From the desk of St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz
Last week there was a disturbing video circulating social media where a female was handling a firearm inside a car and accidently shot and killed a male subject. The negligent killing was caught on Facebook live and viewed by thousands. In this series we will discuss firearm safety, range safety, and the proper handling of firearms. My staff includes state certified firearms instructors whose main goal is to teach all aspects of firearms, they suggest these simple but safe rules.
Always treat the firearm as if it is loaded and keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Never point the firearm at anything you don’t intend to destroy and be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
Your finger is always off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Place it on the side of your firearm as if you are pointing at the target then place it inside the trigger guard when you are ready to fire.
Always use proper ammunition and check that the barrel is clear of obstructions before loading and shooting.
Be aware of a “delayed primer,” if you pull the trigger and it does not fire, hold your firearm in a safe direction for at least 10 seconds then carefully unload the firearm.
Know what a squib load is, often referred to a “pop without the rock” and happens when a bullet due to a lack of powder gets stuck inside the barrel. If not cleared the next “live” round is obstructed causing catastrophic damage to your firearm and personal injury may occur.
Know your weapon, read the owner’s manual and learn the proper functions and handling of the firearm you are using.
Never play with a firearm pointing it or pretending to fire the firearm at anyone or anything.
Next week we will discuss range safety.
Ground-breaking for civil
complex planned Tuesday
A ground-breaking ceremony for a St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s civil complex across from the public safety complex, 1592 East Prudhomme, Opelousas, is scheduled at 10 a.m. Tuesday.