5 Firearm Safety Tips For Beginners And Experts Alike

If you are an expert with owning and shooting firearms, you might think you already know pretty much everything there is to know about how to be a safe and responsible gun owner. If you're a newbie, however, you might still feel as if you have a lot to learn. No matter your skill set, both beginners and experts can benefit from learning a little more about firearm safety tips. If you are wondering about a few basic tips you should know, you can start with this list.

Keep Your Gun Unloaded

It might seem like a good idea to keep your gun loaded at all times so that it's ready for instant use. However, there is no shortage of danger that goes along with having a loaded gun laying around. Accidental firings, potential property and physical damage, and malfunctions are all very real risks with a loaded gun. Therefore, when not in use, you should make sure that your gun is unloaded. Keep your ammunition nearby if you would like that peace of mind in a pinch, but it is always wise to keep the weapon unloaded when not in use.

Be Careful Where You Point Your Gun

Perhaps the number one safety rule that you should always follow when handling a firearm is to make sure that you are careful about where you point your gun. You should make sure that you never point your gun at yourself or another person, as well as at any pets or property. This is true even if your gun is unloaded and even if your "safety" is on. This is simply a good gun and safety practice, and every gun owner, whether experienced or not, should follow it. 

If you need to transport your gun somewhere, be sure to either aim it toward the ground, away from your feet. Carrying it in a holster, whether that holster is on your hip or under your arm, is the best way to go about moving your firearm.

Know When to Replace Your Gun

Many people own older guns, but some guns are in poor repair and are therefore dangerous to own and use. Your older gun might need to be repaired, or you might need to replace it with a new gun that is in better shape and that might have more modern safety features. Tactical stores or your local gun shop can help you with ensuring that you own a safe firearm, so it’s recommended you pay them a visit.

Keep Your Gun Properly Stored

When not in use, you should always make sure that you keep your gun properly stored. This is important for both safety purposes and to help prevent your gun from being stolen. If you don't already have one, consider purchasing a gun safe that uses your fingerprint instead of a combination. This will help you ensure that your gun never falls into the wrong hands. This is especially if you live with other people, such as a spouse and children, or even if you live alone. Keeping your gun stored safely is of the utmost importance.

Take a Course

If you haven't yet done so, you should consider signing up for a gun owners' course. Depending on the course you choose, you can learn more about gun safety, how to properly take care of and maintain your firearm, how to shoot your firearm properly, and more. Not only can you learn about safety, but you might find that you will learn a lot of other things that are quite useful for you as a firearm owner, too. You can never be too careful or overly cautious when it comes to gun ownership.

As you can see, there are a few things you can do to own and use a firearm safely. If you implement these tips, you can feel good about being a responsible and safe gun owner. Use your gun for your own purposes, whether for self-defense or for casual target shooting, but always be sure that no matter its use, you take proper care of it.