Safety Advice for New Gun Owners
Congratulations on making your first firearms purchase! Owning a gun is a huge responsibility, and whether you’ve purchased it for collecting, sport, or personal protection, learning how to handle and care for your firearm safely is key. This guide aims to assist you in understanding the fundamentals of safe gun ownership, enabling you to feel secure and confident about your recent acquisition.
The Very First Fundamental: Gun Safety
It's important to grasp the fundamentals before you even consider taking action. The following are some basic safety guidelines that all gun owners ought to abide by:
Treat Every Gun as if It’s Loaded: This is a way of thinking and acting, not just a saying. You must respect the firearm for which it is, potentially deadly. Never assume it is unloaded until you clear the firearm yourself. If you handle someone else’s gun (with their permission) make sure to unload and show clear. If you hand a gun to someone make sure it is unloaded and cleared before handing it to them. It's an easy habit that helps keep mishaps from happening.
Never Point the Gun at Anything You Aren’t Willing to Destroy or Kill: It seems so clear, doesn't it? However, a person can be careless sometimes. Whether it is intentional or accidental it is never okay. Make sure your gun is always pointing in a safe direction and be muzzle aware.
Keep Your Finger Off of the Trigger and Outside the Trigger Guard Until You are On Target and Ready to Shoot. Only when your sights are on the target and you're prepared to fire should your finger hit the trigger. Otherwise, always leave it sitting outside the trigger guard and against the frame or slide of the gun.
Know Your Target and What’s in Front of It and Beyond It: Bullets don’t stop just because you hit your target or if you miss. Never lose sight of what may cross in front of your target or what's behind something, be it a person, a field, or a wall. You bear accountability for each shot you fire.
Proper Gun Storage at Home
After you've mastered the fundamentals, the next thing to do is to make sure your gun is stowed securely while not in use. Here's how to carry it out:
Invest in a Gun Safe or Lock Box: This is non-negotiable. Your firearm will be kept out of the hands of kids, burglars, and anybody else who shouldn't have access to it with a high-quality gun safe. There are many useful resources available on safe storage from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
Store Ammunition Separately: Keeping your ammo in a separate, secure location adds an extra layer of safety. It's a practical procedure that can shield against mishaps.
Use Gun Locks: It's always a good idea to have an additional lock on your gun, even if it's locked away. It all comes down to safety layers.
Consider a Biometric Safe: If you need quick access to your gun, a biometric safe that opens with your fingerprint can be a good solution. It is available when you need it and is safe.
Safe storage is about more than simply abiding by the law; it's about safeguarding your family and making sure your firearm is only used when it should be.
Here are some additional safety considerations:
How to Drop a Gun: If you drop a gun; let it fall. Never try to catch a falling firearm. You may grab the trigger with lethal effects.
Dealing with Hot Brass: If you get hot brass (a spent casing ejected from your or someone else’s gun) in your shirt or behind your safety glasses maintain control of your gun. Be disciplined and holster the weapon, bench it or place it on the ground before dealing with the hot brass. Yes, I have been burned by hot brass and managing your gun is still the highest priority.
Multi-tasking: If you do anything besides shooting with a pistol in your hand be extra diligent with muzzle control and trigger finger discipline. I have had a gun pointed at me several times by someone reaching down to pick up a magazine, turn to ask a question, or walk back up range.
Proper Gun Storage at Home
The next thing to do is to make sure your gun is stowed securely while not in use. Your gun is your responsibility whether it is in your hands or not. Here's how to carry it out:
Invest in a Gun Safe or Lock Box: This is non-negotiable. Your firearm will be kept out of the hands of kids, burglars, and anybody else who shouldn't have access to it with a high-quality gun safe. There are many useful resources available on safe storage from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
Store Ammunition Separately: Keeping your ammo in a separate, secure location adds an extra layer of safety. It's a practical procedure that can shield against mishaps.
Use Gun Locks: It's always a good idea to have an additional lock on your gun, even if it's locked away. It all comes down to safety layers.
Consider a Biometric Safe: If you need quick access to your gun, a biometric safe that opens with your fingerprint can be a good solution. It is available when you need it and it remains safe.
Safe storage is about more than simply abiding by the law; it's about safeguarding your family and making sure your firearm is only used when it should be.
Getting from Point A to Point B: Transportation Safety
It's important to transport your gun carefully whether you're bringing it to the range or on a trip. What you should know is as follows:
Always Carry Your Gun Unloaded: When carrying your gun, it's advisable to keep it unloaded and locked in a safe container. Store it in your trunk or a secured compartment; do not mix it with the ammunition.
Understand Your Local Laws: Local regulations regarding the transportation of firearms differ. And be compliant to the rules of the gun range that you visit. Verify that you are knowledgeable about the most recent regulations in your area by consulting sites such as the Giffords Law Center or the USCCA.
