Safety should always come first when it comes to handling and using firearms. This is why it’s important to be aware of gun safety and the general guidelines associated with it. Below, the firearms education pros from Online Texas LTC, the ones to turn to if you want to take a premier Texas license to carry online course, offer information about the number one rule that needs to be kept in mind at all times as far as gun safety goes. We also go over some of the related “rules” and precautions to consider for added peace of mind.
Never Point Your Gun at Anything You Don’t Intend to Hit
In many firearms circles, this is considered the golden rule of gun safety. It may seem like one that’s pretty straightforward, but there are times when you may be unintentionally breaking this rule and not be aware of it. This is something that can happen if the barrel end of your gun happens to be pointed in someone’s general direction while you’re doing any of the following tasks:
• Cleaning or inspecting your gun
• Randomly handling it
• Handing your gun to another person
• Preparing to use it for target practice or in other non-urgent situations
Develop Habits that Help You Adhere to This Rule
All it takes is one negligent discharge for serious injuries to occur when something not intended to be hit is struck. Increase your odds of adhering to this rule by developing habits that include:
• Pointing your gun downward when not handling it
• Making sure your gun is set to the “safe” position if it has a safety on it
• Using proper tools and techniques when cleaning your gun so you don’t unintentionally point it at yourself
Keep Your Gun Unloaded when Not Using It
Granted, it does make sense to have your gun loaded if it’s a handgun you’re carrying for personal protection purposes. Otherwise, it’s best to keep it unloaded when you’re not using it. This ties in with the number one rule, since it’s always possible to make unintentional mistakes. In other words, you could be randomly talking to a friend while cleaning your gun and not realize it’s actually pointed in his or her general direction. With situations like this, having an unloaded gun provides an added layer of safety and protection.
Don’t Rely on the Safety
Another related rule to keep in mind is not getting into the habit of counting on the safety. While you do want to make sure it’s in the on position, there are times when you may assume your safety is on and it’s not. What you want to avoid is handling your gun and not watching where you point it because you think it can’t accidentally go off. Also with the safety, leave it in the on position until you’re absolutely ready to fire.
Know Your Target and What’s Around It
One other related rule to keep in mind is to be fully aware of what your target is and what’s behind it and on either side. Unless we’re talking about an urgent situation, there’s usually plenty of time to really size up your target and determine what’s around it.
Whatever your reason for choosing to carry a firearm, it’s vital to know how to use it safely. Online Texas LTC is dedicated to providing the finest firearms training possible. Whether you want to take a Texas CHL class or you simply want to learn how to handle a gun and shoot safely, Online Texas LTC has what you need. Give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
