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“With great power comes great responsibility” goes the famous quote from Spiderman. In context this quote references spider powers, but it can certainly apply to firearm ownership as well. We all know that a gun is a dangerous weapon. One click of the trigger could end someone’s life. Being a responsible and respectable gun owner means knowing how to use your weapon safely. Guns should only be used when necessary and when they do come into play, they should be handled as safely as possible.
Now more than ever it is important that we take the time to focus on gun safety and responsible gun ownership. Gun related deaths in America are on the rise after a 15 year period of stasis. In 2016, for example, we saw about 4,000 more gun-related deaths than in 2015 and about 1,500 more homicides.
Every gun owner should make it a priority to practice gun safety. A responsible firearm owner will develop a mindset that will prioritize safety. Certain habits must be broken and other habits learned. Firearms should always be considered dangerous. They should be stored carefully and handled with care. Always remember the destructive power of your firearms. Knowing gun safety rules is partly about knowing the consequences of recklessness.
In this article, we’ll take a look at basic gun safety rules that you’ll need to keep in mind when owning a gun. Knowing these rules saves lives. Here are 12 gun safety rules you should be mindful of:
Rule #1: Treat All Firearms as If They Are Loaded
Many gun-related accidents and deaths have been caused because a gun owner mistakenly believed that their firearm was emptied, safetied, or disarmed when in fact it was ready to be discharged. This rule is based on the mindset of vigilance. As a gun owner, you can’t presume that your firearm has been unloaded. You should always assume that every gun you own or come in contact with is loaded. You should physically verify yourself that a gun is indeed unloaded. Check, check, and double-check again, trust us.
Rule #2: Point the Muzzle Away From Non-Targets
In other words, watch where your gun is pointing. This basic gun safety rule is intended to help avoid potential injuries or deaths due to unintended discharge. If the first rule is based on the assumption that a firearm is ready to fire, this rule goes beyond that. Since a firearm might fire, assume that it will and take all steps to ensure that no one will be harmed.
Every gun owner must practice muzzle discipline. Sometimes, this rule is stated as “Never point a firearm at anything unless you’re ready to destroy it.” Toying with firearms can endanger life and property. Muzzle discipline is a part of exercising your due diligence as a gun owner.
There are two directions where you can safely point a muzzle – towards the sky or at the ground. Each direction has its own pros and cons. Firing into the ground can result in a ricochet or hazardous fragments being flung at people or objects. Pointing upwards to the sky eliminates this risk but is still dangerous as the bullet will have to come down eventually. Keep in mind that firing straight up is safer than firing upward at an angle. This is due to air resistance and bullet speeds. You can learn more about this here.
Rule #3: Keep Fingers Away From the Trigger
This rule is about trigger discipline. The aim of this basic safety rule is to prevent undesired discharges. Unless you already have your eyes on the target and are determined to shoot, it is best to keep your finger off the trigger. If you get startled while your fingers are on the trigger, your brain will react with a primitive response that tightens every muscle in your body and BOOM, you’ll fire. Avoid this by keeping your fingers safely away from the trigger.
Best practice will be to keep your hand on the trigger guard or the receiver above the trigger guard when you are not ready to fire. You can also keep your trigger finger above the trigger guard. This rule is often violated on TV. Don’t think that your life is a movie.
Rule #4: Be Sure of Your Target and Be Aware What’s Behind and Around It
This basic gun safety rule applies to all types of targets. If you are going to shoot, you need to be aware of what lies beyond your target. Make sure that there is something that will serve as a backstop to capture bullets that miss or go through a target. Bullets can travel more than a mile after leaving your gun. If you fire, that bullet and its damage will be your responsibility no matter where it lands or what it hits.
This rule is designed to eliminate or minimize collateral damage to non-targets when a firearm is intentionally discharged. When shooting your target, you must positively identify and verify your target. Even if you have an intended target, non-targets may still be hit for three reasons:
The bullet may miss the intended target and hit the non-target around or beyond the target
A non-target may pass in front of the target and get hit by a bullet aimed at the target
The bullet may pass through the intended target and hit a non-target beyond it. This is called “overpenetration.”
