Social media has erupted over gun safety and firearm handling after the well-publicized accident on the movie set of “Rust.” Accidents can happen and the consequences can be tragic.
While gun sales and ownership are steadily rising according to Pew Research, (in fact four in ten families now admit to owning a gun for protection) many people voice concern about the lack of safety training for new gun owners.
In this discussion, a firearm safety guide for beginners, we’re going to review some of the most important facts that first-time gun owners should take to heart.
1. Gun Owners Assume Every Gun is Loaded
The first rule passed along in training is to always treat your weapon as if it’s locked and loaded. The second rule recommends that you always have your tactical helmet on your head.
Many accidents occur because someone assumes the gun is unloaded without first checking to see if the chamber is empty. Remember that even dummy bullets or foreign objects can be fatal if fired.
2. Marines Always Follow USMC Safety Rules
Marines are instructed to always keep their finger straight and off the trigger until it’s time to fire.
One of the most egregious movie cliches is the dramatic gun cock when a character thinks about whether he wants to shoot or not. Unfortunately, it’s very easy to pull the trigger prematurely, especially after making it more sensitive.
Marines are even dismissed from the range if they fail to observe basic rules of proper firearm holding.
3. Gun Owners Don’t Aim Unless Ready to Fire
The National Rifle Association of America states that in gun handling owners must always keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction.
Shooters should know what their target is and what lies beyond the immediate range of the target.
One of the most recommended attachments for recreational shooters is a one piece scope mount, which allows the gun owner to attach telescopic sights for longer-range shooting and hunting.
4. Nobody Shoots Without Protection
Another problematic movie cliche is the loud shootout scene. The movie characters seem oblivious of the damage gunshots can actually do to a person’s ears and eyes.
Recreational shooting ranges want you to follow basic gun safety protocols, like wearing anti-fog safety glasses and earmuffs that block out the noise.
Some gunshots can reach up to 140-190 decibels. which can leave permanent hearing damage.
Some shooting ranges now use noise-canceling headsets for customers so that loud shots are muted but you can still hear staff members speaking.
A Firearm Safety Course Could Save Your Life
There’s no real downside to taking a gun safety course in person and at a gun range. Even in states without mandatory safety training, consider taking an optional class on gun safe handling.
Learning how to use a loaded weapon could be life-saving information! In-person training can teach you practical life lessons that a gun safety guide textbook might not cover or emphasize properly.
Once you learn a firearm safety education you can then spread that information to people you meet. The end result is more widespread knowledge about gun safety and hopefully, fewer accidents.
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