Gun laws and regulations have certainly been a controversial subject in the United States, with many individuals noting that firearms are a symbol of freedom. However, whatever you believe, it’s still important to be careful. From 2006-2016, around 6,885 people died in the US from unintentional shootings. These are usually the result of guns that are not kept securely or individuals that aren’t adequately trained.
In this article, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about staying safe with your guns so that you can use them appropriately. Interested? Then keep on reading.
Do your research
The very first step in gun safety is to do your research. Every weapon is different, so if you are thinking of purchasing a firearm, you want to make sure that you know absolutely everything about it. This includes your state’s laws, any licenses you may need, and of course, how the gun operates.
It can also be wise to learn about some statistics so that you can be aware of the importance of gun safety. On average, from the period of 2012-2014, around 1300 children died each year from a firearm injury in the US. Most of these are from unintentional shootings.
Keep them contained
No matter if you have a handgun, or a rifle, keeping your weapons in a locked and safe space is a vital part of gun safety. While you might be thinking, “What if I need it in an emergency? I’ll just keep it hidden”, remember to take a look at the statistics. According to healthblog, 3 out of 4 children know where firearms are hidden in a home, and many have even handled them without their parents’ knowledge. At the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry and keep things contained.
Educate your family
If you 100% do not want to keep your firearms locked up, then educating your family is absolutely vital. You must explain the dangers of weapons to your children and inform them never to touch them without your permission. However, it would be best if you also chose the appropriate age to speak to your children about this, as it can be scary and overwhelming. If you are unsure about how to talk to kids about gun violence, click the link for more information.
Use the right equipment
Guns are built professionally for a reason, so it’s essential that you use the right equipment to ensure it operates correctly. Never try to alter or change your gun by yourself, as this can lead to fatal accidents. If you are unsure about what sort of add ons and equipment you can use, just speak to your local dealer. They will be able to help you out so that you can get the best quality products suited to your weapon.
Practice first
While lessons can be expensive, they can be of great assistance if you haven’t used a firearm before. Visiting an Indoor Shooting Range is a great option, as you can learn how to appropriately use your weapon in the safest environment possible with all the necessary equipment. Regular training can even improve your hand-eye coordination, concentration, accuracy, and problem-solving! You’ll be a pro in no time and be happy that you can enjoy your guns safely!
Use correct ammunition
No ammunition is the same, and if you don’t use the appropriate bullets for your weapon, you are putting yourself at risk. On top of this, it can ruin your gun, which isn’t fun for anyone. Make sure you check with your buyer about the correct ammunition to use and stick to it. It would be best if you also discarded any wet or damaged bullets appropriately, as this can also damage the interior of the gun and cause a malfunction.
Wear protection
If you plan on hunting or heading to a range with your firearms, remember that protection is important. No matter how young or old you are, make sure you wear protective glasses and some type of earplug. The glasses will make sure no debris comes in contact with your eyes, while the earplugs/muffs will stop your hearing from getting damaged. You may think it sounds silly, but it will help improve your overall shooting, and ensure that everybody is safe and happy.
Get your guns serviced
Just like your car, guns require servicing. Over time it may become damaged or just subjected to wear and tear, which means it should be inspected and adjusted when necessary so that you can continue using it safely. Without proper maintenance, it may malfunction and injure not only yourself but those around you. If you want to clean it yourself, follow these steps for safely cleaning and storing your gun.
Treat each weapon differently
As mentioned above, every weapon is different, so if you own multiple firearms, it’s important not to get them mixed up. They all require different servicing, cleaning, ammunition, and equipment, so make sure they each have everything they need. It can even be beneficial to keep a checklist with you to know which gun needs what. This is especially important if you will be using them hunting or for sports purposes, as improper usage can injure those around you.
Think before you shoot
Lastly, the most crucial step to remember in gun safety is to think before you shoot. Be vigilant, observe your surroundings, and never pull the trigger unless you are absolutely sure of your target. With other hunters out and about, the last thing you want is to harm another person accidentally. It’s best to take a moment to collect your thoughts before firing. You’ll find that it will actually improve your aim too!
And that’s it! This was the ultimate guide to staying safe with your guns.
Firearms can be a great benefit and a fun sport, but we must always remember that they are very dangerous. By keeping them secure and maintaining them appropriately, you can continue to enjoy them, whether it be for fun or protection.
