The use of a firearm is one of many activities that people enjoy participating on a regular basis. Firearms are used for hunting, clay pigeon shooting, the training target shooting, etc., if you are the owner of a firearm and you use it for recreational purposes, it is important to take specific security safeguards for the practice. Failure to comply with the necessary security protocols can result in disaster if you, or another person, is injured and penalized by law enforcement.
Here are the safety protocols that all firearm owners must follow during practice:
What Will I Learn?
Tip no.1 – Keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times
This is a basic and simple safety rule. However, far too many gun owners violate or ignore it. Think about it: if every gun owner handled their gun so carefully that the barrel never pointed at something they didn’t intend to shoot, there would be virtually no gun accidents. We all know that this is not reality.
Make it a habit to know exactly where the barrel of your gun is pointing at all times, and make sure you have control of the direction the barrel is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. It’s your responsibility, and only you can control it.
Tip No.2 – Never rely exclusively on the “safety” of your firearm
The “safety” of a pistol is a mechanical device which, like any device of this type, can become inoperable at the worst possible time. Security complements the proper handling of firearms, but it cannot be a substitute for common sense and adherence to security protocols. It is important to understand that you must never handle a firearm carelessly by assuming that the firearm does not trigger simply because “safety is on.”
Regardless of the position of safety, any shot or jar strong enough to activate the firing mechanism of a gun can make it shoot. This can happen even if the trigger is not hit, for example when a weapon has fallen. Never place a loaded pistol against an object because there is always the possibility of it being shaken or slipping from its position and falling with sufficient force to discharge.
Remember the only time you can be absolutely sure that a firearm is not fired is when the action is open and the firearm is completely empty (i.e. not loaded).
Tip No.3 – when not in use, keep the firearm unloaded
You only have to load a firearm when you are in the field or on the range, ready to fire. When not using your firearm, make sure it is stored in a safe place, if possible in a gun safe. The same rule applies to your ammunition. You must also ensure that your firearm and ammunition are separated from each other.
Make sure you unload your firearm as soon as you’re done. A loaded firearm does not belong in or near a vehicle or building. Unload your weapon immediately when you’ve finished shooting, well before bringing it into your vehicle or home.
If you live in Las Vegas, or elsewhere in Nevada, it is legal to possess a firearm without a license or registration, but you must have a Nevada CCW license to carry a concealed firearm. Also, you should always know where your firearm is because there are some places where guns are not allowed in Nevada, such as
• Legislative buildings;
• Public schools;
• Childcare;
• Facilities WILL.
It is also interesting to note that it is against the law in Nevada to carry a gun if you have been drinking and have a blood alcohol level (BAL) of .1 or more, according to NRS 202.257. Possible penalties for being “armed while intoxicated” include imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine of up to$1,000.
If you use a firearm to hunt in Nevada, you actually need to get a permit for that particular activity. Hunting without a permit is a minor criminal offense and can result in a six-month jail sentence and a fine of$1,000.
Tip No.4 – Make sure you use the right ammunition
The use of inappropriate or incorrect ammunition can destroy a firearm and cause serious injury. All it takes is one cartridge of inadequate caliber or caliber to destroy your weapon, and only a second to check each one while you load it. You must be 100% sure that the ammunition you use meets the specifications contained in the instruction manual and the manufacturer of your firearm.
Keep in mind that firearms are designed, manufactured and tested according to factory-loaded ammunition standards. Hand-loaded or hand-reloaded munitions that deviate from the pressures generated by factory loads or component recommendations specified in reputed manual loading manuals can be extremely hazardous and dangerous. It can also cause significant damage to your firearm and serious injury to you or your loved ones.
Safety First
Hunting, target shooting, clay pigeon shooting, etc. are extremely enjoyable activities that are often shared between parents and their children, long-time friends, and life partners. The safety tips described above are intended to ensure that these experiences are as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
