Gun Safety: How to avoid any Accidents
Posted by Ranger Point Team on Aug 19th 2021
Introduction
Talk to a seasoned gun owner training new gun owners, and you'll find out that gun safety is first and foremost for everything concerning guns. Responsible gun owners look at three primary considerations.
- Guns are unloaded.
- Safety locks for guns.
- Safe storage of guns and ammo.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there were 241 unintended shootings by children in 2019, causing more than 100 deaths and nearly 150 injuries. Even adults can be impulsive and forget the golden rule "Always treat a gun as if it's loaded," resulting in an accidentally firing of the gun.
Always unload your gun and if you must keep a loaded handgun handy for protection, invest in a biometric safe. You'll still have to get the gun out with your fingerprint or a number code, but at least the curious toddler or impulsive guest won't.
Safety precautions for Maximum Gun Safety
Never assume having the gun's safety on is enough.
Safety locks help keep accidents from happening. You can get trigger locks, cable locks and even remove & store the bolts separately from the gun itself.
Using one of these safety measures alongside your safe storage area is greatly recommended. Expect the unexpected and stay safe.
The purpose of safe storage is to keep the guns out of the hands of people who are not trained to operate the gun. And keep them away from those who wish to harm others with firearms. Safe storage of guns in the home help prevent both firearms injuries and gun thefts.
Steps to take for Gun Safety
Store guns and ammo separately.
Think of your storage costs as an insurance investment. By separating the two, you considerably lower the risk of any accidental shootings.
- For one gun, a lockable gun case may work.
- Strongboxes and security cases are portable options.
- Steel cabinets provide affordable options for most budgets.
- Gun safes are the most secure for safety and deterring thefts.
Do your research by learning about firearms storage online and by consulting gun professionals. If someone is in the business of selling guns, they’ll be familiar with the laws and social ramifications of gun ownership in your area.
Conclusion
Protect yourself and your family by being safe, and enjoy that next big hunt worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 basic rules of gun safety?
1. Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
2. Never put your finger on the trigger unless you’re prepared to shoot.
3. Emphasize on safe storage of guns and ammo.
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
5. Know how to use your gun safely.
When should firearms be unloaded?
Firearms should always be unloaded when they are not in use. This is especially important for firearms that are not stored in a secure location, such as a gun safe.
For lever-action rifles, in particular, it's important to remember that the hammer must be placed in the cocked position and the safety engaged whenever the rifle is not being fired.
Which is the safest carry most of the time?
If you're carrying a lever-action rifle, you'll want to be extra careful about where you position the weapon so that the lever doesn't accidentally get caught on something and discharge the weapon.
Generally, carrying your firearm in a low-ready position (with the muzzle pointed down and just behind your strong-side hip) is usually considered to be the safest option most of the time.