TexasCHLforum.com

The "It's OK - it isn't loaded - BANG!" phenomenon is common when a shooter who is accustomed to working only on a square range that has shooters lined up and firing in one direction visits an informal range where shooters are moving among different firing positions. It is also common when folks are showing guns, demonstrating holster fit, or performing similar maneuvers. Such folks are not habitually aware of muzzle discipline and will often sweep everyone on the range or in the gun shop as they handle the gun, turn or perform other maneuvers.

When challenged, the usual response is - "It's OK - it's unloaded."

No, violating any one of the 4 rules is absolutely not OK, whether they think the gun is unloaded or not.

It usually takes a violation of at least 2 of the 4 rules to have a disaster, and at that point they are only one more mistake away from a tragedy. That one mistake is easy to come by, and that's how disasters come about.

I have no sense of humor about poor muzzle discipline, and am very direct if I see it. If the situation is not immediately addressed, I will leave the shooting area, gun counter, or wherever, rather than risk becoming involved in the failure sequence I can see developing.

Apostate's quote from Elmer Keith is well worth keeping in mind.