Firearms can be safe gift choice

Like many American boys nearing their 10th birthday, all Ralphie Parker wanted for Christmas was the Holy Grail of gifts, the Red Ryder 200-shot range model air rifle. Just the thought of holding that BB gun with carbine action and a compass in the stock was enough to leave Ralphie speechless.

Unfortunately for Ralphie, the adults in his life weren't as enamored by the Red Ryder with carbine action as he was.

"Ralphie, what do you want for Christmas?" his mother asked.

"I want an official Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle!" Ralphie answered with all the courage he could muster.

"No, you'll shoot your eye out," she replied. "BB guns are dangerous, and I don't want anyone shooting his eye out."

Similar responses came from Ralphie's school teacher and even Santa Claus.

Ralphie is the central character in the holiday movie classic "A Christmas Story," one of those films many people watch every holiday season -- probably because something is in the film with which many of them can identify. Perhaps it's the memory of sharing with someone our own Christmas firearm wish only to be told, "No, you'll shoot your eye out."

Those familiar with the movie know that, despite the opposition, Mr. Parker presents Ralphie with the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts.

Those of you who never have seen the movie probably can guess what happens next. Ralphie, with no training or instruction, immediately runs outside, puts a paper target on a metal sign and pulls the trigger. The BB ricochets off the metal sign and hits Ralphie in the eye. Luckily the only real damage is to the lens of his glasses.

Contrary to the movie's message, however, firearms are not only a good gift choice but a safe gift choice. The key is making sure the intended recipient has the maturity to safely use a firearm and always including shooting glasses and training in the safe use of firearms with every firearm gift. Likewise, hunting with a firearm also is a safe recreational pursuit.

"Many people have the misconception that hunting is unsafe, but the data tells a different story," said Jim Curcuruto, director of industry research and analysis for the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Data compiled by the NSSF shows hunting ranks third in safety when compared with 28 other recreational pursuits. Those pursuits range from football, basketball and wrestling to snowboarding and golf. Hunting with firearms has an annual injury rate of approximately one injury per 2,000 participants. Only camping and billiards have better safety records. Golf, on the other hand, has one injury for every 622 participants, and football tops the list with an injury rate of one for every 19 participants. Archery is only three places behind hunting with firearms, with one injury per 1,055 participants.

Curcuruto credits the hunter education programs across the country for hunting's excellent safety record.

"Comprehensive hunter education classes that emphasize the basic rules of firearm safety and a culture of hunters helping fellow hunters practice safe firearms handling in the field are responsible for this good record," he said.

If you're thinking of giving someone a firearm or a bow for the holidays, be sure to include the opportunity for proper safety instruction. Whether the gift recipients opt to hunt or not, the basics taught in hunter education course provide a good start.

Freelance writer Doug Nielsen is a conservation educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. His In the Outdoors column, published Thursday in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NDOW. Any opinions he states in his column are his own. He can be reached at intheoutdoorslv@gmail.com.