7 Safety Tips Every New Gun Owner Should Know

According to data, there are 120.5 firearms per 100 residents in the United States.

Gun ownership comes with a lot of responsibility. If you’re new to gun ownership, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to safety.

Gun accidents happen all too often, and they could easily be avoided if everyone followed some simple safety tips.

But don’t worry. Keep reading because here are 7 safety tips that every new gun owner should know. Following these tips will help keep you and your loved ones safe when handling firearms.

1. Always Treat Your Gun as if It’s Loaded

Most gun accidents happen because people handling guns are careless. They think that since the gun is unloaded, it can’t possibly hurt anyone. But even an unloaded gun can be dangerous.

The bullet could be in the chamber, ready to be fired by the slightest movement of the trigger. Or there might be something wrong with the gun that you don’t know about, and it could go off unexpectedly.

That’s why you should always handle a gun with care and keep it pointed in a safe direction, even if you’re sure it’s unloaded. If everyone who owns a gun followed this simple rule, there would be a lot fewer gun accidents.

2. Keep Your Finger off the Trigger

One of the most important rules is to keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. This seems like a simple enough rule to follow, but it’s amazing how often people forget to do it.

When your finger is on the trigger, even if you’re not intending to fire the gun, there’s always the risk of an accidental discharge.

So make sure to keep your finger off the trigger until you’re certain that you want to shoot. It could mean the difference between life and death.

3. Be Aware of Your Target and What’s Beyond It

Bullets can travel up to a mile, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings when firing a gun. Make sure there are no people or animals in the vicinity that could be harmed by a stray bullet.

It’s also important to avoid shooting near houses or other buildings, as a bullet could easily go through a window and injure someone inside. If you’re shooting at a target, make sure the area behind the target is clear.

A bullet can ricochet off of hard surfaces, so even if you’re aiming at a safe object, someone or something could be hit by a stray bullet.

4. Store Your Gun Safely When Not in Use

When not in use, a gun should be stored in a locked case or safe to prevent accidents. This is especially important if you have children in the home.

Keeping the gun out of sight and locked up will help to ensure that it is not used improperly. In addition, it will also help to keep the gun out of the wrong hands.

If a burglar were to break into your home, they would not be able to access your gun if it were properly stored.

5. Don’t Use Alcohol or Drugs Before Shooting

Alcohol and drugs can have a profound effect on the human brain. They can impair judgment, interfere with motor skills, and alter perception. As a result, consuming alcohol or drugs before handling a gun is dangerous.

Not only is it more likely that an individual will make a mistake while handling the weapon, but they are also more likely to have a delayed reaction time if something unexpected happens.

In addition, alcohol and drugs can make it more difficult to control emotions, increasing the risk of becoming agitated or angry. For these reasons, it is always best to handle a gun when sober and alert.

6. Take a Firearms Safety Course

Before you buy a gun, you must receive proper instruction on gun safety from a certified instructor. Guns are powerful tools that can be both dangerous and deadly if not used correctly.

A certified instructor will be able to teach you the basics of gun safety, such as how to properly store and handle a gun, and what to do if you accidentally discharge a weapon.

They will also be able to provide you with information on state and federal gun laws. While it is always important to follow the law, it is especially critical when handling a gun.

By receiving proper instructions on gun safety, you can help ensure that you use your gun correctly and safely.

7. Be Familiar With Your Gun

Owning a gun is a big responsibility. If you’re not comfortable with how your gun works, don’t try to use it until you are. Practice loading and unloading the gun safely so you know what to do if you need to use it in an emergency.

Get to know your gun and how it works. Read the instruction manual carefully. Practice loading and unloading the gun until you can do it quickly and safely.

Handle the gun with care and respect. Store it in a safe place, out of the reach of children and other unauthorized people.

Taking these precautions will help ensure that you are prepared to use your gun safely and responsibly if the need ever arises.

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Ready to Be a Gun Owner?

While it is important for a new gun owner to know how to properly handle their firearms, these tips are especially important for those who are just starting. Make sure to check out our blog for more gun safety tips.

And as always, remember to practice firearm safety handling procedures whenever you have your gun out, whether you’re using it or not.

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