How to Learn Gun Safety

Many gun owners and hunters receive extensive gun safety training, but it is vital that even non-shooters and non-gun owners study gun safety. Approximately fifty percent of American households have a gun, so you may come in contact with a weapon unexpectedly. Proper handling and care of a gun is critical even in nonviolent situations, especially if you find an abandoned weapon and are not sure if it is loaded.

Things You'll Need

  • Book
  • Video
  • Internet access
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take a gun safety course. Gun safety courses are designed to provide basic gun use and safety skills to participants. Hunter's safety courses are specifically designed to teach students how to prepare for a hunting trip, how to clean a gun, how to properly handle a weapon and how to discharge a firearm. Hunter education training is mandatory in some states in order to receive a hunting license. Other gun safety courses offered at colleges or through the National Rifle Association teach students how to clean and safely hold a gun, as well as how to fire a gun properly. Some gun safety classes have an age restriction, while other courses encourage younger participants to attend.

    • 2

      Read a book about guns. Study the different types of guns and what they look like. This will improve your recognition skills if you find a gun and need to discharge or disassemble it for safety purposes.

    • 3

      Watch a video. Check out a video from your local library or watch clips online. Gun safety videos are an inexpensive alternative to taking a gun course and provide basic gun safety information and training for the casual viewer. If you do not plan on operating a gun or coming in contact with a weapon, but want to know what to do should the situation arise, a gun safety video may be the most convenient learning option for you.

    • 4

      Explore a gun safety website. Gun safety websites are abundant on the Internet and range from basic gun-safety warnings to more advanced gun-care skills. Gun safety websites are especially beneficial and informative for youngsters who are curious about or scared of guns.