Owning a firearm and having it readily available in cases of emergencies has its obvious advantages, but it is important to familiarize yourself with the National Rifle Association’s gun safety rules to reduce the risks involved in using it.
The Pew Research Center and Gallup in 2017 estimated that 42 percent of people in the U.S. lived in households with guns, according to a report by CNN.
Considering this number, the NRA has invested a great deal of funds and resources into spreading firearm awareness and education on safe gun practices.
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As a result, the organization has compiled a thorough list of gun safety rules relating to handling a firearm, using your gun, and how to store it safely. While seasoned gun owners may already be familiar with many of these points, it can’t hurt to go back and refresh on the fundamentals.
1. Handling your firearm safely— To ensure safe gun handling, the NRA stresses the importance of always keeping your firearm pointed in a safe direction, and making sure it is unloaded and your finger is off the trigger until ready to use.
2. Know your target— When identifying your target, you need to be absolutely sure beyond any doubt before you shoot. It is equally important to be aware of the area behind your target as bullets can still penetrate surfaces and injure bystanders. The NRA's rule of thumb is "Think first. Shoot second."
3. Know your gun— It is vital that you know how to properly operate your gun before handling it. This means studying the owner's manual as well as learning the basic parts, how to remove ammunition and safely open and close the action. You also need to be sure that your gun is safe to operate, so regular maintenance is essential.
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4. Use the correct ammunition— The NRA advises against shooting your gun unless you know you have the right ammo. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel and only BBs, pellets, cartridges, or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired safely in that gun.
5. Wear protective gear— Wearing eye and ear protection will protect you against hearing damage and shield you from debris and hot gas emitted from your firearm.
6. Store your gun safely— When storing your firearm, it is important to ensure it is not accessible by an unauthorized person. Keeping it out of sight in a safely locked device is a good place to start.
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