Did you know that the majority of gun accidents are not the result of mistakes made by the gun owner?
Nearly two-thirds of shootings involving guns are the result of negligence on the part of someone else. So, it’s vital that you learn how to store and handle a firearm properly.
Gun safety is a serious matter. The more people learn about proper firearm use, the fewer accidents there will be. Do you want to learn a few best practices to follow?
Read on for the complete and only gun safety checklist for you to review. Let’s get started!
Always Keep Your Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction
The most important thing to remember when handling a gun is to always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the cardinal rule of gun safety and should always be followed regardless of the situation.
This includes paying attention to where the muzzle is aiming, even when loading and unloading the gun. If you are not sure what a safe direction is, ask a certified gun safety instructor.
Keeping your gun pointed in a safe direction will prevent accidents and save lives. Take extra care when handling guns around children and never point the gun at anything that you do not intend to shoot.
Maintain Your Finger off the Trigger Until Youre Ready to Shoot
One, in particular, is the importance of keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Too often, accidents happen because the finger is on the trigger and the gun goes off unintentionally.
Even if you are not ready to shoot if your finger is on the trigger and the gun is pointed at something or someone, an accident can still happen. In addition, it is always recommended to always keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot.
This is an important step that can prevent an accident. By keeping the safety on, you can be sure that the gun will not go off unintentionally.
Keep Your Gun Unloaded Until You’re Ready to Use It
There are many ways to keep your gun unloaded. You can put it in a locked case or safe. You can also keep the gun in a place that is separate from the ammunition.
If you have children in the home, you can put them in different rooms or in different parts of the house. It is the only way to guarantee that you will never accidentally shoot someone. This rule helps to prevent accidents when the gun is not being used.
Make sure to unload the gun when you’re done using it, and before you clean it.
Use the Right Gun for the Job
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which gun is best for self-defense. But there are some general principles that can help you choose the right gun for the job. First, consider the type of gun that you’re most comfortable with.
If you’re not at ease with a handgun, for instance, then a shotgun might be a better choice. Also, think about the type of bullets that you’re convenient to use. If you’re not comfy with hollow point ammunition, then a gun that uses it might not be the best choice for you.
You also need to consider the size of the gun. A gun that’s too large might be difficult to control, while a gun that’s too small might not have enough stopping power.
Finally, think about your lifestyle. If you live in a rural area, for instance, then a long gun might be a better choice than a handgun.
Wear Ear and Eye Protection
Remember that ear and eye protection are always a must. When wearing ear defenders, always use foam or gel-filled earplugs or earmuffs that fit well and seal out noise. For eye protection, choose safety or shooting glasses that have shatterproof lenses.
This is because exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss, and debris from firearms can damage your eyes. So, make sure to wear your protective gear when handling firearms.
Moreover, this will protect you from the noise of the gun and the hot brass ejected from it.
Be Familiar With the Gun You’re Using
In order to be safe while using a gun, you need to be familiar with the gun you’re using. This means knowing how to properly operate the gun, how to safely store it, and what to do with it in case of an emergency.
The best way to accustom yourself to your gun is to practice with it. Join a gun range, or if you have access to private property, set up a target and practice shooting. Once you are comfortable with your gun, take it apart and clean it thoroughly.
This will help you become familiar with the different kinds of gun accessories and how each part works together.
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Never Use Alcohol or Drugs While Handling Guns
If you’re intoxicated and handling a gun, there’s a very real chance you could accidentally shoot yourself or someone else. Be sure to keep it in a secure holster when you’re not using it.
You don’t want it to fall out of your pocket or bag and into the hands of someone who’s been drinking. If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, do not handle firearms.
It’s for the simple reason that alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and coordination, which can lead to accidents. If you’re under the influence of these substances, it is better to avoid handling guns altogether.
Drunkenness and drug use have always been recognized as major contributing factors to gun accidents. In addition, they can make people more violent, which can lead to misfortunes or even intentional shootings. It’s better safe than sorry.
Get Professional Help if You’re Unsure About Anything
Gun safety is very important, and should never be taken lightly. You can check out the NRA website, or the site of your local gun range. You can also ask your friends or family members who are experienced with guns.
In addition, using common sense will go a long way in keeping you safe. If you are unsure about anything, you have to get professional help. There’s no shame in admitting that you need it to keep yourself and others safe.
Ultimately, consult with a gun expert to get the answers and assistance that you need.
Use the Proper Ammunition for Your Gun
If you are unsure of what type of ammunition to use for your gun, it is best to consult with a professional or the manufacturer of the gun itself. With that being said, here are a few tips on how to choose the right ammunition for your gun:
- The caliber of the gun
- Types of guns
- Weight of the bullet
- The velocity of the bullet
- The energy of the bullet
- The trajectory of the bullet
- Penetration of the bullet
- Expansion of the bullet
- Accuracy of the gun
- Reliability of the gun
Bear in mind to always match the caliber of your gun to your ammunition. It is essential to choose the right bullet type for your gun. Also, you have to make sure that the ammunition is clean and in good condition.
Finally, if you’re using a revolver assure that the bullets match the cylinder.
Regularly Clean and Maintain Your Guns
Keeping your guns clean and well-maintained is the only way to ensure that they will function properly and safely. A few simple steps can go a long way in keeping them in good condition:
- Regularly clean your guns after use
- Keep your guns lubricated
- Inspect them regularly
Complacency is the number one cause of accidents, so even if you think your gun is in good working order, it is important to inspect it regularly. Remember, safety comes first!
Take a Gun Safety Course Benefits of Gun Safety Courses
There are several gun safety courses available to take that can provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely handle firearms. It can provide many benefits such as:
- Properly store and transport firearms
- Safely clean and maintain firearms
- Carefully handle and shoot firearms
- Instill a greater respect for guns
- Owner’s responsibilities
- Knowledge of different kinds of guns safety devices
This course is perfect for those who are new to gun ownership, or for those who want to brush up on their gun safety knowledge.
Basic Gun Safety Checklist That You Should Know
If you want to be safe with firearms, always abide by this gun safety checklist. Never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to shoot, keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire, and be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to being a responsible gun owner.
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