• Safety always must come first when you're handling a firearm.a weapon image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
  
  Owning a firearm puts a great burden of responsibility on your shoulders. It is a responsibility that never should be taken lightly. Observing the correct safety precautions is an integral part of gun ownership. One moment of carelessness or lapse in judgment can cause a serious injury or even death.
  
  

Safely Handling a Firearm

• Even when you're not shooting a gun, you must handle it with utmost respect and care. Treat every gun as if it is loaded, even if you are sure you unloaded it. The National Rifle Association recommends that you always make sure the gun is pointing in a safe direction, so that if it accidentally discharges it can't harm anyone or any thing. You must be conscious of the gun and how you're handling it at all times. The Nashville Police Department advises that you should never touch the trigger until you're ready to shoot. When you pick a gun up, always put the safety in the "on" position and check whether it is loaded. If you don't know how to use the gun, do not pick it up.
  
  

Safely Firing a Firearm

• Remington Arms Company suggests that you know how your weapon functions; how the action operates; how it is loaded and unloaded, and how the safety device works, if there is one. Only after you are thoroughly familiar with the gun should you consider firing it. When you're ready to shoot, identify not only the target, but the space behind and around the target. Be aware of your own surroundings, such as where people are standing or moving. If you're at a range, you must observe the range's rules. Always wear proper eye and hearing protection.
  
  Remington Arms also points out that it's important to check to make sure you're using the correct ammunition for your gun whenever firing it. Firing the wrong ammunition can lead to serious injury or death. Keep the safety in the "on" position, but don't rely on it completely, as any mechanical device can fail. Only remove the safety when you're ready to shoot. After you've fired, re-engage the safety.
  
  

Safely Storing a Firearm

• Safely storing your weapon is important, especially when children are part of the household, according to FamilyEducation.com. Children are infinitely curious and are especially drawn to guns. An improperly stored gun also is easily stolen. Keep the gun and and the ammunition locked up. A gun safe is an excellent choice for storing more than one firearm. If only have one gun, such as a pistol, a simple lockbox placed out of reach should suffice. You can add an extra layer of protection by putting trigger locks on all your firearms. FamilyEducation.com also advises that you do not lock the ammunition with the gun. Keep it locked away in a separate place.