Nothing in this life is perfect and that includes Hunters Ed.
As I mentioned before, I have no issue with the course as a whole.
But there were some topics that we found a bit ambiguous or debatable.
For instance, my grandson informed me that I had been storing my rifles in my gun safe the wrong way when he read the statement:
"Store guns horizontally, or with the muzzle pointing down. When guns are stored upright, gravity pulls gun oil downward into the action, which forms a sticky film. Oil also can drain onto the stock, softening the wood."
And we really got into some discussion over the many "safe carry" positions under various hunting conditions!
The biggest reminder to me was the fact that the #1 Firearm Safety Rule per the course revolves around one word: MUZZLE!!!
Watch That Muzzle!!! That is an answer you must know for the Final Exam.
Since the 60's when I went through my first "safety course" accompanied by my Grandpa, I had always heard, read and believed the mantra, "Treat every firearm as if it is loaded!" I always repeated this as the Number 1 rule. Such is not the case according to the course.
My grandson made an interesting comment as we discussed this. He said, "Grandpa, I don't think there really needs to be a Number 1 Rule of Safety. Each Rule is just as important as the next Rule."
I replied, "Keep that mindset son and you'll stay on the right track."
All in all, the course has made us think. And we've had some interesting discussions with each other. I'll take the positive outlook, figuring that the experience alone has been beneficial for both of us!