Ten Very Important Questions

Ten Very Important Questions by Lyndon Combs
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I have been listening to gun shop conversation since I was a little boy. I have been around a good many hunters, shooters, and Police officers. I know of ten questions that I have heard more than any other. Each one is a very good question. They should be asked and they should be answered. So, I am doing so right now for those that have these questions in their head, and haven’t been able to ask other gun enthusiasts. I hope to help with this article not profess my expertise.

1.Should I get involved in the political side of guns?

Yes. If every gun owner stood up and made their voice heard by at least joining the NRA, we would never have to worry about anyone bothering our guns. Don’t bury your head in the sand. Keep up with the political abuse that liberal gun haters spit, and answer with reason. Act don’t react.

2. Is the gun loaded?

I have heard this many times as people pass a gun back and forth at bull sessions. First when getting ready to hand a gun to someone check it. Open the action and see before handing it to them. Second always treat any gun as if it is loaded no matter what. Even if you just unloaded. If someone hands you a gun remember every gun as if it were loaded. Check it when you first put hands on it. This is a good question to ask. I can’t stress it enough every gun as if it were loaded. Keep the muzzle pointing in a safe direction even after checking to see if it is loaded.

3. How young is too young?

Start from the time they can talk, teaching them the right and wrongs of gun safety. The NRA has information to help with teaching children about guns, and gun safety. Remember to keep guns out of reach of children. Never let your guard down.

4. Can you ever have too much velocity?

Yes. If you push the bullet beyond its construction it will fail. Match the bullet to the velocity. Velocity will do you little good if the bullet doesn’t hold up to the impact. A good example, I was testing loads for my Winchester Trapper one bullet splattered like an egg and only penetrated a quarter of an inch. It would have done very little to anything it hit.

5. What experts should I listen to?

Me, and only me! I am the all-knowing gun nut! I go by the rule of thumb that if the person knows what he is talking about. His advice will hold up to the test of time, he will have the ability to communicate his thoughts in a reasonable way, and his advice will work in the field. Other than that trial and error, start with little things. See if what they say holds up in the field. Use caution with anything that could be dangerous. No matter how much you like the writer, and his style of writing. I am joking of course about only listening to me. For those that want to argue.

6. How much practice do you really need?

You can never practice too much in my book. Not just on the range but in the field walking, stalking, and locking and loading. Test the gear you are going to be using. Try your rifle in every imaginable position, and angle. Try new cover scents. Everything.

7. To shoot, or not to shoot?

On this subject I feel that if you know your rules of safety, and have practiced enough you will be able to answer this question, and if you have real doubt better to not take the shot. Because your mind might be trying to tell you something you are too excited to see clearly.

8. How to hit a running animal with a rifle?

Butt stock first. No. This is a tough question and a tough thing to do. The most important thing to do is don’t stop the swing. When moving with the animal, lead him with the barrel, and shoot moving with the animal. Don’t stop then shoot. Follow through with the movements. The hunting rifle by Jack O’ Connor has some very good advice on this subject.

9. What caliber is best for the job?

This is simple it boils down to two factors. Enough power to do the job, and as much rifle as you can shoot. You don’t want to hunt Deer with a .22LR, or shoot a .416 magnum if you flinch so bad you couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.

10. Where’s a good place to hunt?

This is becoming way to common. Land development has taken a great deal of the spots that used to be good for shooting, hunting, and other outdoors activity. Seems blacktop is always just a few moments away from taking another good spot. Fences being put up by people who believe Bambi will come and give them wisdom on the woods. This one I can’t answer. You have to get out and look in your area. Talk with landowners. Help them out if they need a hand, work with them, and many will work with you. Always be respectful of their wishes. Take out what you take in, and don’t just use them for their land. Make a friend.

This is only the top ten questions, I have heard many more, as I am sure many out there have. I am not an expert. I am not the only person with good advice. I am a shooter and hunter that wishes to help inexperienced newbies to be safe make good choices, and urge them to contribute to the community. New blood, and helping others is the way to keep this Freedom alive and well. Visiting your local gun shop and making it a place that others feel welcome is very good for business as well. We all need to work together and never let the liberal gun haters divide us. Join the NRA they are our national face. They are the ones working in Washington to secure our Freedom.

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