Owning and carrying a firearm is a big responsibility. These rules are meant to keep you and others safe. They are simple and straight forward and should always be followed regardless of the situation. Being a responsible firearms owner means following these four rules, always.
1. Always Treat The Gun As If it’s Loaded and Keep it Pointed In A Safe Direction
Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Never “take someone’s word for it” that a firearm is unloaded. Taking the time, and making the effort, to properly make sure the firearm is unloaded yourself should always be done. Also, NEVER trust a firearms safety mechanism. A safety is a mechanical device and all mechanical devices can fail. Finally, when handling a gun care should ALWAYS be taken to never point it at anyone and ALWAYS practice good muzzle awareness. This includes when performing such tasks as cleaning and storing the gun.
2. Always Use Proper Trigger Finger Discipline
Part of the practice of always treating a gun as if it’s loaded is by using proper trigger finger discipline. The trigger finger should only be placed on the trigger once a decision to fire has been made. When unloading, loading and cleaning always keep your finger in the proper position and never on the trigger. Even when you think the safety is engaged. You could be wrong and mechanical devices (such as safeties) can fail.
3. Know Your Target And What Is Beyond It
Always be aware of your surroundings. If there is the slightest possibility of someone or something beyond your target, Don’t Shoot! Also be aware of the possibility of ricochet. If there is a potential of ricochet, Don’t Shoot! Situational awareness can prevent accidents and hazardous situation.
4. Figure Out A Storage Plan
Guns should be stored safely and be inaccessible to untrained and ineligible people. This includes children, persons who have been adjudicated mentally defective, convicted felons and more. In Connecticut it is the law that these people not have access to your guns! Use a safe, trigger lock or the like and secure your firearms. Ammunition should be stored separately from your guns and also be inaccessible and secured. Come up with a plan that works for you and follow it through.