Gun Safety

Owning a firearm in any capacity is a huge responsibility.  Guns do not cause injuries by themselves; guns need a person to active the trigger intentionally or accidentally.  Following some common-sense rules and integrating firearm familiarization training will help limit the chances of a tragedy occurring.  A firearm tragedy will ultimately and forever ruin the life or lives of the innocent or other people who were unwittingly in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Firearm ownership requires focus and care to avoid tragic incidents from occurring.    

Basic core foundational rules to firearm safety;

  1. Treat every gun as it is LOADED!  Never assume a gun is unloaded.
  2. Keep the end of the barrel pointed way from anything you are not willing to destroy.  Think of the gun as having a laser attached to the barrel, anywhere its pointed at is in danger of being destroyed!
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot the gun. 
  4. The decision to pull the trigger is made only after identifying a target and clarifying the reason for pulling the trigger.  Remember a bullet doesn’t just stop where you think it should.  Do your best to know what is in the background as it will end up being in a collection zone of any bullets being fired.  A bullet fired from a gun can cause damage unintended until it is stopped by force or running out of momentum. 

Firearm storage and safety at home with children or others;

  1. Store guns in locked storage locations. 
    1. Gun safes and vaults are best for long term storage.
    2. Tactical traps provide locked locations for firearms that are built to be easily accessible and provide security from unwanted access by children or others.
    3. Trigger locks are another way to provide security but require an additional secure location for storage.
  2. Separate ammunition and store it in a separate locked container.
  3. Child safety in paramount to gun ownership.  Teach your children to never touch a firearm unless you are with them giving instructions.  They should be taught to leave the area if a gun is out and report to you the gun’s location.

Moving a gun or fire arm;

  1. Accept a firearm only if the action is open and you have verified it is unloaded!
  2. Unload the firearm first and open the action before handing the gun to another person.