A gun is a powerful tool that should be handled correctly at all times. While the right to bear arms is ingrained in American life, you must prioritize the safety of yourself and others. We take a look at 21 things you should never do as a legal gun owner.
Not Having a Gun Permit
In some states, owning a firearm without a permit can be illegal; if you are found to have a gun without a permit, you are fined and even serve jail time, as well as having your gun confiscated. When moving states, always check your permit is valid to avoid any run-ins with the law.
Not Complying with Background Checks
Gun purchase regulations differ across states, with some having longer waiting periods to ensure buyers don’t have a violent criminal past. Even if you have a clean record, background checks are an essential step in responsible gun ownership. They guarantee you’re following all legal requirements for owning a firearm.
Ignoring Safe Gun Handling Rules
Guns are designed to fire when the trigger is pulled. Mishandling a firearm, such as leaving it loaded unattended or forgetting to keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, can lead to accidental discharges.
Forgetting to Attend Proper Gun Safety Training
A gun training course goes beyond the basics of handling a gun, delving deeper into safe gun handling practices. A good course will reinforce the core principles of safe gun handling, treating every firearm as if it’s loaded and always keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
Leaving Your Firearms Around The House
If you own a gun, you should also own a safe so you can keep it locked away and out of the reach of children. Evidence from Everytown Research shows that approximately 350 children shoot themselves or somebody else by accidentally firing a gun. With scary statistics like these, people must be serious about securing their firearms.
Keeping Ammunition Alongside Firearms
If a firearm malfunctions or is dropped, having ammunition nearby increases the risk of an accidental discharge. Separating ammo reduces the chance of a loaded weapon being mishandled.
Neglecting Your Firearms
Over time, firearms can accumulate dirt, and internal components can experience wear and tear. Proper cleaning and maintenance help ensure your firearm functions smoothly and reliably when needed. This is especially important for critical components like the firing mechanism and barrel.
Ignoring Your Local Gun Laws
Understanding and following gun laws ensures you’re handling your guns safely and legally, reducing potential harm to yourself and others. For example, in states that have increased adherence to background checks, there was a marked reduction in homicides.
Drinking or Using Drugs While Handling a Firearm
Alcohol and drugs significantly impair your judgment and reaction time when handling a gun. When under the influence, you may not be able to think clearly, and any delayed reactions could lead to accidental discharges.
Losing Sense of Your Surroundings
Being unaware of your surroundings can make you more vulnerable, especially in unfamiliar places. If you’re startled because you weren’t paying attention, you might accidentally draw or discharge your firearm, potentially causing serious harm.
Cause Unnecessary Conflict
Whenever possible, you should avoid unnecessary conflict as it can lead to you making a life-changing mistake. It is normal for some arguments to become heated, but when you deliberately antagonize people, it could lead to unnecessary gun use.
Reaching for Your Gun Straightaway
Most conflicts can be resolved peacefully through de-escalation tactics, such as talking things through or walking away. Reaching for a gun instantly can heighten tension and make the situation more dangerous.
Using Your Firearm Other Than for Self-Defense
Using a firearm outside of self-defense significantly increases the risk of harming yourself or others. Outside of using guns for work purposes, there should never be an occasion when a gun is used other than defending yourself.
Not Being Prepared to Explain Your Actions if You Use Your Firearm
According to the National Rifle Association (NRA), 31.1% of Americans have reported using a gun to defend themselves or their property, sometimes more than once. Whenever a gun is used in self-defense, you should be prepared to fully explain your actions to the authorities.
Transporting Your Firearms Unsafely
Mishandling a firearm during transport, such as dropping it or having it jostle around in a vehicle, can lead to an accidental discharge. This could cause serious injury or death to yourself, others, or bystanders.
Not Discussing Gun Safety with Your Family
Children are naturally curious, and they may encounter firearms at home or in public. Talking to them openly about gun safety from a young age can help them understand the dangers and how to behave responsibly around firearms.
Not Practicing Regularly with Your Firearm
The more comfortable you are handling your firearm, the more confident you’ll be in using it safely. This is especially important in a stressful self-defense situation where clear thinking is crucial.
Dispose of Unwanted Firearms Unsafely
If you choose to get rid of your gun you can return a gun to a licensed dealer or check if your local authorities have a Buyback program. Buyback programs are organized by participating states and compensate gun owners when they hand in their weapons.
Not Reporting Lost or Stolen Firearms Immediately
If your firearm is lost or stolen, you should report it to the authorities immediately. Your gun could fall into the wrong hands, and you could be held responsible if it is misused.
Not Staying Up-to-Date on Gun Safety Information
Gun laws and regulations can often change, so you need to keep up to date with the latest news. Staying informed ensures you comply with the latest legal requirements for safe gun ownership, storage, and transportation. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is the best place to check for updates at the deferral level.
Not Advocating for Responsible Gun Ownership
Gun ownership in the U.S. can be a contentious issue, and not everyone agrees that we should use firearms for self-defense. The best way to advocate for the use of guns is to practice responsible gun ownership and support policies and initiatives that promote safe usage at all times.
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