While all these rules are important, there is one that can be the most overlooked: Always treat a gun as if it’s loaded.
If a person treats all guns as if they are loaded, points them at nothing but safe targets and keeps their finger off the trigger until they’re ready to shoot, virtually every negligent discharge could have been avoided.
Treat All Guns As If They Are Loaded
Treating all guns as if they are loaded creates a habit of safety. This is especially important for adults who have children at home.
Many parents of children who have harmed others with their firearms were unaware they had guns at home.
A child may be strong enough to pull a trigger, and some guns are not equipped with a safety lock mechanism.
In addition, if a gun is not secured properly and is stolen, the risk of injury or death is dramatically increased.
The number one rule of gun safety is always to check every gun you handle, even if you are experienced!
This takes only a few seconds, but it is the most critical thing you can do to avoid accidental discharges. Suppose you are ever given a gun box for truck by someone or even your best friend. In that case, it is critical to open the action and visually check the chamber, receiver and magazine for ammunition.
Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger
The number one rule of gun safety is to keep your finger off the trigger when shooting. This can be a difficult habit to acquire but is essential for the safe handling of your firearms.
If you’re just starting out, it can take time for this to become automatic. However, if you practice and repeat this action on a regular basis, it will be easier to develop good habits.
Trigger discipline involves placing your index finger on the frame of your firearm and not on the trigger until you are ready to shoot. This prevents you from breaking your shot early or having it miss.
It also helps to avoid accidentally firing your weapon in a self defense situation when you’re feeling the effects of adrenaline. This is often the cause of negligent discharges.
Keep Your Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction
The number one rule of gun safety is to always keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction. This is a way to ensure that if your firearm accidentally discharges, it will not cause injury or damage to yourself or others.
This is especially important at the range. At a firing line, the muzzle of your firearm should be aimed down range towards the backstop and never raised above it.
This can be a little tricky when it comes to holstering your gun, as things like a finger or a piece of string can get inside the trigger guard and flag something you don’t want to go through. However, this is also a general rule that applies to all guns.
Be Sure of Your Target
The number one rule of gun safety is to always be sure of your target when shooting. This might sound simple but it’s a critical aspect of safe firearm handling that is often overlooked and can lead to accidents, injury and death.
In order to be sure of your target, you need to know not only what it is but also the surrounding area. This means that you need to be aware of the area in front, behind and around your target, all while avoiding any people and any potential obstacles.
The best way to ensure you know your surroundings is to practice with the safest gun you can afford and never allow it to leave your side or hands. This will make you safer as well as more prepared when the time comes to pull the trigger on the big one. You may even find that you need to carry two guns.