Firearms Safety -- 10 Rules of Safe Gun Handling

1. Always Keep The Muzzle Pointed In A Safe Direction

2. Firearms Should Be Unloaded When Not Actually In Use
3. Don't Rely On Your Gun's "Safety"
4. Be Sure Of Your Target And What's Beyond It
5. Use Correct Ammunition
6. If Your Gun Fails To Fire When The Trigger Is Pulled, Handle With Care!
7. Always Wear Eye And Ear Protection When Shooting
8. Be Sure The Barrel Is Clear Of Obstructions Before Shooting
9. Don't Alter Or Modify Your Gun, And Have Guns Serviced Regularly
10. Learn The Mechanical And Handling Characteristics Of The Firearm You Are Using

Rules and mindset[edit]

Example of safe firearm handling. The firearm is pointed at the ground and the handler's finger is off the
trigger.

Gun safety training seeks to instill a certain mindset and appropriate habits by following specific rules. The mindset is
that firearms are inherently dangerous and must always be stored carefully and handled with care. Handlers are
taught to treat firearms with respect for their destructive capabilities, and strongly discouraged from playing or toying
with firearms, a common cause of accidents. The rules of gun safety follow from this mindset.

In 1902, the English politician and game shooting enthusiast Mark Hanbury Beaufoy wrote some much-quoted
verses on gun safety, including many salient points. His verses "A Father's Advice" begin with the following:[2][3]

If a sportsman true you'd be

Listen carefully to me:
Never, never, let your gun
Pointed be at anyone...

Ira L. Revees, in his 1913 book The A B C of Rifle, Revolver and Pistol Shooting,[4] stated the following:

 "The Accident-Proof Rule":

"The muzzle of a firearm should never point in a direction in which, if discharged, it would do
injury where injury is not meant to be done."
 "the companion rule of the one just given":

"All firearms are at all times loaded."

 And he went on to say:

"The trigger should never be pulled until the identity of the thing fired at has been established
beyond any doubt."

Various version of the "Ten Commandments of Gun Safety" have been published. This one is from the Sporting
Shooters Association of Australia:[5]

1. Treat every gun with the respect due a loaded gun.

2. Carry only empty guns, taken down or with the action open, into your car, camp and home.

3. Always be sure that the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.

4. Always carry your gun so that you can control the direction of the muzzle.

5. Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger.

6. Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot.

7. Never leave your gun unattended unless you unload it first.

8. Never climb a tree or a fence with a loaded gun.

9. Never shoot at a flat, hard surface or the surface of water.

10. Do not mix gunpowder and alcohol.

Jeff Cooper, an influential figure in modern firearms training, formalized and popularized "Four Rules" of safe firearm
handling. Prior lists of gun safety rules included as few as three basic safety rules or as many as ten rules including
gun safety and sporting etiquette rules. In addition to Cooper, other influential teachers of gun safety include Massad
Ayoob, Clint Smith, Chuck Taylor, Jim Crews, Bob Munden and Ignatius Piazza.

Jeff Cooper's Four Rules:

1. All guns are always loaded.

2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.

4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

The National Rifle Association provides a similar set of rules:[

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

Project Appleseed provides similar rules for their rifle marksmanship clinics:

1. Always keep the muzzle in a safe direction.

2. Do not load until given the load command.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until the sights are on the target.

4. Make sure those around you follow the safety rules.

The Canadian Firearms Program uses the concept of The Four Firearm ACTS:[

1. Assume every firearm is loaded.

2. Control the muzzle direction at all times.

3. Trigger finger off trigger and out of trigger guard.

4. See that the firearm is unloaded. PROVE it safe.

Blank ammunition, which is a primed casing filled with gunpowder, either crimped or covered with a wad, is
dangerous up to 15 feet. In the past, people have injured or killed themselves believing that blanks were not
dangerous. Therefore, gun safety rules apply even to guns loaded with blanks.

Treat firearms as if they are loaded

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Barrel for dry firing, in order to ultimately check the unloaded state of a firearm

This rule is a matter of keeping a certain mindset. The purpose is to create safe handling habits, and to discourage
reasoning along the lines of, "I know my gun is unloaded so certain unsafe practices are OK." The proposition "the
gun is always loaded" means that, even though it may be known that this is not true of a particular firearm, that
knowledge is never trusted or relied upon. Thus even if the firearm turned out to be loaded when the handler thought
it was not, treating it as loaded would avoid an "unintentional discharge", and if one should occur anyway, avoiding
damage, injury or death.

Many firearm accidents result from the handler mistakenly believing a firearm is emptied, safetied, or otherwise
disabled when in fact it is ready to be discharged. Such misunderstandings can arise from a number of sources.

 Faulty handling of the firearm. A handler may execute the steps of procedures such as loading,
firing and emptying in the wrong order or omit steps of the procedures.
 Misunderstandings about a firearm's status. For instance, a handler may think the safety is on
when it is not. A round of ammunition may be in the chamber or in the magazine while the
handler thinks it is empty. A handler may receive a firearm and assume it is in a certain state
without checking whether that assumption is true. For example, as handlers interact and pass
the firearm between them, each avoids over-relying on the "show clear" of the other. Person 1
may misjudge the status; person 2 cannot assume that "it's OK because person 1 already
checked it."

