No, not government gun control. Actual gun control to keep you and everyone else safe.
We know, we know. You heard it when you got your PAL. Your Uncle is a stickler for it, but gun control, aka firearm safety, is always of utmost importance and without good habit building at times can even be forgotten. So with the warm weather upon us, more and more people are heading to the woods and the range to do some good ol’ shooting, and we are here to remind you of 5 essential safety tips to make sure you and your friends can live to shoot another day.
1. Always Keep The Muzzle Pointed In A Safe Direction
Probably the most obvious and basic safety rule that exists. Never point your gun at something you don’t intend to shoot. This applies to transporting, loading and unloading, and even dry firing. If you know precisely where your muzzle is pointing, you keep yourself and those around you safe. Make it a habit.
2. Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger
Never touch the trigger on a firearm until you intend to shoot it. This applies even when the safety is on. This, combined with always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, is the perfect gun control. Remember, the gun itself is only as safe as you are.
3. Know Your Target And Beyond
This one mainly applies to those who are hunting or doing some good ol’ plinking in the woods. It’s easy to assume there is nothing beyond what you can directly see in your line of sight, but we don’t assume when it comes to safety. A .22 can travel 2 km, and if you’re shooting something like a 30-06 it can travel almost 5 km. Before you pull that trigger, make sure you are confident of your target and where your bullet will stop.
4. Always Wear Eye And Ear Protection
Most safety rules are meant to protect those around you. This one is meant to protect you directly. When an explosion is happening just inches from your face, you will want to keep it safe. Hearing protection is an obvious one as we all know guns are loud, but eye protection is just as important. Aside from the obvious protection from a firearms malfunction or errant shell, something as simple as clay target chips blowing back into your eyes could spell a bad day.
5. Make Sure Your Firearms Are Safe
Keep them in a safe? Yes, to safely store them, but what we mean with this safety tip is to make sure your firearms are always in the best mechanical working condition they can be. No barrel obstructions, no cracks, clean, and properly functioning. Once again. Our fun relies on a controlled explosion. Keep yourself and those around you safe.
Stay safe and happy shooting!
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