Firearm safety

Everybody should know the basics of firearm safety, but, unfortunately there are a lot of people who don't practice good handling skills. In my opinion, everybody should learn safe handling, even if they don't own a gun.

First, NEVER leave a loaded gun in a place where a child could get to it. The child might think its a toy, and could shoot themselves, another child, or anybody in the area. There are too many tragic incidents of people getting hurt due to the gun owners lack of common sense.

Second, when picking up a firearm, open the action and make sure there is not a round in the chamber, and that the magizine is not in the weapon. I prefer to stick my index finger in the reciver just to make sure. You must do this EVERYTIME you are going to put your fingers anyplace close to, or on, the trigger.

Third, NEVER point the muzzle at anything you are not perpared to shoot. Keep the gun straight up, (keep in mind what you are under), or straight down. Also, never point the muzzle toward yourself. If a round is in the chamber, the only thing that is keeping it from firing are mechanical parts, and anything mechanical could malfunction.

Fourth, make sure that the safety is on, and you know how to operate it. Most firearms have a (S) for the safe position, and a (F) for the firing position. If you are not sure how to operate it, ask someone. I would much rather look a little dumb asking, then not to know and shoot someone.

Fifth, buy a trigger lock. They can be bought for less then $20.00 at a gun shop. I would recommened not buying the cheapest one. Where quality locks are made from steel, the cheap ones are plastic. Keep the keys to the trigger lock in a place where a child can't get to it.

There would be a whole lot less senseless tragadies if people would follow basic handling procedures. Its not very hard to be safe, (most of it is common sense). If you follow safe procedures, then there is nothing dangerous about guns. I don't understand why so many people fail be safe. If everybody did, there would be a lot less accidents.