Firearms Safety

Firearms safety is a vary important aspect of firearms ownership. Safety has evolved just as firearms have evolved. The dangers associated with the unsafe handling of firearms can affect more than just the firearms handler. Unsafe handling of firearms can affect family, friends, strangers and our culture and rights.

Just think, what would not happen if all that had access to firearms followed the basic firearms safety rules. Unintentional firearms injuries that occur because of ignorance or carelessness would be greatly decreased. With the proper knowledge and skills attained through training and the proper attitude to safely handle and operate firearms, many firearms related accidents can be prevented. With the proper firearms safety education and proven standards of training, many can learn the safe way to handle firearms.

The foundation of modern safe gun handling rests upon three interconnecting principles. These principles work together to form a redundant web of overlapping protections that when rigorously applied can virtually eliminate unintentional injuries:

1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

   This is the single most important concept of gun safety. Even if a round were to leave the gun, as long as the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction the likelihood of injury is very, very low. Always be aware of where your muzzle is pointing.

2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

   Your finger should always rest along the frame of the gun or on the trigger guard until you are actually ready to fire a shot. A finger resting on or near the trigger significantly increases the risk of the trigger being unintentionally activated. Condition yourself to always place your trigger finger along the frame of the gun whenever you're not firing.

3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

   Anytime you pick up a gun, make sure the safety is engaged, if there is one, and that the gun is unloaded. If you do not know how to operate a gun, leave it alone and seek help form some one who does. Ammunition should always be stored separately from firearms and should never be present when cleaning or handling any firearm. Always assume that a firearm is loaded until you check and verify that it is not. Check it again and check it a third time.