You Aren't Concerned About "Home Firearms Safety."

Home Firearms Safety

“There is no more dangerous object in the house than an unloaded gun.” (Mark Twain).

Your handgun is safest when being carried, secured in its holster, and on your person. You are, or should be, aware of its condition, location and dangers associated with firearms.
But when the weapon is to be left in the home you have no physical control over that weapon. Gun owners and members of their families have been injured and killed because of complacency. You know that you would handle the weapon safely and therefore may feel that everyone else would do the same.
But have the other adults or older children been trained or briefed by you regarding firearms safety? And if they have, what about their friends or other visitors to your home? Can you expect your very young children or their friends to have the same understanding regarding firearms safety?
If you live alone the problem may be minimized and you may feel that it doesn't have to be secured. What about friends? Remember, handguns are highly prized by burglars and some may know that you have one.
There are two opposing views regarding weapons in the home. The first is that weapons should be locked away and not discussed. The second, that everyone in the home should be made aware of firearms safety.
But is either way practical or would a combination of both be better? The adults and older children could certainly be made aware of the dangers relating to firearms but the very young or immature, regardless of age, cannot understand the dangers and would be best served by merely securing the weapon so they cannot physically obtain it.

Firearms safety is enhanced by repetition. Whatever method or location you use to secure your weapon always use the same procedure every time. This will then develop into a safe habit and you will be less likely to leave it someplace where young or immature persons may handle it out of curiosity.
Weapons may be secured with a locking devise. There are inexpensive trigger locks, pressure release and key type, commercially available for all types of firearms. A revolver may also be made secure by using a lock through the top strap so the cylinder cannot be closed.
Many revolvers and semi-automatics may be secured by placing a lock through the trigger guard in back of the trigger. This method should be tested to make sure it works on that particular gun; at a safe firing range.
If the weapon is secured with a pressure type trigger lock, adjust the tension so young people cannot release it. If a key locking devise is used the key should be kept on your person. If the weapon is to be used by another adult for self/home defense also, then the key should be secured so unauthorized persons cannot obtain it to unlock the devise on the gun.
A weapon should also be secured in such a manner that it cannot be taken from its stored area by young, immature or unauthorized persons. This can be accomplished by storing it in a locked cabinet or safe and keeping the key on you or securing the key. If a wire-type bicycle lock is used it should be secured to an immovable object.
Weapons and ammunition should be kept in a separate place. If the weapon is obtained, the fact that the ammunition cannot be obtained or made more difficult to obtain will certainly enhance safety.
Loaded weapons should not be kept within easy reach while asleep, such as under your pillow, mattress or in a night stand. You may react to a noise while still in a half wakened state and use the weapon against another family member coming into your room during the night. A physical action on your part should take place before you retrieve your weapon. This will usually, but not necessarily always, wake you enough to start to think and analyze the situation before taking any action.
You may have to go out of town for various reasons. If you have taught another adult in the household about home defense and have provided them with a weapon, the pleasant surprise you thought they would have if you return home early could turn out to be an unpleasant surprise for you. YOU COULD BE SHOT. How much fear have you planted in their mind about burglars and rapists? Let them know of your change of plans. (Even if you have to wake up your neighbor across the street so you can call and let them know).
By choosing a combination of the methods that work best for your situation, by properly securing your firearms, addressing the subject with family members and following proper guidelines, you will reduce the risk to yourself and members of your family.
All gun owners should check their local ordinances and laws regarding storage of firearms. If any differ from this article, follow the local rule.
This article may only be copied and distributed without changes. Quotations may also be used in research, critical articles and reviews if proper credit is given.
Disclaimer: The author does not accept criminal or civil liability for your safety or your actions. That is your responsibility. “Home Firearms Safety” is merely a guide to enhance your awareness.
© 1999,2003. Revised 9/03, 01/10.

0 comments:

Post a Comment