NRA Gun Safety
Rules
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The fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling are:
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe
direction.
This is the
primary 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. 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.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger
until ready to shoot.
When holding a
gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until
you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
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.
When using or
storing a gun, always follow these 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 gas
that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing
protectors should be worn by shooters and spectators.
Never use
alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other 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.
Be aware that
certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety
precautions.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning
is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Taking
proper care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your gun
should be cleaned every time that it is used.
A gun brought
out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated
moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the gun from
operating properly.
Before cleaning
your gun, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The gun's action should be
open during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present
in the cleaning area.
Troll Mountain Works
Jahn Quattlebaum
Phone 210-454-2741
email: info@trollmountainworks.com