Four Fundamental Rules That Can Save Your Life.

The NRA has three golden rules. We at Carryconcealed.net have added a 4th.

1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
This is the golden rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. If you are in a room the safe direction is away from people in the room, but you must take into consideration what is on the other side of the walls or outside the windows. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances. On gun ranges, this is most likely down range. Listen to the Range Safety Officer or person in charge.

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

While handling a gun, place your finger on outside the trigger guard, until you are ready to fire. This is one of the most difficult safety rule with new students. You can never trust a mechanical safety on a firearm, your finger is the only safety you can trust. So fight the natural impulse to put the finger in the trigger guard area and on the trigger until ready to shoot.

3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. 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. This does not include self-defense guns as they should be on the ready. If the self-defense gun is not in use it should be unloaded and locked up. There are great safes that allow for quick access while keeping the firearm away from un-authorized persons….including children.

4, Get training and practice.

Responsible gun owners cross political, ethnic, and religious boundaries. They should take the lead on setting the example for others in our open society. Get training and become familiar with your firearm before disaster strikes from a violent robber or an accident while handling the firearm. After taking the training class from your local instructor, practice as often as you possibly can.