The Commandments of Firearms (or Gun) Safety
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The Commandments of Firearms (or Gun) Safety





Firearm safety is up to you, make a habit of reviewing ’The Commandments of Firearms (or Gun) Safety’, that we were all taught when introduced to the sport, and practicing them each time you go afield.

1). Treat every gun as if it were loaded and ready to fire!
Always keep your finger off of the trigger and out of the trigger guard unless you intend on actually firing the gun. Always keep the gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction. A safe direction is one in which an accidental discharge would not result in injury to you or anyone else. Both visually and mechanically (work the gun’s action while keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and keeping your finger out of the trigger guard) inspect the firearm to ensure it is unloaded before assuming so!

2). Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use!
Only load your firearm when you are in the field or on the target range and ready to begin hunting or shooting. While afield, never cross a fence, climb a tree or jump a ditch or stream with a loaded firearm. The same rule applies for entering and exiting a blind or getting into or off of a boat. Never let a loaded gun out of your sight, when it’s not in use unload it! Always unload and case a gun before traveling in a car.

3). Don’t rely on your gun’s safety!
Never rely on the gun’s safety alone and check it often to ensure it is in the "safe" position. A gun safety is a mechanical device, which can fail. However, mistakenly believing a safety is engaged or that the gun was unloaded can have tragic consequences! Again, keep your finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard, unless you intend on firing the weapon.

4). Be sure of your target and what is beyond it!
Remember you can’t call back a fired round! Before you ever pull the trigger, be sure of your target and the background it will strike. Know how far your shot will go if you miss your target. Never shot at a noise, movement or flash of color. Target misidentification while hunting has been the cause of many accidental shootings of partners and dogs!

5). Always use the proper ammunition!
Shotguns are designed only to fire a certain gauge (or bore) and specific length or lengths of shot shells. Never attempt to load the wrong gauge, length or an improperly reloaded shell into your gun. Most modern shotguns have the gauge and shell length imprinted on their barrels, if you are unsure or have a question check your owner’s manual, call the manufacturer or contact a gunsmith. Also, using steel shot in older shotguns with unlined barrels and tight chokes can destroy the gun and possibly cause injury to the shooter or a bystander. Remember that it only takes one shell to destroy a gun, injure or even kill someone! Always check the ammunition before you load it into your gun. Compare the "head-stamps" and insure they match your gun’s requirements. Also ensure that the ammunition is in good condition, avoid using old, worn ammo or shells that have been in water.

6). If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, handle it with extreme care!
If your gun does not fire after you pull the trigger, remove your face away from the gun’s stock and breech. Always remember to keep the gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction. After waiting several seconds without the chambered round being fired, slowly open the gun’s action and remove the round from the chamber. The round still has the potential to go off, so care should be taken in dealing with a "hang fire" round.

Inspect the shell only after you are sure enough time has elapsed that there is no chance of the round going off. A "hang fire" can be caused by several reasons including a bad primer, the shell having been previously wet, bad powder or a "light strike" from the gun’s firing pin. If you note that the gun is causing "light strikes" or deforming the shell’s casing discontinue using the firearm until a competent gunsmith has serviced it.

7). Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting!
Wearing protective shooting glasses is always a good idea whenever you are shooting, hunting or cleaning your firearm. Protective glasses can help guard your eyes from falling shot, pieces of clay targets, burning powder and hot gasses, and twigs and branches. While cleaning your firearm, they will also help to prevent injury to the eye from flying parts and sprayed cleaning solvents. Continued exposure to the high decibels from shooting can cause permanent damage to your ears! On the range many shooters will double-up on hearing protection combining earplugs and muffs, however in the field they rarely use any hearing protection at all. Hearing protection, especially ear muff type protective devices, can be a nuisance and a handicap while hunting. In situations where many shots are likely for a prolonged period, such as in dove or duck hunting, incorporating earplugs into your regime is a wise idea.

8). Before firing a gun make sure it is in good working condition and that the gun’s barrel is clear of obstructions!
Before loading your gun always inspect the barrel for any obstructions or debris. Even a small amount of mud, snow, dirt or an excessive amount of oil or lubricating grease is enough to increase the pressure and cause the barrel to bulge or burst when the gun is fired. Always ensure the barrel is clear, especially if the gun is dropped or you fall while afield.

9). Never alter or modify your gun, clean and have your firearms serviced regularly!
Always have the gun’s manufacturer or a competent professional gunsmith work on your firearms.

10). Know your firearm, learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of all firearms you use!
Always be familiar with any gun you are using! When acquiring a new gun always read the owner’s manual before firing it. Not all firearms function the same way, be especially familiar with the location and type of safety on any gun you use.

11). Never use or allow others to handle firearms while under the influence of drugs or alcohol!
Again, common sense should dictate this. Handling and using a firearm requires good judgement and concentration. Prescription drugs and even some "over-the-counter" medicines can cause you to become drowsy, impair your judgement and slow your reflexes. Remember that alcohol, drugs and guns are a deadly combination!

12). Federal, State and local laws regulate the transportation of firearms. Always check the regulations and transport your firearms unloaded and cased with the ammunition separate from the firearm and in accordance with all applicable laws!
Be familiar with all applicable laws concerning the transportation of your firearms, especially if you are travelling to another state or country.

13). When not in use, store your firearms in a locked and secure storage case, gun rack or safe. This can help to prevent loss due to theft and keep the firearms inaccessible to children!
Some states now require firearms to be stored unloaded with gunlocks installed and separate from the ammunition if children are in the home.

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