A gun is a powerful tool that could cause damage to property or end a life in an instant. While guns can be used to protect yourself and your family, people are killed every year in firearms-related accidents. If you own a gun or plan to purchase one, consider these important tips for using your gun responsibly. For professional training in how to be a responsible gun owner, consider your options for getting high-quality gun training online.
Always Treat Your Gun as if It’s Loaded
It’s difficult to tell at a glance whether a gun is loaded, so you should always assume it is. Handle it very carefully, keep the safety on at all times, and never point it at something you’re not willing to shoot. Get into the habit of checking any gun that’s handed to you or picked up to see if it’s loaded. Even if the person handing you the gun says it’s loaded or unloaded, check it yourself.
Store Your Gun Safely
When not being kept on yourself and carried, your gun should be stored in a safe or some other type of case that can be secured. This could be anything from a gun safe to a quick access lock box. However it’s stored, the gun needs to be secured from individuals who shouldn’t have access to it. This includes children as well as other adults. You’re responsible for the firearm and could be held liable if a child gains access to it and hurts him or herself or someone else. Never leave a gun out, loaded or unloaded, and unsecured.
Maintain Your Gun
Regular maintenance is part of being a responsible gun owner. This means you should regularly clean your gun of debris, dust, oil, and gunpowder. A poorly maintained gun may not fire properly, which can be incredibly dangerous for the shooter. You should also treat your gun with anti-rust oil, especially if it’s going to be in storage for an extended time. If you feel your gun isn’t working properly even though you’ve kept it clean and in good shape, take it to a gunsmith and have him or her look it over. Take this maintenance very seriously, and never assume you can fix any gun-related problem by yourself.
Teach Other Responsible Adults in Your Home How to Use Your Gun
If you live with other responsible adults, teach them how to use your gun. They don’t need to spend their weekends at a gun range and become experts, but they need to be as responsible as you are with your firearm. This will at least cut down on the possibility of a negligent discharge, and it might ensure there’s at least one more person who can use your gun in self-defense. If you have children, instill in them from a young age the gun safety rules and what to do if they find a gun. By teaching your children these things, they’ll know what to do and find an adult if they come across a gun.
One of the most important parts of being a responsible gun owner is knowing how to store, handle, and shoot it properly. Fortunately, Gun Safety Training Pros offers high-quality firearms training online. If you need to learn how to handle a gun and shoot it safely, we have what you need. For more information, contact one of our knowledgeable team members today at [email protected].
