BEST PRACTICES
Firearm safety is of utmost importance to prevent accidents and injuries. Whether you're a seasoned gun owner or a beginner, here are some essential firearm safety tips to keep in mind:
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Treat every firearm as loaded: Always assume it is loaded, even if you believe it to be unloaded. This mindset will help you maintain vigilance and handle firearms with care.
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Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction: Always keep the firearm's muzzle pointed in a direction where an accidental discharge won't cause harm to people, animals, or property.
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Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot: Keep your trigger finger outside the trigger guard and along the firearm frame until you are absolutely ready to fire. This helps prevent accidental discharges.
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Know your target and what's beyond it: Before you shoot, be sure of it and what lies behind it. Bullets can travel through objects and continue to pose a danger.
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Use the safety device: If your firearm has a safety mechanism, know how to use it properly. Keep the safety on until you're ready to fire, and disengage it only when you intend to shoot.
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Keep the firearm unloaded when not in use: Store firearms in a locked, secure place with the ammunition stored separately. This prevents unauthorized access and accidental discharges.
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Educate yourself and others: Ensure that everyone who might come into contact with the firearm is educated about firearm safety. Teach children about the dangers of firearms and what to do if they encounter one.
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Follow the four primary rules of firearm safety:
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Treat all guns as if loaded.
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Never point the gun at anything you're not willing to destroy.
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Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
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Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
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Don't use alcohol or drugs while handling firearms: Impairment from substances can severely hinder your judgment and coordination, making firearms even more dangerous.
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Seek proper training: If you are new to firearms, take a firearms safety course or seek instruction from a qualified instructor. Even experienced gun owners can benefit from refresher courses.
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Wear appropriate safety gear: When shooting, wear ear and eye protection to guard against noise and debris.
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Follow local laws and regulations: Abide by all federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding firearm ownership, use, and storage.
Remember that responsible firearm ownership and handling are essential to maintaining safety for yourself and those around you. Always prioritize safety and follow these guidelines without exception.
Practicing Gun Safety
Proper storage is essential to prevent unauthorized access, theft, or damage to firearms and ammunition. To achieve this, many individuals use gun safes or cabinets to physically restrict access to firearms. Local laws may mandate specific requirements for these storage solutions, including the type of lock used, the cabinet's strength, and its resistance to burglars. Some regulations even stipulate that firearms and ammunition must be stored separately.
For hunters or those who own multiple firearms, rifle or shotgun safes, which are lighter versions of true safes, are often the preferred choice. Various safety standards, such as the RSC and CDOJ in the US, outline the minimum criteria for a storage container to be considered a firearm safety storage device.
Similarly, individuals with a small number of handguns may opt for small handgun safes of various sizes and capacities. However, it's worth noting that independent researchers and professional hackers have found that many of these safes are not as reliable as one might hope. The locking mechanism is a crucial factor in the overall safety of a small safe, with simple mechanical locks generally being the most secure and dependable.
When it comes to ammunition, experts recommend storing it separately from firearms. It should be kept in dry conditions, free from any contaminating vapors to prevent deterioration of the propellant and cartridge. Handloaders need to take special precautions when storing primers and loose gunpowder to ensure safety and prevent accidents.