About The Making Firearms Safe Forum - PLEASE READ

Rule 1: "All guns are always loaded. Even if they are not, treat them as if they are."

Simply put, this forum will contain instructions and tips on how to safely unload, clear or proof (antiquated British term), and prove (the weapon is empty), various firearms are completely unloaded and safe to handle, store, or dry fire. A few points I’d like to make, in no particular order:

• You have to learn, and religiously abide by, the The Four Basic Rules of Firearms Safety, which can be found here: Firearms Safety Procedures along with additional safety information.
• Always REFER TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL of your specific firearm for the final word on any operating procedures. I cannot emphasize this enough. They designed it, they manufactured it, they know how it works better that anyone else.
• Whenever YOU touch a firearm, YOU must make certain it is safe (unloaded). Never, ever, take anyone’s word for it, regardless of who they are.
• Whenever YOU touch a firearm, YOU must make certain it is safe (unloaded), even if you just cleared it and put it down. When you again pick it up, clear the weapon thus guaranteeing it is safe.
• When you read or hear the term “safe direction” you have to THINK (⬅key word), “if the gun went off, where would the bullet go?” Safe direction means more than just your immediate area. It means also what’s beyond that area. Safe direction means towards something that will immediately stop the bullet, without allowing it to penetrate, should the firearm discharge. You have to THINK (⬅key word), “if the gun went off, would this _______ safely stop the bullet?”
• The best advice I can give you is, if you're uncertain of anything pertaining to a firearm, BEFORE YOU TOUCH IT, seek PROFESSIONAL help. Then build yourself a set of safe operating procedures and stick to them religiously...and I do mean religiously.

The above points aren’t simply a disclaimer. They are essential things you have to know and practice as a responsible firearms handler.

To add; should anyone find any errors or unsafe practices in this forum's post, please notify me and they will be rectified.

Please reference Making Firearms Safe - How to safely unload and prove various firearms for all the posts pertaining to this topic - thank you.

Take care and stay safe,

Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.

4-Way Sillcock Key

A post concerning GHB contents from esteemed ICCF member “Guantes” aka “Gloves”.

“One thing that I have in my GHB that I rarely see mentioned for GHBs is a four way sillcock key (pic below). This is a device for turning on tamper resistant or industrial hose bibs that are on the outside of many commercial or industrial buildings. Those hose bibs could become a valuable source of water on a trek home. They are available from Survival Resources for about ten bucks, which I consider a bargain.”

A steel 4-Way Sillcock Key fits 1/4”, 9/32”, 5/16” and 11/32” square stems

My reply was as follows:

FWIW, I completely agree. That's a damned good item to have Gloves, glad you mentioned it. I had a couple of those floating around the house/vehicle years ago. Actually, one was in my glove box for a long time. Came in handy a couple of times too, but not in an emergency situation. A good item to have for anyone, especially if you're an urbanite.

Here's a video from the site you mentioned, Gloves.

OK, one thing I want to mention, which he didn't, is let the water run a while before you drink it and/or fill your bottle. Many of the sources get used very infrequently and the water is just sitting in the pipes for months or longer. I know this from experience. Also, take a big drink and then top off the bottle before you're done. You never know where your next water supply will be.

Oh, and another tip learned from experience. Make sure you get a steel key and not a cheap pot metal one. Back in the late 70's, while I was at work, I actually split a socket on one trying to open a seized water spigot (or sillcock). Long story, but that cost me a lot of walkin' and it was a very hot day.

I forgot to mention, I like the hose idea shown in the video in post #10.

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For more information, please reference this post: The Get Home Bag or Kit…

Take care and stay safe,

Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum

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Please note: prior to commenting or passing judgment, either in a positive or negative manner, I suggest you read About Joe Doakes’ Place and the Disclaimer assuming you haven't already. Thank you.