5 Tips for Safe Gun Ownership

The number of gun owners continues to grow yearly. That goes to say if you’re one of them, you should know the things you have to do for safe gun ownership. That applies even when your gun is not in your hands.

Here are some tips you should follow if you don’t want to get into trouble for owning a gun.

Keep Up with Maintenance

One tip to always follow is to do your regular gun maintenance. It helps to keep your guns in good working condition and prevents them from any malfunctions or misfires too.

Always have a gun cleaning tool kit at home and one for portable use, if you have the spare money. Whether you’re cleaning a 9mm handgun or a bolt-action rifle, it’s important to clean them after using them to increase their overall efficiency and lifespan.

Make it a habit to regularly check on your guns and see if there’s a need for repair. If you find it a hassle to tinker with your own guns, you can just have a local gunsmith do the regular maintenance for you. Although, it will cost you money.

Use Proper Storage

It is your responsibility as a gun owner to keep your guns safe and ensure that they are stored away where children or unauthorized persons can’t have access to them. Simply hiding them inside a drawer or closet is just asking for trouble.

Here is some advice to follow for safely storing your guns:

• You should store your unloaded firearms in either a locked cabinet, gun safe, gun vault, or a storage case. It’s better to bolt the safe in place to prevent would-be thieves from stealing it.
• Aside from safe and secure storage options, you should consider adding gun locking devices. They prevent accidental discharge and prevent unauthorized use of your firearms.
• Your ammunition should be stored separately from your guns. Make sure it’s also inaccessible to kids because they might accidentally ingest it.
• Check if your guns are unloaded before you store them.

Gun safes are highly recommended since they are specifically made for storing guns. It also helps in preserving your firearms quality.

Handle a Gun the Right Way

There are things you should safely follow when you are handling a gun. It goes without saying, but guns are not toys, so when you are in possession of one, you need to take that seriously.

Always assume that the gun is loaded. You should always point it in a safe direction, away from yourself and others. Once you are done using the gun, take time to unload it.

If it’s your first time using a gun, it’s recommended that you are with an experienced gun owner who can help guide you in how to best hold the gun and how it operates. Here are some tips for handing a gun:

• Keep your finger straight and away from the trigger if you aren’t prepared to take a shot.
• Make sure you have a clear vision of your target and what is surrounding it.
• Check the barrel for obstructions before you load and shoot the gun.
• Use the appropriate ammunition for your gun.
• Don’t solely rely on the gun’s safety features. Though it’s rare, these can malfunction which could cause a lot of harm if you are not careful.

Follow Range Etiquette

If you want to take out your guns at the gun range for some test firing, there are certain etiquettes that you have to follow. Shooting ranges have their own rules and regulations and it’s important that you follow them to avoid accidents.

Read and follow the entire rules of the shooting range you’re planning to go to. Listen and obey the instructions of the Range Master. They’re usually much more experienced than you and know a lot more about guns.

Uncase and case your gun at the shooting bench, and always keep the barrel pointed down. Until you’re ready to shoot, keep the gun’s safety on to avoid any mishaps.

Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting. If you don’t have any, shooting ranges usually will have some available for rent.

Know the Hunting Rules

If you want to go out hunting, it’s important to take time and educate yourself on hunting safety and rules, especially since you are out in the wild and in a public space. To stay safe while hunting in the forest or woods, here are some tips:

• Hunting groups should pick one person to designate as the Safety Officer for the hunt.
• Maintain and share everyone’s zone of fire with each other. You should know where everyone is at all times.
• Keep your gun safety on until you’re ready to shoot.
• Don’t attempt to climb on anything when you have a loaded gun in your hands.
• Don’t use the gun scope as binoculars.
• In the case that you fall or trip, control your muzzle. Check the gun for any damages and if there are obstructions in the barrel.
• Don’t shoot if you feel hesitant or doubtful.

Conclusion

These are some of the things you should consider making a habit of as a gun owner. If you practice them regularly, it will reduce the chance of accidents happening with your guns. Your gun is your responsibility, and you should always be and keep other people safe.