how do you load a rifle? The one I have has a gold swicth on the barrel near the butt is that where I load it?

Question

My brother lives in the country and there are moutain loins up there and my mom would feel safer if I knew how to shot one just in case if one charged me? where can I take classes on gun safety?

Answer 1

Contact your local NRA chapter.

They will give you more "free" help then anyone else and by supporting them you are joining the pro-firearm community.

Miketyson26

Answer 2

Hey Miss,
I feel your pain on the mountain lion situation, I've been there. I've also had to shoot a couple of them, and trust me, a rifle is the wrong gun. You want to get a shotgun, either a 12 gauge or 20 gauge. Make sure it is a pump action or semi automatic, you can get a nice remington model 870 for around 300-400 bucks. and they are worth it. For ammo you want to get buckshot anywhere from 3 shot to 00. (if you don't understand all this just ask someone at a gun store, they will explain further). However you still need some gun training right? Just contact your local game & fish department, and they should be able to fill you in on and classes in the area. and trust me, there will be classes somewhere since you are in the country.

Now here is personal experience with mountain lions that may save your life. The reason you want a shotgun instead of a rifle is because the lion is just a big cat, and he is sneaky like a house cat, by the time you see him he will be up on you, much to close a range for a rifle. with a shotgun you can do a quick shot or two or three. Also so, God forbid you ever have to experience that, make sure you stare him in the eyes, and no matter how scared you are, he is more scared than you; however, he IS a predator. NEVER turn your back on him.

Good luck, be careful, email me if you have any further questions

Answer 3

Ann,

For your safety, I strongly suggest you contact your county's Fish & Wildlife agent (Game Warden) and inquire about the time and location of the next Hunter Safety Class.

Nothing like a little hands-on instruction to teach you safe gun handling.

Since you don't even tell us what make and model the rifle is, there is no way any of us could instruct you here. There is even a good probability that the "gold switch" is the trigger.

Doc

Answer 4

WOW...I'm impressed that you would face down a mountain lion by yourself but....be very careful with your weapon as you are not very familiar with it. There is allot to properly using it and it would be hard to fit the entire answer here.
I don't know where you are at so I can't give you an exact location as to where to get guidance, but any real hunting establishment (not Walmart or the like ) would be willing to make sure you had the proper ammunition and know how...they could probably give you the location of the next safety class in your area. Good luck with your Panthers and be careful.

Answer 5

scary, this is why we lock our rifles in cabinets seperate to the ammo. dont touch the gun until you've taken a firearm course. In canada we have to take a CORE program describing local game and hunting techniques and well as a hands-on, gun handling course. When both are passed a hunter can apply for a firarm possesssion aquisition lisence from the government.
>after this is granted a annual hunting lisence can b purchased and a tag as well for the species to be hunted only at the open hunting season
>So you have some work to do, i dont know where u live but you cant hunt game out of season or with out a tag there are other ways of dealing with these situations
>call the conservation officer

Answer 6

You need practice, if you don't even know how to load it you don't need to touch it. Chances of you being charged are rare, you would more likely shoot yourself on accident considering your experience. Even if one did charge you and you hadn't already killed yourself chances are you would panic and run or panic and miss. Shooting takes practice to begin with, when you add in stress, you aren't going to hit it unless you get very lucky.... most likely you will just make it mad.

It sounds like this gold switch is probably the trigger.... don't pull the gold switch without someone knowledgeable around.

Also, they aren't going to charge you inside the house, are you going to carry this rifle everywhere you go? Do you have a sling? Do you know what a sling is? Have you purchased ammunition, you need ammunition for guns.

Go to a gun show and bring your gun with you, they will help you or you could sell it and buy something better, like the Taurus Judge, you can shoot .45 long Colt or .410 shot shells from it.

Answer 7

First be aware that mountain lions have killed maybe 15 people in all of North America in the last (20th) century. Dogs kill about 20 people in the US every year. Do you have a dog? Incidentally, if a mountain lion charged you (you wouldn't see, as it would likely come from behind) game over!

Answer 8

The NRA has classes you can take, and most local gun clubs will be glad to help you learn. Mountain lions are wher I live too and I carry a Glock 10mm outside if one gets stupid. My Marlin .30-30 has a gold trigger. I guess you can call it a switch...

Answer 9

Most of the answers focus on gun safety...with good reason.

tell us more about your weapon so we can help- any writing on it,etc.
but: gun safety class is your best start. depending on where you live, gun ranges offer training for self defense as well as hunter safety classes. both are good.
however you do it,remember to practice to get familiar with your rifle.

Answer 10

If you can't load it you have no business trying to use it,thats how accidents happen,I would suggest a hunters safety course,that will teach you how to load,shoot ,aim,and proper safety techniques