Thread: Loaded Rifle

Originally Posted by timattalon

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.

I recall you have told that story before, and it struck home with me too so now I always unload completely when crossing tricky bits e.g. crossing streams, steep faces, climbing over logs etc, and I have taught the two young guys I take hunting to do the same.