Whether you're a trained marksman or just starting to shoot firearms, gun safety is the most important part of the sport. Shooting guns can be a remarkably fun activity for responsible shooters, as long as you follow the guidelines and basic rules to hit your mark.
From loading your gun to putting away your equipment, there are a few special commandments to follow for a safe day on the range or in the fields. The responsibility is in your hands and simple knowledge on the subject can go a long way. A trained shooter must know respect, responsibility, and discipline with any type of firearm.
Our list of simple rules can help you learn proper gun safety to protect yourself and your loved ones.
10 Commandments of Gun Safety
1. Use Proper Ammunition Always
You should always have the proper knowledge of your gun and ammunition, as well as any gun that you borrow from someone else. Don't disregard the instructions that come with your equipment - ever.
The warnings are there to keep you and your surroundings safe. Always listen to a knowledgeable instructor for visual and verbal instructions on the proper way to shoot. A small mistake can lead to a tragic outcome. There are thousands of different bullet calibers for rifles and pistols.
If you’re a beginner and absolutely unsure of what ammo or gun magazine to use, check your firearm instruction manual to be sure. The manual will tell you a lot about which ammunition to use. Disregarding these rules can wreck your gun and cause injury to you and others.
You never want a busted barrel or a gun that shoots at you rather than towards a target. Never use wet or damaged ammunition and always check the cartridges before you put them in your gun. Even a small error in your gun's loading or a crack in the cartridge can lead to danger. If you're not confident, consult a trusted shooter to know exactly what's right for your firearm.
2. Wear Proper Ear and Eye Protection
If you've shot a gun before, you'll know the kickback can be brutal. A loud gunshot noise can damage your hearing immediately and keep you from enjoying the sport in the long run.
Ringing in your ears can resonate for days and lead to permanent hearing loss. Shots may also ricochet against clay targets and debris to end up in your eyes. An improper shot can significantly damage your vision and result in expensive medical care. Most ranges and professional shooters insist on quality eye protection to keep everyone safe. Also invest in earplugs and/or or special headphones to protect your hearing while shooting.
Durable goggles and shooting glasses can help to shield your eyes from any ricochet and damage. This equipment is also important while cleaning your gun in case of a worst case scenario. Make sure you're properly protected against any dramatic circumstances.
3. Treat Your Gun With Proper Upkeep
You should never service your gun yourself! Many first timfe shooters think major or minor alterations on the barrel or trigger can make your gun look better, but DIY “style” upgrades come with a cost. Amateur modifications can cause your gun to be dangerous to yourself and others and break the device to no repair.
Modified shotguns and rifles are also very illegal and take away from the fun of the sport. Firearms need to be serviced by a professional and inspected for safety on a regular basis. Consult your manufacturer to see when your gun needs to be serviced.
Ask about adjustment and inspection if you're not satisfied with the current state of your firearm. Never perform adjustments at home if you are not a qualified professional.
4. Keep Your Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction
The basic rule of gun safety is to never point your muzzle in a place you don't intend to shoot. Even if you're just unloading or re-loading your gun, the direction should never be towards another person or yourself.
Bullets can also bounce off of walls and ceilings, so take that into consideration when aiming the firearm in an enclosed location. When outdoors, look for neighboring trees and structures to avoid. You may find the safest place to aim your gun is down or up whenever you're not shooting.
This depends on your envionrment; however, you should be fully knowledgeable on the subject before trying this out for yourself. Always be in control of your muzzle's direction and never aim your firearm towards an unintended target.
Remember your target and never point your gun in an area you don't wish to aim at. Consult your user's manual or a trusted professional to see if there's any further information on proper handling.
5. "Safety" Isn't Always Safe
Contrary to the depictions in television shows and movies, the safety switch on your firearm isn't always so safe. Like any other device, this mechanism can be confusing and inoperable. An old gun may have a safety trigger that doesn't completely work and even a new firearm can get jammed.
Even if you assume you know everything about your firearm, a simple safety handling mistake can be dangerous to yourself and others. Deadly accidents have occurred when someone has assumed their gun's safety was on. This reckless behavior can be avoided by staying away from your trigger until you actually mean to shoot a target.
Assume your gun will fire at any time and double check the safety device, never leaving it in the middle of the switch. Don't ever leave your gun rested against an object as the safety toggle may be switched.
Always keep an eye on your firearm so it won't be used by others improperly. Stay safe at all times and keep your gun to yourself!
