No matter your politics, I think we can all agree that if guns are going to be used at all, they should be used safely. Even if you don't own a gun yourself, you never know where or when you may find yourself in a situation where you need to handle a firearm. So, I've compiled a list of gun safety tips to keep in mind. I got these tips from the NRA's official gun safety rules and from what I was taught. Whether you're a gun owner or have never touched a gun in your life, there's stuff in here for everyone.
1. Treat every gun as if it is loaded
This is the big one. A lot of other points on this list stem from this one single thing to keep in mind. If you come across a gun, assume it's loaded. If you absolutely know that it's unloaded, treat it as if it's loaded anyway. Naturally the next step is checking if it's actually loaded. For this list, I'll be covering handguns, the most common type of firearms.
2. Check if the gun is loaded--revolver edition
For those unaware, a revolver is the type of gun that you might see in an old Western, easily identifiable by the iconic cylinder. To this day, it remains a popular choice when it comes to handguns. Before you begin to check if a revolver is unloaded keep it pointed in a safe direction. (Remember tip one?) Find the latch on the left hand side of the gun, as seen in the above image. Depending on the model, you may have to push it in or pull it back. As you manipulate the latch, push the cylinder out from the right hand side, swinging the cylinder to the left side. From here, you can see if it's loaded.
3. Check if the gun is loaded--pistol edition
A pistol is probably the most common type of gun available today. To see if this type of gun is loaded (remember to keep it pointed in a safe direction), begin by using the magazine release, the button located on the left side of the gun next to the trigger guard, as seen in the above photo. This will cause the magazine to fall out of the butt of the gun, so be ready to catch it. An empty magazine looks like this
If it was loaded, you would see bullets at each of the numbered holes and you would see one sitting on top of the magazine. After releasing the magazine, make sure there still isn't a bullet in the chamber of the gun.
Pull the slide on top of the gun away from the barrel, if it wasn't open in the first place, like so.
This should be your result:
As you can see, there is no bullet in the chamber and with the magazine out the gun is completely unloaded.
4. Check if the gun is loaded
Yes, it's here again. After making sure that the gun isn't loaded, go back and check again, just to make sure that your mind isn't playing tricks on you.
5. Make sure the safety is on until you're ready to shoot
Practically every gun except revolvers is equipped with a safety, a mechanism that prevents the gun from firing even if the trigger is pulled. Take a look at the picture above. Do you see the spot of red? That means that the safety is off and the gun is ready to shoot. Here's a closer look.
To engage the safety, simply flip the latch back up, like so.
Now the safety is on and the gun cannot be fired.
6. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
"Oh, Mark, this is common sense, why are you telling us something so obvious?" Yeah, no. Believe me when I say that common sense is not common. Even in you, oh-so-wise reader of this list. Make sure that the gun is pointed so that even if it went off it wouldn't cause injury or damage. Always keep the muzzle or front end of the barrel pointed away from anything you don't want to shoot.
7. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
Again, it seems like an obvious one, but you would be surprised. The last thing you want is to keep your finger on the trigger and accidentally pull it. Instead, keep your finger on the trigger guard or on the side of the gun.
8. Keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it
Simply put, if you don't plan on using the gun, don't keep it loaded. This makes it harder for any accidents to occur. Speaking of which...
9. Store guns away from unauthorized persons
This one is going to vary from person to person. "Unauthorized persons" could be anyone from children to sensitive visitors. Make sure that your gun cannot be accessed by anyone you don't want using it. The last thing you want is a kid coming across a loaded gun and thinking that it's a toy.
10. Stay sober
Fun fact: guns and alcohol do not mix. Same goes for any kind of drug that could mess with your mental or physical capabilities.
11. If you shoot the gun, know your target and what is beyond it and around it
Always assume that you're going to miss. Make sure that nothing you value is around or behind your target when you fire. Even if you manage to hit your target, it still may pass through it and hit something--or someone---else.
12. Do not be afraid of the gun (it can sense fear)
No, but seriously, don't be afraid of guns. They are tools, inanimate objects that cannot do anything unless acted upon. They are not inherently evil and do not seek to take everything you love. Have a healthy respect for them, but don't fear them.
