| Gun Safety For Women |
The Gun Safety Rules Are:
- All guns are always loaded.
- Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
RULE 1: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
All guns are always loaded - period!
This gun safety rule must be your mind-set. Any and all guns must be treated as if they are loaded. If someone hands you a gun and says, "Don't worry, it's not loaded," do NOT believe them, no matter who it is. Whenever a gun is transferred from one person to another, have the owner remove the magazine, lock open the chamber, and show you the empty gun. With a revolver, have them open the cylinder and remove any rounds. When you accept the gun, assume the gun is loaded and check it yourself. Remember, there are no accidents, there is only negligence.
RULE 2: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY
Rule 3: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
Rule 3 is violated when any uneducated person handles a firearm. Since the hand naturally tries to work as a unit - as in grasping - separating the function of the trigger-finger from the rest of the hand takes effort. When drawing your gun, or picking it up, place your "trigger finger", your index finger, straight along the side of the gun frame. Do NOT allow your finger to move into the trigger guard until you have your target sighted. Never fire a shot unless the sights are superimposed on the target and you have made a conscious decision to fire. Allowing your finger to settle inside the trigger guard before you are ready to shoot is extremely dangerous. Once you move the gun sights off the target, the trigger-finger leaves the trigger and straightens alongside the frame once again. Under stress, and with the finger prematurely placed on the trigger, an unexpected movement, misstep or surprise could result in a negligent discharge. This rule applies any time a gun is handled. Practice placing your trigger finger extended along the frame to help minimize the natural tendency to slide the finger into the trigger guard. Please remember that keeping your finger off the trigger is also required when posing for photographs.
RULE 4: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT
Know what your target is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it.
Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified. Remember - in many cases the bullet does not stop with your target and can pass through both interior and exterior walls. In self-defense situations, always be aware of what or who may be behind your target and the assess the risk of hitting an innocent bystander. You may need adjust your line of fire to avoid hitting others. You must assess the deadly threat from your attacker with the deadly threat from your bullets to others. Be keenly aware of your surroundings, whether on the range or in a life threatening altercation. Do not assume anything.
#Gun Safety From Other Secondary Dangers
While a guns primary danger lies in the discharge of ammunition, there are other secondary dangers in which a gun may be detrimental to the health of the handler and bystanders. Gun safety rules will also apply to dealing with these secondary dangers of guns.
Danger To Hearing From Noise
When a gun is discharged it emits a very loud noise, typically close to the handler's ears. This can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage such as tinnitus. Hearing protection such as earplugs (disposable or reusable) or ear muffs (including electronic devices that amplify quiet sounds) should be used to reduce the risk of hearing damage.
Danger Of Hot Gases And Debris To The Eyes
A gun emits hot gases, powder and other debris when discharged which could be harmful. Some firearms, such as semi-automatic and fully automatic firearms typically eject spent cartridge casings at very high speeds. Casings are also dangerously hot when ejected and can fly quite a distance. Revolvers store the spent casings in the chamber, but will be very hot when you eject them. Any of these may hurt the handler or bystanders through burning or impact damage. Because eyes are particularly vulnerable to this type of damage, eye protection should be worn to reduce the risk of injury. Prescription lenses and various tints to suit different light conditions are available.
Dangers From Toxins And Pollutants Such As Lead
Most of us are familiar with the fact that lead is used in making ammunition. Lead is released when a round is fired and residue is found on the spent casings. There can also be exposure when you clean your firearm. There are some basic things you can do to minimize your risk. 1.) Use lead-free ammunition 2.) keep your hands away from your mouth and eyes and avoid eating or smoking when you are practicing, as any residue may be on your hand. 3.)Don't handle spent casings. 4.) Carry lead removal wipes or wash your hands immediately after shooting. 5.)Wear surgical gloves when cleaning your firearm. 6.) Check to make sure your indoor range has good ventilation to remove pollutants.
Read Article "Lead and The Shooting Range"
Dangers From Misfires
Though guns and their ammunition are made to exacting specifications and tolerances and designed to function reliably, misfires and malfunctions of firearms and ammunition do happen.
Misfires can be caused by some mechanical issue or be related to the ammunition. There are techniques for dealing with the different types of "misfires" related to ammunition. Mechanical "jams" may require professional attention, if your gun is having any mechanical malfunctions, a qualified gunsmith should look at it and repair it. Shooting with a dysfunctional firearm is not only careless, it puts you and others at risk.
Danger Of Handling a Gun Impaired
Since handling a gun is a complex task with possible fatal outcomes if done improperly, gun safety dictates that a gun should never be handled while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or legal prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Since such substances may affect a person's judgment, zero tolerance is advocated by firearm safety teachers. This is codified in many states' penal codes as a crime of "carrying under the influence", with penalties similar to DWI/DUI.
Exhaustion can also constitute a form of impairment, as your reaction time, cognitive processing and sensory perception are all impaired by sleep deprivation and/or physical exhaustion. Firearm safety; therefore, discourages using guns when exhausted.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for information purposes only and is provided solely as a guide to assist you in forming your own opinions. Although the information on the website has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, it is provided on an "as is" basis without a warranty of any kind. None of the information is legal advice or the opinion of any professional or expert. This website is not a substitute for formal, qualified instruction in the handling, use or storage of firearms. You alone are completely responsible for your use of a firearm.
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