First and foremost, it is important to follow gun safety rules. Guns are extremely dangerous and can easily injure or kill someone if not handled safely. When you are using a gun, treat it as if it is loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, and make sure the target is safe.
Second, you should only load your firearm when you are on the target range or in the field. When you aren’t using your firearm, store it separately. You also need to ensure that nobody else has access to it. It is also a good idea to unload your gun after each shoot, and never leave it unattended near a building or vehicle.
Third, you should store your firearms and ammunition separately. Make sure your firearm is secured with a locking device. You can also invest in a safe storage cabinet for your firearms. But remember to never keep your gun in the same room as your ammunition, as this could lead to a fire.
Fourth, remember to wear protective gear. You should wear shooting glasses or ear protection whenever you’re near a firearm. In addition, make sure you don’t drink or take drugs before you shoot a gun. The chemicals in alcohol and other drugs may impair your ability to shoot properly, so it’s crucial to avoid these substances when shooting a firearm.
Last, don’t forget to check your cartridges. Smaller-gauge cartridges can fall into a firearm’s barrel when you fire it, causing a burst barrel. Also, always remember to check your ammunition for debris, such as metal shavings, and keep the chamber and barrel free of obstructions.
Lastly, don’t shoot unless you know where your target is. A good idea is to contact the gun manufacturer to get an owner’s manual. A manual should teach you the basic functions of the gun and how to remove ammunition safely. You should also learn how to safely operate firearms that are unfamiliar to you. You never know when a safety device will fail, so it’s important to know how to operate your firearm safely.
The Marine Corps has a unique approach to weapons safety. Recruits must learn and memorize four basic rules of firearm safety before being allowed to carry a weapon. This includes the use of a temporary chamber plug. These plugs are usually brightly colored, and they signal to the shooter that the chamber is either full or blocked. In addition, a cable lock prevents the bolt from moving, preventing cycled action, and denying breech closure. Some models even thread through the magazine well.