This is a guest post by Scott Sylvester
Practical Gun Safety
Anyone that has ever been to a range or handled a firearm has (hopefully) been introduced to the basic firearms safety rules. While there is some debate about the number of firearms safety rules, the basics I teach and live by are:
- Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire
- Be aware of your target and what is behind it
Most folks usually include: Always assume and treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Some combination of those rules are what you will find and are the best practices when handling dangerous tools. I know there are a lot more rules out there and some ranges I’ve seen have upwards of 20 rules, my favorite of which: Do not put ammunition in your mouth. There is only one reason why they had to post that rule.
Whatever basic rules you apply when handling, shooting and working with firearms, these rules do not get left at the range. When you pack up after a day of shooting and go home, you need to continue to apply these safety principles everywhere! When transporting, cleaning and arranging guns in the safe, remember to practice safety. The tool does not become less dangerous or require less focus or application of safety just because you are away from the range.
The worst offenders are concealed carry and off duty law enforcement. After a long day carrying a gun, you can’t wait to get home and deck it for the evening in your safe, or other safe storage location. Let me pause and add in another gun safety rule: Never leave your firearm where an unauthorized person or child can access it!
When taking the gun out of the holster, or taking the holster off I can’t tell you how many times I see people get swept by the muzzle. In a hurry to relax I’ve seen cops draw their gun and sweep their own foot or arm setting the gun down, and even set it down with the muzzle facing a loved one!
When things become routine it tends to breed complacency and when handling a tool that is potentially lethal if mishandled… we need to make an active decision to fight commonplace practices and make sure we are following proper gun handling safety rules. You wouldn’t take your running chain saw and set it near a loved one or swing it towards them haphazardly, so why would you do it with your gun?
For my friends and readers out there take a minute and think when you are about to handle your firearm. You have to engage your brain first before you handle your tools!
Be safe this week!
Scott S – Founder
One Weapon, Any Tool
www.oneweaponanytool.com
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