Guns are an inescapable part of American life. People use them for various purposes, including hunting, self-defense, and recreation. However, despite all these benefits that come with owning a gun, it is equally important to acknowledge how dangerous these weapons can be if not taken care of properly. Whether you are familiar with guns or not, it is still important to know firearm safety tips. In this post, we will share essential firearm safety rules everyone should know.
1. Treat Every Firearm as If It Is Loaded
The first essential gun safety tip you should know is to always handle every gun as if it’s loaded. Remember that whenever you hold a gun, you are fully responsible for anything that happens thereafter. Therefore, do not assume that the gun is not loaded even if you believe it’s unloaded. Since mistakes happen, taking this safety precaution will save you from unwanted mishaps.
2. Always Keep the Firearm Pointed in A Safe Direction
The other golden rule of firearms is that you only point your gun at something you really want to shoot. Guns are not toys. Since accidental discharges are hard to prevent, it is a good idea to always point the gun’s muzzle in a safer direction. This is regardless of whether you are cleaning the gun or are out on a hunting trip.
3. Service Your Gun Regularly
Guns are mechanical devices that require regular servicing. Every time they are used, their chances of wearing out increase. This is due to intense friction and heat that’s generated during firing. In order to extend their lifetime and avoid failures, servicing is often necessary. If your gun is completely worn out or old to the point that its servicing doesn’t guarantee efficiency, then you should consider contacting local specialists like Tombstone Tactical for a new one.
4. Know Your Target and What Lies Beyond
Before you fire your gun, it is very important to know all the possible outcomes of your actions. This means that you need to know your target and everything else that lies beyond it. For example, if you shoot at a target that is situated in a rocky terrain, there are chances that the bullets will ricochet off the rocks and bounce back, causing your harm or damage. Therefore, make sure that both you and your target are in a safe environment before shooting.
5. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Fire
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced shooter, it is very important not to touch the trigger until you are ready to fire at your target. Touching the trigger without the intention to fire can cause accidental discharge, leading to unforeseen damages and injuries.
Takeaway
Guns are good for protection, hunting, and sporting. However, before you own them, you should also be aware of potential life risks and dangers they possess. Whether you are a seasonal shooter or a beginner looking to join the gun community, it’s ideal that you familiarize yourself with the above-mentioned firearm safety tips.
This article is from Brooke Chaplan, a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