The key to this rule is to always be aware of not just the target itself but anything surrounding it. That means anything that is above, below, left, right, in front of, or behind a target.
Rule #5: Always Lock Your Guns
Another important gun safety rule is to always keep your firearms locked. You can use trigger locks, handgun safes, or cabinet safes but it is your responsibility to keep your firearm locked. Always keep Rule #1 (Gun is always loaded) in mind. If you have kids around, their curiosity can lead to them finding your firearms. Always keep your guns locked away in a safe place when not using them.
Rule #6: Know How to Operate Your Gun Safely
Before handling a gun, learn how to operate it. Know its basic parts, how to open and close it safely, and how to remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Always keep in mind that the mechanical safety devices of a gun are never foolproof. Read the owner’s manual. If there is no manual, you can contact the manufacturer and have them send you one. Even if you know something about guns, one basic gun safety rule to keep in mind is that different guns operate differently. Never assume that because your gun resembles another that the two will operate in exactly the same manner.
Rule #7: Be Sure the Gun Is Safe to Operate
Just like other kinds of tools and equipment, guns need to be regularly maintained. Regular cleaning and proper storage should be part of your gun maintenance routine. If you have some doubts about the operability of your gun, have it checked by a knowledgeable gunsmith. There are many factors that can affect the functionality of your firearm. The age of your gun will definitely impact the usability of your gun. For instance, some guns manufactured before the 20th century are not recommended for use with modern ammunition. Visible damage or rust are things to take into account as well. Remember that any mechanical failure could be catastrophic.
Rule #8:Use Only the Correct Ammunition
Guns are designed to be used for a specific caliber or cartridge. Gun safety rules dictate that you should use the proper cartridges for your gun. You usually can check the barrel or slide of your gun for information on its caliber. The owner’s manual will also list the appropriate cartridge/s for your gun. Using the wrong ammunition can cause severe damage to your gun and to the person holding it. Don’t ever shoot a gun with the wrong ammunition loaded.
Rule #9: Wear Eye and Ear Protection
The sound of a gunshot can damage unprotected ears. You might not feel it now but any damage to your ears will likely be felt as you grow older. Have you ever noticed older shooters talking really loudly? This may be due to the effects of hearing loss from not wearing ear protection while shooting. In addition, guns can emit debris and hot gas that can cause eye injuries. For your own protection you should wear safety glasses and earplugs when shooting.
Rule #10: Drugs and Alcohol Don’t Mix with Shooting
You should never use alcohol or drugs before or while carrying guns. That’s simple enough. Some legal drugs like prescription medicine or over-the-counter medicines can also impair your ability to shoot safely. Read the label of any medicine you take and check with your doctor about possible side effects before combining anything with firearm practice.
Rule #11:Keep Guns Away from Unauthorized Persons
If you know basic gun safety rules, you’re already aware that your guns should be kept inaccessible to unauthorized persons. Do whatever it takes to ensure that your firearm will not fall into the wrong hands. There are tons of storage options available to you.
Rule #12: Certain Types of Guns and Shooting Activities Require Additional Safety Precautions
To observe gun safety rules you need to be aware that certain types of guns will require additional safety precautions. These rules or procedures for proper operation should be indicated in a firearm’s owner’s manual. Most sport-shooting activities also have special sets of rules to ensure your safety during competitions. The rules may vary from one event to another so pay attention to your instructor or safety officer.
Rule #12: Clean Your Gun Regularly
There are many basic gun safety rules that you should keep in mind and one of them is to clean your gun regularly. This is important in order for your gun to work properly and safely. Regular maintenance of your gun will also help maintain its value and extend its life. You should clean your gun every time you use it. Check out our tips on how to properly store and maintain your gun here.
If your gun has not been used for a long time, clean it first before shooting. Accumulated moisture, dirt, solidified grease or oil can prevent your gun from working perfectly. Before cleaning your gun, make sure that you remember Rule #1.
Here are some more gun safety rules you should keep in mind:
Be sure the barrel is free of obstructions before loading and shooting.
If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for several seconds. Point the muzzle in a safe direction, then carefully unload the gun.
Be aware of your surroundings when holding guns so you do not trip or go off-balance. Losing your balance could cause you to accidentally fire the gun at someone.
