On the Fundamentals of Gun Safety

The second amendment reads as follows: “a well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Indeed, the right to bear arms is a special privilege we Americans enjoy, albeit one not supported by every American, and the topic of much heated debate. Regardless of what side of the equation you’re on, the principles of gun safety should be observed by everyone in the event that wielding a fire arm becomes prudent or necessary.

Keep Your Gun Safe and Out of Harm’s Way

This should surprise no one, but your gun ought to be concealed or hidden in a location safe from children, strangers, or individuals unfit to wield a firearm. A gun safe is highly recommended, and a gun’s safety ought to always be on. Storing your gun in a safe place is one of the easiest ways to prevent the occurrence of a catastrophic accident.

Point the Gun Away from People

Again, this sounds like a no brainer, but it doesn’t hurt to remind gun owners to keep their barrel pointed away from other people. If you’re practicing on the range, only point your firearm at a cleared target, safe from the obstruction of innocent bystanders who may be down range. A firearm is a powerful weapon that will pierce a perfect hole in an object or fragment body tissue, bone, or organs in the blink of an eye. Remain cognizant of a firearm’s power and you are well on your way to gun safety.

Gun Safety Unloaded

It is also highly advisable to disarm your weapon after firing it. This mitigates the risk of a misfire which can lead to a catastrophic accident. Also, be sure that your firearm is completely disarmed before reloading it while on the range.