If you’ve ever been to a range and fired a gun, you know there is more to shooting than just aim, sight, fire. Safety is a huge part of gun ownership, and the team at Rail Scales wants to share with you some tips on how to make sure you are being as safe as possible with your firearms.
In this article, we’re going to cover the four most important unofficial gun safety rules out there. Not only will these rules help keep you safe, but they will also give you the foundation to teach others how to be safe, too.
We at Rail Scales care about your safety and the safety of those around you, both of which can be put at risk if you are unaware of how to safely handle and use of guns. That’s why we offer top-tier AR accessories. Don’t wait any longer to buy that sight or scale for your rifle. Shop online now. Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about gun safety.
Four Gun Safety Rules
Before we get started sharing these gun safety rules, we want to share a bit of history with you. These rules come from, in part, Colonel Jeff Cooper, who is deemed the father of Modern Technique of handgun shooting. These were the rules that he kept for himself and those he worked with to help ensure everyone’s safety.
#1. Act As If All Guns Are Always Loaded
The goal of this rule is to develop safe habits around guns. Also, this rule is not an assumption; it should be an expectation for gun owners and handlers. Each and every gun you see, handle, or hear is loaded, always — no exceptions. You don’t want to be swinging your gun around like Stallone in “Rambo.” It’s loaded. Anything could happen. Instead, you want to remain safe with your guns.
#2. Never Aim The Muzzle At What You Do Not Want To Destroy
The old adage “guns don’t kill people, people kill people” may be technically true, but it’s also an unavoidable fact that rifles will destroy whatever they fire at, and quite often whatever is directly behind whatever they’re firing at, as well. With this in mind, accidents do happen, and it’s much better to be safe than sorry — to use yet another cliche. Furthermore, hold the assumption that if a gun can fire, that it will fire. This means no “playing” by pointing the gun at people as a joke. Also, be aware of where your muzzle swings as you carry it around.
#3. The Trigger Is For Sighted Targets Only
Keep your finger off the trigger until your target is sighted and you are ready to fire. Anytime your finger hits the trigger before this exact moment is considered irresponsible gun management. Remember, if your gun has a safety, it should be engaged until you are sighting your target. Triggers on guns are sensitive, and they can go off when even the slightest bit of pressure is applied. This is why it’s important to always keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire.
#4. Be Sure Of Your Target And What Is Beyond It
Once you sight your target, be sure it’s the one you’re aiming for. Also, if the target is true, make sure that you know what’s beyond your target. A bullet rarely stops at the target. You have to assume it will go through your target and continue until stopped otherwise. Anything beyond your target, within the trajectory of your shot, is in danger.
How To Learn More About Gun Safety
These are only four rules of the dozens that exist in relation to guns. If you own a gun, you must remain diligent in your handling, maintaining, and using it to make sure you and those around you stay safe. If you want to learn more about gun safety, you can search the internet, or you can check out this Firearms Safety page from the NSSF.
Rail Scales: Top-Tier AR Accessories
Now that you’re aware of the four most important rules of gun safety, it’s time you considered upgrading your AR-15. At Rail Scales, we offer a great selection of AR accessories for you. Shop online now to get started.