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Keep the following safety rules in mind as you handle your firearm.
Treat every firearm as though it were loaded. Even if you know it is not, it's a good habit to develop. Never rely on the safety or any other mechanical device.
Never joke around, engage in horseplay or engage in any type of erratic behavior when wielding a firearm. It's all fun and games until the ambulance shows up.
Never shoot if you're tired, sick or otherwise impaired. Never mix drugs or alcohol with firearms.
Always think before shooting. Pulling a trigger is final. -
Bear in mind the following each time you have a target in your sights:
Positively identify the target before you shoot. In the heat of the moment, just about anything can look like a trophy buck.
Think about what's behind the target. Bullets don't stop when they hit the target, and they especially don't stop when they miss the target.
Never shoot at a hard surface or water. You risk a ricochet.
Never shoot a gun upward. What goes up must come down, and even a .22 bullet can travel up to a mile and a half.
Never shoot across a highway or other road. Even in areas where you can see nothing coming for miles, its not a good habit and it is illegal. -
Firearm safety starts with the firearm itself. Make sure your firearm is in good mechanical condition at all times. Clean your firearm after every use, and have it inspected by a professional gun smith at least once a year.
If you think a gun might have an obstructed barrel, don't fire the gun. Doing so could clear the barrel or explode it.
Make sure all accessories on the firearm will not interfere with its safe operation. Make sure all modifications to the firearm are made by qualified individuals.
Always store a firearm under lock and key. Just because you aren't using it doesn't mean someone less qualified doesn't want to.
Your firearm is your responsibility at all times. When setting it down, make sure it is unloaded, the safety is on and the action is open. -
Always point the barrel of the gun in a safe direction. Up at the sky is the safest option.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot.
Only shoot fresh ammunition. Ammunition that is more than one year old carries an inherent risk. Only try to fire ammunition that your firearm was designed to fire. Failing to do so can have consequences ranging from a misfire to a jam in the action to a blowing up of the action.
