Why Firearm Safety is Important

Whenever firearms are being handled, an incident can occur if the firearm is not handled responsibly. Preventing hunting incidents depends on knowing and understanding firearms, and handling them skillfully and safely. Responsible hunters practice safe habits until they become second nature.

The Four Primary Rules of Firearm Safety Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded gun. Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

Firearm Safety in the Home

Statistics show that more than half of the fatal firearm incidents reported each year occur in the home. Since almost all incidents are caused by carelessness and lack of knowledge, it’s the hunter’s duty to help prevent firearm mishaps in the home.

Most importantly, lock guns away where children can’t reach them, and store ammunition in a separate location. Check to see that a firearm is unloaded before allowing it in any building or living area.

Use trigger locks. These inexpensive safety devices fit around the trigger guard of an unloaded firearm to prevent it from being fired accidentally.

Practice these safety rules if handling a firearm in the home.

• Immediately point the muzzle in a safe direction when you pick up a firearm.
• Keep your finger off the trigger.
• Always check to see that the chamber and the magazine are empty.

If a gun is taken from storage to show friends, be sure they understand safe gun handling rules. See Showing Your Firearms.