Firearm Safety Tips

Just bought your first firearm and want to know how to be safe? Or perhaps you are considering purchasing your first handgun and want to know more about the proper way to handle it. Either way, you are in the right spot! Let’s dive in. 

Before we begin this article, if there is one tip we can give overall, it would be to always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, as well as keep your finger off of the trigger, even if you think or know that the firearm is not loaded. 

Firearm safety is a critical issue that should not be taken lightly. Every year, thousands of lives are lost or permanently damaged due to firearm accidents, and many of these incidents could have been prevented with proper safety measures. In this article, we will discuss the importance of firearm safety, including the use of common locks, and how to always remain cognizant of ensuring that your finger is off of the trigger until you are ready to discharge the firearm. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, even when you know that it is not.

Why Firearm Safety is Critical Firearms are powerful tools that can cause immense harm if not used properly. Accidental shootings are real and can result in serious harm to yourself, or others that could potentially be in your area, or property damage. Additionally, firearm ownership also comes with a great deal of responsibility, including the need to properly store firearms, to ensure that they are not accessible to unauthorized individuals, especially children, and others with severe mental health issues, safe and others who are in contact with these individuals.

Tips for Safe Firearm Use 

Always Treat a Firearm as if it is Loaded: This means that you should always assume that a firearm is loaded, even if you have been told that it is not. Never point a firearm at someone, even if you think it is unloaded. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger: Unless you are ready to fire, keep your finger off the trigger. Accidents can occur if you accidentally touch the trigger, causing the firearm to discharge. Store Firearms Securely: Make sure that firearms are stored in a secure place, away from children and other unauthorized individuals. Use a gun safe or lock box if possible, and store firearms unloaded and with the safety on. Be Knowledgeable About Your Firearm: Make sure you know how to operate your firearm safely, including how to load and unload it, how to engage the safety, and how to properly aim, fire, and clean it. Take a Firearm Safety Course: Enrolling in a firearms safety course is a great way to learn about firearm safety, as well as to familiarize yourself with the different types of firearms and the proper way to use them. Keep Children Away from Firearms: Children should never be allowed to handle firearms without adult supervision. Teach them about firearm safety and the dangers of firearms.

Using Common Firearm Locks

Firearm locks are a great way to secure firearms and prevent unauthorized access, misuse, and theft. They play an important role in promoting safety and reducing the risk of firearm-related accidents, especially in households with children or inexperienced gun owners. In this article, we will discuss the different types of gun locks and how they work.

• Cable Locks: Cable locks are among the most common types of locks for firearms. They consist of a cable that runs through the barrel or magazine well of the firearm and is secured by a lock at either end. The cable is usually made of steel and can be inserted into the action of the gun to prevent it from firing. Cable locks are easy to use and provide an affordable option for securing firearms. Trigger Locks: Trigger locks are designed to prevent unauthorized access to the trigger of a firearm. They consist of a lock that fits over the trigger guard of the gun and is secured by a key or combination. 
• Trigger locks are portable and can be easily removed when the gun is needed for use. They are a good option for securing firearms when they are not in use and for traveling. Biometric Locks: Biometric locks use fingerprint recognition technology to secure firearms. They consist of a lock that fits over the trigger guard of the gun and is opened only when the authorized user’s fingerprint is recognized. 
• Biometric locks offer a high level of security and are convenient for quick access to firearms in an emergency. 
• Smart Locks: Smart locks are a newer type of gun lock that use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to a smartphone app. The app can be used to lock and unlock the gun, set up alerts, and track its location. Smart locks offer a high level of security and the convenience of remote access to firearms. 
• Chamber Locks: Chamber locks are designed to secure the chamber of a firearm, preventing the insertion of ammunition. They consist of a block that fits into the chamber and is secured by a key or combination. Chamber locks are a good option for securing firearms that are not in use or for traveling. 
• Gun Safes: Gun safes are large, heavy-duty containers that can be used to store firearms and other valuables securely. They typically have a combination lock or key lock, and they can be bolted to the floor for added security. 
• Lock Boxes: Lock boxes are small, portable containers that can be used to store firearms securely. They typically have a lock and key, or a combination lock, to keep the firearm secure.

Loading and Firing a Firearm Safely

It is crucial to understand the proper process for loading and firing a firearm. Below are steps to follow to ensure that you are using your firearm safely and responsibly:

• Check the Firearm: Before loading or firing your firearm, make sure that it is unloaded by visually checking the chamber and magazine. 
• Load the Firearm: Load the firearm by inserting the magazine and chambering a round, or by loading individual rounds into the chamber. 
• Engage the Safety: Make sure the safety is engaged before firing the firearm. This will help prevent accidental discharges. 
• Aim and Fire: When you are ready to fire, disengage the safety, aim at your target and slowly squeeze the trigger. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. 
• Unload the Firearm: After firing the firearm, make sure to unload it by removing the magazine and clearing the chamber. Store the firearm safely with the safety engaged and unloaded. 

Underwood Ammo will be posting safety courses on its website over the coming months, as well as real-life examples, and fortunate occurrences that happened when gun safety wasn’t taken as seriously. However, until then be sure to check out some of the firearm safety classes the NRA offers!