Guns put serious power into the hands of people who responsibly use them.
But the ownership and use of firearms are not without their pitfalls, even when handled by individuals with a complete understanding of gun safety. Perhaps you or a loved one are gun owners and are trying to keep the members of your household safe when you are home.
Here are some useful gun safety tips for keeping your family safe as a gun owner in your home.
1. Store Guns and Ammunition
For any gun owner, storing a gun and ammunition should be one of the main gun safety tips to follow at home. It would prevent accidental shooting if the ammunition is not loaded in the gun.
You should consider using a gun storage to keep in reserve the guns and ammunition to protect everyone’s safety. You should also change the safe combinations to ensure their continued safety.
2. Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction
Keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction is a key firearm safety rule for gun owners at home. This rule is essential for the safety of those in the home and those outside, as there is always a chance that the firearm can unintentionally discharge.
If you need to take a gun out, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, such as up in the air or toward the ground. This rule should always be followed while cleaning, loading, or unloading a firearm, handling a firearm, transporting a firearm, and shooting.
3. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You Are Ready to Shoot
This is particularly important when you are not using your gun. Keeping the finger off the trigger prevents the gun from discharging if it is bumped or jostled. The finger must be off the trigger if a gun is being handled for storage, viewing, cleaning, or transferring between users. This habit also helps to remind the user to keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
4. Be Sure of Your Target and What’s Behind It Before Shooting
Areas around the home can be crowded and may contain persons unaware of the shot. Being sure of your target and what’s behind it increases safety for everyone in the house.
Taking that extra second can be the difference between human life and unintentionally shooting a loved one in your home. This is especially important when using 6.5 Creedmoor brass, a type of ammunition used in many long-range shooting disciplines.
5. Inspect and Maintain Your Firearms
It is important to keep your guns operable and functioning. This can help avoid accidents and other types of property damage. Inspecting and maintaining your firearms should be done at least once a month, including checking each part for proper fit and function.
Check for signs of rusting, wear and tear, or other signs that indicate the need for lubrication, cleaning, or replacement. You should also inspect the magazine and check for any signs of corrosion.
Keep in Mind These Gun Safety Tips For a Safe Home
Having the right gun safety knowledge can save lives. So familiarize yourself with these gun safety tips for gun owners at home.
Always store your guns unloaded and locked away from children in a safe place. Treat all guns as if loaded, use the correct ammunition, and never alter or modify any gun. Be a responsible gun owner and always practice gun safety.
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