Gun Safety Training: Essential Tips for Beginners and Experienced Shooters

If you own or handle a firearm, you need to know how to use it safely and responsibly. Gun safety training is not only a legal requirement in some states, but also a moral duty to yourself and others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 39,707 firearm-related deaths and 71,417 firearm-related injuries in the U.S. in 2019. Many of these incidents could have been prevented by following basic gun safety rules.

In this article, we will cover the six basic gun safety rules that every gun owner and user should know and follow. We will also provide tips for safe gun storage and cleaning, as well as resources for further gun safety education and training. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced shooter, these tips will help you improve your gun safety skills and prevent accidents and injuries.

The Six Basic Gun Safety Rules

The six basic gun safety rules are recommended by the National Rifle Association (NRA) and other reputable sources. They are:

• Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This means that you should never point the gun at yourself or anyone else, even if you think it is unloaded or not functioning. A safe direction is one where no one or nothing can be harmed if the gun goes off accidentally. For example, at home, you should point the gun at the floor or a wall; at the range, you should point the gun downrange; in the field, you should point the gun away from your hunting partners or other people.
• Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. This means that you should not touch the trigger or put your finger inside the trigger guard unless you have made the decision to fire. You should keep your finger on the frame or slide of the gun until you have aligned your sights on your target and are ready to shoot. This will prevent accidental discharges caused by jerking, slipping, or bumping the trigger.
• Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. This means that you should not load the gun or insert a magazine until you are at the place where you intend to shoot. You should also unload the gun and remove the magazine as soon as you are done shooting. Before handling any gun, you should always check the chamber and magazine to make sure they are empty. You should also treat every gun as if it were loaded, even if you think it is not.
• Know your target, its surroundings and beyond. This means that you should not shoot unless you are sure of what you are shooting at and what is behind it. You should identify your target clearly and avoid shooting at anything that moves or makes noise. You should also be aware of what is around your target, such as other people, animals, buildings, vehicles, or objects that could cause ricochets or splatter. You should also know what is beyond your target, such as hills, trees, roads, or waterways that could conceal other people or animals.
• Know how to properly operate your gun. This means that you should be familiar with the features and functions of your gun, such as how to load, unload, cock, decock, fire, clear jams, and use safeties. You should also know how to handle malfunctions and emergencies with your gun, such as misfires, hangfires, squibs, or double feeds. You should read the owner’s manual of your gun and follow its instructions carefully. You should also practice with your gun regularly and seek professional guidance if needed.
• Store your gun safely and securely to prevent unauthorized use. This means that you should keep your gun in a locked cabinet, safe, or case; use a trigger lock or cable lock; store guns and ammunition separately; and keep guns out of reach of children and unauthorized persons. You should also educate yourself and others about the dangers of guns and how to handle them safely.

These rules are not optional or situational but must be followed at all times by anyone who handles a firearm. They are based on common sense and experience and are designed to prevent accidents and injuries.

Tips for Safe Gun Storage and Cleaning

Safe gun storage and cleaning are essential parts of gun safety training and responsibility. They help prevent unauthorized access, theft, damage, corrosion, fouling, or deterioration of your guns.

Here are some tips for safe gun storage :

• Use a locked cabinet, safe, or case that is sturdy and secure enough to resist tampering or breaking.
• Use a trigger lock or cable lock that prevents the trigger from being pulled or the action from being operated.
• Store guns and ammunition separately in different locations or containers.
• Keep guns out of reach of children and unauthorized persons who may not know how to use them safely
• Unload the gun and check the chamber and magazine to make sure they are empty. Never assume that a gun is unloaded.
• Wear eye protection and gloves to protect yourself from solvents, lead, or debris.
• Use proper tools and solvents that are designed for your gun and caliber. Avoid using household products or abrasive materials that could damage your gun or cause corrosion.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for disassembling, cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling your gun. Pay attention to the barrel, bore, chamber, action, and moving parts.
• Dispose of waste materials properly according to local regulations. Do not flush solvents or lead down the drain or throw them in the trash.
• Store your gun in a dry and cool place after cleaning. Avoid exposing it to moisture, heat, or sunlight.

Here are some examples of how to store and clean different types of guns:

• Handguns: Use a handgun case or holster that fits your gun and protects it from dust and scratches. Use a bore brush, patch holder, cleaning rod, solvent, and lubricant to clean the barrel and bore. Use a nylon brush, cotton swabs, and cloth to clean the slide, frame, and other parts.
• Rifles: Use a rifle case or rack that supports your gun and prevents it from falling or bending. Use a bore guide, bore brush, patch holder, cleaning rod, solvent, and lubricant to clean the barrel and bore. Use a nylon brush, cotton swabs, and cloth to clean the action, bolt, trigger, and other parts.
• Shotguns: Use a shotgun case or rack that supports your gun and prevents it from falling or bending. Use a bore brush, patch holder, cleaning rod, solvent, and lubricant to clean the barrel and bore. Use a nylon brush, cotton swabs, and cloth to clean the action, chamber, magazine tube, ejector, and other parts.
• Muzzleloaders: Use a muzzleloader case or rack that supports your gun and prevents it from falling or bending. Use a nipple wrench, nipple pick, breech plug wrench, bore brush, patch holder, cleaning rod, solvent, and lubricant to clean the barrel and bore. Use a nylon brush, cotton swabs, and cloth to clean the lock mechanism, trigger guard, ramrod thimbles, and other parts.