Owning a gun is a huge responsibility. These gun safety rules should be studied and read over until they are burned into your brain. Trust us, it’ll be worth it. Do you know of any other basic gun safety rules? Share them with us in the comments section!
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Gun Safety Rules: The Basics of Gun Safety
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“With great power comes great responsibility” goes the famous quote from Spiderman. In context this quote references spider powers, but it can certainly apply to firearm ownership as well. We all know that a gun is a dangerous weapon. One click of the trigger could end someone’s life. Being a responsible and respectable gun owner means knowing how to use your weapon safely. Guns should only be used when necessary and when they do come into play, they should be handled as safely as possible.
Now more than ever it is important that we take the time to focus on gun safety and responsible gun ownership. Gun related deaths in America are on the rise after a 15 year period of stasis. In 2016, for example, we saw about 4,000 more gun-related deaths than in 2015 and about 1,500 more homicides.
Every gun owner should make it a priority to practice gun safety. A responsible firearm owner will develop a mindset that will prioritize safety. Certain habits must be broken and other habits learned. Firearms should always be considered dangerous. They should be stored carefully and handled with care. Always remember the destructive power of your firearms. Knowing gun safety rules is partly about knowing the consequences of recklessness.
In this article, we’ll take a look at basic gun safety rules that you’ll need to keep in mind when owning a gun. Knowing these rules saves lives. Here are 12 gun safety rules you should be mindful of:
Rule #1: Treat All Firearms as If They Are Loaded
Many gun-related accidents and deaths have been caused because a gun owner mistakenly believed that their firearm was emptied, safetied, or disarmed when in fact it was ready to be discharged. This rule is based on the mindset of vigilance. As a gun owner, you can’t presume that your firearm has been unloaded. You should always assume that every gun you own or come in contact with is loaded. You should physically verify yourself that a gun is indeed unloaded. Check, check, and double-check again, trust us.
Rule #2: Point the Muzzle Away From Non-Targets
In other words, watch where your gun is pointing. This basic gun safety rule is intended to help avoid potential injuries or deaths due to unintended discharge. If the first rule is based on the assumption that a firearm is ready to fire, this rule goes beyond that. Since a firearm might fire, assume that it will and take all steps to ensure that no one will be harmed.
Every gun owner must practice muzzle discipline. Sometimes, this rule is stated as “Never point a firearm at anything unless you’re ready to destroy it.” Toying with firearms can endanger life and property. Muzzle discipline is a part of exercising your due diligence as a gun owner.
There are two directions where you can safely point a muzzle – towards the sky or at the ground. Each direction has its own pros and cons. Firing into the ground can result in a ricochet or hazardous fragments being flung at people or objects. Pointing upwards to the sky eliminates this risk but is still dangerous as the bullet will have to come down eventually. Keep in mind that firing straight up is safer than firing upward at an angle. This is due to air resistance and bullet speeds. You can learn more about this here.
Rule #3: Keep Fingers Away From the Trigger
This rule is about trigger discipline. The aim of this basic safety rule is to prevent undesired discharges. Unless you already have your eyes on the target and are determined to shoot, it is best to keep your finger off the trigger. If you get startled while your fingers are on the trigger, your brain will react with a primitive response that tightens every muscle in your body and BOOM, you’ll fire. Avoid this by keeping your fingers safely away from the trigger.
Best practice will be to keep your hand on the trigger guard or the receiver above the trigger guard when you are not ready to fire. You can also keep your trigger finger above the trigger guard. This rule is often violated on TV. Don’t think that your life is a movie.
Rule #4: Be Sure of Your Target and Be Aware What’s Behind and Around It
This basic gun safety rule applies to all types of targets. If you are going to shoot, you need to be aware of what lies beyond your target. Make sure that there is something that will serve as a backstop to capture bullets that miss or go through a target. Bullets can travel more than a mile after leaving your gun. If you fire, that bullet and its damage will be your responsibility no matter where it lands or what it hits.
This rule is designed to eliminate or minimize collateral damage to non-targets when a firearm is intentionally discharged. When shooting your target, you must positively identify and verify your target. Even if you have an intended target, non-targets may still be hit for three reasons:
The key to this rule is to always be aware of not just the target itself but anything surrounding it. That means anything that is above, below, left, right, in front of, or behind a target.
