(source: google.com)
Gun safety is not a joke. It may at first appear to be a very dry subject, however it is one of the most important thing you should learn to do. There are gun safety classes and gun safety videos that you can watch, but all of them deal with 8 most common gun safety tips that we also put together. You can call them the gun safety commandments if you wish. And remember to learn them.
1. The gun is always loaded
The first and the most important rules is that you should always treat the gun as loaded. Once you unload it yourself then verified that the chamber and magazine are empty. You should never take anyone else’s word for this because accidents do happen. Unless the slide is locked back or the cylinder is open assume that the gun is hot. This will prevent accidental discharge that may injure you or others. Whenever the gun is out of your control, even if you set it on a table for 30 seconds, you always want to safety-check it when you pick it up. There is no exception to this rule.
2 Never point the gun at something you are not prepared to destroy.
If you’ve done your safety-check and are absolutely sure that your gun is unloaded, that does not give you the go-ahead to be careless with it. Remember the first rule, the gun is always loaded, you should never point it toward anything that you are not prepared to destroy.
3 Always be sure of your target and what is behind it
In practice, it should go without saying that you should never discharge your firearm in a direction of anything you don't intend to shoot. However, bullets can go through – and beyond – your intended target and knowing precisely what is in front and behind your enemy – from wherever they may appear – produces a whole gray area. Knowing what’s behind your target is an essential step to safety and responsibility. And safety should always be your number one priority.
4 Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target
This rule should be practiced 100% of the time (as with all of these rules). With any modern firearm, as long as your finger is away from the trigger guard, your firearm will not discharge. Knowing this, there should be 0% chance of a negligent discharge. Remember, that there is no such thing as an accidental discharge. There is only negligence. Every concealed carry permit holder with a firearm on his or her person is responsible for every round that leaves the chamber. That's why the first step to staying safe is, “keep your finger clear and off the trigger until you intend to fire.”
5 Check your barrel and ammo
Or even better, double check it. MAke sure that the barrel and the action are clear of obstructions. Also make sure that you have only the proper ammunition for your firearm and not another type. This can prevent harm done to you or to the ones surrounding you.
6 Unload your firearms when they’re not in use
You don’t need to have one in the chamber all the time nor any in the chamber or the magazine or cylinder. Leave actions open and carry your firearms in cases and unloaded to and from the shooting area. Of course, keep your self defense gun at you all the times, but other than that gun (or backup), others should be unloaded.
7 Don’t do unnecessary activity with a loaded firearm
Unless you are John Rambo or someone like him, you don’t usually have to run, jump or climb with a loaded firearm. You may be aware of it’s position on you but once your legs leave the ground you don’t know what may happen. Unload your firearm before climbing, jumping etc. And don’t forget to pull the firearm toward you by the butt, not the muzzle.
8 Avoid alcohol or any other substances before and during shooting
This is a golden rule and you have to obey it. Avoid it all time and at all costs. You will need a clear mind when dealing with a firearm, not to mention a clear mind when dealing with a life threatening self-defense situation. Also keep an eye out for your medicine, if you are taking any, because mind or behavior altering substances are the same as alcohol - not good when combined with guns.
These 8 rules of gun safety were put in place to ensure that no accidents happen. If these rules are followed 100% of the time, you can rest assured that you will never have an accident with your firearms.Be sure to always keep your mind focused.