Four Basic Safety Rules

Contact the National Rifle Association Education and Training Division in Fairfax, Virginia. Ask for a list of basic gun saftey and markmanship programs being taught in your area. Also, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) in Newtown, Connecticut offers a brochure titled, "Firearms Responsibility in the Home" which emphasizes responsible firearm practices.

 

 

 

 

 

Always assume every gun is loaded until you have personally verified that it is unloaded. No bullet, fired deliberately or accidentally, can be stopped. Thus, never point a gun at someone or something you do not intend to shoot. As with driving, never mix handling or shooting of guns with drugs or alcohol. Knowledge and training are essential. Be sure to learn the guns basic functions, saftey features, potential operating hazards, special cleaning or maintenance requirements and compatitable ammunition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is as important to properly store your firearms when they are not in use as it is to properly handle them when they are in use. Proper storage prevents access to guns by children or other unauthorized persons and avoids firearm theft.

 

Teaching your child that he or she may handle firearms only when you are present is one of the most important lessons they can learn. The NRA'a "Eddie Eagle" program is geared to teach children upon encountering a gun, to immediately tell an adult, without touching the gun.

 

Securely storing your guns and ammunition when not in use is mandatory. Installing a trigger lock and storing guns in a locked cabinet will help preclude unauthorized access. Keep the keys/combination away from children. If a critical part of the gun is removed and stored seperately, it is more secure.

 

Those with several guns should consider a safe. Most are configured to store both long arms and handguns