What Not To Shoot At | Firearm Safety & Hunter Safety | MidwayUSA

Published on March 16, 2011
Duration: 1:31

Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA emphasizes fundamental firearm safety, specifically warning against shooting at hard objects or flat surfaces. He explains that bullets can ricochet off these surfaces, leading to unpredictable and dangerous trajectories, and that rocks can fragment. The core message is that shooters are responsible for knowing where their bullets will end up to prevent injury to themselves or others.

Quick Summary

Firearm safety dictates never shooting at hard objects or flat surfaces like water, rocks, or hard ground. Bullets can ricochet unpredictably off these surfaces, and rocks can fragment, sending dangerous pieces in all directions. You are responsible for knowing where your bullets will end up to prevent injury.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Firearm Safety
  2. 00:19Basic Firearm Safety Rules
  3. 00:25What Not to Shoot At: Hard Objects & Flat Surfaces
  4. 00:38Ricochet Dangers
  5. 00:50Rocks Exploding
  6. 00:55Shooter Responsibility for Bullet Placement
  7. 01:05Consequences of Ricochet and Fragments
  8. 01:13Know Your Bullet's Destination
  9. 01:17Firearm Safety is Your Responsibility
  10. 01:24Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary risks of shooting at hard objects or flat surfaces?

The primary risks include bullets ricocheting unpredictably, potentially striking unintended targets or people. Additionally, hard surfaces like rocks can fragment upon impact, sending dangerous pieces in multiple directions. It's crucial to always know where your bullet will end up.

Why should you avoid shooting at water or hard ground?

Shooting at water or hard ground is dangerous because these surfaces can cause bullets to ricochet. A ricochet sends the bullet off in an unintended direction, posing a significant safety hazard to yourself and others. Always ensure your backstop is appropriate for the ammunition you are using.

What is the shooter's responsibility regarding bullet trajectory?

A shooter's fundamental responsibility is to know where their bullet will go. This means understanding the potential for ricochets off hard surfaces and the fragmentation of projectiles. You are accountable for every round fired and must ensure it impacts a safe and intended target.

Can shooting at rocks be dangerous, and why?

Yes, shooting at rocks is extremely dangerous. Rocks can explode into numerous pieces when struck by a bullet, scattering fragments in all directions. These fragments can travel unpredictably and cause injury to anyone nearby, making rocks an unsafe target.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from MidwayUSA

View all →