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Hi,
I am relatively new to handgun shooting, and I would like your opinions on gun safety. This has probably been a topic of discussion before, but it probably good to go over it again.
QUESTION: What set of rules do you abide by when handling, and operating a gun?


thanks, tommy

The firearm is always loaded until you verify it is not. Treat them as if they were loaded.

Only point the firearm at something you intend to shoot.

Never put your finger on the trigger until you intend to fire the weapon.

Fire only at a clearly identified target. Know what is in front, behind and to the sides of the target.

Be aware of what is going on around you.

Good question, I like where your head's at TH! Here are the ten life saving rules of firearm safety.

1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded - all the time!

2. Always keep the firearm's muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

4. Know what you're shooting at and that the background is clear.

5. Become thoroughly familiar with your firearm.

6. Don't shoot at hard surfaces (including water).

7. Don't rely on any safety mechanism to prevent accidents.

8. Load your firearm only when needed.

9. Use the proper ammo for your firearm.

10. Pay attention to everything that is going on around you!

Common sense also plays a part in safety for yourself, but watching out for the other guy will save your bacon too!

R,
Bullseye

tommyhaka wrote:I would like your opinions on gun safety.

well... actually... I'm all FOR it.

Tommy, welcome to the forum.
there is no-end to sources of information on 'Firearm Safety'.
as previously stated, ALWAYS ASSUME it's Loaded !!!
and never point any firearm anywhere close to anything you
do not want to destroy.

a quick Google-Search: http://www.Google.com/search?q=handgun+safety

identifies a nicely done "brochure"
http://www.ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/pdf/hscsg.pdf

and NRA information: http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp

and don't over look advice from Palaxico Burress ( YES, IT'S A JOKE )
http://uk.YouTube.com/watch?v=fpgL5kuBpMA


specific "environments" may warrant additional considerations...
did you have some particular situation in mind ?
-- toy

thanks toy,
good info, I think safety is the most important target to hit when it comes to guns. I work in a potentially hazardous enviorment, and safety is a "never ending" way of "life". I also appreciate the humor inre of plaxico burris.
thanks, tommy

My big one, and I say it this way because I believe if it's funny or catchy it's more likely to be remembered.

Keep your booger hook off the bang switch.

There are plenty more, but that's the biggie second to and maybe tied with keep it pointed down until ready to fire.

And no weapon is truely safe until you have the firing pin out. Until then treat them all as if ready to fire.

Here's another one, NEVER take anyones word that a gun is unloaded. I once had a friends dad hand me a pistol, he removed the magazine and said it's unloaded. I racked the slide and handed him the one that was in the chamber. It only takes one time and you'll never forget it.
Steve

Remember that when it comes to COMMON SENSE it is not as common as I wish it was and it should be.

SShearer wrote:Here's another one, NEVER take anyones word that a gun is unloaded. I once had a friends dad hand me a pistol, he removed the magazine and said it's unloaded. I racked the slide and handed him the one that was in the chamber. It only takes one time and you'll never forget it.
Steve

Include "never trust your memory" that it is unloaded.

The old Army drill at the end of time on the range was clearing the weapon before you left the firing line followed by formation and inspection arms before leaving the range. Every now and then when a bolt came back there would be a "ping" and a shiny brass thing flying out. No matter how many times you heard about clearing the weapon and safety, someone would walk off the range with a round in the chamber.

At Ft. Bragg 40 years ago, those instances created a group desire for aerobic exercise.

For some of the reasons listed here, I've adopted a modified first rule: All firearms are always loaded.

Firearms demand respect.

Toy, Love your Burris clip...
Reminds me of the deputy here in Orlando that was teaching a safety class to some grade school students, and shot himself in the leg.
Not the best way to unload a gun

greener wrote:
Include "never trust your memory" that it is unloaded.

And when you get older, just never trust you memory for damn sure.This covers pretty much everything.
Henry and I had a good time at the range yesterday and we found our way home before dark also.