Primary Rules

Primary Rules
All firearm accidents could be avoided by knowing and observing the simple safety principles of holding appointing a firearm. You need to learn and practice these commandments.

1. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. A “safe direction” means in a direction that, if the firearm discharges, it will not cause injury or damage. Anticipate the worst.
Assume your gun may go off. Take precautions so that no one would get hurt if it goes off. Inside a building a firearm should NOT be pointed where the bullet might penetrate and hurt someone on the other side. Instead, firearms should be pointed at exterior walls. Safety-conscientious firearm handlers will never point the muzzle of a firearm at another person.
They will not allow a gun to be pointed at them. Students of firearm safety should know and recognize when a firearm is not being handled safely. It is their responsibility to inform others.

2. Make sure the firearm is unloaded before handling it. Safe firearm handlers check every firearm by opening the action. Look and feel inside the breech or chamber to make certain the firearm is not loaded. NEVER take another person’s word for safety. Safe firearm handlers assume the responsibility themselves. “I didn’t know the gun was loaded” is never an acceptable excuse.

3. Always treat the firearm as though it were loaded. This is a good basic rule of thumb to avoid the accidents that may happen because of mechanical or human error. Always follow this rule to be prepared for any situation.

Safety at Home

 Home is where youth will probably come across a firearm. It is estimated that three out of every four households nationwide possess one or more firearms. How firearms are stored, cleaned and handled in the home needs to be studied by every family. Safety in the home should begin by locking up all firearms. Store ammunition in a separate, locked location. Drawers, closets, under beds or in corners are not safe places to leave guns. Ammunition should not be left within reach. Firearms kept as collector’s items should always be stored unloaded. Treasured relics and war-time souvenirs should be displayed out of reach or kept locked with other firearms.