Are you looking for ways to stay safe when using firearms? Check out these simple tips!
Get Familiar with Your Firearm
First things first: Familiarize yourself with your firearm. Make sure to know how it works, the features and controls, and how to load and unload it safely.
Second: Keep your firearms unloaded and locked up when not in use. Store ammunition in a secure location separate to your firearms and of course store both away from children.
Third: Always be aware of your surroundings when handling firearms. Never point them at anyone unless you are prepared to shoot!
Fourth: Never try to modify or fix a firearm that is not supposed to be modified or fixed. Doing so could result in accidental discharge, injury, or death. All ways consult an armour or your local RFD Store.
Fifth: Only use designated targets and shooting ranges for target practice; do not fire firearms at anything other than designated targets!
Sixth: Always exercise caution while cleaning your firearm - clean only enough to remove visible residue and never allow water near the barrel or firing mechanism!
Seventh: Respect laws regarding the movement of firearms; compliance with these laws is mandatory if you want legal ownership of a firearm!
Know the Basics of Firearm Safety
Handgun and Rifle safety is a critical part of owning a firearm. Follow these simple tips to keep yourself and others safe:
Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid dangerous situations.
Store your firearm safely when not in use in a locked cabinet
Don't let children play with firearms.
Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
Educate yourself about gun safety and firearms laws in your country.
Respect the property of others and do not trespass on target ranges or private land to use firearms with our permission.
Report any unsafe firearm behavior to the police or your local gun club.
Store Your Firearm Safely
One of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and your firearms safe is to take simple steps such as securely storing your firearm in a safe place. Here are some tips for doing just that:
When not in use, store your firearm unloaded and locked up in a secure gun cabinet in a secure location out of reach of children or unauthorised individuals.
If you cannot safely store your firearm away from children or unauthorized individuals, then then you would not be allowed to own firearms legally in the UK. If in the US make sure it is properly secured in a trigger-lockbox. Trigger locks generally require a code to be entered before the gun can be used, making it much harder for someone else to access the firearm without your permission.
At this point you would still have the firearm in your procession. Another option is to use a cable lock which attaches around the barrel of the gun and prevents it from being pulled out unless somebody knows the code. Again, these measures will make it difficult for anyone other than you to get hold of your firearm should something happen. You will never leave your firearms out of your sight unless they are locked away in a approved safe / gun cabinet
Know the Different Types of Ammunition
Not all firearms are created equal. While a shotgun can be used for clay shooting & hunting, a handgun is designed strictly for target and competition shooting in the UK. Knowing the different types of ammunition can help ensure you choose the right firearm and ammunition for your specific needs.
There are three main categories of firearms: rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Rifles are typically larger and more powerful than shotguns or handguns and require greater skill to use effectively. Shotguns are generally safer to use than handguns because they have a shorter range and less firepower, making them easier to control in close quarters combat situations. Ammunition for rifles, shotguns, and handguns is classified according to its caliber (diameter of the bullet), which describes its power rating.
Here are some common calibers found in each type of firearm:
Rifle Calibers: .22 Long Rifle.– . 30-30 Winchester.– . 30-06 Springfield.– . 270 Winchester.– . 243 Winchester.– 6.5 Creedmoor.– .300 Winchester Short Magnum– . 45-70 Government.
Shotgun Calibers: 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge and . 410 bore
Handgun Calibers: 22LR (long rifle), 380 Auto, 9mm, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP (automatic Colt pistol).