Dear Editor,

With interest I read the Reporter’s recent article concerning the young man who was seriously wounded when he was shot by his companion while handling a firearm. I take exception with you that this was an “accident.” I have been a firearms and shooting enthusiast for quite a few years now have participated in shooting competitions at the local gun clubs and have done a lot of informal “plinking.”

One lesson I have learned is that there are no shooting “accidents.” There are only two reasons people get shot. One is that you loaded the gun, pointed it at your intended target and pulled the trigger. The other is that you violated one of the important safety rules of firearms handling.

Mostly, these rules are simple and common sense: Always keep the muzzle (the business end) of your gun pointed in a safe direction; never place your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire; make sure for yourself that the gun is unloaded by opening the action and inspecting the chamber and always be certain of your intended target.

I have never known anyone who has been shot while following these simple steps. I’m also sure the gentleman in question broke one or more of these absolutely essential “laws.”

Like stepping into a busy street without looking both ways, or touching an open flame — the consequences can be immediate and dramatic.

Like driving a car, it’s important that a person learn and understand the rules and the responsibilities that go with such a privilege. This was no accident. Unfortunately, these fellows had to learn the hard way.

Kenneth G. Fleck
Eureka