Fundamental Rules of Gun Safety

Everywhere you look these days, you can find people with guns. Whether they’re enthusiasts taking trips to the shooting range, or people with self-protection as their motivator, gun ownership is more common than ever before.

Despite the prevalence of guns in our society, gun safety is still of utmost importance. As a responsible gun owner, you should be aware of these fundamental rules of gun safety before you purchase, sell, or handle a firearm.

Rule #1: Treat Every Firearm as If It’s Loaded

Always assume that the gun contains ammunition and is ready to shoot – even if you’ve triple checked to make sure it isn’t. This will significantly reduce the risk of accidentally shooting someone or yourself.

Rule #2: Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You’re Ready to Fire

This is especially important, as the wrong move could potentially cause an unintentional discharge. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are about to fire. If your hands are off the gun, that means that your finger should be off the trigger as well.

Rule #3: Always Point Your Firearm In A Safe Direction

Never, at any point, point your gun towards another person or even yourself. The safest direction to point your firearm is generally at the ground, but it may also be 1) toward a large, open area, 2) at a wall or other backstop that you are certain will stop a bullet, 3) toward the sky.

Rule #4: Be Sure Of Your Target & What’s Beyond It

It’s essential to be aware of what you’re shooting at, and always make sure that no people, pets, or any other living thing is present beyond the target. It is also important to be aware of what opportunities may be present for a bullet or other debris to ricochet off of an object.

Conclusion

Gun safety is fundamental for anyone who owns, handles, or even comes into contact with a gun. By following these simple rules, you can greatly reduce – if not altogether avoid – the chance of an unintentional discharge. Safe shooting!