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SFC Brain Dumont -
Firearms Instructor
Bordentown Twp. Police Dept.
None of us would allow
someone to be injured if it could be prevented. Accidental gun injuries
can be prevented by accepting responsibility and taking the necessary
actions.
We are responsible for
gun safety!
Home accidents involving
guns generally result from one of two causes: Ignorance or
Carelessness.
A positive attitude,
knowledge and skill will eliminate both causes. Understanding the
meaning of these elements is the first step toward accepting responsibility
for gun safety.
A positive attitude
is the most important element in gun safety; it is simply a
matter of accepting the responsibility to act safely. It is a mental
awareness that safety is always first and foremost when dealing with
guns.
Knowledge
means knowing and understanding the gun safety rules and how to apply
them to any situation. It is knowing how guns and ammunition operate and
how to handle them correctly. Knowledge is also being aware of what you
do not know and when or where to go for help.
Skill in
handling firearms safely means actually applying the gun safety rules.
Skill is perfected through practice.
Gun Safety Rules
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Always
keep the gun pointed in safe direction. This means that if the gun
is in a safe direction and it were to go off it would not cause
injury, The key to this rule is to control the muzzle or front end
of the barrel. knowing where its pointed at all times.
-
Always
keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to
shoot. When holding a gun, people have natural tendency to place their
finger on the trigger. Don't do it! This rule is
particularly Important in the home, where guns are sometimes shown
or handled by visitors.
-
Always
keep the gun unloaded until it is ready to be used.
Whenever you pick up a gun immediately open the action
and look in to the rear of the gun's barrel. This area is known as the
chamber and should be clear of ammunition. If the gun has a
magazine, remove it before opening the action and make sure it is
empty. If you do not know how to open the action, leave the gun
alone and get help from someone who does.
Guns usually have an owners manual that explain how to operate a specific
model. Read the manual and understand it before
attempting to handle the firearm. If you still do not feel
comfortable, seek help from a person trained to handle firearms.
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