Safety Rules for Guns

Guns by themselves are not dangerous. It is when they are not treated with respect and handled properly that issues can come into play. There are 6 basic gun safety rules, which should be followed at all times.

1. Might be, Could be, Assume it IS Loaded
   1. When picking up a gun you should ALWAYS assume it loaded and treat it as such.
   2. Immediately check to find out if it is loaded.
   3. If you do not know how to check it, do NOT touch it. Find someone who does know how to handle a gun and have them check it.
2. Don’t Point, fingers or guns, at others
   1. It is your responsibility to be aware, at all times, of where your gun is pointing.
   2. It should be pointing in a “safe direction” which is anywhere that would not cause harm or damage should the gun accidentally fire.
   3. When you do point the gun, point it at the object you intend to shoot.
3. Off the Trigger
   1. Your finger should never be on the trigger unless you are going to shoot.
   2. Your finger on the trigger may feel more natural, but it is also more dangerous.
   3. The trigger is for when you are going to fire, the handle is for holding the firearm.
   4. Should you get startled your body will naturally tighten up, which could result in an accident tug on the trigger, firing your gun.
4. 360 Degree Vision
   1. It is vital to be aware of not only what and where your target is, but what is surrounding that target.
   2. Should your aim be off, what would you hit? Do you know? If you cannot answer those questions you should not take any shots.
   3. Even though it is a natural reaction to shoot at something that moves and scares us, if you do not know what it is or it is not your intended target do not shoot.
   4. Did you come with other people? Are there other shooting? You need to be aware of where those people are at all times before you shoot.
5. Know how it Works
   1. You should know how to work your gun. You need to know how to load and unload it.
   2. You should also be able to trouble shoot any issues your gun may have.
   3. Different types of guns are going to be mechanically different, so do not assume that because you are familiar with one gun means you are familiar with all guns.
6. Safe and Secure – In or out of its container
   1. If your gun is not in your hands it is not secure unless it is unloaded and has some sort of lock on it, trigger or cable.
   2. Your gun when not being used should be placed in a locked container, unloaded, and the ammunition should be locked up in a different location.

Owning a gun is a privilege and comes with a responsibility to keep others safe from potential harm. Handle your gun properly and follow the above rules and you will be a responsible gun owner.