So far, in 2022, there have been unintentional shootings by 21 children. This resulted in 9 deaths and 13 injuries. When we add the fact that 70% of unintentional shootings that involve children happen in home settings, it becomes clear that safety should be your number one priority as a gun owner.
In this article, we will provide you with the five most important rules to follow if you want to become a responsible gun owner and protect yourself and your loved ones from any potential mishap.
1. Make sure you always point the barrel in a safe direction
This is the first and most important rule to follow when handling a handgun. Never aim your weapon at anything you don’t want to shoot.
Be extra careful where you point your barrel when you are loading or unloading your firearm. These actions can sometimes cause an accidental discharge so you need to make sure your gun is always pointed in the safe direction.
Be aware of your surroundings and eliminate any potential hazardous scenario. When you are determining a safe direction, take into account the chance for the bullet to ricochet or penetrate the walls or ceilings and hit an innocent bystander.
2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shot
If you hold your finger on a trigger when it’s not necessary, you risk accidental discharge. You can get startled by a sudden loud sound or a movement and pull that trigger in a reflex reaction.
You don’t want to fire involuntary shots as the bullet can end up anywhere. For complete control over your firearm only place your finger on the trigger when you are ready to shoot.
3. Keep your gun unloaded when it’s not in use
When you are done shooting, unload your handgun immediately and place it in a safe place, ideally in a gun case with a security lock. This rule is particularly important to follow if you have small children running around your house.
Never assume your handgun is empty – you should always check for yourself!
4. Use the right ammunition
Using improper ammunition can not only damage your firearm but can also result in serious personal injury. Make sure you follow the instructions in your handgun manual and read everything on the ammunition boxes carefully.
For example, if you own a Smith&Wesson or a Glock handgun, you will need 9mm ammo. You can purchase this ammunition in your local gun store or find bulk 9mm ammo for sale on the internet and have it delivered to your doorstep.
5. Be extra cautious if your handgun fails to fire upon pulling the trigger
If you pull a trigger and your handgun doesn’t fire, make sure your barrel is pointed in a safe direction before you try to dispose of the cartridge.
Remember the gun is still loaded and it can go off at any time, so do not point it at your face or in any other unsafe direction.
Conclusion
Statistics show that deaths that occurred as a result of unintentional shootings account for more than 4% of total gun-related deaths in the United States in 2021.
If you don’t want to be a part of this negative statistic, follow our five rules on how to safely handle a handgun. And remember a gun is not a toy!
