BB gun safety is the first thing any marksman should learn before they pick up an airgun. While it is great fun to use a BB gun, there is the risk you could cause considerable harm to yourself and others.
However, when you take the rules seriously and focus on safe shooting, you can enjoy a great day hitting targets with your rifle.
Read on to learn how to safely use an airgun.
1. Only Load Your Airgun When in Use
You should never carry a loaded weapon in case of accidental discharge. Only load your BB gun when you are at your shooting site and are ready to take aim at a target.
This even applies even if you are on your own. Also, don’t be tempted to drive with a loaded airgun in the vehicle, as the motion could move the gun and cause it to fire.
When storing your BB gun, keep it and the ammunition separate. Then, if anyone was to come across the weapon, they can not load the gun.
2. Point the Muzzle in a Safe Direction
A safe direction refers to any area where an accidental discharge will not result in harm to a person or property. It’s good practice to do this even when your BB gun is unloaded, as this then becomes a habit.
Air gun safety is particularly important when loading and unloading your rifle. You should also think about where your muzzle could point if you trip or stumble and ensure you are ready to keep it away from the direction of others.
3. Stay Away from the Trigger
Unless you have identified your target and are ready to shoot, there is no need to have your finger on the trigger. This is especially important when you are walking with your rifle in hand.
Keep your finger outside the trigger guard at all times; otherwise, an accidental finger twitch could easily fire your airgun and result in harm.
4. BB Gun Safety and Targets
When learning how to use a BB gun, target placement is vitally important. Many people will place their target in an isolated area where there is ample space on either side.
However, you also need to consider what could be behind your target. For example, if there are trees or bushes in the background, what else could be in there?
You don’t want to miss your shot and hit a person or animal in the shrubbery.
5. Use the Right Ammunition
Not all BB guns only fire BBs; some also shoot pellets. Also, you need to make sure you are using the right size of BBs for your airgun. Using the wrong ammo could cause jamming.
You can find this information in the manufacturer’s instruction manual. However, if you are in any doubt, you should consult with a reputable airgun retailer such as airgunmegastore.com.
6. Wear Suitable Eye and Ear Protection
One of the most important BB gun safety tips is to use the proper protection when firing. BB guns can be very loud, and wearing earmuffs can reduce the risk of suffering hearing damage.
A pair of safety goggles is also essential. BB guns are powerful, with some having the potential to cause a fatal injury. Unfortunately, ricochets are one danger that many people overlook.
You could fire your rifle, only to find your shot hits a solid surface and comes back in your direction.
Even if you are spectating someone else firing their BB gun, you should stay at a safe distance and wear protective gear.
7. Keep Your Airgun In Good Condition
BB guns generally do not require as much cleaning as a standard firearm. However, you may find some parts require servicing or replacement after a certain amount of use.
You can check what the manufacturer recommends, as they may advise you to oil your rifle after every 500 to 1,000 shots. This may not be necessary with your model, but it’s best to be sure to avoid any unnecessary wear and tear.
You’ll also want to keep the outside of your airgun free from dirt, debris, and moisture. To avoid the metal suffering from rust, you should wipe it clean and ensure it is dry before putting it away.
Also, try to ensure the area where you store your BB gun is clean and dry.
8. Never Modify Your Airgun
When you get some experience with an airgun and learn how all the parts work, you may be tempted to try to make some modifications. You should avoid this at all costs to avoid the risk of serious injury.
Manufacturers design their rifles to exacting standards, and changing their designs could cause the airgun to misfire. You may also find the rifle no longer operates correctly, and you’ll need to replace it.
If you notice anything that appears different about your BB gun after dropping it, this also requires professional attention. Don’t try to fix the rifle yourself. Instead, leave it to an expert repairer.
9. Know Your BB Gun
If it’s your first time using an airgun, the chances are you’ll take the time to read the instructions and learn how to use it properly.
However, if you’ve purchased another airgun, you may think it operates in the same way as your last model. If this is not the case, you could end up causing harm to yourself, others, or your BB gun.
Always take the time to learn how each model works to ensure you are using the rifle safely.
Enjoy Your BB Gun
You never stop learning about BB gun safety. Every time you pick up your airgun, you should treat it as a completely different experience from the last time to ensure you stay alert.
By following the regulations, you can enjoy shooting your airgun in a safe manner. If you’ve found this article helpful, be sure to check out a few other posts in our Sports section.
