You were interested in purchasing a firearm for hunting or self-defense, so you searched for a “gun shop near me.” After your search, you found the perfect place and purchased the best gun to suit your needs. As a first-time gun owner, you may be wondering, “now what?”
Learning gun safety is the first and most important step you should take as a new gun owner. Firearms are an essential tool for hunting and self-defense, but a firearm can become dangerous if you don’t handle them safely. If you or someone you know is a new gun owner, or you need a refresher on gun safety, check out these tips below!
In addition to learning the basics of gun safety, it is highly recommended that you take a training course for more in-depth learning.
Even if you are confident that your gun is unloaded, you should always assume that it is loaded and treat it accordingly. Accidents happen all the time when people are absolutely sure they unloaded their firearm because mistakes happen.
Avoid pointing your gun, even if you are sure it is unloaded, at anything or anyone you don’t intend to destroy. Keep your firearm pointed in a neutral position, like at the round, unless you are aiming and shooting.
Until you are ready to shoot at the target, keep your finger off of the trigger. It is especially important to keep your finger off the trigger while walking or running. Any distraction could cause you to clench your finger and fire off an unintentional, but potentially deadly shot.
This applies to everything from hunting and target practice, to a firefight. Do not fire at anything you have not been able to identify fully. This is important because it can help you to avoid shooting someone by accident. You should also be aware of the material that you are shooting at. Some hard material can cause bullets to ricochet and should not be used as backdrops for targets or targets.
It is also essential to be aware of your surroundings. For example, when hunting with a high-powered rifle, you need to make sure you are the proper distance away from any homes before you shoot at your target because if not, your shot could travel through your target and cause damage or injury to someone or something nearby. This also goes for a firefight in your home or a public place. You need to be sure your shot is not only accurate but that it won’t hit its target and go through, accidentally injuring or killing a bystander.
You should also be sure to wear ear and eye protection, keep your gun clean for safe, optimal firing conditions, don’t rely too heavily on your safety, and avoid dry-firing your gun that could be loaded, just because the safety is on.
As your number one firearms dealer in the South Hills, we provide our clients with a wide selection of firearms ammunition, and firearm accessories to meet their needs. Contact us today to learn more!
“Nice local place. Awesome selection. Always seem to have in stock things that other places don’t such as ammo and accessories. I went to 5 other local places around there “hint hint” looking for a left-handed iwb leather holster. Sure enough BAM!! they got it. The men that work there are very helpful and know exactly what they are doing. I would recommend you check this place out.”
– Justin S.
“Wonderful people and very knowledgeable not like a big box sporting store.”
– George H.
“A go to for our gun and ammo… Knowledgeable staff.”
– Chantelle Miller
“Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Reasonable prices.”
– Matt W.
“Great selection, extremely helpful staff. They have a large section of accessories and a great stock of firearms. Staff was responsive and eager to help.”
– Allan K
“Well informed staff, great selection, and if they don’t have it they’ll do there best to get it for you.”
– Papa Giorgio