Responsible Firearms Handling

by Rob Lundberg

Growing up in the liberal state of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I was excited when I got my first Firearms Identification Card, at the age of 16 years old. At that time, I had a Crossman .22 pellet rifle and Crossman CO2 powered BB rifle. We would spend a lot of time plinking. targets in the backyard and always (and I mean ALWAYS) handled something that minor with great responsibiity.

Now after a few decades and some time in the Army, I have entered the membership of responsible gun owners across the US. As a member of the NRA and United States Concealed Carriers Association (USCCA), I believe that it is very important to handle ALL fire arms responsibly, whether they are a pellet gun trainer, a rimfire or centerfire rifle or pistol; it does not matter.

So what I would like to do in this unique post is share five gun safety rules, that apply to new and veteran gun owners alike. These rules are of utmost importance and what trained gun owners across the board would be the fundamental guidelines designed to ensure the safe handling, and usage of firearms.

If you adhere to these rules, you are on your way toward understanding and practicing good safety and understand that these rules is essential to prevent accidents and that they aide in promoting responsible gun handling and ownership. Here are five standard gun safety rules that are widely recognized and practiced by firearm owners:

1. Treat EVERY gun as if it is loaded: Always assume that a firearm is loaded, even if you have personally verified that it is unloaded. It DOES NOT MATTER. This mindset helps in developing safe handling habits and prevents accidental discharges.

2. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction: Always ensure that the muzzle of the firearm is pointed in a safe direction, away from yourself and others around you. Many gun accidents occur when this rule is ignored. Treating this rule with high priority will minimize the risk of injury or damage in case of an accidental discharge.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot: Maintain trigger discipline by keeping your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to fire. Many pistols have what are called “memory pads” on both sides of the pistol rail that will help. Keeping your finger off the trigger, before shooting will help prevent unintentional firing.

4, When you are pulling the trigger, ensure that you are shooting at something you are willing to destroy: Sounds pretty reasonable doesn’t it? Know your target, aim and when you are ready to shoot, make sure you are aiming at and pulling the trigger on something you plan to destroy. Paper targets, metal targets, cans, balloons, bottles, clay discs, or other kinds of range targets can handle it. We should never have the finger on the trigger otherwise (See #3)

5. Know your target and what is beyond: Before firing a gun, always identify your target and be aware of what is beyond it. Most outdoor ranges today have a mound of dirt or a burm of land stopping the round from going further than the boundaries of the range you are shooting in. However if you are out in the woods or in the field, it is always good to keep in mind any property that might be nearby as rounds can travel well beyond the paper that they pierce. Keeping this rule in mind ensures that you do not unintentionally harm bystanders or property.

There you have it. Five nice rules for keeping you from being a thug with a gun by the liberal elites. Remember that a gun cannot do any harm if the trigger is not pulled. That trigger can only be pulled by you or me. So handle your firearm responsibly. Happy shooting!

For those of you out there reading this who are responsible gun owners, let me know your thoughts. If you have any questions please leave your comments at the bottom or email me at roblundberg315@gmail.com.