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This is a motive I keep saying to anybody who
talks to me about how dangerous guns are. A tool is simply a tool.
Its usage can be dangerous or not. Similarly with guns.
If one handles his gun in the proper way, the gun is as safe as any
other tool. If you neglect safety rules, a gun can kill. After all,
that is the role it was initially designed to play, go bang when
someone pulls the trigger. It is therefore very important to learn
safe gun handling and master it.
Rule No 1 : Always treat a gun as if it was
loaded.
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 gun away empty, when you pick it up
again check it to make sure it is still empty. When someone hands
you a gun, always check it to see that it is empty, even if the
person who gave it to you has just checked the gun himself. Always
consider the gun as loaded, unless you've checked it.
Rule No 2 : Never point a gun to something you do
not intend to shoot.
Pointing a gun at something (or somebody) that you never thought of
shooting is a dangerous habit. Never, ever point a gun at something
that you value. Never, ever point a gun at someone, unless you
intend to shoot him or her. Most gun accidents have happened by people who
neglected either Rule 1 or Rule 2.
Rule No 3 : Keep your finger of the trigger.
Keep your finger outside the trigger guard, until your gun is
pointing at 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 at 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!
Rule No 4 : Learn your gun.
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 stuck 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 stuck inside
your barrel and you fire the next shot, the gun may blow up in your
face.
Rule No 5 : Act responsibly
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
child in the house, never leave the gun loaded in a non-locked place.
Even if your child is too small to reach it, children's ingenuity can help
them reach it. A gun is always an attraction for small children, 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 will it help you in an emergency, it will
also distribute the gun's weight more evenly, so that it does not
become a pain.
Rule No 6 : Safety is not a substitute of common
sense.
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 an
accidental discharge in all circumstances. As a result, a mechanical
device is not a substitute for safe gun handling.
Rule No 7 : Use proper ammunition.
A gun is a complex mechanical system designed to function properly,
when all ingredients are right. As you would never use diesel fuel
on your unleaded car, never use ammunition that is 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 last almost indefinitely. However, try to always use fresh ammo with your
guns.
Rule No 8 : Guns and drink do not mix.
If you are going to use your firearm, do not drink alcohol. If you have
consumed alcohol, do not use your firearm.
Rule No 9 : Mind of your backstop.
From the moment a bullet leaves a gun's barrel, it is totally out of
your control. It will keep on going down the range until its
kinetic energy is exhausted, or until it hits something solid which
will absorb all its kinetic energy. As a result, when plinking make
sure that there is something behind your target to stop the bullet
from flying down to the next house and injuring 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 attacker, 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.
Rule No 10 : If in doubt, ask.
Nobody was born with all human knowledge in his head. If you do not
know something, ask someone who does.
Reference: www.m1911.org/gun_safe.htm
Reprinted with permission.
www.m1911.org
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