There’s a famous quote, “With great power comes great responsibility,” which is relatable to owning a firearm. It is not just a matter of pride but also a matter of safety and responsibility. You are holding a piece of machinery that can be fatal if not careful. Even when you are not keeping it, you must be extremely cautious that everyone, including you, is free from any risk and danger.
Whether you are at a shooting range or have your guns in the house, there are certain safety measures that you need to ensure to maintain firearms safety. Here are five important tips that you should keep in mind while handling firearms and guns
Take Note of the Muzzle
This is the first thing that you should take care of. It is also one of the first lessons in any firearms safety course: keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction and not cause any harm, even accidentally. Simple: don’t point your muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
Usually, it’s the up and down direction, depending on where you are standing. It would help if you controlled the muzzle and consciously try into pointing it in a safer direction.
Unload When Not in Use
This one is simple, too. If you are not using the gun, its ammunition should be kept away. They should not be together unless you are ready to shoot or in a place like range. Never assume that the gun is unloaded. Be free of any doubts and check the gun before handing it over to someone.
On-Gun Safety is not Fail-Proof
Every modern gun that is sold today comes with a safety switch. This safety mechanism is a safety measure that makes it easier to approach gun safety. But because it is a mechanical attachment, it is open to failure at any time.
It would help if you did not trust it over your common sense. Use it the way it was meant but don’t rely on it completely. The safest gun is the one that cannot fire.
Mods Can be Dangerous
Don’t modify your guns unless you are completely aware of its consequences. And changes or alteration that you make to the gun is an invitation to the potential danger to your machine as well as you. Unless you are a professional or a qualified technician, do not attempt such alterations.
Know the Gun
Every gun is different. You may have practiced with a certain firearm type in your practice sessions, or you may own one and therefore know it in and out. But when you are handling an unfamiliar gun, always take proper precautions and use common sense. Learn about it before starting to use it. Consider it as if you are holding a gun for the first time, checking its safety lock, muzzle direction, its action, and removing any obstruction if it exists. Read the owner manual, it may be boring, but it is necessary. And remember, the safest gun is the one that cannot fire.
