Gun Safety Tips: Ways To Avoid Danger When Handling A Gun

How well do people know about gun safety? Every gun owner pretty much knows how to handle their firearm in a safe manner, yet the potential for danger cannot be ignored.

Gun Safety Practices To Prevent Gun-Related Accidents

Gun safety among all others has to follow strict rules to ensure no one gets hurt. Even when you're around people who are knowledgeable and skilled in firearms, these rules are non-negotiable. Whether you're hunting with a friend, in the firing range, or any place where a gun is doing work, the appropriate manner to deal with a gun still holds true. A little mistake can be deadly, and as soon as the bullet exits the muzzle, there's no stopping it. It can mean yours, or someone else's life if you're not careful.

1. Always Assume The Gun Is Loaded

Make it a habit to check the chamber especially when you just held a gun. Do this when you take something out from your gun safe, or when another person hands you over his firearm. He might insist the gun is not loaded, but double check anyway just to be certain.

2. Gun Must Always Be Pointed In A Safe Direction

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The muzzle of a gun should be pointed upwards or down at the ground. For whatever reason of accidental firing, nobody gets a direct hit within at least a radius of a mile. Your gun should only be pointed at a target you're willing to shoot.

3. Finger Off The Trigger

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I'm guilty of this mistake many times in the past. My finger was always rested lightly on the trigger every time I'm holding a handgun, which should not be the case unless you're ready to shoot. Gladly, I quit the habit once and for all.

4. Don't Rely Too Much On A Gun's Safety Mechanism

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Setting your gun into safe mode using its safety lever or locking mechanism doesn't mean you could just point the gun at anyone. Treat it simply as an added safeguard. You'll never know if this part of your firearm is faulty, so don't put a hundred percent of your trust in it.

5. Be Familiar With Your Gun's Mechanical Characteristics

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Knowing how your gun works will also help reduce the risk of unwanted accidents. Like for example, you have a semi-automatic handgun and you took the magazine out. You have to know how to double check if there's one more bullet in the chamber.

6. Make Sure To Use The Right Ammunition For Your Gun

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There have been cases where a 9mm ammo is loaded into a .40 caliber magazine. It accepts the wrong ammo and even gets chambered inside the gun ready for firing. This mistake blows out the case which is not good for the gun, and certainly dangerous for the shooter.

7. Clear The Gun Barrel From Obstructions Before Shooting

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Proper firearm maintenance is always necessary. Make it a point to always clear the barrel from any blockage before using your gun. This could cause the barrel to burst due to a spike in pressure.

Watch this short video about gun safety:

Learning how to shoot a gun is a very satisfying skill to learn for first timers. However, being able to pull the trigger and hit the target isn't all that matters. The shooter must practice discipline to protect himself and others from unwanted circumstances. As long as you respect these simple rules, you're ready to own a firearm.

What do you think of these gun safety tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Think you're ready to own your first handgun? Take a look at these 36 best handguns you will ever need!

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Featured Image Via – gafiringline