle so still could have been an awkward chat if an officer had appeared and wanted a chat....

I had a very close call that years later I still shake at. I was carrying a bolt action with the bolt open and my foot slipped as I clambered over a pile of fallen branches. The rifle went down between the branches stock first pointing up at me. I quickly moved away from the pointy end and lifted it clear. What I did not see was the bolt handle had caught a branch as it went down and as I pulled it clear I saw it was now closed. When I opened it, I saw it it had loaded as well. So very easily the trigger only had to catch a twig on the way out and it would have discharged. I still consider myself very lucky. I should have closed the bolt on the empty chamber or removed the magazine before clambering across the branches , or found another route. To this day, that is what I do. I learnt my lesson and thank god it was not the hard way.