There needs to be a fith rule added....

[jaybet]

We have loaded handguns around all the time and we have one out every night, usually in the bedstand drawer (drawer open). That varies, though as to who is visiting. We keep the weapons handy, but you have to be AWARE of your weapons at all times and AWARE of who and what is going on. If you remain aware you will most likely maintain safety. If you're an idiot and give a loaded weapon less consideration than you would give a wallet or a purse, well then, you're an IDIOT.

[Timothy]

What kind of unthinking stupid ass leaves kids of that young an age unattended ANY WHERE ?
For someone that idiotically careless all the safety rules in the world are just a waste of paper and breathe.

These were not  failures in gun safety, they were failures in child safety and parenting.
The results had nothing to do with the gun, they would have been the same if the "instrument" had been a small object the kids were not stopped from choking on.

Gotta go with Tom here!

Just the other day, we happened across a car in a parking lot with two kids unattended.  My wife was about to dial 911 when the mom showed up and drove off.  I should have reported her anyway but I let is slide.

BTW..in my state, if a firearm is not in your direct control, it's trigger locked or in a safe at all times.  A locked car qualifies.  This is whether you have children in the house or not!

[tombogan03884]

Gotta go with Tom here!

Just the other day, we happened across a car in a parking lot with two kids unattended. My wife was about to dial 911 when the mom showed up and drove off.  I should have reported her anyway but I let is slide.

BTW..in my state, if a firearm is not in your direct control, it's trigger locked or in a safe at all times.  A locked car qualifies.  This is whether you have children in the house or not!

That was why I highlighted the last line, I wanted to be sure it was not taken as an attack on Phillips thinking, it was not intended that way.
It was an attack on the sort of dumbass who leaves little kids unattended to do things that can kill them.
If they are that careless with their CHILDREN they will not be responsible with anything else.

[crusader rabbit]

I have to side with M58 on this subject.  You must know where your guns are and move them around or secure them depending on the circumstances.

Right at this moment, there is a loaded .357 in a holster, in a boot, beside the head of my bed.  It's handy if something awakens me in the night.  On the dresser rests a loaded .40 S&W Glock in a holster that also contains an extra magazine.  That's my usual carry piece.  It will go with me when I leave the house.

I don't worry about either one of them at the moment because my 87-year-old Dad is the only other human resident right here, right now.   

My 11-year-old dog is also with me but he lacks both the interest and the opposable thumb needed to fire either weapon.  Besides, I'm his best friend.

The cat might want to shoot me when I am 5-minutes late with his food, but he also lacks the opposable thumb needed to hold and fire either weapon.

If any youngster or unknown guest were coming to visit, one of the guns would be locked away while the other was on my person.

On my motor-home, I installed both a safe and a locking cabinet to secure weapons.  I don't want my grand-babies to have any access.  The oldest is just 3, and when he achieves sufficient age and understanding, I will review proper gun safety procedures with him--all 4 rules. 

I will also add the most important rule for young rug-rats:  If you see a gun anywhere, do not touch it.  Leave it and go tell an adult.

It's all a matter of where you are and the surrounding circumstances.  And frankly, I have no safety concerns in my current situation.  In other situations, other steps will be taken.

FWIW
Crusader

[Timothy]

Just because I'm required to lock them up doesn't mean I do!  I too have a .38 on the side table next to my bed and a loaded 12 ga in the corner.  We're empty nesters too unless you count my wifes sister!  She's not real bright...when I'm out, I lock 'em up!

[Sponsor]