So you’re a gun owner. If the need arises, you’re ready to protect yourself and your loved ones from harm. Or, maybe you’re a hunter who intends to use your gun in the wild.
Whatever your plans are, you need to make sure that you pay attention to gun safety rules. Devastating accidents can occur if you’re not careful.
These are the rules that you MUST follow if you’re going to be a responsible gun owner.
Important Gun Safety Rules
Lives have been ripped apart because of carelessness around guns. Countless tragedies could have been avoided if people had paid attention to the following simple safety rules.
1. Treat every gun as if it’s loaded
Your friend tells you that they’re sure they emptied the ammunition clip. You remember checking your gun and seeing that it was unloaded.
Don’t trust your friend and don’t trust yourself. Treat EVERY firearm as though it’s loaded.
2. Fingers off the trigger
Keep your finger straight and far away from the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. It only takes a second for a terrible accident to occur. Gun fails happen every day.
3. Never point a gun at someone…unless you mean it
Remember, the gun in your hands *is* loaded even if you think it isn’t. Don’t point it another person unless you plan to fire. Playing around with firearms isn’t funny, it’s stupid and dangerous.
4. Don’t rely on the safety
A gun can fire at any moment. The “safety” provides you with some protection, but it’s far from perfect. It’s a device that can malfunction when you least expect it.
It’s possible that you thought the safety was on but it’s not. It’s also possible that the safety is really on, but the gun fires anyway. Be careful.
5. Make sure you want to fire
If you’re going to fire your weapon, you need to be certain that you’re making the right move. Once you pull the trigger, you’re stuck with the consequences.
Do you have a clear shot? Is there anything behind your target?
6. Keep it secure
Keep your gun in a secure lockbox if you have children. A child should never have unrestricted to access to a firearm.
You’re responsible for the weapons in your home. If you have houseguests that you’re not sure about, lock your gun away.
You also need to protect yourself. You might store your gun by your bed for protection, but it should be done in a way that minimizes the chance of an accident. That means the safety is on and the gun is placed in a stable location.
7. Don’t handle your gun while intoxicated
Getting drunk and grabbing a gun is one of the most dangerous things that you can do. You need your wits about you when handling firearms.
Be Smart and Stay Safe
Most gun safety rules are obvious. Use your head and take classes on how to shoot if you don’t know how.
One of the best ways to avoid an accident is to keep your firearm in pristine condition. We can help you there. Read our reviews on different gun cleaning kits before you purchase yours.
