Be safe when you carry your gun

Fifty years ago at the age of 12 I took a hunters safety class at St. Maries Middle School. The No. 1 and No. 2 commandments of firearm safety are “watch the muzzle” and “treat every firearm with respect due a loaded gun.”

On a recent trip to Yoke's, while checking out items on the shelf and not really paying attention, I happen to glance up and I’m looking down the barrel of an automatic pistol.  Unnerving to say the least! It was totally unintentional mind you, the polite guy who felt the need to be “pack’n” just happened to have a shoulder holster where the weapon is positioned under his left armpit with the exposed muzzle pointing straight in back of him. It was not down toward the ground which would be common sense; it was about chest level for anyone behind him.

Since this type of holster is used for quick access, I’m also wondering if he also felt the need to have one chambered in the barrel. Not sure how in the hell I would know that; I didn’t ask. Maybe it’s my background and respect for firearms but guns by non-law enforcement in public places make me very comfortable. After this incident I got out of the store as quickly as possible since I wouldn’t consider this a quality shopping experience.

I just wonder how long this man stood in the checkout line unintentionally pointing his gun at other individuals and families waiting to checkout 6 feet behind him. I guess that’s not my concern.

JOHN NITCY

Sandpoint