Use a Gun Case: A case helps keep things concealed while simultaneously protecting your firearm. Select one that has a lock for increased security.
Flying with Your Gun: Flying provides unique challenges. It is legal to stow your gun in checked luggage to travel by airplane domestically. I do this frequently. But, check the TSA website and with the airlines for specific requirements. Also airports vary in firearm security.
Know the Rules If You Carry Concealed: If you possess a concealed carry permit, you must be familiar with the specifics of transporting a loaded gun in your car. Make sure you research the regulations in your state. For additional information, see the USCCA's handbook on concealed carry laws.
Performing Regular Maintenance and Inspections to Keep Your Gun in Top Form
Maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your firearm is not as important as making sure it functions as intended when you need it. Frequent upkeep is essential:
It is imperative that you clean your firearm following every usage. Make sure you grease it appropriately and clean the barrel, slide, and other components according to the manufacturer's directions. The NRA's cleaning instructions for firearms can be a useful tool.
Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your gun for any signs of damage, such as cracks or rust. If anything doesn't seem quite right, have an expert inspect it.
Never Be Afraid to seek for Help: Do not be afraid to seek for assistance if you need help maintaining your firearm. You can learn the ropes from a qualified instructor or a professional gunsmith.
Keep a Log: It's a good idea to record the maintenance that you perform on your firearm. By doing this, you can make sure your gun is always in good operating condition and remain on top of things.
Know the Rules: Understanding Local Gun Laws
Being a gun owner entails many legal obligations. It is your responsibility to be aware of and abide by local laws:
Examine Local and State restrictions: There might be significant variations in gun restrictions between states and even towns. Wherever you are, or in Boise, Idaho, make sure you are aware of the laws. For this information, the State Laws and Published Ordinances of the ATF are a trustworthy source.
Stay Informed: It's critical to keep informed because laws change. Any new laws that may impact your rights and obligations as a gun owner should be closely monitored.
Know the Laws Regarding Self-Defense: It's important to know when it's legal for you to use a gun for self-defense. Take your time to fully comprehend these regulations because they can be complicated. A decent introduction to self-defense laws can be found at the Legal Information Institute.
Seek Legal Counsel If Necessary: It's wise to seek legal advice from a lawyer who specializes in weapons law if you have any questions concerning any laws or regulations. Being safe is preferable to being sorry.
Training and Practice: Perfecting Through Practice
It's one thing to own a gun, but it's quite another to use it properly and safely. This is where practice and instruction are useful:
Take a Basic Firearms Course First: If you've never handled a gun before, this is a wonderful place to start. These classes are conducted by authorized instructors like Gary from The Warrior Within LLC in Boise, Idaho, and cover everything from shooting tactics to safety regulations. The USCCA training portal allows you to search for nearby courses.
Visit the Range Frequently: Gaining comfort with your firearm requires practice. Include frequent trips to the shooting range in your daily schedule. You can find a range close to you by using the NRA's Find a Range feature.
Join a Gun Club: Gun clubs provide more benefits than just a shooting range. It's a community where you can share knowledge, take part in activities, and develop your abilities.
After you feel confident in your ability to perform the fundamentals, you may wish to consider additional training in defensive shooting, home defense, or concealed carry.
Be Prepared: Emergency Planning
Lastly, having emergency supplies on hand is another aspect of proper gun ownership. Here's how to ensure that you're prepared:
Make a plan for home defense: Have a family meeting and decide on a course of action to take in the event that someone breaks into your house. Safe rooms, evacuation routes, and a communication strategy should be part of this. Resources for drafting emergency plans are available from the American Red Cross.
Learn Trauma Care and First Aid: Being prepared to offer first aid can be quite helpful when accidents occur. Think about enrolling in a trauma treatment course, particularly if you are a gun owner. Stop the Bleed provides emergency life-saving training.
Maintain Emergency Contacts Close at Hand: Make sure you always have a list of emergency contacts at your fingertips, including the local police department and a hospital. Your family ought to be aware of where to obtain this information as well.
Remain Up to Date: Pay attention to regional updates and safety warnings. Knowing what's going on in your neighborhood can help you stay safe and react to situations correctly when they arise.
Are You Prepared to Move Forward?
Owning a gun is a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge and habits, you can be a safe and responsible gun owner. Consider enrolling in a class with Gary, the USCCA Certified Instructor and Owner of The Warrior Within LLC, if you're in Boise, Idaho, or the nearby area. You will gain the self-assurance and competence necessary to use your firearm sensibly and securely thanks to Gary's training.
Keep in mind that owning a gun responsibly is an ongoing process. Continue studying, keep getting better, and put safety first at all times. Are you prepared to begin your training? Make the initial move toward understanding the principles of gun ownership by getting in contact with Gary now.