 Mechanical failures. Wear, faulty assembly, damage or faulty design of the firearm can cause it
not to function as intended. For instance, a safety may have been worn down to a point where it
is no longer functioning. Broken or worn parts in the trigger, sear or hammer/striker may have
given the firearm a "hair trigger" (a very sensitive trigger). A dented or bent body of the firearm
may cause jams or premature discharge of ammunition. Sensitivity to impact may cause a
firearm to discharge if dropped or struck against another object.

If a handler always treats firearms as capable of being discharged at any time, the handler is more likely to take
precautions to prevent an unintentional discharge and to avoid damage or injury if one does occur.

Point the muzzle away from non-targets

This rule is intended to minimize the damage caused by an unintended discharge. The first rule teaches that a firearm
must be assumed to be ready to fire. This rule goes beyond that and says, "Since the firearm might fire, assume that
it will and make sure no harm occurs when it does."

A consequence of this rule is that any kind of playing or "toying" with firearms is prohibited. Playfully pointing firearms
at people or other non-targets violates this rule and is possibly an extreme endangerment to life and/or property. To
discourage this kind of behavior, the rule is sometimes alternately stated, "Never point a firearm at anything unless
you intend to destroy it.".

Two natural "safe" directions to point the muzzle are up (at the sky) and down (at the ground). Both have their
advantages and disadvantages. Firing at the ground may result in a ricochet or cause hazardous fragments to be
flung at people or objects. Aiming upward eliminates this risk but replaces it with the risk that the bullet may cause
damage when it comes down to the ground again. A bullet fired straight up only returns at the terminal velocity of
the bulletHowever, a bullet fired at an angle not perfectly vertical will retain its spin on the way down and can attain
much more lethal speeds. Several accidents have reportedly been caused by discharging firearms into the air;
although the evidence in a few such cases has been disputed, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention found 43 likely cases of injury from falling bullets during 2004 New Year celebrations in Puerto Rico. It is
also possible that the muzzle will inadvertently be pointed at a non-target such as someone's head or an aircraft.

In cases where the firearm is being handled indoors, up and down may not be safe directions. For example, a bullet
fired upward or downward may travel through the ceiling, floor and plenum between adjacent floors of a multi-story
building. In indoor areas where firearms will be handled often, a suitably safe direction should be designated. Firing
ranges often designate a direction in which it is safe to point a firearm; almost universally this is downrange into a
backstop which is designed to contain bullets and eliminate potential ricochets. In armories or other areas where
weapons must be handled, a container filled with sand known as a "clearing barrel" or "clearing can" is often used for
this purpose; bullets unintentionally discharged into the barrel will be safely stopped and contained by the sand.

Keep fingers off the trigger

Finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard

This rule is intended to prevent an undesired discharge. Normally a firearm is discharged by pressing its trigger. A
handler's finger may involuntarily move for any of several reasons: the handler is startled, a lack of full attention on
body movements, physiological reasons beyond conscious control such as a spasm, stumbling or falling, or the finger
being pushed by something (as when trying to holster a handgun with one's finger on the trigger). Handlers are
therefore taught to minimize the harmful effects of such a motion by keeping their finger off the trigger until the
muzzle is pointing at the target and the handler wishes to discharge the firearm.

The trigger guard and area above the trigger of a firearm presents a natural point for a handler to keep their finger out
straight alongside the weapon, so as not to violate this rule. Another recommendation is to keep the trigger finger
above the trigger guard, so that there is less chance of the finger involuntarily slipping into the guard when startled. A
properly indexed trigger finger also helps remind the person holding the firearm of the direction of the muzzle.

In popular culture, such as movies and TV shows, this rule is often violated, even by characters who should be
trained in gun safety such as military personnel or law enforcement officers.

Be sure of the target and of what is beyond it

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This rule is intended to eliminate or minimize damage to non-targets when a firearm is intentionally discharged.
Unintended damage may occur if a non-target is misidentified as a target, if the target is missed, or if the bullet hits
something or someone other than the intended target.

Handlers are taught that they must positively identify and verify their target. Additionally, they learn that even when
firing at a valid target, unintended targets may still be hit, for three reasons:

 The bullet may miss the intended target and hit a non-target around or beyond the target.
 A non-target may pass in front of the target and be hit with a bullet aimed at the target.

 The bullet may pass through the intended target and hit a non-target beyond it, so called
"overpenetration".

Therefore, this rule requires a handler to "always be sure of your target; not just the target itself, but above, below, to
the left, to the right, in front of, and behind the target".

This may create situations that present dilemmas for a handler. Such situations are for instance a police officer in a
riot, a civilian facing a possible intruder at night, or a soldier in a situation where civilians are near the enemy.
Indecision or misjudgment of the handler's abilities in such a situation may cause undesired outcomes, such as injury
to the handler due to hesitation, or the handler violating rules of engagement and causing unintended damage.

Hunters are commonly prohibited from shooting across roads and trails, or after dusk and before dawn, due to the
risk of inadvertently hitting an unintended target. All discharge of firearms is prohibited in some cities, in part due to
the possibility of hitting unseen targets.

Training is used to minimize the risk of such outcomes. Target practice increases the precision with which the handler
can discharge the firearm and thus increase the chances that the intended target is hit. Education about terminal
ballistics gives the handler knowledge about the characteristics of a bullet after a target is hit. This knowledge
coupled with insight into the handler's own capabilities makes it easier for the handler to make appropriate decisions
about whether to discharge or not, even if given little time and/or put under severe stress.

