Important Tips for Safe Gun Handling
Guest Post – for our wider audience
For many people, owning a gun is a rite of passage. Not only is it guaranteed to us by the second amendment, but it’s part of many young men’s (and women’s) upbringing. It’s an exhilarating experience holding a gun for the first time and realizing you are the only thing holding the gun back from going off. It takes a great level of trust and personal control.
Guns can be used recreationally for sport, but they are also an important part in personal defense and safety. They have become a fundamental part of many people’s lives, but they are also the cause of many accidents. The good news is most accidents are preventable as long as you follow these simple gun safety tips.
Storing Your Gun Safely
The most important measure you can take to avoid accidents involving guns is to store your weapon securely. Just because you know how to use a gun properly doesn’t negate the fact that most people don’t. Children are especially inquisitive about guns, and almost all firearm related accidents involving kids could have been prevented if the gun was locked up.
If you live alone, you should still store away your gun. You never know who could come over and want to admire your weapon. Making sure you can lock your gun up is a key factor to safety. Gun lockers or gun safes work great because the firearm is enclosed in a hard protected case. Always store your gun unloaded, and make sure you are the only one with access to the keys.
Direct the Gun in a Safe Direction
It’s very important to always treat the gun as though it is loaded even if there is not any ammunition in it. Not only is it good practice for when the gun is loaded, but there have been numerous accidents that occurred because people have been mistaken about if the gun had bullets or not. Don’t assume, and always double check.
Proper Gun Education
Having a gun around doesn’t mean anything but danger unless you are armed with the proper knowledge and skills. Education is your biggest defense against accidents. There are many types of guns, each with their own special needs. Find a family member or friend who is experienced specifically with your type of firearm to show you the ropes, or you could go to a local training center. Also, making sure everyone in the household is equipped with the right skills to safely handle a gun would aid in avoiding accidents.
Wear protective gear
Wearing eye and ear protection is extremely important. Guns can damage your hearing, and shooting can sometimes cause debris to shoot back into your eyes. As long as you are using ear plugs and safety goggles, there shouldn’t be much room for concern. Also, wear bright clothing to make sure other shooters can see you.
Keep a Clear Mind
This one might seem obvious, but there are countless reports of gun related accidents that involved drinking or other intoxicating substances. If you are going to be operating a gun, never use anything that will impair your judgment. Keep your mind clear and sober.
Handling guns can lead to rewarding and skill building moments, or it can lead to devastating ones. Fortunately, most accidents are entirely preventable. As long as you follow these safety guidelines, you should have nothing but smooth days ahead.
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