Firearm Safety: Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid

Handling firearms incorrectly can lead to serious injury or death. Firearm safety is important!

Whether you are just starting out with guns or have been using them for a while, it is important to understand the common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Read on to find out the top 5 mistakes to avoid when handling firearms.

Firearm Safety

Hey there, fellow gun enthusiasts!

We all love to talk about the newest firearms on the market, the best places to hunt elk, squirrels, deer, and even bear and moose hunting, and we all love chatter about the latest shooting techniques. But let’s face it, there’s nothing fun about firearm accidents.

That’s why I’m here to remind you of some common firearm safety mistakes to avoid. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “I already know all of this stuff!”

But before you roll your eyes and click away, give me a chance to show you why it’s important to refresh your memory and maybe even learn a thing or two.

So, put down your weapon and grab a seat, because this is one article you don’t want to miss!

1. Not Taking a Firearm Safety Course

Not taking a firearm safety course is one of the top mistakes a gun owner can make, don’t you agree? Without the proper knowledge and training, accidents can and do happen, and they can have disastrous consequences.

As a gun owner, you know that it’s important to understand that owning a firearm comes with great responsibility.

One of the most important steps you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you is to take a firearm safety course.

Firearm safety courses provide a wealth of information on topics such as firearm storage, ammunition storage, handling, and maintenance.

They also cover topics like situational awareness and how to handle unexpected situations.

By taking a proper firearm safety course, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to handle your firearm safely and responsibly.

It’s a small investment of time and money that can pay off in a big way, not only for you but for those around you as well.

So, don’t make the mistake of thinking you know everything there is to know about firearm safety. Take a course and ensure you have the skills and knowledge to be a responsible gun owner.

There is no excuse, contact your local NRA chapter or outing club, or even find a firearm safety course online.

2. Not Familiarizing Yourself with the Firearm

One of the most common mistakes that firearm owners make is not taking the time to familiarize themselves with the firearm before handling it.

It is essential to read through the user manual and understand how the gun works and operates. If possible, take a firearm safety class to gain an understanding of basic gun operation and safety practices.

This will help you better understand the anatomy of your particular firearm, allowing you to have more control when handling it.

3. Not following the Four Fundamental Rules of Firearm Safety

When it comes to firearm safety, it’s important to remember that safety should always come first. The four fundamental rules of firearm safety are important for all gun owners to know, regardless of the type of gun you own.

Neglecting to follow the 4 basic rules of firearm safety can lead to serious consequences, including accidents that could result in injury or death.

It’s easy to make the mistake of getting complacent when handling guns, but taking the time to review and follow the proper safety procedures is crucial for preventing potential hazards.

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and take the extra time to ensure that you are handling firearms safely and correctly.

By doing so, you can enjoy the many benefits of shooting sports and feel confident in your ability to handle guns responsibly.

4. Using Incorrect Ammunition

Don’t use the wrong ammo! One of the biggest mistakes to avoid when handling firearms is using incorrect ammunition.

Ammunition should always be checked and marked correctly to ensure it is the correct type for your firearm.

Incorrect ammo can result in malfunction, serious injuries or worse, especially if it is used in a firearm that isn’t designed for it.

Additionally, not all ammunition works with all types of firearms, so it’s important to double check that the ammo you are using is correct for your gun before every use.

5. Neglecting the Importance of Safety Gear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

It’s okay to look dorky, it’s not ok to go deaf or blind because you’re too cool for school. Safety gear and PPE are essential when handling firearms.

Also, it is important to always wear safety glasses when shooting or doing maintenance on your firearm, as small pieces of debris or improperly inserted ammunition can cause serious injury or potentially death.

Additionally, noise protection is critical, both for your ears and those of others nearby.

Make sure to invest in quality hearing protection, as the volume and type of ammunition used by weapons can be damaging to your hearing.

6. Improper Cleaning and Maintenance

Learn how to clean and maintain your firearm. Improperly cleaning or maintaining your firearm can be a serious mistake that can lead to malfunctions and accidents.

Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to ensuring that your firearm is functioning properly and safely. Failure to clean your firearm regularly can result in a buildup of dirt, debris, or residue that can affect its performance.

Additionally, a lack of maintenance can cause important parts to wear down, break, or malfunction.

This can be especially dangerous in situations where you need your firearm to function properly, such as self defense or hunting scenarios.

By taking the time to properly clean and maintain your firearm, you can avoid malfunctions and accidents and ensure that your firearm is always ready for use when you need it.

Regular maintenance can also extend the lifespan of your firearm and keep it in good condition for years to come.

Follow the manufacturers instructions for cleaning and maintaining your firearm so you can avoid malfunctions and accidents.

7. Unsafe Storage of Firearms and Ammunition at Home

Get a safe and/or a locking gun cabinet to store your firearms properly.

Storing your firearms and ammo securely is paramount, as it can prevent unauthorized use, theft or access to any children or other vulnerable persons who may be around.

It’s important to keep guns unloaded and locked up separately from the ammunition. That way if an intruder attempts to break in, they should not get immediate access to the loaded gun.

Unloaded guns should be stored in secure cabinets or rooms that intruders cannot easily access.

Additionally, the storing of multiple weapons under a single key is also an unsafe practice.

Also see: Hunting Mistakes

You might also like:

• Firearm Basics: Gun Types, Firearm Actions, Bullet Sizes and More
• What are the Basic Parts of Ammunition
• Learn About Guns and Gun Safety: Fully Locked and Loaded
• When Were Guns Invented: Complete Firearm History Guide

Firearm Safety Mistakes To Avoid: Final Thoughts

In conclusion, firearm safety should always be a top priority for gun owners like us.

By avoiding common mistakes such as not taking a firearm safety course, not properly storing firearms, and not following proper handling procedures, we can ensure the safety of ourselves and those around us.

Remember, owning a firearm comes with great responsibility, and we must do our part to ensure we are using them safely and responsibly.

While it’s important to be knowledgeable about firearm safety, it’s also important to continue to educate ourselves and stay current on new information and best practices.

Whether it’s taking a refresher course, practicing safe storage habits, or simply brushing up on handling techniques, there are always opportunities to improve our firearm safety practices.

Contact your local outing or rod and gun club and join to reap some of these benefits.

At the end of the day, firearm safety and responsible gun ownership is all about respecting firearms and the power they hold.

By taking the necessary precautions and avoiding common mistakes, we can continue to enjoy the sport of shooting and hunting while also ensuring the safety of ourselves and others.

So, let’s make a commitment to firearm safety and be the responsible gun owners that we know we can be.

Hop on our email club and get our free hunting and gun range checklists!