9 Important Gun Safety Tips You Should Remember

The basic rules never change AND there is more to consider. No matter what type of gun (or guns) you own, it's imperative that you always follow a specific set of safety rules to prevent needless accidents.

Firearm-related accidents can happen to anyone and at any time, but with a few gun safety tips put into practice, you can avoid them happening to you.

Read on for a list of nine tips all about gun safety that will encourage you to always handle your gun in a safe, responsible manner.

1. Never Point A Gun at Anything You Don't Plan to Shoot

This may sound like common sense, but always remember to point your gun away from people, and only have the muzzle facing the thing you plan to shoot. It may sound like one of the most practical gun safety tips, but many gun owners can forget this crucial rule.

Even if you don't think your gun is loaded, serious situations can occur if you point it at someone and it accidentally goes off. Remember to point it at the ground or floor at all times and only raise it when you're ready to aim for your target.

2. Gun Safety Tips For Parents

This safety tip should apply to every gun owner, but it's especially important for parents. If you own guns, you should always keep them securely locked in a safe and out of the reach of prying hands.

Owning a gun safe will protect your investment and you won't have to worry about theft of your firearms. However, this safety tip is even more important if you have children since your guns should never be anywhere within their reach.

3. Make Sure Your Gun Stays Unloaded When Not In Use

Always store your gun completely unloaded to avoid unexpected accidents. If you stash it away with bullets in it, you could end up accidentally shooting yourself or someone else later since you assumed it was empty.

You can keep your ammo nearby in case you need to quickly load your firearm. For the most part, however, it should never be loaded when you put it away.

4. Get to Know Your Gun

Every firearm is different from the manufacturer to the style and caliber. As a gun owner, you should be very familiar with how your guns operate.

The best way to acclimate yourself to your gun is to practice with it at a local shooting range. The more you use your firearm, the better you'll get to know its features. It's also a good way to improve your shooting skills in general.

5. Always Protect Your Eyes and Ears

Whether you're heading to the range or going out for some hunting, you should always wear both eye and ear protection. Guns produce quite a loud noise when fired, and this can cause hearing issues if you're not careful.

You can purchase safety goggles or glasses and a good pair of ear protection "muffs" that you can wear whenever you plan to shoot. It's the best way to maintain your hearing and protect your eyes from possible damage.

6. Take Control of Your Shot

This safety tip mostly applies to outdoor shooting, but it's still a good one for all gun owners to remember. When you aim for your target, you're also taking responsibility for anything that's behind it.

As you aim to shoot, take your time and look past your target before pulling the trigger. This simple step will ensure that there are no people or animals in the distance who could accidentally get shot. Remember, bullets can travel great distances, so you run the risk of hurting someone who could be further past your target.

7. Practice Good Trigger Discipline

Even though your gun should have a "safety" mechanism, you should never completely rely on it to prevent an accident. This mechanism could become disengaged without you knowing it, or you could assume it's on when it isn't.

You should always be mindful of how and when your finger is on the trigger. Never, ever put your finger on the trigger of your gun until you're absolutely certain you're ready to shoot. The safety can be a good way to prevent accidents, but you can never rely on it entirely to prevent accidental firing.

8. Handle Misfires Carefully

Sometimes, guns can become jammed or end up misfiring after you pull the trigger. If this happens to you, point the muzzle in a safe direction and carefully open it up, unload your gun, and safely dispose of the ammunition.

If there is any kind of ammo in the chamber of your gun, it's considered loaded and ready to fire. Make sure you clear the jam all the way before you attempt to reload and shoot. 

9. Use the Proper Ammunition

Any time you use your gun, you must be certain you're using the correct ammunition. Mis-sized or otherwise incorrect ammo can cause serious problems including the serious danger of physical harm to yourself.

Never load your firearm with wet ammunition, and avoid using too much lubrication. Check your ammo against your firearm to ensure you're always loading it with the correct caliber.

Gun Safety Made Simple

These nine basic yet important gun safety tips can help you and others stay safe any time you handle your firearm. Always keep your guns safely locked away and unloaded when not in use.

Check your target and practice good trigger discipline to avoid potential accidents. Get to know your firearms so you're familiar with their features and feel confident using them.

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