Ammunition can be chosen to reduce the risk of overpenetration; see Terminal ballistics, Stopping power, and
Hollow point bullet.

Range safety rules

Ranges and organized shoots may impose additional safety rules on participants. For example, at its marksmanship
clinics, Project Appleseed requires that a range safety officer (RSO) uses a weed trimmer line to check each rifle's
bore for obstructions prior to its first use for the day. Six steps are then always followed when a round of shooting is
complete and the line is ready to go "cold" to allow posting or checking targets, or when a rifle is ready to be removed
from the line: 1) magazine out; 2) bolt back; 3) safety on; 4) chamber flag in; 5) ground the rifle; 6) step back; no one
touching the rifle.

Open bolt indicators, or chamber flags, such as the yellow safety flag distributed by the Civilian Marksmanship
Program or the green chamber flag distributed by Project Appleseed may be required to be inserted in the chamber
to show the chamber is empty.

Ranges may limit the type of ammunition used, such as prohibiting the use of incendiary, tracer, or armor-piercing
rounds, or more powerful rounds than a range is equipped to handle They may require the use of ear and eye
protection. Alcohol is commonly forbidden. Some ranges impose a waiting period for shooters who wish to rent a
firearm, or require them to bring a friend, in order to reduce the incidence of suicides. Ranges are advised to
designate a range safety officer to enforce these rules.[
Ranges must be designed with safety in mind, including the use of proper backstops for the intended type of
shooting.[

Malfunctions
Main article: Firearm malfunction

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Firearm malfunctions may be caused by the primer and/or powder, by mechanical failures, or by mishandling.

Failure to fire malfunctions

Malfunctions associated with the firing pin of a firearm, or with the primer and/or powder within a cartridge include
failures to discharge (misfires, "duds"), delayed discharge (hang-fires), and incomplete or insufficient discharge
(squibs). A misfire is when the cartridge does not fire after it is struck by the firing pin. A hangfire is when the firing pin
strikes the cartridge, but there is a delay of some seconds before the cartridge finally fires. A squib is when an
underpowered round is fired, perhaps with an insufficient amount of powder in the case, and the bullet lodges in the
bore. If the firearm is fired again, the barrel can peel back, severely damaging the weapon and injuring the shooter.

In each case, the shooter should wait for a period of time, commonly recommended between 25 seconds, up to two
minutes, with the firearm pointed in a safe direction, then carefully remove the magazine, extract any mis-fed or
misfired cartridge(s), and, with the breech opened carefully, check to ensure there is not a bullet or other obstruction
lodged in the bore of the barrel. If there is an obstruction, and a subsequent round is fired, the firearm can fail
explosively resulting in serious injury. Misfired rounds should be disposed of properly, usually in a special container
for live ammo that failed to fire after ejecting round; such rounds should not be simply disposed of in the trash.

Mechanical malfunctions

Mechanical malfunctions of firearms include slamfires, jams, accidental release of the firing pin, and failure of the
breech or barrel to contain the propellant.

A slam fire is when a cartridge fires immediately upon being chambered, before a trigger squeeze, and is most often
caused by a floating firing pin that becomes obstructed by debris, or by an improperly raised primer that is installed
on a cartridge case. A slam fire can also be caused by a softer primer being used than normally recommended.

Types of jams include failures to feed, extract, or eject a cartridge; failure to fully cycle after firing; and failure of a
recoil- or gas-operated firearm to lock back when empty (largely a procedural hazard, as a "slide lock" is a visual cue
that the firearm's ammunition supply is empty). When a jam occurs, the handler should exercise extreme caution as a
cartridge whose primer has been struck and which has been deformed in a jam can discharge unexpectedly (in a
"hang-fire".) One method of quickly clearing a jammed semi-automatic weapon is tap rack bang.

Firearms may also fire unintentionally for several reasons, including dropping the weapon or when a firearm receives
any hard mechanical shocks. Similarly, unintentional firing may occur due to faulty triggers, or excessive heat buildup
in the chamber which leads to the propellant cooking off. To prevent accidental firing when firearms are dropped or
jarred, experts often suggest using modern firearm designs that have safety features such as a transfer bar or a
firing pin block which prevent the firing pin from striking the primer unless the trigger is squeezed. For older firearms
without these features, experts suggest that they should be carried without a round in the chamber, or with the firing
pin resting on an empty chamber in the case of revolvers.

Firearms may undergo catastrophic failure (a "kaBoom" or "kB") due to various causes, some caused by
mishandling and others by poor design, weakened parts or the use of ammunition for which the firearm was not
designed, but which will chamber and fire nonetheless. Barrels may become blocked by foreign material, such as dirt,
snow, or even water. For that reason, the muzzle should never be allowed to rest on the ground or allowed to
accumulate precipitation. Another form of mishandling is the use of a cartridge that generates more pressure than the
firearm was designed for. This can occur through faulty handloading, or the use of overpressure ammunition (+P
or +P+) or magnum loads in firearms not rated for them.

Storage

Proper storage prevents unauthorized use or theft of firearms and ammunition, or damage to them.[22]

Gun safes[edit]

A 'gun safe' or 'gun cabinet' is commonly used to physically prevent access to a firearm. Local laws may require
particular standards for the lock, for the strength and burglar resistance of the cabinet, and may even require guns
and ammunition to be stored separately.

