During the course of this segment, I would like to focus on the issue of basic safety rules
The following 12 rules and discussion based on those rules which are posted by the National Rifle Association
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
When holding a gun, keep your trigger finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately make sure the you verify it’s empty by first removing the magazine, racking the slide a couple of times to make sure attempting or if it is a revolver swinging out the cylinder invisibly inspecting each of the chambers do make sure it is clear of ammunition.
4. Know your target and what is beyond. Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Also, be aware of the area beyond your target. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for injury or damage
5. Know how to use the gun safely. Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling.
6. Be sure the gun is safe to operate. Regular cleaning are a part of the gun’s general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a gun’s ability to safely function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.
7. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. Only use cartridges designed for your particular gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the box and sometimes stamped on the cartridge itself. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition.
8. Always Wear eye and ear protection. The firing of Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. Always wear shooting glasses and hearing protectors .
9. Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while handling a gun or shooting.
Alcohol, as well as many prescription medicines can impair normal mental or physical bodily functions, and must not be used before or while handling or shooting guns.
10. Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. Massachusetts law requires that All guns must be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device
11. Cleaning Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Before cleaning your gun, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The gun’s action should be open during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.
12. The most important safety component connected with firearm safety is YOU acting as a responsible and knowledgeable gun owner
Additional safety guidelines can be found at www.nra.com
I hope this segment has given you sufficient information and direction in order to further educate yourself on the issue of safety with the goal of being a more knowledgeable and responsible Massachusetts gun owner.
DISCLAIMER: This and other segments posted on this website are offered for, educational, informational and discussion purposes only and is not offered as legal advice. .