Gun Safety
Cardinal Rules of Gun Ownership
Shooting sports are fun. They allow is to bond with our friends and family, teach us discipline and safety, allow us to experience the outdoors and channel our competitive inner spirit. And it is our right to own one - whichever type of firearm we choose for our needs - in this country no matter what fabricated backwards logic some might try to convince us of. That said owning a gun is a major responsibility. You have to be in the right mindset to be a responsible gun owner. A gun is a tool. That's all. In the right hands it can save lives and in the wrong hands it can end innocent lives. The wrong hands doesn't just mean a bad guy. It can also mean someone who is negligent in handling the gun.
Some might say why are you encouraging disabled people to use guns? Disabilities vary widely and there is a segment of the disabled population that may not be able to safely handle a firearm due to the severity of their disability. But what about those where it does? Shouldn't they have the right knowledge at their disposal to enjoy this great sport? Before purchasing a firearm, it is a good idea to have a discussion with those close to you to make sure the responsibility incurred makes sense for you. Below are the cardinal rules of gun ownership but knowing these rules is not all you need to do to prepare yourself for gun ownership. Talk to people you know and use online tools to educated yourself.
Gun Ownership Rules:
- Every gun is always assumed to be loaded even if you know it's not. Some guns we keep loaded and some we don't. If I'm not intending to shoot the gun I always remove the magazine and open the action or the cylinder to eject/remove any live round when I pick it up even if I know it's not loaded. More on that in the video below.
- Never put your finger on the trigger unless you're intending to fire the gun.
- Never point the gun at anything you're not willing to destroy even if it's not loaded. That's just good gun etiquette.
- Always be aware of what's around your target. You may need to shoot the bad guy but you don't want to harm the good guy on the other end. States have different rules regarding self defense so be sure you do your research on that subject where you live.
Note that when you rack the slide or charging handle to put a round in the chamber (in battery), and you rack it again to eject that round, another round is now in battery. In order to clear any gun with a magazine, you first have to eject the magazine, then rack the side to remove the round from the chamber. Racking the slide without removing the magazine inserts another round in the battery. A gun is clear only when there is no magazine or clip inserted, no round in the chamber, no rounds in the cylinder.
States have different rules for gun storage. Some require your guns to be locked up at all times unless the gun is under your direct control meaning that it is close enough to for you to be in control of it. Research your states regulations before buying your first gun.
Watch the video below for more on gun safety.
