Everyone must practice proper firearm safety because if you do not, you could get severely injured or even die.
Making sure that you follow all of the safety instructions outlined with each gun is essential when it comes to how not to shoot yourself. Some people do not realize that unsafe practices associated with different types of firearms occur when you simply do not take the proper precautions.
They want to know how to avoid common firearm safety mistakes. Keep on reading to learn about some missteps that you need to avoid.
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1. Pointing the Muzzle in an Unsafe Direction
To avoid this safety mistake, a firearm should only be pointed in a safe direction, usually the ground. When out in the open, the muzzle should always be pointed away from yourself and the people around you. It is important to remind any other shooters or observers present at this time to stay away from the muzzle.
Additionally, finger discipline should be practiced in firearm safety training while handling firearms. This involves never placing a finger inside the trigger guard until it is ready to fire.
2. Don’t Load the Firearm Until Youre Ready to Shoot
The accidental discharge of weapons can occur when someone handles a fully-loaded gun without fully understanding the risks of doing so. Another safety risk of having a loaded gun before you’re ready to shoot is that the firearm has a manual safety mechanism.
It is difficult to remember to disengage in safety when a surprise situation arises. Always check and double-check to ensure that the magazine is empty and the chamber is clear before handling the firearm.
3. Neglecting to Treat Every Firearm as if It’s Loaded
This mistake entails carrying, clearing, or handling a firearm while assuming it is unloaded. Every time a firearm is handled, the user should check the chamber by thoroughly visually checking and feeling that the chamber is empty.
Lastly, familiarize yourself with the manual’s safety rules for operating before firing it. Also, make sure you’re aware of every feature you have in your firearm, especially when it is customized. If you are planning on Customizing you AR15, it is essential to research it first.
4. Unsafe Storage of Firearms
Keeping firearms out of reach of children and untrained adults is also critically important. To prevent unauthorized access to firearms, gun owners’ responsibilities should always store them in cabinets, safes, or trigger locks.
Additionally, it is a good practice for proper firearm storage of any excess ammunition separately locked location to ensure that it is unavailable to anyone who should not have access to it.
5. Failing to Check the Surrounding Area Before Shooting
Always be sure to survey your environment before shooting, ensuring that there is nothing in the background that could be harmed in case your bullet ricochets. Pay extra caution to nearby people, animals, and property.
You may also want to consider wearing hearing and eye protection, especially if shooting at an indoor range. Not only does this help protect yourself, but it also mitigates the impact of noise in other people’s areas.
Understanding Common Firearm Safety Mistakes
These common firearm safety mistakes can be avoided by keeping an eye on ourselves and others handling firearms. When in doubt, always take the time to double-check and triple-check that safety precautions are being taken every single time. So, take the time to educate yourself on the different safety precautions and always follow them to ensure a safe environment.
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