Do you own a gun? If so, do you lock it up safely and securely every time you’re not using it? Do you have children or teenagers living with you or visiting your home? If so, are they aware of the dangers that come with firearms and how to stay safe around them? If not, now is the time to learn. Guns are dangerous weapons that require much care and responsibility when they are in the hands – or homes – of those who operate them. To own a gun responsibly requires education on what risks come with having one. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about owning a gun responsibly.
Why Is Responsible Gun Ownership Important?
The biggest reason why responsible gun ownership is important is that it helps avoid gun accidents. Guns are dangerous, and even the most trained and skilled operator can make a mistake and cause harm. Even if you’re a trained and skilled operator, accidents can happen. You may accidentally leave your gun out and a child might pick it up and start playing with it. You might forget to unload your gun after a trip to the firing range, which can cause it to still be loaded when you walk into a home with other people in it. There are many scenarios where accidents can happen, and it’s up to you to do your best to avoid them.
Lock Up Your Guns When Not in Use
This should go without saying, but you need to lock up your guns when they’re not in use. Leaving them out can lead to them being stolen, used by a child or teenager, or being used in an accident. If you own a handgun or two, keep them inside a lock box. If you own rifles or shotguns, keep them in a lock box or a safe. You can also keep them in a gun cabinet, although these can be broken into if someone really wants to get to them. You might also want to invest in a gun safe to help lock up your firearms even more securely. There are many different types of safes out there, and they vary in price and quality. You can find some that are less than $100, and others that cost thousands of dollars.
Make Sure Everyone Staying at Your Home Knows the Rules
If you have teenagers or children living with you, make sure they know the rules about the guns in your home. You need to be careful not to tell them that they’re never allowed to touch a gun, because this sends them a mixed message. Instead, tell them that they can handle your guns if they’re supervised by a responsible adult who is trained in using firearms. You should also let them know the rules about taking the guns out of the house. If you have a handgun or two that kids or teenagers can handle, make sure they know where they can and cannot go with it. If you have a rifle or a shotgun, make sure they know it’s not something they can just walk around with. You should also let them know that they need to make sure they return your guns to their proper place when they’re done handling them. Placing your guns in the hands of children or teenagers is a risky proposition, but it can be done responsibly.
Be Aware of Where Your Gun Is at All Times
Not only should you be aware of what children or teenagers in your home are doing with your guns, but you should also be aware of where your own gun is at all times. You should look at your gun as you would any other dangerous item in your home. There are many dangers involved with having a gun in your home, and it’s up to you to be smart and careful to avoid them. You should make sure your gun is stored in a safe or a lock box, and you should make sure to always lock it up when you’re not using it. You should avoid handling your gun in public places, and you should avoid taking it to places that don’t allow firearms.
Have you been ordered by the court to take a firearm safety course?
If you’ve been involved in a firearm incident, you may have been ordered by the court to take a firearms responsibility course. In this case you may have been found guilty of a violation involving a gun and were ordered by the court to take a class. Whether you have decided you could benefit from taking a firearms responsibility course, or you have been ordered by the court to take one, Advent eLearning has the resources you need. Our online firearms responsibility course provides information about firearm laws, teaches you how to safely handle and store firearms, and how to recognize and change potential anger issues. Go to Advent eLearning today for your online harassment course.
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