subject: Gun Safety Guidelines For Beginners [print this page] If you have decided to purchase a gun either for personal protection, target shooting, hunting, or all of the above, you need to become familiar with the guidelines for gun safety before buying your new weapon. Owning and operating a gun is as American as apple pie and it is one of the constitutional freedoms our country holds most dear; but owning a weapon brings with it some very serious responsibilities. Here are some very basic safety guidelines for first-time gun owners.
Gun handling
Unfortunately, the nightly newscasts are often filled with stories about accidental shootings, either at home or in hunting situations. Even experts are extra careful when it comes to proper gun handling and never, ever veer from the rules.
--Never point your gun at anyone, even if you think it is not loaded. In all circumstances you should keep your weapon pointed in a safe direction: usually at the ground.
--Never keep your finger on the trigger unless you are absolutely ready to shoot. There is no need to keep your digits on the trigger when you are aiming: it can easily lead to an accident, especially if you are startled.
--Always unload your gun when you are finished with it to prevent anyone else finding it and mistakenly assuming it is empty. You may also forget that your gun is loaded the next time you use it.
--Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting in an enclosed shooting range: not only will you be shooting your weapon but others will be too, leading to unsafe noise levels.
--Do not operate your weapon when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Even prescription medicines can be dangerous if they in any way impair your functionality.
--Always keep your gun locked in a safe and away from the reach of children. No matter how well you think your gun is hidden, kids have a way of finding it. It should always be unloaded, of course, and if you are not keeping the gun for protection you may want to consider storing it in separate pieces.
--Talk to your children about gun safety; if they are very young children, they should be taught never to even touch a gun if they find it. They should also be taught to leave a friend's home immediately if there is a gun present. You simply cannot ever be too careful.
Buying a gun is an exciting time, but you must remember that you are now in possession of a deadly weapon: treat it with respect and teach others in your family to do the same.
