In 2022 alone, gun sales in the United States reached approximately 17.4 million. Then, in the first three months of 2023, Americans bought an estimated 7.1 million guns.
Those figures show how ingrained gun ownership is in U.S. society. And for many folks, self-defense is the leading reason for owning a gun or wanting to own one.
Unfortunately, even though guns can protect lives, their improper use endangers people, too. Of all gunshot injuries in the U.S., unintentional shootings account for an estimated 37%.
The cardinal rules of gun safety exist to prevent such incidents. If only everyone adhered to these rules, unintentional shootings don’t have to happen.
So if you ever decide to own a gun, knowing and mastering these rules should be a priority. We’ll explain what they are in detail below, so keep reading.
Assume All Guns Have Loaded Magazines
Thinking a gun doesn’t have a loaded magazine can result in accidental shootings. Studies found such incorrect assumptions account for 17.2% of unintentional gun deaths.
So when handling a gun for the first time, always assume it has bullets. This should be the first thing you think of whenever someone hands over a firearm to you. Do the same whenever you pick one up or take yours out of storage.
Speaking of storage, having one is a must, especially if you decide to keep your guns at home. It should be child-, fire-, and tamper-resistant. GunVault, Voltek, Fort Knox, and Gardall gun safes are some of your options.
Once a gun is in your hands, immediately inspect if its safety mechanism is on, and if not, engage it. Then, check if it’s unloaded or not.
Some types of guns, such as automatics, have slide locks that remain open if the magazine is empty. Many others don’t, so you may have to eject their magazine and shells to confirm.
Only Point Firearms at Intended Targets
Only raise and point a gun at intended targets. If you don’t have a target, direct the muzzle in a safe direction.
Unintentionally shooting a gun in a safe direction lowers the risk of injuries or deaths.
A safe direction can be anywhere wherein a bullet can’t hit anyone. At the same time, consider that bullets can ricochet and penetrate walls or ceilings.
Make it a habit to always pay close attention to where you point your gun muzzle. This can help prevent unintentional injuries or deaths if you fire by accident.
Keep Your Finger off the Trigger
Treat all firearms as though they can fire at any time, including by accident. To reduce the risk of such incidents, keep your finger off the trigger and away from the trigger guard. You should only touch the trigger when you’re 100% ready to shoot.
You should adhere to this cardinal gun safety rule even if your firearm’s safety is on. Like any mechanical device, a gun’s safety mechanism can malfunction anytime. Thus, never assume a gun won’t fire just because its safety is on.
Never put your finger on the trigger or trigger guard during gun inspections. Likewise, abide by this rule when unloading or loading your gun.
You must also ensure your gun’s safety mechanism is always on until you’re ready to shoot. An engaged safety should have its pin or switch pointing to “SAFE” mode. It should never be between the “SAFE” and “FIRE” modes.
Be Certain of Your Target
Firing your gun means giving up all control over the direction of the shot and its target. Therefore, you must never pull the trigger if you’re not sure of your target yet. You must only do so once you’ve confirmed your shot will hit only your intended mark.
To hit only your intended targets, ensure you have a clear line of sight. Don’t shoot if something blocks them or your view. Never fire at a location of noise or movement because they may not be from your target.
Confirming your targets also requires knowing what’s beyond them. Depending on the firearm, its bullet can penetrate and exit the mark and become a stray shot. A stray projectile can then hit, injure, or kill someone or something you do not intend to shoot.
Store Firearms Unloaded
Never keep your guns loaded. After using your firearms, unload and store them immediately in a secure location, such as a safe. Then, lock your ammunition somewhere else.
No matter how many fancy security gadgets your car has, it is never a safe place for your guns. The fact that cases of firearms stolen from vehicles in the U.S. are on the rise proves this.
Wear Protective Gear
Always wear eye, ear, and hand protection when practicing at a shooting range or out hunting. These include shooting glasses, earplugs, earmuffs, and gloves.
Shooting glasses protect against contaminants and debris that can injure your eyes. They can also help minimize glare when shooting outdoors.
Earplugs and earmuffs with a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 28 to 31 can protect your hearing. Even a single shot can cause significant hearing loss in people who don’t wear ear protection.
Shooting gloves can protect your hands from blisters caused by friction. They add an extra barrier from injuries like pinching if your skin gets caught between gun parts. They also help prevent wounds when clearing barricades (e.g., foliage when hunting).
You should also wear your protective gear when disassembling and cleaning your guns. Doing so can safeguard you from injuries that firearm malfunctions can cause. For instance, they can protect you from springs that may break and hit your eyes.
Master These Cardinal Rules of Gun Safety
Following the cardinal rules of gun safety lowers the risks of unintentional shootings. The lower the risk of such incidents, the less common gun injuries and deaths could be.
So, whether you’re a first-time gun user/owner or a veteran, always adhere to these rules. While it’s your right to own and keep firearms, you’re responsible for their proper use and storage.
Ready for more firearms-related reading? Then check out our guide on how to avoid the most common gun buyer errors!
