Whether you're a seasoned marksman or a beginner just starting out, safety should always be your top priority when handling firearms. In this post, we'll be diving into the importance of proper safety protocols and providing some helpful tips and guides for staying safe while shooting. First and foremost, it's important to remember that firearms are not toys. They are powerful tools that, if not handled correctly, can cause serious injury or even death. That's why it's crucial to follow all safety guidelines and regulations, no matter how experienced you may be. So whether you're heading to the range for some target practice or out hunting in the wilderness, make sure to read through our safety guides and always prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you.
Gun Handling
One of the most essential parts of gun safety is learning how to properly handle a firearm. Guns should be handled as though they were loaded at all times, and never pointed toward anything you didn't plan to shoot. Even if you just unloaded the gun and set it on the counter, still treat it as loaded. Every experienced firearm owner, even instructor, has had the unfriendly experience of a known-safe firearm going off in their presence, if not in their hand. This, of course, implies that you should always make sure a gun is unloaded by checking the chamber and magazine before handling it and that you should always point the muzzle away from yourself and other people. New shooters will frequently find themselves admonished by nearby, more experienced shooters if they don’t manifest proper safety.
Keeping your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire is another vital part of safe gun handling, and is a mantra at many ranges. So, don't touch the trigger until you know exactly where you want to make your shot. This is a necessary measure for avoiding “accidental discharges”. Always be alert of your surroundings when handling firearms, and never pick one up if you've been drinking or using drugs. A person's ability to make sound decisions and respond quickly when handling a firearm may be compromised in this state.
Storage and Transportation
In order to ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and others, guns must be transported and stored properly. Guns should be stored in a secure location, away from naive kids and other people who shouldn't have access to them. In addition to reducing the likelihood of accidents, this will also make the area less inviting to would-be thieves. Make sure your firearms are unloaded and kept in a safe place before transferring them. That way, no mishaps will happen on the road, and no one will steal from you. When traveling with firearms, it's best to keep them concealed so as not to draw unwanted attention. Keep in mind that there may be rules related to the transport and storage of firearms that vary from state to state. It's crucial to know the local rules and regulations of gun storage and transportation before storing or transporting firearms.
States and municipalities hostile to the 2nd amendment have been known to arrest drivers and confiscate firearms from innocent and unwitting drivers who merely pass through their jurisdiction on the interstate highway. To borrow from the NRA, don’t be a victim!
Protective Gear
Wearing safety equipment when shooting will help ensure your safety. Ear and eye protection are the most crucial parts of safety equipment. Using earplugs or earmuffs can prevent damage to your hearing from the explosive percussion of gunfire. Situational awareness is greatly improved by wearing shooting muffs that allow normal sound to pass through using digital technology, but prevent loud sounds from damaging your ears. Companies like SigSauer, Axil, Walkers, Surefire, and others. In order to prevent long-term hearing loss, it is essential to always wear ear protection when shooting.
Wearing protective eyewear, such as shooting glasses or goggles, can shield your eyes from dust and other flying objects, as well as the sun's glare. Recent advances in material sciences have yielded massive improvements in this field. Some vendors supply demo videos showing goggles surviving a shotgun blast of size 7 ½ shot. Make sure your eye protection is designed for shooting, as normal sunglasses or safety glasses may not offer enough protection.
Local Resources
Browsing the gun accessories or gun safety aisle at your local firearms retailer will give you a rapid education on the scope of products made available by manufacturers across the U.S. We are privileged to live in the greatest country in the world, and the dedication of the gun industry to citizens’ safety and freedom is a reflection of the responsibility American citizens have accepted for our own safety and defense. Shoot straight, shoot safe!