Rule #5: Always Lock Your Guns
Another important gun safety rule is to always keep your firearms locked. You can use trigger locks, handgun safes, or cabinet safes but it is your responsibility to keep your firearm locked. Always keep Rule #1 (Gun is always loaded) in mind. If you have kids around, their curiosity can lead to them finding your firearms. Always keep your guns locked away in a safe place when not using them.
Rule #6: Know How to Operate Your Gun Safely
Before handling a gun, learn how to operate it. Know its basic parts, how to open and close it safely, and how to remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Always keep in mind that the mechanical safety devices of a gun are never foolproof. Read the owner’s manual. If there is no manual, you can contact the manufacturer and have them send you one. Even if you know something about guns, one basic gun safety rule to keep in mind is that different guns operate differently. Never assume that because your gun resembles another that the two will operate in exactly the same manner.
Rule #7: Be Sure the Gun Is Safe to Operate
Just like other kinds of tools and equipment, guns need to be regularly maintained. Regular cleaning and proper storage should be part of your gun maintenance routine. If you have some doubts about the operability of your gun, have it checked by a knowledgeable gunsmith. There are many factors that can affect the functionality of your firearm. The age of your gun will definitely impact the usability of your gun. For instance, some guns manufactured before the 20th century are not recommended for use with modern ammunition. Visible damage or rust are things to take into account as well. Remember that any mechanical failure could be catastrophic.
Rule #8: Use Only the Correct Ammunition
Guns are designed to be used for a specific caliber or cartridge. Gun safety rules dictate that you should use the proper cartridges for your gun. You usually can check the barrel or slide of your gun for information on its caliber. The owner’s manual will also list the appropriate cartridge/s for your gun. Using the wrong ammunition can cause severe damage to your gun and to the person holding it. Don’t ever shoot a gun with the wrong ammunition loaded.
Rule #9: Wear Eye and Ear Protection
The sound of a gunshot can damage unprotected ears. You might not feel it now but any damage to your ears will likely be felt as you grow older. Have you ever noticed older shooters talking really loudly? This may be due to the effects of hearing loss from not wearing ear protection while shooting. In addition, guns can emit debris and hot gas that can cause eye injuries. For your own protection you should wear safety glasses and earplugs when shooting.
Rule #10: Drugs and Alcohol Don’t Mix with Shooting
You should never use alcohol or drugs before or while carrying guns. That’s simple enough. Some legal drugs like prescription medicine or over-the-counter medicines can also impair your ability to shoot safely. Read the label of any medicine you take and check with your doctor about possible side effects before combining anything with firearm practice.
Rule #11: Keep Guns Away from Unauthorized Persons
If you know basic gun safety rules, you’re already aware that your guns should be kept inaccessible to unauthorized persons. Do whatever it takes to ensure that your firearm will not fall into the wrong hands. There are tons of storage options available to you.
Rule #12: Certain Types of Guns and Shooting Activities Require Additional Safety Precautions
To observe gun safety rules you need to be aware that certain types of guns will require additional safety precautions. These rules or procedures for proper operation should be indicated in a firearm’s owner’s manual. Most sport-shooting activities also have special sets of rules to ensure your safety during competitions. The rules may vary from one event to another so pay attention to your instructor or safety officer.
Rule #12: Clean Your Gun Regularly
There are many basic gun safety rules that you should keep in mind and one of them is to clean your gun regularly. This is important in order for your gun to work properly and safely. Regular maintenance of your gun will also help maintain its value and extend its life. You should clean your gun every time you use it. Check out our tips on how to properly store and maintain your gun here.
If your gun has not been used for a long time, clean it first before shooting. Accumulated moisture, dirt, solidified grease or oil can prevent your gun from working perfectly. Before cleaning your gun, make sure that you remember Rule #1.
Here are some more gun safety rules you should keep in mind:
Owning a gun is a huge responsibility. These gun safety rules should be studied and read over until they are burned into your brain. Trust us, it’ll be worth it. Do you know of any other basic gun safety rules? Share them with us in the comments section!