Firearms And Safety

Gun safety is the keystone of our gun culture. A person handling a gun should know the safety rules for operating a firearm inside and out. Strictly obeying these rules means the secure use of guns for protection and recreation. Bear in mind, safety is not a device, but a state of mind. The NRA has a thorough set of gun rules for safety. These should be entrenched in the mind of every gun enthusiast, as well as the people close to them. Here are some other tips to reinforce these ideas. Making the following rules part of your mental mindset when using a firearm.

The number one thing to remember is all firearms are loaded. If someone says, "it is not loaded," they could be wrong. Every gun should be handled as if it is loaded and ready fire.

Never let the firearm muzzle point toward something you do not want to destroy. This is important to keep at the forefront of your mind when handling a gun. If you point it away from something you consider very important such as your car, you may be pointing it in another direction. This direction may be your foot or the family dog. A good rule of thumb is 'if you do not want to see a hole in it, do not point a gun at it'.

Your finger is always away from the trigger unless your eyes are set on the target. You cannot, and will not, decrease your time to react by prematurely having your finger on the trigger. On the other hand, it will greatly increase the risk of an accidental discharge.

Be absolutely certain of your target and know if there is something behind it. Take nothing for granted. Be aware of your environment by sight or touch. Be sure you can concretely identify your target. Equally important, know what is behind it. This is applicable in a potentially dangerous circumstance as much as at the firing range. A solid gunman will know his surroundings. Bullets are meant to go through things. Countless tragedies could be avoided if all of these rules are followed.

The information found within this article are recommended uses and tips for firearms. If you have any questions about gun safety or for complete, accurate information regarding weapon safety, please visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at http://www.atf.gov. - 39468