Disassembly

Access to a functioning firearm can be prevented by keeping the firearm disassembled and the parts stored at
separate locations. Sometimes, this rule is codified in law. For example, Swedish law requires owners of firearms
either to store the entire firearm in a safe or lockable gun rack, or to lock the "vital piece" (bolt, etc.) away in a safe
place.

Locks

Trigger lock fitted to the trigger of a revolver

There are several types of locks that serve to make it difficult to discharge a firearm. Locks are considered less
effective than keeping firearms stored in a lockable safe since locks are more easily defeated than approved safes.
After stealing a locked firearm, a thief can bypass the lock at their leisure. Some manufacturers, such as Taurus,
build locks into the firearm itself.

California effected regulations in 2000 that forced gun locks to be approved by a firearm safety device laboratory via
California Penal Code Section 12088. All gun locks under this code must receive extensive tests including saw, pick,
pull, and many other tests in order to be approved for the state of California. If a lock passes the requirements then it
is said to be California Department of Justice (CADOJ) approved

 Trigger locks

Trigger locks prevent motion of the trigger. However, a trigger lock does not guarantee that the
firearm cannot be discharged (see above). Some trigger locks are integrated into the design of
 the weapon, requiring no external parts besides the key. Generally, two pieces come together
from either side behind the trigger and are locked in place, which can be unlocked with a key or
combination. This physically prevents the trigger from being pulled to discharge the weapon.
Other types of trigger locks do not go behind the trigger, but encompass the full area behind the
trigger guard making the trigger inaccessible. Identilock is a gun attachment that completely
covers and prevents access to the trigger, which makes it different from other trigger locks.
There is controversy surrounding manufacturing standards, usage, and legislation of trigger
locks. While supporters of trigger locks argue that they will save children from dying in gun
accidents, critics point to demonstrations that some models can be removed by children with
very little force and common household tools. Many firearms can go off if the gun is dropped. It
is important to make sure to look for firearms that fully disengage the hammer when the safety
is put on. A former senior product manager at Master Lock, a trigger lock manufacturer, was
quoted as saying “If you put a trigger lock on any loaded gun, you are making the gun more
dangerous.” Critics also point out that a trigger lock will increase the time it takes a gun owner
to respond to a self-defense emergency. In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a
Washington, D.C. law that required handguns to be locked or otherwise kept inoperative within
the home, saying that this "makes it impossible for citizens to use them for the core lawful
purpose of self-defense."

Although there are no universal standards for the design or testing of trigger locks, some
jurisdictions, such as the state of California, maintain a list of approved trigger lock devices. In
Canada, a trigger lock is one of the methods prescribed by law to secure a firearm during
transport or storage.[

 Chamber locks

Chamber locks aim to block ammunition from being chambered, since most firearms typically
cannot be discharged unless the ammunition is in the correct position. They are used to prevent
live ammunition from loading into a firearm by blocking the chamber with a dummy (fake)
cartridge. The cartridge is sometimes wedged into place with the use of a tool, in essence
jamming the gun. Another type is one in which a steel rod is locked into the safety cartridge with
a key. As long as the rod and safety cartridge are engaged, the dummy round cannot eject nor
can live ammunition be loaded into the firearm. Chamber locks work with most firearm types
including revolvers, pistols, rifles and shotguns. They are available in any caliber and length,
and may include such features as unique keying, rapid removal, and rigorous testing and
certification by major state departments such as the California Department of Justice.
 Cable locks

Cable locks are a popular type of chamber lock that usually threads through the breech and
ejection port of repeating-action firearms; they generally prevent full cycling of the action,
especially preventing a return to "battery", with the breech fully closed. In many designs of
pistol and rifle, they also prevent the proper insertion of a magazine.
 Smart guns
 Personalized guns, or smart guns, are intended to prevent unauthorized use with built-in locks
that are released by RFID chips or other proximity devices, fingerprint recognition, magnetic
rings, or a microchip implant.

Ammunition storage

Some experts recommend storing ammunition in secure locations away from firearms. Ammunition should be kept in
cool, dry conditions free from contaminating vapors to prevent deterioration of the propellant and cartridge.
Handloaders must take special precautions for storing primers and loose gunpowder.

Secondary dangers
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While a firearm's primary danger lies in the discharge of ammunition, there are other ways a firearm may be
detrimental to the health of the handler and bystanders.

Noise

When a firearm is discharged it emits a very loud noise, typically close to the handler's ears. This can cause
temporary or permanent hearing damage such as tinnitus. Hearing protection such as earplugs (disposable or
reusable) and/or earmuffs (including electronic devices that amplify quiet sounds) can be used to reduce the risk of
hearing damage. Firearms may also be fitted with a Sound Suppressor which cools the gas emitting from the barrel
to make the volume safe for the handler's ears.

Hot gases and debris

A firearm emits hot gases, powder, and other debris when discharged. Some weapons, such as semi-automatic and
fully automatic firearms, typically eject spent cartridge casings at high speed. Casings are also dangerously hot
when ejected. Revolvers store spent casings in the chamber, but may emit a stream of hot gases and possible fine
particulate debris laterally from the interface between the revolving chamber and the gun barrel. Any of these may
hurt the handler or bystanders through burning or impact damage. Because eyes are particularly vulnerable to this
type of damage, eye protection should be worn to reduce the risk of injury. Prescription lenses and various tints to
suit different light conditions are availableSome eye protection products are rated to withstand impact from birdshot
loads, which offers protection against irresponsible firearms use by other game bird shooters[

Toxins and pollutants[edit]

In recent years the toxic effects of ammunition and firearm cleaning agents have been highlighted.

