Gun Safety Article

Someone has written that he always thought that itsomeday.
is a far better strategy to gun-proof your child ratherFirst: secure it with one or more of the following
than to child-proof your gun. In actuality, theproducts which have been developed by and
smartest thing is to do both. It is vitally important toadvocated by firearm experts:
teach your child proper gun handling techniques, but itKEYED CABLE LOCKS
is that much more important to remove the objectKEYED TRIGGER LOCKS
of temptation from the child.KEYED GUN RACK OR SAFE
Statistically, sometime in the next 2 days,COMBINATION SINGLE/DOUBLE PISTOL
somewhere in the U.S. a child under age 19 will die asMINIVAULTS
a direct result of the mishandling of a loaded firearm.Second: practice accessing your unloaded firearm.
That is both tragic and unnecessary. A mom and dad,Just as your family has an evacuation plan (or should!)
brother or sister, grandma and grandpa will be buryingin case of a fire, you should have a well-practiced
their son, their brother or sister, or their grandchild.plan of accessing your firearm as carefully, quickly,
You have to ask yourself---WHY?and efficiently as possible. You should practice
If you are hiding a loaded firearm at this very timeaccessing your unloaded firearm from various
somewhere in your house, you are begging for alocations, and under a variety of conditions and
potential tragedy!circumstances.
RIGHT NOW---THIS VERY INSTANT---ORDER AFrom the basement
GUN LOCK, MINIVAULT or SAFE! Merely hiding yourFrom the upstairs
firearm is both unsafe and offers nothing but a falseFrom the garage
sense of security.From the bath/shower
RIGHT NOW---THIS VERY INSTANT---UNLOADFrom the laundry/utility room
YOUR FIREARM AND STORE THE AMMUNITIONDuring the day
SEPARATELY!During the night (especially!)
Many Americans own a gun for the sole purpose ofFirearm proficiency is an art and a skill. It requires
home defense. However, statistically again, mostpractice just like every other art and skill. Practice
firearm accidental shootings involve people who knowyour loading/unloading skills. Practice cleaning your
each other! This is not said to discourage you fromfirearm. Practice shooting your firearm. Seek expert
owning a gun for this purpose. However, if you do,instruction. You will become proficient and confident.
then you should become proficient in its use. TakeOrder your gun lock, trigger lock, minivault, cabinet, or
the prudent and necessary steps to prepare yourselfsafe today! It could save a life!
for the possibility that you might have to use it