Round in the Chamber

[BuckRut]

The responses on HT blew me away with the number of people who not only don't carry with one in the chamber when big game hunting but see it as absolute insanity that anyone would.

Personally I feel my protocols and habits reduce my risk to a comfortable level for me even with how drastic the outcome would be.

 

[Jpsmith1]

Round in the chamber. When on stand, the safety is on and the bolt is cocked.

When hiking hard, I will lower the firing pin, "decocking" the rifle for added safety. It's a super fast thing to cock the rifle and make it ready.

 

[2Stamp]

Didn't see it on HT, but the freshtracks Insta had this subject. I don't carry a shotgun like that, why would I with a rifle? Answer is Yes, I do, but it's very specific/ dependant when I don't. Hiking in/ out with rifle strapped to the pack, no round in chamber.

 

[BuckRut]

Didn't see it on HT, but the freshtracks Insta had this.

That's why I posted on HT. Thought it was a little bold for Michael to call us all "dumb".

 

[BBob]

The last thread that addressed something like this got locked. Lets see how long this one will last

 

[SuperDUECE22]

HT, but the freshtracks Insta had this.

What is HT & freshtracks ?

That's why I posted on HT. Thought it was a little bold for Michael to call us all "dumb".

Who is Michael and why does anybody care what he thinks ?

 

[Lawnboi]

I do both dependent.

Hiking around with the rifle over my shoulder, moving quickly, on very broken terrain, empty chamber.

Actively stalking, still hunting, ambush hunting where my hands are in full control of the rifle and where it’s pointing at all time, one in the chamber.

People hunt different ways. Slapping one in the chamber and over my shoulder walking on steep terrain with a rifle in a sling of some kind…. No way.

 

[2Stamp]

What is HT & freshtracks ?

Hunt Talk and Freshtracks-TV

 

[Geewhiz]

If I'm hunting I've got a round chambered. I'm also exhibiting safe firearms practices.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

I don't carry with a round in the chamber normally, however there are times when I'm in close in the thick stuff following tracks or whatever that I will chamber a round to be ready for a quick shot. I'll remove it once needing a quick shot is less likely though.

 

[WiscoHoundsman]

Not any more. Never had an issue with my old Ruger M77 hunting in WI but with doing more out west hunts and switching to a Tikka I have found the bolt opens way to easily when strapped to my pack. Simply not as safe if something were to happen.

Walking across a hay field to a tree stand sure I don’t mind having it loaded but it’s in hand then.

 

[The_Jim]

Hiking - no round in the chamber. It’s too easy to barrel swipe someone on a switchback or climbing. I always worry about oak brush(that shit was put on earth by satan) getting the safety of and pulling the trigger.

Glassing or ambush spot - it’s loaded.

 

[Wapiti1]

Round in the chamber. When on stand, the safety is on and the bolt is cocked.

When hiking hard, I will lower the firing pin, "decocking" the rifle for added safety. It's a super fast thing to cock the rifle and make it ready.

Might want to rethink decocking with a round in the chamber if that is a standard bolt action rifle. The firing pin will be resting directly on the primer in that scenario. Dropping or hitting the rifle hard will fire it.

Unless it is a Blaser or maybe Steyr that have a decock feature.

Jeremy

 

[Dos Perros]

I know of one guy that got killed by having a round in the chamber. I know of no dudes killed by an empty chamber.

 

[Jethro]

I carry a round in chamber. The one time I don't is if I am with somebody and carrying rifle in Kifaru gun bearer. Then I will clear chamber and let the other person walk in front.

 

[199p]

Only need to chamber a round
when bush stalking and on very fresh sign.
when i have spotted an animal and after dry firing a few times ill load the chamber and take the shot.
when i am on final stalk to get a shot after seeing an animal.

Its very quick to load a round and if you use your thumb to catch the round in the action, its also very quiet.
I haven't lost an opportunity by not having a round in the chamber.

 

[199p]

Round in the chamber. When on stand, the safety is on and the bolt is cocked.

When hiking hard, I will lower the firing pin, "decocking" the rifle for added safety. It's a super fast thing to cock the rifle and make it ready.

Doesn't that rest the firing pin on the primer of the loaded round tho? sounds sketchy as

 

[Marbles]

I voted yes, but it depends. Strapped to my pack, no. In hand or slung across my chest muzzle down, most of the time it is chambered. If in the woods with my 7 year old daughter, usually don't have one chambered.

 

[Fowl Play]

It’s terrain, situation dependent for me. But I typically keep my rifle unloaded, unless actively hunting in easy terrain.

 

[Thehillbillee]

It depends. Sitting, yes. Hiking, typically no. Still hunting, yes. If I anticipate that I’m in a situation where I may get a quick shot opportunity then I’ll have one chambered. If not, I don’t.