No matter if you are an avid hunter, or compete professionally in long-distance competitive shooting tournaments, gun safety is crucial, not only for your protection but also others in the vicinity.

Accidents, can, and unfortunately, do happen.

Here is a summary of the top 10 gun safety rules that could mean the difference between life and death.

Top 10 Gun Safety Rules

1. Never take a loaded gun from someone else.

Follow GUN SAFETY RULES, they are crucial for your safety and the safety of others. Always treat a firearm as if it is loaded.

When you pick it up, always check the action for any ammunition. Never take a firearm from another competitor or hunter unless it is unloaded, and the action is ajar.

2. Gun Safety Rules|Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction

You are responsible for following important gun safety rules, such as controlling the muzzle on the firearm and making sure it is pointed in a safe direction. This rule is vital and must always be followed, even if the gun is unloaded or in its protective case. If you follow this rule, you never have to worry about damaging property or injuring another person.

3. Don’t  keep your finger on the trigger

Safe huntsmen always protect the gun’s trigger.

Your finger must be in the trigger guard and only after identifying your target and what is in front and beyond it should you place your finger on the trigger.

Check the gun’s barrel for possible obstructions

Once debris manages to get into the barrel of a firearm it causes an obstruction.

Obstructions block the bullet’s path and can cause damage to the gun and injury to yourself.

If you think there is an obstruction, first unload the gun and clean the barrel using a cleaning jag.

4. Being certain of your target and what is beyond that target is one of many important Gun Safety Rules

Being a safe competitor means making wise decisions for your own safety and the safety of others.

Always ascertain where the target is and make sure it is ethical and legal to shoot prior to your finger going into the trigger guard and on the trigger.

Listen carefully for an approaching animal, breathe deeply, and stay calm.

Always make sure of the target so you do not mistake another hunter for a wild animal.

Once you have fired the shot, there is no turning back. Be sure that you have a clean shot, so as not to injure the animal, and have to track it down to make sure it is dead.

Make sure you have a proper backstop when you are firing.

Check for water or rocks in the area, that could result in the bullet ricocheting in the opposite direction.

Avoid shooting towards the top of a hill.

 

5. The action must be kept open

While traveling by vehicle from or to a hunting spot, make sure the action is kept open. The gun must be unloaded and in its protective case.

Also, keep the action ajar when you are walking to your next shooting location.

6. Only when you are ready to begin hunting, must the firearm be loaded.

Keep the safety on until you have identified your target.

Only when you plan to shoot must the muzzle be pointed

7. Treat your gun responsibly it is not a toy and should not be joked around with.

The firearm’s scope must not be used for binoculars and always be aware of the direction that the gun is pointing.

Never use the barrel of the gun as a pointer when giving someone directions.

8. Guns must be stored in a safe place.

If you are carrying a gun it should unloaded and be in a holster.  Check out Kydex holsters, to ensure that you have the correct holster for your gun and that it is positioned correctly onto your belt

Never keep guns in plain sight or in the region of careless adults or any children.

9. Avoid drugs and alcohol.

Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs before or while you are handling a gun. Illegal substances or alcohol can change your mental status and behavior and guns must be used when you are fully in control.

10. Unload the gun prior to running, climbing, or jumping.

Avoid climbing a tree, jumping over a ditch, or jumping a fence when you are carrying a loaded gun.  Avoid pulling the muzzle when you are pulling the gun towards you.

Once you are finished climbing, running, or jumping, check the gun to make sure it is not damaged before reloading.

Conclusion

Whatever sporting activity you choose to partake in, be sure to have the correct gear, be this guns, clothing, camping gear, etc. This will make for a much better experience all around.

I hope this post has been useful and that you will familiarize yourself with these rules before you embark on your first hunting expedition.