 Lead ammunition left in nature may become mobilized by acid rain.

 Older ammunition may have mercury-based primers.

 Lead accumulates in shooting range backstops.

Indoor ranges require good ventilation to remove pollutants such as powder, smoke, and lead dust from the air
around the shooters. Indoor and outdoor ranges typically require extensive decontamination when they are
decommissioned to remove all traces of lead, copper, and powder residues from the area.
Lead, copper and other metals will also be released when a firearm is cleaned. Highly aggressive solvents and other
agents used to remove lead and powder fouling may also present a hazard to health. Installing good ventilation,
washing hands after handling firearms, and cleaning the space where the firearm was handled lessens the risk of
unnecessary exposure.

Unsafe users
Impaired users

Firearms should never be handled by persons who are under the influence of alcohol or any drugs which may affect
their judgment. Gun safety teachers advocate zero tolerance of their use. In the United States, this recommendation
is codified in many states' penal codes as a crime of "carrying under the influence", with penalties similar to DWI/DUI.
Other sources of temporary impairment include exhaustion, dehydration, and emotional stress. These can affect
reaction time, cognitive processing, sensory perception, and judgment.

Many jurisdictions prohibit the possession of firearms by people deemed generally incapable of using them safely,
such as the mentally ill or convicted felons.

Children
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Children who are generally considered too young to be allowed to handle firearms at all can be taught a different set
of rules:

 Stop.
 Don't touch.

 Leave the area.

 Tell an adult.

The purpose of these rules is to prevent children from inadvertently handling firearms. These rules are part of the
Eddie Eagle program developed by the National Rifle Association for preschoolers through 6th graders.[34]

Whether programs like Eddie Eagle are effective has not been conclusively determined. Some studies published in
peer-reviewed journals have shown that it is very difficult for young children to control their curiosity even when they
have been taught not to touch firearms.[35] Gun access is also a major risk factor for youth suicide.[36] The American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that keeping a gun in the home, especially a handgun increases the risk of
injury and death for children and youth in the home.[37] If families do keep a gun in the home, the AAP advises
keeping it unloaded and locked up, with the ammunition locked in a separate location, and the keys to the locked
boxes hidden.[37]

Polling shows that over half of parents who do not own a gun have never talked with their children age 5-17 about
gun safety.[38] The ASK Campaign (Asking Saves Kids) is based on the fact that many families with children have a
gun, and almost half these guns are left unlocked or loaded. The ASK Campaign urges parents to ask their friends,
neighbors and family members if they have an unlocked gun in the home before sending their children over to play.[39]

Older youth (age may vary per program) may take part in a program for safe rifle handling, such as the ones
promoted by these organizations:
  4H Shooting Sports Programs
 Boy Scouts of America

 Civilian Marksmanship Program

 National Rifle Association

 Project Appleseed

See also[edit]
 Safety area

References[edit]
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doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61682-2. PMC 4340604 . PMID 25530442.
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4. Jump up ^ Reeves, Ira L. (1913). The A B C of Rifle, Revolver and Pistol Shooting. Kansas City,
MO, USA: Franklin Hudson Publishing Company.

5. Jump up ^ "The Ten Commandments of Safety". Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia.

Retrieved 28 January 2015.

6. Jump up ^ Morrison, Gregory Boyce (1991). Cooper, Jeff, ed. The Modern Technique of the Pistol.
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8. Jump up ^ Ayoob, Massad (May–June 2010). "The Appleseed Project" (123). Backwoods Home
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9. Jump up ^ "The Vital Four ACTS of Firearm Safety". Royal Canadian Mounted Police. 2004-01-
23. Retrieved 2009-05-18.

10. Jump up ^ Gunsmithing Made Easy by Bryce M. Towsley pg 91

11. ^ Jump up to: a b "Can a bullet fired into the air kill someone when it comes down?". The
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12. Jump up ^ "Mythbusters Episode 50: Bullets Fired Up". Mythbusters. 2006-04-19.

13. Jump up ^ "New Year's Eve Injuries Caused by Celebratory Gunfire — Puerto Rico, 2003".
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2004-12-24.

14. Jump up ^ "The Aviation Safety Network Website". Aviation Safety Network. 2005-01-12.
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15. Jump up ^ Ayoob, Massad (January–February 2007). "The subtleties of safe firearms handling".
Backwoods Home Magazine. Retrieved December 22, 2015.

16. Jump up ^ "Range Safety Rules". Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Retrieved
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17. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Whiting, Richard C. (1990). "Shooting Range Safety". National Shooting
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18. Jump up ^ Keegan, Kyle (January 23, 2014). "Suicidal customers see a way out at gun ranges".
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21. Jump up ^ RCMP-GRC (2008). Canadian Firearms Safety Course (4th ed.). Royal Canadian
Mounted Police. pp.  87–90. ISBN  978-0-660-19826-2.

22. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Carolee Boyles. "Safety sells - safety devices for gun owners and their
firearms". Shooting Industry

23. Jump up ^ "Aroner-Scott-Hayden Firearms Safety Act of 1999". State of California. 1999.
Retrieved 2009-05-18.

24. Jump up ^ "Pro-Lok: Professional Quality Tools - CADOJ REGULATIONS". PRO-LOK. 2007–2009.
Retrieved 2009-05-18.

25. Jump up ^ Slater, Eric (February 16, 1999). "Hype Over Trigger Locks Provokes Fear of Firearm
Accidents". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2009-03-03.

