Responsible Firearm Ownership Part 4

Training and Practice

You may be wondering how “training and practice” with your firearm helps you to safely store it at home. As mentioned before, it comes down to confidence. If you and other members of your family are comfortable with your firearm, you’ll be safer with it at home. Because if anyone in your home were to ever come across an unsecured firearm, they’ll know what to do with it and how not to hurt themselves or anyone else around them.

One of the best things you can do with your new firearm is to shoot it. With every range outing, your skills and confidence with it will increase. Consider additional training specifically for your new firearm.

Spend Time at the Range

We’re a little biased in this regard, but we know spending time at the range is an important and fun part of owning a firearm. It’s the best environment for getting to know your firearm. You can practice shooting from varying distances, try different types of ammunition, and test multiple shooting stances.

Practice Safe Firearm Handling

Whether at the range, out hunting, shooting outdoors for fun, or in your own home, always practice safe firearm handling:

1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
2. Always point your firearm in a safe direction.
3. Never point your firearm at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
4. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you’re ready to fire.
5. Know your target and what’s beyond.
6. When you’re done with your firearm, store it securely.

You should also try to keep your ammunition locked up in a different area than your firearm. That way if someone finds your firearm, they won’t have immediate access to the ammo for it.

One final thought: keep your firearm and ammunition away from heat and moisture when in storage. Moisture will cause the firearm to rust, and in some cases, heat can cause ammunition to become “unstable.” Please watch for Part 5 of the series and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.