Safe Shooting

Starting out right with recreational firearms, including security, cleaning.

July/August 1988
By Tom Gresham 
112-078-01
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Introduction and practice with a safety constant concer, will develop responsible and enthusiastic shooters.
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Starting out right with recreational firearms.

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By Tom Gresham

When guns and shooting are mentioned, certain images spring to mind. For many Americans, especially those who live away from the land-starved megamesses we call cities, the images are of recreation, competition, personal challenges and family fun. Unseen and unreported by the mass media, millions of people enjoy guns and shoot billions of rounds of ammunition every year in complete safety. And they do it primarily for one reason—shooting is one heck of a lot of fun! Shooting is traditionally taught by fathers. Many women shoot, but it seems fair to say that in most cases the teaching is done by the menfolk. If your father didn't teach you to shoot, you might be frightened by the thought of learning by yourself. After all, you don't know anything about it and you might do something stupid, or worse. I mean, guns are dangerous, right?

Before you have an anxiety attack, though, take some time to consider just how dangerous guns are, or are not. Put a firearm on the table, don't let anyone touch it for 100 years, and I guarantee it will do nothing but slowly rust. Guns don't do anything by themselves. The plain fact is that firearms are not dangerous when handled and stored properly. Same as a car, right? You wouldn't presume to be able to drive a car safely if you had never been taught, so don't expect to be able to shoot well or handle a gun safely without instruction and practice.

Fortunately, help is nearby. No matter where you live, there are surely shooters in your area. And as is the case with people avid in any sport, most shooters like to bring others into the fold. Talk with your neighbors. If you live out of the city, you'll find that some of them have guns and like to shoot. Your best bet is a local shooting range or gun club. That's where you get quality instruction and a ready source of answers for all the questions you'll have.

No shooting range nearby? Call the police. Someone on the force or in the sheriffs department will be able to teach you. Even if it's not a formal class, just ask if anyone can spare enough time to show you the basics. It's pretty unlikely you'll strike out.

A SECURE GUN IS A SAFE GUN

A common concern of those thinking of buying a first gun is safe storage, particularly if there are children in the house. It's an important consideration.

Children have an unbelievable ability to find what you've hidden, so don't hide your guns. That's not a safe way to prevent children from getting them. Instead, if the children are old enough to accept instructions, explain that the guns are not to be touched, ever, without your permission. With some children, that would be enough. You may, however, want to take other steps to prevent anyone from being able to get access to your guns, or to render the guns inoperable.

Of course, you won't keep loaded guns in the house. Even a gun kept for defense can be loaded quickly, if necessary.

A number of companies make trigger locks that block the trigger completely. The lock can be removed only with a key. This certainly is an effective way to prevent accidents.

You also can buy a gun safe. This is exactly what it sounds like—a very heavy steel chest, upright or chest type, that holds a number of guns, as well as other valuables. Safes are expensive, but might be worth the price in peace of mind. Of course, a gun safe also protects your firearms from theft. Check your gun store for trigger locks and gun safes.

A simple way to prevent someone from accidentally firing your gun is to keep it disassembled, with the parts stored in separate locations. This is effective and costs nothing.

Shooting and gun ownership bring with them a responsibility. Not only must you handle your gun safely when you are shooting, but you must store it safely. Give it some thought, and you'll find the method that's right for your situation.

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