Owning a firearm is a big responsibility, and it is critical for every gun owner to understand and follow the basic rules of gun safety. Whether your firearm is for personal protection, hunting, or control of nuisance animals on the farm, these same guidelines apply.
1. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
A good rule of thumb on managing the muzzle of a gun is to make sure it would be safe to discharge the weapon toward anything that is in front of it. In some cases, the best option is to carry it pointing upward, but overhead powerlines or steep terrain beside you could mean it’s better to point it toward the ground. This is especially important as you load or unload the weapon, since this is when many accidental discharges occur. Prepare yourself to maintain a safe position with the gun even if you fall.
2. Treat every gun as if it’s loaded
Always assume that your gun is loaded, no matter how certain you are that it is not. There is always the chance that you’re mistaken, or that someone else may have loaded your gun without your knowledge. This rule not only helps prevent accidents but also develops good handling habits for when you do have a loaded gun. If you handle it as if it’s loaded when it’s not, you’ll handle it correctly when it is loaded.
3. Stay off the trigger until you’re ready to fire
Many firearm accidents occur when the user accidentally pulls the trigger. Your gun has a trigger guard to try to prevent such a mishap, but if your finger is on the trigger when you’re not ready to fire, it doesn’t help. Resting your index finger across the trigger guard instead of on the trigger will keep you from pulling the trigger when you don’t intend to, and it will not slow your reaction time. The split second needed to get your finger on the trigger is much less time than you’ll take getting the gun on target, so keep your finger safely away.
4. Know your target and your backstop
Projectiles can cover very long distances, often more than a mile. Even shotgun pellets can travel up to 500 feet. Before you pull the trigger, make sure you know exactly what is downrange, including areas where your bullet could go after a ricochet or an errant shot. Know what is behind your intended target as well.
5. Maintain and clean all firearms properly
Corrosion and wear are not just bad for your firearm’s appearance, but they are also dangerous. Keeping your gun clean reduces the chances of an accident and prevents damage to moving parts. Cleaning also creates an opportunity for you to give the gun a thorough inspection.
6. Secure all firearms to avoid misuse
Trigger guards and gun safes are great for preventing theft, but they are also very important for safety of you and your loved ones. Any stored firearm should be secured in such a way that both thieves and children cannot get them.