26. Jump up ^ Egelco, Bob (June 27, 2008). "RULING'S RICOCHET - A right to own guns: Supreme
Court defines 2nd Amendment - gun lobby expected to challenge S.F. ban on handgun possession in
public housing". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2009-03-03.

27. Jump up ^ California DOJ Bureau of Firearms (2008-05-06). "Approved Firearms Safety Devices
Compability Chart" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-05-16.

28. Jump up ^ Royal Canadian Mounted Police. "Storing, Transporting, and Displaying Firearms".
Retrieved 2008-05-16.

29. Jump up ^ "No Chip in Arm, No Shot From Gun". Wired.com. Retrieved 2012-08-04.

30. Jump up ^ GAO (1991). Accidental Shootings: Many Deaths and Injuries Caused by Firearms
Could Be Prevented. p. 35. ISBN  9781568065533.

31. Jump up ^ Roy Huntington. "Gun safety & safety products". Shooting Industry.

32. Jump up ^ "Gun Safety Rules; Save a life by reading this page and give it to a friend.".
www.SaveTheGuns.com. 2000–2009. Retrieved 2009-05-18.

33. Jump up ^ "MSP - Carrying Under the Influence". State of Michigan. 2001–2009. Retrieved 2009-
05-18.
 34. Jump up ^ "Eddie Eagle Safety Program". The National Rifle Association of America. 2009.
Retrieved 2009-05-18.

35. Jump up ^ "Gun Safety for Kids and Youth - What if I've taught my kids not to touch a gun if
they find one?". University of Michigan Health System. 2010. Retrieved 2012-01-13.

36. Jump up ^ "Suicide-Proof Your Home". The Center to Prevent Youth Violence. 2011. Retrieved
2012-01-13.

37. ^ Jump up to: a b "Gun Safety: Keeping Children Safe". The American Academy of Pediatrics.
2012. Retrieved 2012-01-13.

38. Jump up ^ "Gun Shy? 14 Million Parents Have Never Talked Gun Safety With Their Kids".

39. Jump up ^ "ASK (Asking Saves Kids)". The Center to Prevent Youth Violence. 2011. Retrieved
2012-01-13.

External

NRA Gun Safety Rules

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NRA Gun Safety Rules

At the NRA, firearm education and safety is paramount—that’s why we offer a
variety of programs and services to promote the safe handling, use and storage
of firearms. Whether you’re a parent in search of information about firearm safety
in the home, a first-time gun owner, or an old pro looking to brush up on your
firearm handling skills, the NRA is here to keep you and your family safe. Explore
NRA’s fundamental rules of gun safety, as well as information how to safely store
a gun and good cleaning practices.
 The fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling are:

ALWAYS Keep The Gun Pointed In A Safe Direction

This is the primary rule of gun safety. Common sense dictates the safest
direction, depending on different circumstances.
ALWAYS Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Ready
To Shoot
When holding a gun, rest your finger alongside the frame and outside the trigger
guard. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
ALWAYS Keep The Gun Unloaded Until Ready To Use
If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the
gun alone and get help from someone who does.

When using or storing a gun, always

follow these additional NRA rules:
Know your target and what is beyond.

Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally
important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means observing your
prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there
are people or any other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.

Know how to use the gun safely.

Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely
open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or
magazine. Remember, a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof.
Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling.

Be sure the gun is safe to operate.

Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular
cleaning and proper storage are a part of the gun's general upkeep. If there is
any question concerning a gun's ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith
should look at it.

Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.

Only BBs, pellets, cartridges or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired
safely in that gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel.
Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the box and sometimes
stamped on the cartridge. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the
proper ammunition.

Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.

Guns are loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit
debris and hot gasses that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting
glasses and hearing protection should be worn by shooters and spectators.

Never use alcohol, over-the-counter drugs or prescription drugs before or while

shooting.

Alcohol, as well as any other substance likely to impair normal mental or physical
bodily functions, must not be used before or while handling or shooting guns.
Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.

Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store guns. A
person's particular situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of
gun storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the gun,
are available. However, mechanical locking devices, like the mechanical safeties
built into guns, can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe gun
handling and the observance of all gun-safety rules.

Additional Safety Precautions

Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require
additional safety precautions.

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Firearm Safety

Links to topics below

The Six Basic Gun Safety Rules

Additional Safety Points

Guns and Children--Firearm Owner Responsibilities

Rules for Kids

Methods of Childproofing your Firearm

Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide

THE SIX BASIC GUN SAFETY RULES

There are six basic gun safety rules for gun owners to understand and practice at all times:

Treat all guns as if they are loaded. Always assume that a gun is loaded even if you think it is unloaded.
Every time a gun is handled for any reason, check to see that it is unloaded. If you are unable to check a
gun to see if it is unloaded, leave it alone and seek help from someone more knowledgeable about guns.

Keep the gun pointed in the safest possible direction. Always be aware of where a gun is pointing. A
"safe direction" is one where an accidental discharge of the gun will not cause injury or damage. Only
point a gun at an object you intend to shoot. Never point a gun toward yourself or another person.

Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Always keep your finger off the trigger and
outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. Even though it may be comfortable to rest your
finger on the trigger, it also is unsafe. If you are moving around with your finger on the trigger and
stumble or fall, you could inadvertently pull the trigger. Sudden loud noises or movements can result in
an accidental discharge because there is a natural tendency to tighten the muscles when startled. The
trigger is for firing and the handle is for handling.

Know your target, its surroundings and beyond. Check that the areas in front of and behind your target
are safe before shooting. Be aware that if the bullet misses or completely passes through the target, it
could strike a person or object. Identify the target and make sure it is what you intend to shoot. If you
are in doubt, DON'T SHOOT! Never fire at a target that is only a movement, color, sound or
unidentifiable shape. Be aware of all the people around you before you shoot.

Know how to properly operate your gun. It is important to become thoroughly familiar with your gun.
You should know its mechanical characteristics including how to properly load, unload and clear a
malfunction from your gun. Obviously, not all guns are mechanically the same. Never assume that what
applies to one make or model is exactly applicable to another. You should direct questions regarding the
operation of your gun to your firearms dealer, or contact the manufacturer directly.
Store your gun safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use. Guns and ammunition should be stored
separately. When the gun is not in your hands, you must still think of safety. Use a California-approved
firearms safety device on the gun, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, so it cannot be fired. Store it
unloaded in a locked container, such as a California-approved lock box or a gun safe. Store your gun in a
different location than the ammunition. For maximum safety you should use both a locking device and a
storage container.

top

ADDITIONAL SAFETY POINTS

The six basic safety rules are the foundational rules for gun safety. However, there are additional safety
points that must not be overlooked.

Never handle a gun when you are in an emotional state such as anger or depression. Your judgment may
be impaired.

Never shoot a gun in celebration (the Fourth of July or New Year's Eve, for example). Not only is this
unsafe, but it is generally illegal. A bullet fired into the air will return to the ground with enough speed
to cause injury or death.

Do not shoot at water, flat or hard surfaces. The bullet can ricochet and hit someone or something other
than the target.

Hand your gun to someone only after you verify that it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open.
Take a gun from someone only after you verify that it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open.

Guns, alcohol and drugs don't mix. Alcohol and drugs can negatively affect judgment as well as physical
coordination. Alcohol and any other substance likely to impair normal mental or physical functions
should not be used before or while handling guns. Avoid handling and using your gun when you are
taking medications that cause drowsiness or include a warning to not operate machinery while taking
this drug.

The loud noise from a fired gun can cause hearing damage, and the debris and hot gas that is often
emitted can result in eye injury. Always wear ear and eye protection when shooting a gun.

top
GUNS AND CHILDREN--FIREARM OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES

Summary of Safe Storage Laws Regarding Children

You may be guilty of a misdemeanor or a felony if you keep a loaded firearm within any premises that
are under your custody or control and a child under 18 years of age obtains and uses it, resulting in
injury or death, or carries it to a public place, unless you stored the firearm in a locked container or
locked the firearm with a locking device to temporarily keep it from functioning.

You Cannot Be Too Careful with Children and Guns

There is no such thing as being too careful with children and guns. Never assume that simply because a
toddler may lack finger strength, they can't pull the trigger. A child's thumb has twice the strength of the
other fingers. When a toddler's thumb "pushes" against a trigger, invariably the barrel of the gun is
pointing directly at the child's face. NEVER leave a firearm lying around the house.

Child safety precautions still apply even if you have no children or if your children have grown to
adulthood and left home. A nephew, niece, neighbor's child or a grandchild may come to visit. Practice
gun safety at all times.

To prevent injury or death caused by improper storage of guns in a home where children are likely to be
present, you should store all guns unloaded, lock them with a firearms safety device and store them in a
locked container. Ammunition should be stored in a location separate from the gun.

Talking to Children About Guns

Children are naturally curious about things they don't know about or think are "forbidden." When a child
asks questions or begins to act out "gun play," you may want to address his or her curiosity by answering
the questions as honestly and openly as possible. This will remove the mystery and reduce the natural
curiosity. Also, it is important to remember to talk to children in a manner they can relate to and
understand. This is very important, especially when teaching children about the difference between
"real" and "make-believe." Let children know that, even though they may look the same, real guns are
very different than toy guns. A real gun will hurt or kill someone who is shot.

Instill a Mind Set of Safety and Responsibility

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that adolescence is a highly vulnerable stage in life for
teenagers struggling to develop traits of identity, independence and autonomy. Children, of course, are
both naturally curious and innocently unaware of many dangers around them. Thus, adolescents as well
as children may not be sufficiently safeguarded by cautionary words, however frequent. Contrary
actions can completely undermine good advice. A "Do as I say and not as I do" approach to gun safety is
both irresponsible and dangerous.

Remember that actions speak louder than words. Children learn most by observing the adults around
them. By practicing safe conduct you will also be teaching safe conduct.
top

Safety and Storage Devices

If you decide to keep a firearm in your home you must consider the issue of how to store the firearm in
a safe and secure manner. California recognizes the importance of safe storage by requiring that all
firearms sold in California be accompanied by a DOJ-approved firearms safety device or proof that the
purchaser owns a gun safe that meets regulatory standards established by the Department. The current
list of DOJ-approved firearms safety devices and the gun safe standards can be viewed by visiting
http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/fsdcertlist.

