Firearms Safety: 10 Important Rules to Safely Handle Firearms
The right of the people to keep and bear arms in the United States is a right given to citizens per the Constitution – Second Amendment. It also means that those same people should be responsible citizens who know how to safely handle, operate and maintain their firearms.
Firearms can be dangerous, and in the hands of those who are not familiar with safety standards of use, they can potentially cause severe injury or death to themselves or others.
A firearm can be safe when handled with care, attention, and education. However, they can pose a danger when mishandled. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 39,707 firearm-related deaths in the United States in 2019.
That is about 109 people per day that die from a firearm-related injury. Preventable or accidental gun-related deaths have been increasing by 6% a year, and so knowing safety rules is more important than ever.
Firearm owners must take the necessary steps to educate themselves on safely using their weapons.
Firearm Safety: 4 Rules for safely handling a firearm
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Always keep the muzzle pointed away from people.
- Keep your fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Know your target and what is beyond it.
1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded
Most negligent firearm discharges are a result of the user thinking that the gun was not loaded. This is the reason why you might have heard the phrase “Unloaded Guns Can Kill,” and this is why many people have been killed by guns they ‘thought’ were unloaded.
The recognition mark of an experienced gun handler is visual checking of the magazine, chamber, and receiver to be sure they do not contain any ammunition.
Whenever you handle a firearm or hand it to someone – always check it for yourself and make sure it is unloaded.
2. Always keep the muzzle pointed away from people
This rule is just as important as the first, as it enforces awareness of the muzzle’s direction. In short, you should never have the muzzle of your gun aimed at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
If the firearm were to discharge, no injury could occur as long as the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. This rule should become a habit, particularly during loading or unloading a firearm.
Common sense will tell you not to point or aim your gun at anything other than your target, but good sense is not all that common, so make sure you follow this safety rule. Take care, too, that you watch to see others around you are doing the same.
3. Keep your fingers off the trigger
While almost all modern guns are equipped with some kind of safety, you should be aware that any safety is a mechanical device that can fail.
It is also possible to have your safety in the off position but think it is on. In order to eliminate the possibility of negligent discharges, you should never place a finger on the trigger unless you are planning to fire the firearm.
4. Know your target and what is beyond it
Compliance with this rule is vital for all firearm users and reinforces the identification of your target. This rule is of particular significance when hunting. Hunters should know and comply with the laws for the game they are hunting and know their line of fire, their target, and what lies beyond their target.
The truth is that there are no second chances with a gun, and no one can call a shot back. You have to avoid shooting at a noise or a movement when you cannot be absolutely sure of what you are shooting at.
Before squeezing the trigger, you should be sure of your target and where your shot will stop. The ultimate lethal range for a tiny .22 rimfire round is up to a mile, while some centerfire bullets can be dangerous at almost five miles.
Additionally, shots fired into the sky, water, or other surfaces can cause ricochets and be as deadly as an aimed shot.
Other Gun Safety Rules to Keep in Mind
Wear eye protection
When a gun discharges, it can emit debris and hot gasses that can cause eye injury. Guns are also very loud, and hearing protection can help, especially at a gun range.
Transport your gun safely
When transporting your firearm, many jurisdictions request the gun be unloaded and locked. Depending on the state, the only legal way of transporting your firearm may be in the disassembled form or pulled out the magazine. The US Gun Law Reciprocity Guide will give you a state-by-state guide to gun laws and how your gun should be transported safely.
Never leave a gun unattended
Leaving a firearm unattended is asking for trouble. It is just an all-around bad idea. Even if it is “just for a minute,” that minute can have life-altering consequences.
It is also a good idea to use a gun lock if you have children in the home. Project ChildSafe will help you find a safety kit, which is distributed free, from local law enforcement.
Never mix guns with drugs or alcohol
You should always be at your best mental capability when you are handling any sort of weapon. Besides being the smart thing to do, it is almost always a crime to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.
Many states will not allow you to carry a firearm into establishments, such as bars or nightclubs, even if you have a Concealed Carry Permit, even if you are not drinking.
Only use the correct ammunition for your guns
Most guns will have the ammunition style stamped on the barrel. Ammunition will have its information printed on the box, and most times, it will be stamped on the cartridge. Don’t shoot a gun unless you are sure you have the proper ammunition.
When storing a gun, make sure it is not accessible to others
There are many different gun storage devices on the market. If you own a gun, you will need a storage device of some kind. Even if you have a locking device for the trigger, you still need to secure your gun in some type of safe that is not accessible to unauthorized persons.
Final Thoughts
Once a gun is fired, there are no take-backs or do-overs. Never let down your guard, but always put your safety rules into practice when handling a weapon.
Although it is a bit grainy, this video of a DEA Agent explaining gun safety to kids in a classroom is a prime example of what can happen when not following the rules, such as checking for a round in the chamber.
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