Firearm Safety: What You Should Know
Did you know that 40% of Americans reside in a home with a gun? About 72 million Americans own a firearm.
While it’s your right to own a gun, safety should be a top priority. You might feel overwhelmed trying to understand firearm safety tips, but you don’t have to be. Read this guide on the top safety tips you won’t want to miss to keep your family safe.
Unload Your Guns
You can see more about top gun options that you can buy online. Once you have your pick, you’ll want to keep it unloaded when it’s not in use.
Only load it when you’re ready to shoot at a target range. Have gun storage in a safe place where little hands can’t reach them.
Keep ammunition and firearms separate and teach your family about gun safety. It’s your responsibility to ensure that others can’t gain access to your ammunition or guns. Don’t have it loaded in your car either.
Check the magazine, receiver, and chamber to ensure that there’s no ammunition. It’s best to check and not take someone’s word for it.
Don’t push a firearm. Only keep it in a holster when you’re wearing it.
Identify Your Target
Whether you’re at the shooting range or hunting, identify your target carefully. Once the gun fires there’s no taking it back.
Know exactly where it’s going to land. Be certain that there’s no one else in the area who could get hit. Don’t ever shoot at a noise without first identifying the target.
Even smaller guns can have their ammo travel long distances. Some can even travel half a mile.
Be mindful of how far your gun’s ammo could travel. It could always bounce and go in a different direction.
Keep Your Finger off the Trigger
Keep your finger off the trigger of your new firearm until you’re ready to shoot. Never have your fingers on the trigger when you’re unloading or loading.
The gun can fire at any time when it’s between safety and fire. Even if you pull your finger off the trigger, it could shoot.
Basic Rules
Never use drugs or alcohol before or while using firearms. If you need to cross a fence, jump, climb a tree, or perform another action, always unload your gun first.
Don’t shoot at water or at a flat surface. Only use ammunition that works with your specific gun.
When you go to use your gun, be sure that the magazine and chamber are free of obstructions. Have the muzzle in a safe direction at all times. Consider taking a firearms safety course to learn even more about it.
Shooting Range Safety
Wear ear and eye protection. Have the barrel pointed downrange at all times.
Have the safety on until you’re ready to shoot. Be mindful of the rules and listen to what the manager tells you.
You’ll want to case and uncase your gun at the shooting bench. Follow all other gun safety rules.
Firearm Safety in the Workplace
If you buy a firearm and keep it in your business, be sure that others can’t access it. Keep it behind locked doors and windows.
Determine if any current or past employees have access to the keys that could open up the area. For keys that are lost or stolen, it might be time to change the locks.
Consider any unsecured openings such as chimneys, holes in walls, open windows, etc. Block the entry of these openings so that workers can’t access the gun.
Have an alarm code that only you know. Be sure to change the codes whenever possible.
Have a panic button with your alarm for protection. Many states will require you to have an alarm system.
Have a camera system to identify those who try to gain access. They need to be recording at all times to pick up any tampering.
How to Store a Gun
Research the laws in your state to be sure that you’re properly storing your gun. Even without children, there could be legal issues if you don’t have proper storage for them.
Wearing your firearm is one of the safest places since you know that no one else can grab it when you’re not looking. Since you can’t do this 24/7, though, consider having a safe for gun storage.
Quick access safes are a popular option. You can keep them out of public view, and they’re compact. Keep in mind that since they’re small, some might be able to carry them away.
Keep it secured to a larger item so that criminals can’t take it away. Some will have fingerprint technology, while others will have keypad locks.
Always be sure that your gun is child-proof as well. Educate your children on guns and how to safely handle them. Go over the basic rules of using a gun.
Don’t Alter Your Gun
When you buy a firearm, it might be tempting to modify it, but don’t. In their original condition, they work best for gun usage and safety.
If you decide to modify it and it causes danger, the warranty might not cover it. It could also ruin your gun as well.
Better Understanding Firearm Safety
After exploring this guide on firearm safety, you should have a better idea of what to expect. Take your time deciding what the best option for your needs is.
Would you like to read more informative and educational content? Be sure to check out our other articles on our site today.
Author
About Author