There are a variety of safety and storage devices currently available to the public in a wide range of
prices. Some devices are locking mechanisms designed to keep the firearm from being loaded or fired,
but don't prevent the firearm from being handled or stolen. There are also locking storage containers
that hold the firearm out of sight. For maximum safety you should use both a firearm safety device and
a locking storage container to store your unloaded firearm.

Two of the most common locking mechanisms are trigger locks and cable locks. Trigger locks are
typically two-piece devices that fit around the trigger and trigger guard to prevent access to the trigger.
One side has a post that fits into a hole in the other side. They are locked by a key or combination
locking mechanism. Cable locks typically work by looping a strong steel cable through the action of the
firearm to block the firearm's operation and prevent accidental firing. However, neither trigger locks nor
cable locks are designed to prevent access to the firearm.

Smaller lock boxes and larger gun safes are two of the most common types of locking storage
containers. One advantage of lock boxes and gun safes is that they are designed to completely prevent
unintended handling and removal of a firearm. Lock boxes are generally constructed of sturdy, high-
grade metal opened by either a key or combination lock. Gun safes are quite heavy, usually weighing at
least 50 pounds. While gun safes are typically the most expensive firearm storage devices, they are
generally more reliable and secure.

Remember: Safety and storage devices are only as secure as the precautions you take to protect the key
or combination to the lock.

top

RULES FOR KIDS

Adults should be aware that a child could discover a gun when a parent or another adult is not present.
This could happen in the child's own home; the home of a neighbor, friend or relative; or in a public
place such as a school or park. If this should happen, a child should know the following rules and be
taught to practice them.

Stop
The first rule for a child to follow if he/she finds or sees a gun is to stop what he/she is doing.

Don't Touch!
The second rule is for a child not to touch a gun he/she finds or sees. A child may think the best thing to
do if he/she finds a gun is to pick it up and take it to an adult. A child needs to know he/she should
NEVER touch a gun he/she may find or see.

Leave the Area

The third rule is to immediately leave the area. This would include never taking a gun away from another
child or trying to stop someone from using gun.

Tell an Adult
The last rule is for a child to tell an adult about the gun he/she has seen. This includes times when other
kids are playing with or shooting a gun. Please note that, while there is no better advice at this time for
children or adolescents who encounter a gun by happenstance, the California Chapter of the American
College of Emergency Physicians reports that such warnings alone may be insufficient accident
prevention measures with children and adolescents.

top

METHODS OF CHILDPROOFING YOUR FIREARM

As a responsible handgun owner, you must recognize the need and be aware of the methods of
childproofing your handgun, whether or not you have children.

Whenever children could be around, whether your own, or a friend's, relative's or neighbor's, additional
safety steps should be taken when storing firearms and ammunition in your home.

Always store your firearm unloaded.

Use a firearms safety device AND store the firearm in a locked container.

Store the ammunition separately in a locked container.

Always storing your firearm securely is the best method of childproofing your firearm; however, your
choice of a storage place can add another element of safety. Carefully choose the storage place in your
home especially if children may be around.
Do not store your firearm where it is visible.

Do not store your firearm in a bedside table, under your mattress or pillow, or on a closet shelf.

Do not store your firearm among your valuables (such as jewelry or cameras) unless it is locked in a
secure container.

Consider storing firearms not possessed for self-defense in a safe and secure manner away from the
home.

https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/tips

The 4 Rules of Gun Safety

Posted by Brandon Curtis, November 2, 2013

Updated on June 10, 2015 at 6:27 pm

The 4 rules of gun safety were put in place to ensure that no accidents happen. If these rules are followed 100% of the time, you

can rest assured that you will never have an accident with your firearms.

These rules vary depending on the source, but the below list happens to be our favorite.

The 1st Law:

The Gun Is Always Loaded

Imagine you’re at the range and a buddy of yours has a new gun that he just picked up. He asks if you want to shoot it and you

say “Well, obviously!”. Even if he shows you that the gun is clear and sets it down, the first thing you should always do when

you pick it up is to safety-check it. This also applies to setting it down again. Whenever the gun is out of your control, even if you

set it on a table for 30 seconds, you ALWAYS want to safety-check it when you pick it up. There is no exception to this rule.

The 2nd Law:

Never Point The Gun At Something You Are Not Prepared To Destroy

If you’ve done your safety-check and are absolutely sure that your gun is unloaded, that does not give you the go-ahead to be

careless with it. Remembering the first rule, The Gun Is ALWAYS Loaded, you should never point it toward anything that you

are not prepared to destroy.

The 3rd Law:
Always Be Sure Of Your Target And What Is Behind It

Bullets can go through – and beyond – your intended target. Knowing what’s behind your target is an essential step to safety and

responsibility.

The 4th Law:

Keep Your Finger Off The Trigger Until Your Sights Are On The Target

This 4th rule, arguably the most important one, should be practiced 100% of the time (as with all of these rules). With any

modern firearm, as long as your finger is away from the trigger guard, your firearm will not discharge. Knowing this, there

should be 0% chance of a negligent discharge. Notice we didn’t say ‘accidental discharge’, because there is no such thing. It’s

negligent, period.

Every single time that you pick up a firearm, you should be doing it as shown in the image to the right. With this mindset each

and every time, it will become second nature. Should you have to draw your firearm one day, you will instinctively place your

trigger finger along the frame and slide instead of directly on the trigger or inside the trigger guard.