Owning a gun is a huge responsibility. Even having one in your house is a big deal. If you’re going to be around guns, it’s important that you know how to use, store, and handle them safely.
A gun is a powerful weapon that has the ability to cause serious—and even fatal—injury to a person when misused. Gun-related accidental deaths are not uncommon. Tragedies that are preventable happen all the time.
If you’d like to learn more about gun safety, this guide will outline the basics for you. Read on for your guide on how to behave around guns.
How and Where to Keep Your Gun
Even if you’re not planning on actually ever handling the gun and it’s merely in your home, there are still some basics you’ll need to know. The first is that whenever the gun isn’t being used, it should be unloaded. Never store a gun away with bullets inside.
This can lead to all sorts of accidents if the gun were to get into the wrong hands. The second thing to remember is to store it securely. It’s not enough to put it on a high shelf, or in a hiding place you think is secure.
Guns should be kept behind lock and key so that it’s more difficult for someone you don’t want to access your gun. Cabinets or drawers with locks are popular.
It’s also possible to get an under bed gun safe so you’ll be able to easily access your gun if an intruder breaks in at night. See here for an article about the best under bed gun safe for your needs.
If You’re Handling the Gun Yourself
If you’re going to be handling or using the gun yourself, there are some further rules it’s good to familiarize yourself with. The first is that when you’re holding a gun, you always need to point the muzzle in a safe direction. This rule is vital for preventing accidental gun injuries or deaths.
You should never lean it against anything, in case it slips and falls. Any sharp jolt can cause a gun to go off, even if the safety is on.
Another good rule of thumb is to treat every gun as though it is live and loaded. Don’t rely on the gun’s safety and don’t ever assume a gun is not loaded, even if you think it is. Never touch the trigger of the gun unless you’re actually intending to shoot.
Because guns can malfunction, and malfunctions can lead to accidents, it’s a good idea to have your gun serviced regularly. It is also a good practice to be familiar with the model of your gun, its various parts, and how it functions.
Gun Safety Dos and Don’ts
Gun safety is something that everyone should learn. You never know when you’re going to come into contact with a firearm, but when you do, you should be prepared. If you’ve found this article interesting be sure to check out the rest of our content.
