Gun Safety 
Gun Safety
A gun must be treated as if it was always loaded. Do not ever assume that a gun is unloaded, unless you check it yourself. Even if you know that you have put your pistol away empty, when you pick it up again check it to make sure it is still empty. When someone handles you a gun, always check it to see that it is empty, even if the person who gave it to you has just check the gun himself. Always consider the gun as loaded, unless you check it.
Pointing a gun to something (or somebody) that you never thought of shooting is a dangerous habit. Never, ever point a gun to something that you value. Never, ever point a gun to someone, unless you intend to shoot him. Most gun accidents have happened by people who neglected either Rule 1 or Rule 2.
Keep your finger outside the trigger guard, until your gun is pointing to your target. Insert your finger in the trigger guard and rest it on the trigger, only when your gun is pointing to your target. If you decide not to shoot, remove your finger from the trigger, before anything else. Then lower your gun and holster it. Never keep your finger on the trigger when handling your gun. Inserting your finger in the trigger guard and resting it on the trigger should be your last move, before you shoot your target, your gun must be pointing to the target before you put your finger on the trigger. Never holster your gun, with your finger on the trigger. You might end up shooting your leg!
Every gun is different than the others. Some are revolvers others are pistols, some are single action, some are double action devices. Learn how to use your guns. Learn how to load it and unload it, how to strip it, how to put it back together. Learn the way it works. Learn how to apply the safety (if any). Familiarize yourself with the gun, even to the point that you know it blindfolded. Get used to the sound of your gun when firing. This can save you from a lot of trouble, if a bullet ever gets stack inside the barrel. If you hear a sound different than the sound your gun usually makes, stop shooting immediately and check your gun. If a bullet is stack inside your barrel and you fire the next shot, the gun may blow up in your face.
If you have a gun at home, make sure that every family member is aware of it and knows basic gun handling and safety. If there is a kid in the house, never leave the gun loaded in a non-locked place. Even if your kid is too short to reach it, kid's ingenuity can help him/her reach it. A gun is always an attraction fro little kids, so keep your guns unloaded and locked away. Always store guns and ammunition separately. If you carry your gun with you, carry it in a proper holster. Not only it will help you in an emergency, it will also distribute the gun's weight more evenly, so that it does not become a pain.
Never totally rely on any safety device your gun has. The principal purpose for a manual safety is to prevent firing in the event of unintentional pulling of the trigger. Other safety devices your firearm may have, are designed to prevent accidental discharge. No safety, no matter how well designed and manufactured can prevent accidental discharge in all circumstances. As a result, a mechanical device is not a substitute of safe gun handling.
A gun is a complex mechanical system designed to function properly, when all ingredients are right. As you would never use leaded fuel on your unleaded car, never use ammunition which are not proper for your gun. Serious damage, or injury can result. Also, never use ammunition which does not look the way it should look. Old rounds can not only harm your gun, they can also harm you. Do not, under any circumstances alter the rounds and especially the powder of ammunition. Ammunition stored under proper conditions can live almost indefinitely. However try to always use fresh ammo with your guns.
If you are going to use your firearm, do not drink. If you have drunk, do not use your firearm.
From the moment a bullet leaves a gun's barrel, it is totally out of your control. It will keep going on, down the range, until its kinetic energy is exhausted, or until it hits something solid, that will absorb all its kinetic energy. As a result, when plinking, make sure that there is something behind your target to stop that bullet from flying down to the next house and killing someone. If you are unlucky enough to have to use your firearm to shoot someone else, do not spray and pray. Bullets intended to hit your opponent, but missing him, can still cause damage to innocent bystanders. Mind your surroundings, before releasing that shot. Never shoot at a hard surface, like a steel door. The bullet might ricochet and hit you or some innocent bystander. For the same reason, do not shoot at water.
Nobody was born with all human knowledge in his head. If you do not know something, ask someone who does.
Here is what
You may also visit the following two pages, dedicated on Gun Safety :
If you had fun, come back again!