(Newswire.net — December 30, 2021) –Shooting a gun for the first time can be an intimidating ordeal. After all, firearms can be lethal if handled improperly. This article will provide 6 safety tips that will help newbies take their first shots. While this is not an exhaustive list of precautions, following these tips will help keep everyone safe at the range.
Tip #1: Understand How Your Firearm Works
Before even thinking about loading a weapon, first-time gun owners and shooters should have a basic understanding of how their weapon works. To accomplish this, online guides, manufacturer’s instruction manuals, and YouTube videos can go a long way. Even if the gun you are shooting does not belong to you, knowing the basic loading functions, safety features, and design of a gun can go a long way toward preventing accidents caused by ignorance.
Tip #2: Select Your Shooting Location Carefully
When selecting a physical location for shooting the first time, be thoughtful. If you plan to shoot on private property, be sure that there is nothing behind your targets that could be damaged, injured, or killed. Bullets can travel through objects, ricochet, and will certainly travel farther and with more velocity than you think. Consider visiting a gun range where this element is accounted for in a controlled environment.
Tip #3: Watch Your Muzzle
When you get ready to pick up a gun for the first time, do not ever point it at an object that you do not intend to shoot at. Even if your finger is away from the trigger and the gun is not loaded, it is never wise to have the muzzle of the firearm aimed carelessly. This is so that, in the event of an accidental discharge, you and everyone nearby remain safe and no property is damaged.
Tip #4: Practice Trigger Discipline
Before you are ready to shoot, your finger should be placed a safe distance above the trigger guard. On most handguns, shotguns, and assault rifles, you will be able to lay your finger comfortably flat against the barrel. Only when you have your target in sight and are ready to fire around should you move to touch the trigger.
Tip #5: Use Protective Equipment
Shooting is loud enough to damage your ears, so be prepared. Use earplugs or noise-canceling earphones to preserve your hearing. Also, consider wearing safety glasses for your eyes. When you pull the trigger, the firearm will eject an empty shell casing (like those sold here) and likely release a small amount of smoke. Glasses will ensure that these elements do not cause injury to your eyes.
Tip #6: Exercise Caution When Clearing and Storing a Gun After Shooting
After you have finished your first shooting session, continue to be careful. Be sure that the weapon is completely clear of ammunition and continue to practice trigger and muzzle discipline. If you are going to store a weapon on your property, always take precautions to keep it in a safe place, such as a safe or lockbox.
If you are planning to shoot a firearm for the first time, or if you are teaching someone else to shoot who has never done so before, you have a large responsibility to handle yourself and your weapon with care to avoid tragic accidents. Following the safety tips mentioned in this article will help you keep yourself and others safe.