Proper use of a firearm?

[Michael Fisher]

I used my gun for the first time last night.

My wife and I were talking down the street last night at about 10:30pm when loud noises started coming from the bushes and trees on the left of us.? We were just exiting a residential area and entering a wooded area.

I pulled out my flashlight and shined it at the bushes.? The noises became louder and we could hear large twigs breaking.? We were probably about 10 or 15 feet away from it - whatever it was.

As the noises became louder, I pulled out my Glock, with a bullet always in the chamber, pointed it into the woods, and held my flashlight arm against the back of my arm holding the gun.

My wife said we should start running but I said no way, we should walk away slowly.? We slowly walked away from it while keeping the gun and flashlight on that area but it did not come out so I could see what it was.? Eventually we were about 50 feet away and I holstered my gun, but kept the flashlight pointed at it and walked backwards just incase something came out of the trees.

Whatever it was, it was big, and the loud noise frightened us.? We got away from it without any problems.? The rest of our walk was uneventful in comparison.

Do you think this was a proper use of my gun?? Someone told me I should have drawn my gun but pointed it at the ground instead of at the trees, just incase it was an unarmed person making the noises.? Maybe they're right.? What do you think?

[Pat K]

All guns are loaded
Never point the muzzle at something you are not willing to destroy
Keep your finger off the trigger to your sights are on the target
Know what is behind the thing you are shooting at.

Seems like you might have violated rule 2.

[Michael Fisher]

Bah.  You're right.  Good thing I didn't hurt anyone.   

[KBCraig]

What Pat said.

Consider it a learning experience. I'd have unholstered at the same point you did, but stayed at "low ready" (pointing down at roughly 45 degrees). From there, it's very easy to come onto target if need be.

"Startle reflex" has accounted for quite a few unintended discharges, especially in police departments that issue Glocks. Whether it's just a hole in the wall, or --worse-- someone innocent stumbling blindly into a tense situation, an unintended shot being fire is guaranteed to ruin everyone's day.

Kevin

[Michael Fisher]

"Startle reflex" has accounted for quite a few unintended discharges, especially in police departments that issue Glocks. Whether it's just a hole in the wall, or --worse-- someone innocent stumbling blindly into a tense situation, an unintended shot being fire is guaranteed to ruin everyone's day.

That's why Tony Lekas taught us to keep our finger off the trigger until we've made the decision to fire. 

[mvpel]

My in-laws' neighbors' dog got mauled by a bear about two weeks ago, so I'd probably have had the same reaction in that situation.  Think it might have been a deer or a moose, or do you think it was a two-legged predator?

[lildog]

I would have most likely said something like "hello is someone there?" before drawing.  Most animals are scared off by people so just you saying something would have sent it running if it were an animal and if it was a person not looking for trouble they would most likely have answered you.

[Mark]

If you live in NH, you're going to hear things rustle in the bushes on occasion. It's pretty rare that it'll be anything worth worrying about. If you're going to run around pointing a gun at noises you hear, I'd echo the advice above re: pointing it toward the ground and not keeping your finger on the trigger. That way, if it turns out to be some kids smoking pot or playing hide and seek, you won't accidentally blow one of their heads off.

[Michael Fisher]

It was most likely not a kid all alone in the dark at that time of night, and the sound seemed to be made from something much larger than a child.? But, yes, you're right about the proper use of a firearm.

I've had to unholster at least two more times since this first event, and both times I believe this was done properly - pointed at about 30 to 45 degrees to the ground, finger off the trigger, flashlight on.

Maybe we shouldn't walk at night, but I don't see why.? ? It really is my favorite time to walk.? Almost no cars, no people, no heat from the sunlight, almost no bugs can find you if you keep moving (as opposed to walking during the day ), a serene silence with a few sounds of the night, lightning bugs, etc.? It's worth it.?

[Mark]

I've had to unholster at least two more times since this first event, and both times I believe this was done properly - pointed at about 30 to 45 degrees to the ground, finger off the trigger, flashlight on.

I'm not trying to be critical, but I can't imagine the need to draw a gun 3 times in as many weeks to fend off animals. I've lived here 32 years, and I often have walked/ran/skated/ridden in rural areas at night. The closest I've ever come to being attacked by an animal was an angry mother goose on a golf course. I gave her some space and she walked the other way, but I had the 9-iron at the ready in case things didn't work out that way. 

I don't think you should give up walking at night, either, if that's when you like to do it. Honestly, though, I'd take a bear in my neighborhood over a jumpy guy with a chambered round. Next time it happens, you might want to try throwing a rock or making a loud noise (or have your wife do it while you hold the gun, if you want). The animal's reaction will almost certainly be to run away, which I hope gives you some piece of mind about the level of danger you're really exposed to here.

[Michael Fisher]

You're probably right.? It's difficult when you're in the middle of the nowhere in the woods and you hear something big moving within a few feet of you, but I'll definitely try to be less "jumpy",? and perhaps come up with other defense measures.

I have pepper spray, but I do not like it very much.? (Except perhaps on tacos? )

Gun responsibility is extremely important to me.? That is why I take continuing firearms education courses from the NRA.? That's why I practice on the range.? That's why I treat a firearm with absolute respect at all times.

And that's why I talk about this openly.? I don't want to be making ANY mistakes!

Out West, people's dogs left outside would be eaten by unknown preditors at night.     In hindsight, there are apparently little or no preditors in my area.  Lesson learned:  If you're going to walk around at night, first research the type of preditors you may encounter in your area.  And never stop learning about firearms responsibility as long as you carry.