How to Explain Gun Safety

Firearms have been a part of American culture since the Revolutionary War. Regardless of your opinion on firearms, it is important to know how to safely handle one in the event you ever come across it. In order to properly explain gun safety, you must highlight at least three basic aspects of general gun safety rules. The three aspects to highlight are "The Four Rules of Gun Safety", the familiarization of the function of a firearm, and the laws in relation to firearms use and transportation.

Instructions

  1. The Four Rules of Gun Safety

    • 1

      Treat every firearm as if it was loaded, even if you know for a fact that it is not. It is important to manually check any firearm handed to you to ensure that it is not loaded. Many people have been injured or killed because someone improperly handled a gun that they assumed was not loaded.

    • 2

      Keep your finger off the trigger until you have made the decision to fire the gun. The only time your finger should ever be on the trigger is when you are in the process of firing it. Doing otherwise can greatly increase the risk of a negligent discharge of the weapon that could result in damage to property, serious injury or death.

    • 3

      Never point your firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. A firearm must always be kept pointed in a safe direction. This will significantly reduce the chances of unintentionally causing property damage or injury to anyone.

    • 4

      Know your target and what lies beyond it. Bullets travel a significant distance at a high speed. Firing a weapon in a direction where what lies beyond the the target is unknown can result in unintentional property damage, serious injury and loss of life.

    Familiarization on firearm function

    • 5

      Refer to the owners manual for the firearm for the specific functions of the firearm you wish to shoot. Review all safety features and devices included with the gun.

    • 6

      Disassemble and reassemble the firearm before you take it out to shoot . This will ensure that all aspects of the firearm are functioning correctly.

    • 7

      Keep the firearm unloaded until you are prepared to shoot. Perform a visual inspection of the firearm before transportation, after transportation and one you arrive at your shooting destination.

    • 8

      Consult your firearm manual to learn the proper way to clean and maintain your firearm.

    Firearm Laws and Transportation

    • 9

      Review the gun laws for your state, county and city regarding purchase, registration and transportation of your firearms. The gun laws can often be located on your state's Office of the Attorney General or the state police website.

    • 10

      Look for local firearm orientation courses in your area. Local courses will be able to fill you in on any laws and rules that may apply to your local area.

    • 11

      Transport all firearms in a trunk or locked case, keeping them unloaded and separate from any ammunition.