Rules For Using or Storing A Gun: The Fundamental NRA Rules For Safe Gun Handling Are: In addition to these three basic firearm safety rules, you must follow a number of additional rules when you use or store your firearm. Know Your Target and What Is Beyond. Whether you are at the range, in the woods, or in your home, if you're going to shoot you must know what lies beyond your target. In almost all cases, you must be sure that there is something that will serve as a backstop to capture bullets that miss or go through the target. Never fire in a direction in which there are innocent 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. Read the owner's manual for your gun. Contact the gun's manufacturer for an owner's manual if you do not have one. Know your gun's basic parts, how to safety open and close the action, and how to remove ammunition from the gun. No matter how much you know about guns, you must always take the time to learn the proper way to operate any new or unfamiliar firearm. Never assume that because one gun resembles another, they both operate in exactly the same way. Also, remember a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Guidance in safe gun operation should be obtained from the owner's manual or a qualified gunsmith. Be Sure Your 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 regarding a gun's ability to function, it should be examined by a knowledgeable gunsmith. Proper maintenance procedures may be found in your owner's manual. Use Only the Correct Ammunition for Your Gun. Each firearm is intended for use with a specific cartridge. Only cartridges designed for a particular gun can be fired safety in that gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel and/or slide. The owner's manual will also list the cartridge or cartridges appropriate for your gun. Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the cartridge box and sometimes stamped on the cartridge head. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition. Wear Eye and Ear Protection as Appropriate. The sound of a gunshot can damage unprotected ears. Gun discharges can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. Thus, both ear and eye protection are highly recommended (if possible) whenever you are firing live ammunition in your gun. Safety glasses and ear plugs or muffs should also be worn by any spectators or shooting partners present during live-fire sessions. Obviously, during an actual violent encounter necessitating the use of your firearm, it likely will not be possible for you to use eye and ear protection. Never Use Alcohol or Drugs Before or While Shooting. Alcohol and many drugs can impair normal mental and physical bodily functions, sharply diminishing your ability to shoot safely. These substances must never be used before or while handling or shooting guns. Note that these effects are produced not just by illegal or prescription drugs. Many over-the-counter medications also have considerable side effects, which may be multiplied when certain drugs are taken together or with alcohol. Read the label of any medication you take, no matter how innocuous, or consult your physician or pharmacist for possible side effects. If the label advises against driving or operating equipment while taking the medication, you should also avoid using a firearm while taking it. Store Guns So They Are Inaccessible to Unauthorized Persons. It is your responsibility as a gun owner to take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorized persons (especially children)from handling or otherwise having access to your firearms. (click image Be Aware that Certain Types of Guns and Many Shooting Activities Require Additional Safety Precautions. There are many different types of firearms, some of which require additional safety rules or procedures for proper operation. These are commonly found in your firearm's owner's manual. Also, most sport shooting activities have developed a set of rules to ensure safety during competition. These rules are generally sport-specific; the procedures for loading your firearm and commencing fire, for example, are different in the NRA bullseye shooting than they are in NRA Action Pistol competition. 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. 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. 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.
TREAT ALL GUNS AS LOADED
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| “This class was very informational. I think before citizens are able to purchase a firearm they should be required to take this class. By being in this class I was able to learn my rights as a firearm owning citizen. The class was perfect, it included an instructional video and there was material available for hands on learning. The instructors were very involved and really cared that you were able to understand the materials covered in the classroom. The instructors used real life scenarios that helped class retain material.” |
| Rodney Reddick |
| “This class is a very good class. It help me learn a lot of stuff, like safely. I feel good about this class.” |
| Shane Howell |
| “This class is great for the understanding and confidence in using a handgun. The instruction of the class helps you determine when and what you need to do in case any situation arises. As far as things to do better for the class, I would say keep everything the same. All points were explained as needed and were given opportunity to ask and get questions answered.” |
| Anthony Floyd AnthonyFloyd@ Allstate.com |
