Everything You Should Know about Gun Safety
Owning a gun brings about a set of responsibilities, not the least of which is gun safety. The National Rifle Association (NRA) has a series of guidelines and gun safety rules that all gun owners should be aware of.
When handling a gun, the following gun safety guidelines should be adhered to:
- Always keep your gun pointed in the safest direction.
- Always keep your finger free of the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Do not store a loaded gun—unload it until ready for use.
Certain gun safety rules should also be followed when using your weapon:
- Know your target but also what is in the surrounding area.
- Be certain the gun is safe to operate.
- Only use the correct ammunition type for your gun.
- Wear eye protection and ear protection whenever appropriate.
- Avoid any alcohol or drugs, including over the counter medicine, when operating a gun.
If you have children in the house or visiting, these gun storage guidelines are equally important in gun safety:
- Take the ammunition out of the gun.
- Lock the gun and keep it out of reach of children.
- Lock the ammunition and store it apart from the gun.
- Keep the keys out of reach of children.
Firearms training is recommended for anyone new to gun ownership, or anyone who has recently purchased a new gun. While a basic gun safety class may not be necessary for a seasoned hunter, every gun is different and it is wise to take the time to learn the ins and outs of each new gun you purchase with the help of a professional trainer.
To find a firearms training course in your area, look no further than the nearest shooting range. Most shooting ranges offer a variety of classes, from gun safety 101, to pistol shooting, to rifle handling and more. Once you’ve mastered proper gun safety, you will be able to enjoy the added security gun ownership can provide.
Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Tips for Kids and Parents
Having a gun and a child in the same home makes gun safety an integral part of the parenting process. With firearms in close to 50 percent of all American homes, gun safety is actually a topic every parent should embrace.
Stop and Don’t Touch
Counter your child’s natural curiosity about guns by teaching him or her to stop and back away from any firearms.
Leave the Area
Since parental supervision is not always available, teach your child the right thing to do in your absence. If he or she comes into contact with a gun, make sure he or she understands the need to go to a safe place, like a bedroom or the home of an approved neighbor.
Tell an Adult
Tell your child not to be afraid to tell you or another responsible adult if he or she finds a gun.
Toys vs. Real
Be certain small children understand the many dangerous differences between toy guns and the real thing. Toy guns can actually come in handy when teaching older children about gun safety and gun handling.
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