Pointing always the barrel in the wrong direction?
 

I'm a college student who is currently in ROTC, and even though I'm just getting introduced to the basics, I've gotten alot of flack(and I guess rightfully so) for pointing the barrel of fake/rubber duck in the wrong direction. Although, I've cached up and learned to always point it towards the ground in non-confrontation situations.

However, I have a hard time handling the rubber duck safely when I have something heavy like a rucksack on as due to comfort issues I'm forced to always shift the gun around often by holding the top of say an M16.

You could also say initially, I had a hard time taking things seriously due to the fact that it was rubber ducks I was dealing with and not actual weapons.

Therefore with these issues in mind could someone give me the overall brief on safety with these types of firearms?

Welcome, you picked a great forum to learn and there is a wealth of information to be absorbed from the members here.

Have fun, and remember to always be safe.

Rules of the road:

http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/m...ftey-rules.jpg

Even though it is a non-firearm training replica, the idea is to develop good habit with it. Careless handling of a rubber duck, will lead to careless handling of an M-16 later.

Robocop said it best ;).

Don't worry...you're qualified to be Vice President...seriously, what they said..

http://www.victoryinstitute.net/blog...e1-186x300.jpg

They are right. Your mind knows it is a training tool, but if you train correctly, your body won't be able to tell the difference when you have the real thing. So, when on the range, with a hot weapon, your muscle memory will kick in, and you'll always have your weapon pointed in a safe direction.

Remember:
1. Every gun is loaded.
2. Always keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
3. Keep your finger out of the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.

If you stick to those 3 extremely important rules, you and everyone around you should be safe.

It was second nature to me in the army i grew up with firearms and safe handling.

My best advice forget its fake thats the point. Training with it now taking it serious now where a mistake wont cost someones life is kinda important if you dont have a serious background in firearms.

Just remember things can always be worse. Try a full pack plus gear and ammo for a m60 machine gun and trying to keep it safe. It can always get worse :)

There ya have it! :)