6. Unload Your Firearm When Not in Use
Only load your firearm on the range or in a designated shooting area away from others. A loaded gun is a tragic danger waiting to happen in the hands of a child or an unknowing adult. Keep your ammunition and gun separate and secure in a proper place.
A formidable, locked gun cabinet is a preferred place for firearm owners. It is completely dangerous to keep a loaded gun in your home bedroom as it may lead to deadly accidents in the event of an emergency.
After you've finished shooting for the day, immediately unload your gun. You can always load it later safely if the event isn't done.
Don't transport your gun to a new location with bullets in the chamber. This action can lead to unfortunate accidents and is completely illegal in certain circumstances if you're pulled over by the police. Even for smaller pistol models, like traditional 1911s or brand new Glock 19 models, always deload your mag and chamber before transporting the gun.
This commandment is also important when handling a new firearm or passing it off to another person to shoot. You must open the action before handling to check for ammo and never predict that a gun is unloaded in a safe space while paying attention to the direction of the muzzle. A true marksman plays it safe.
7. Learn Your Own Gun From Mechanics to Handling
Each firearm has specific regulations and mechanisms that you need to be knowledgeable about before shooting for the first time, or even the millionth time. You need to familiarize with your own gun or any gun you may borrow to shoot to make sure that yourself and others stay safe.
Older guns have different handling methods than newer firearms, and these simple rules will keep you and others protected. Educate yourself on specific firearms to prevent an unsafe situation. Don't disregard the instruction manual that came with your gun; this vital pamphlet contains a ton of important information that you may have overlooked.
A manufacturer may even provide an extra copy if you've misplaced your manual. The library and internet can educate you on the history and specifications of your gun. Look for proper sources before taking them to heart. Another important rule is to know how to properly store your firearm.
Don't be afraid to do your research as this information can keep injury and accidents from occurring. Larger rifles are much different than smaller guns to protect your household from a deadly incident.
8. Check Your Barrel Before Shooting
Your unloaded firearm may not be so protected after all. Before loading your gun, check out the action for forgotten ammunition in the magazine and chamber. Even any grime like mud or dirt can damage your gun and cause injury or damage to the firearm.
Try to clean your gun every time before you go out to hunt or shoot in any environment. If something feels wrong while you're shooting, stop firing your firearm immediately and safely check the action. Common warning signs include recoils and noises when shooting or a weak trigger effect.
Always be aware of the ammunition you load into your firearm. A smaller gauge may block the barrel and cause it to burst. Educate yourself on the proper ammunition and loading techniques for your firearm. It's never too safe to double check before you shoot as long as you do it safely in a controlled environment.
9. Look Out For Failure When Firing
If you pull the trigger and your gun doesn't fire or locks up, stay safe! Point the muzzle in a proper direction away from you and others.
Unload the firearm by cautiously opening the action and safely throw away the cartridge when you feel it isn't working properly. Your gun may be at risk of firing even if it doesn't shoot immediately after pulling the trigger. Keep your eye on the muzzle and make sure it isn't pointed at you or any bystanders.
Try to clean and handle your firearm in well ventilated places. You don't want to be exposed to lead or injury in a damp and enclosed space. Make sure to wash your hands after handling or cleaning your firearm.
10. Watch Your Target and Surroundings
There's no way to undo a shot. One simple misfire can result in injury or a tragic accident. Keep your eye on the target and know what lurks in the background of your shooting area. Never fire at a random movement or noise or it could be an unintended target! Keep calm and protect yourself and others.
It's important to take a deep breath and know your surroundings completely before shooting. This may take a minute to feel completely comfortable but it could also save a life. Bullets can shoot miles at rapid speed depending on the gun and you need to take in the distance and the direction of your shot. Bullets may even ricochet and skip your target.
Assess the location before a day of shooting and recognize any immediate problems or accident spots. Keep the area clear and secure for a safe shooting experience.
Follow These Gun Safety Commandments
Target shooting and hunting can be safe and fun with the proper protection that only the shooter can provide. It is important to recognize your own responsibility while shooting.
You may want a course in handling and gun owner responsibility if you're feeling unsure about safety protocols. Take your newfound knowledge to inform friends and children about the proper ways to handle a firearm. If you're just starting to shoot, look for supervision and supervise those who need help.
Don't be afraid to ask your instructor and knowledgeable shooters about their expertise. Feel free to speak up when you witness unsafe handling and shooting procedures. Gun regulations and safety procedures are very important to the sport. Safety is always first on the range or in the fields.