Resources for Further Gun Safety Education and Training

Gun safety education and training are ongoing processes that require regular practice and updates. You should never stop learning about gun safety and improving your skills.

Here are some resources for further gun safety education and training:

• Online courses: You can take online courses on various topics related to gun safety, such as basic firearm safety rules; safe storage; safe handling; loading; unloading; shooting fundamentals; firearm types; ammunition types; firearm laws; self-defense laws; hunting safety; range safety; concealed carry; home defense; etc. Some examples of online courses are NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting, Hunter-ed.com, and USCCA Online Training.
• Books: You can read books on various topics related to gun safety, such as firearm history; firearm mechanics; firearm maintenance; firearm selection; firearm accessories; shooting techniques; shooting sports; hunting techniques; hunting ethics; self-defense techniques; self-defense scenarios; etc. Some examples of books are The ABCs of Rifle Shooting, The Complete Guide to Gunsmithing, and The Gun Digest Book of Concealed Carry.
• Videos: You can watch videos on various topics related to gun safety, such as firearm reviews; firearm demonstrations; firearm tests; firearm comparisons; firearm tips; shooting tips; shooting drills; shooting challenges; shooting competitions; hunting tips; hunting adventures; self-defense tips; self-defense situations; etc. Some examples of video channels are Hickok45, Iraqveteran8888, and Active Self Protection.
• Podcasts: You can listen to podcasts on various topics related to gun safety, such as firearm news; firearm politics; firearm legislation; firearm advocacy; firearm culture; firearm education; firearm training; firearm interviews; firearm stories; firearm humor; etc. Some examples of podcasts are Gun Talk, The Gun Show, and Concealed Carry Podcast.
• Blogs: You can read blogs on various topics related to gun safety, such as firearm reviews; firearm guides; firearm tutorials; firearm FAQs; firearm opinions; firearm trends; firearm deals; firearm events; firearm giveaways; etc. Some examples of blogs are The Truth About Guns, The Firearm Blog, and GunMade.com.
• Magazines: You can read magazines on various topics related to gun safety, such as firearm features; firearm tests; firearm ratings; firearm profiles; firearm innovations; firearm accessories; shooting techniques; shooting sports; hunting techniques; hunting destinations; self-defense techniques; self-defense products; etc. Some examples of magazines are American Rifleman, Guns & Ammo, and Concealed Carry Magazine.

Here are some resources for finding local gun safety instructors, classes, ranges, or clubs:

• NRA’s website: You can use the NRA’s website to find NRA-certified instructors, courses, ranges, or clubs near you . You can also join the NRA and access its benefits, such as discounts, insurance, publications, and events.
• State agencies: You can contact your state’s department of natural resources, wildlife, or fish and game to find out about the requirements and opportunities for gun safety education and training in your state. You can also check their websites for information on hunting licenses, regulations, seasons, and zones.
• Online directories: You can use online directories to search for gun safety instructors, classes, ranges, or clubs near you. You can also read reviews, ratings, and feedback from other users. Some examples of online directories are Shooting.org, WhereToShoot.org, and GunClass.com.

Here are some resources for teaching kids the basics of gun safety:

• Age-appropriate books: You can read age-appropriate books to your kids that teach them the basics of gun safety, such as what guns are, how they work, why they are dangerous, how to avoid them, how to handle them safely, etc. Some examples of books are Eddie Eagle and the Wing Team, Safety On: An Introduction to the World of Firearms for Children, and Guns the Right Way: Introducing Kids to Firearm Safety and Shooting.
• Games: You can play games with your kids that teach them the basics of gun safety, such as how to identify guns, how to say no to guns, how to tell an adult about guns, how to follow the gun safety rules, etc. Some examples of games are Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program, McGruff Safe Kids Gun Safety Game, and Project ChildSafe Safety Kit.
• Videos: You can watch videos with your kids that teach them the basics of gun safety, such as what guns are, how they work, why they are dangerous, how to avoid them, how to handle them safely, etc. Some examples of videos are Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program Video Series, NSSF’s Child Safety Video Series, and NRA Family’s Firearm Safety Videos for Kids.
• Programs: You can enroll your kids in programs that teach them the basics of gun safety, such as how to identify guns, how to say no to guns, how to tell an adult about guns, how to follow the gun safety rules, etc. Some examples of programs are Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program, NSSF’s Project ChildSafe® Program, and NRA’s Youth Programs.

Conclusion

Gun safety training is essential for anyone who owns or handles a firearm. It can prevent accidents and injuries and save lives. In this article, we have covered the six basic gun safety rules that every gun owner and user should know and follow. We have also provided tips for safe gun storage and cleaning, as well as resources for further gun safety education and training.

We hope that this article has helped you improve your gun safety skills and knowledge. We encourage you to review the gun safety rules regularly, check your gun storage and cleaning practices frequently, and seek more gun safety education and training constantly. Remember that gun safety is not a one-time thing but a lifelong commitment.

Stay safe and happy shooting!