The Rules of Gun Safety
In addition to these, bear in mind that if you're too tired or irritated to follow these rules, you probably shouldn't be handling a gun at that moment.
The Absolutes
- Never point the muzzle at anything you don't want to shoot.
- Treat every gun as if it is loaded, even if you know it isn't.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you're aiming at your target.
- Bullets cannot be recalled once fired: you are responsible for the safety of everything between the muzzle of your gun and the place where the bullet comes to rest.
Additional precautions some folks believe in
- Leave semi-auto chambers empty - it's almost impossible to rack a slide accidentally, but easy to disengage a safety.
- Don't store your guns loaded unless you have to for self defense.
Timney's 10 Commandments of Gun Safety
From the back of a Timney trigger package - some of them are probably overkill
- Do not rely on your gun's safety. Treat every gun as if it were loaded and ready to fire.
- Never cross a fence, climb a tree, or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.
- Never load or carry a loaded gun until you are ready to use it.
- Watch your muzzle so your companions do not have to.
- Store guns and ammunition seperately and in locked storage.
- Do not shoot unless you are absolutely sure of your target and what is beyond it.
- Know the range of your gun. Remember, even a .22 rimfire can travel over a mile.
- Always wear ear and eye protection when shooting.
- Always be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions. Carry only the proper size ammunition for the gun you are carrying.
- Alcohol and gun powder do not mix.
Safety Always
Got kids? - Better get a gun safe! Gun safes are available through a variety of vendors.
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AdamSmith - 26 Feb 2006