While guns have become a hot topic of controversy, having them can mean many different things to people, especially when it comes to safety. If you choose to own a gun or build them with 80 lower receivers, there are many precautions you can take to be a responsible, safe gun owner. Whether you choose to own a gun for safety, hunting, or as a passed down family heirloom, you are responsible for that piece of equipment, how it’s stored, and how it’s handled. Read on to learn more about how you can create a safe environment for you and others while owning a firearm.
Gun Safety Courses
Before ever even touching a gun, it’s recommended that you take gun safety courses. Depending on where you live, these courses are typically readily available and are held consistently throughout the year. Sign-ups are simple, and you can take them over a period of time.
During these courses, you can learn the ins-and-outs of a firearm, how it works, how to properly clean and maintain a firearm, how to safely store a firearm, and how to use a firearm in a secure environment, such as a firing range. Having this knowledge will better prepare you to be a gun owner, while minimizing the risk of an accident occurring.
Gun Storage
One of the most important things to consider when owning a firearm is where you’ll responsibly store it. Whether in your home or in your vehicle, ensuring that your firearm is secure at all times is a top priority, so you know that it won’t fall into the hands of someone who shouldn’t have it. When you have your firearm locked up, keep the lock combination or the key with you at all times.
If you choose to store it in your home, you’ll need to make sure your firearm is in a secure location that’s unseen by visitors, whether it’s family or friends. You want to refrain from having a visible gun safe in the home to curb any temptation to obtain the gun from anyone who isn’t you – the gun owner, especially without your permission. Accidents happen, and sometimes children can be curious. Locking up your firearm in a non-visible area and in a secure gun safe can minimize any unforeseen accidents.
If you decide to keep your gun stored in your vehicle, there are plenty of options for a car gun safe or a truck gun safe to keep your firearm secure from ‘smash-and-grab’ burglaries. These gun safes can be fit to your console, truck, or under your seat.
Ammo Storage
Another safety precaution you can take when storing your firearm is to store your ammunition in a separate location, away from your gun. Doing this can prevent someone from having easy access to use the gun for malicious purposes. Knowing where your firearm is, as well as the ammunition to use the firearm will ensure that whoever uses your gun, who isn’t you, will have to contact you in order to use the equipment. Additionally, when your gun is stored, it should be unloaded, uncocked, and securely locked out of reach. Your ammo should also be stored away from moisture or heat.
Guns can be a dangerous weapon if you’re not responsible. When a firearm falls into the wrong hands, it’s not a simple mistake, and, oftentimes, it can lead to a preventable tragedy. If you choose to own a gun, you’ll need to be mature, taking the necessary courses and certification classes to learn how to properly handle the firearm and store it safely and responsibly.