Top 15 Essential Firearms Safety Tips for Outdoor Adventurers

When embarking on adventures that involve the use of firearms, it's crucial for adventure seekers to prioritize safety at all times even from the unexpected. Sure, that mountain lion looks al cute and cuddly in your selfie's background, but any Rick Bobby fan knows that it'll eat you with a smile on its face. During such chance encounters it's good to be packing, but handling that firearm comes with a responsibility to use it properly for the benefit of everyone, even Mr. Kitty. Here are the top 15 safety tips for firearms usage covering everything from basic gun handling to gun range etiquette.

Getting started

1. Understand the Law: Before traveling with a firearm, it’s imperative to thoroughly understand and comply with local, state, and federal laws concerning gun ownership, transportation, and usage. Laws vary widely across different jurisdictions, and ignorance can lead to severe legal consequences - unless you're famous.

2. Store Firearms Securely: Safe storage is key to preventing unauthorized access to firearms. Use a lockable storage box, safe, or other security devices, especially when firearms are not in use. Before traveling with a firearm, be sure that you know and are compliant with your state's firearm transportation laws. You can start learning about them from www.statefirearmlaws.org. (NOTE: This is a guide and not legal counsel.)

3. Get Professional Training: Seeking professional training is not just for beginners. Continuous education in firearms usage, safety protocols, and situational awareness is essential in reducing risks, especially for those encountering diverse environments (or fuzzy wildlife) during their adventures.

Hands On

4. Always Treat Guns as Loaded: One of the golden rules of gun safety is to always treat firearms as if they're loaded, even if you are sure they aren't. In fact, most firearm-related accidents could be avoided by following this rule. This mindset will instill a natural caution and respect that can prevent accidental discharges both at home and abroad.

5. Focus on Muzzle Discipline: Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, away from yourself and others. Sure you could point it at your "special little friend" when you slide it into your waistline, like in the movies...but why? Rember that anything you point the muzzle at, is something that you want to shoot. Muzzle discipline prevents accidents in case of an unintentional discharge and is a sign of an informed and respectful gun owner.

6. Never Rely Solely on a Gun’s Safety: Mechanical safeties can fail. It’s imperative not to depend on them entirely. Safe firearm handling should always be practiced regardless of the mechanical state of the safety feature. This is why trigger discipline is imperative. Never put your finger on the trigger unless you're willing to kill what the gun is aiming at.

7. Use the Right Ammunition: Using the wrong type or caliber of ammunition can damage your firearm and potentially cause injury. Always check that the ammunition matches your gun's specifications. Also pay close attention to the caliber listed on the box; the boxes can be nearly identical with just one digit difference.

8. Wear Proper Safety Gear: Hearing and eye protection are non-negotiable when discharging firearms. The sound of gunfire can cause permanent hearing damage, and ejected casings or misfires can injure the eyes. There are many variants of nice-looking ballistic eye protection to choose from now, ranging from an extra in "The Matrix" to guy-on-a-jet-ski, so that's nice.

9. Establish a Safety Plan: Before using firearms, especially in a group setting, establish a safety plan. This should include what to do in case of an emergency, such as accidental injury. This is especially important if you're filming with a Baldwin.

10. Check Your Backstop: When discharging a firearm, know what’s behind your target. Bullets can travel significant distances, so ensuring a proper backstop prevents unintended damage or injury beyond the intended target area.

11. Communicate and Coordinate: At the gun range, communication and coordination with others are critical. Follow the range officer’s instructions and be aware of others’ actions and positions around you.

Staying Prepared

12. Maintain Your Firearms: Regular maintenance is crucial for the reliability and safety of any firearm. Clean and check your firearms regularly to prevent malfunctions that can lead to unsafe situations. All gun manufacturers offer maintenance manuals for their firearms. There are many different cleaning product companies, like Hoppes and Shooter's Choice at www.unlimitedrangeoutdoors.com

13. Avoid Substances That Impair Judgment: Consuming alcohol or drugs before or while handling firearms significantly increases the risk of accidents and should be strictly avoided.

14. Be Mindful of Your Mental State: Stress, anger, or emotional turbulence can impair judgment and reaction times. It's essential to handle firearms only when you are in a calm and focused mental state.

15. Practice Regularly: If you're an avid shooter then I hardly have to give you a reason to practice, but for the uninitiated, practice is invaluable Proficiency in using firearms safely comes with practice. The more familiar you are with your firearm and safety protocols, the more you will be prepared to handle it responsibly in any situation.

By adhering to these safety tips, adventure enthusiasts can ensure that their experiences with firearms are both enjoyable and safe, while still feeling secure enough to snuggle with your new toothy friend. Remember, the thrill of adventure should never compromise safety or a good selfie.