BASIC FIREARM SAFETY RULES
By Christopher Brown
ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
This is the most fundamental safety rule. Anytime you are handling a firearm, the muzzle should never be pointed at anything you do not intend to kill or destroy. A safe direction is any direction that if the gun were to accidentally discharge, no person, place or thing would be injured or damaged. A safe direction can also be holding the gun in either the “upward” or “downward” position.
ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE
Guns should only be loaded in the shooting line at the target range. When they are not being used, guns and ammunition should be stored in a secure location where unauthorized or untrained individuals cannot access them. Anytime you are handling a gun or handing one to another shooter, the action should always be open, you must visually inspect the chamber to ensure the firearm is unloaded. ALWAYS ASSUME A GUN IS LOADED.
KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNLESS YOU ARE ACTIVELY SHOOTING
Your trigger finger should rest along the frame and outside the trigger guard until you are actually ready to fire. This rule is critically important while loading or unloading. Never assume because the safety is “on” that you can relax with this rule. Remember, the fire safety is a mechanical device that is subject to fail, and that a round can still potentially discharge a round in the “on” position.
Firearm safety is everyone’s responsibility. Remember, Perfect Practice Improves Firearms Proficiency.
CHRISTOPHER BROWN, M.S.
OWNER, BATTLE BORN DEFENSIVE SHOOTING SOLUTIONS
NRA CERTIFIED FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR
www.battleborndss.com