By A gun is not a toy and must be treated as such. Ideally, you should already know how to handle firearms before you own one. However, since you’re here, let’s address the question that I’m sure many beginner gun owners are asking themselves – what are the essential firearm safety rules?The most essential rule of firearms safety is to always treat the weapon as if it’s loaded. Many beginning shooters think they can be careless with a firearm, but their first day of shooting will quickly change their opinion on this subject.
An unloaded gun is still dangerous and can cause serious harm. Any time you pick up a firearm use all four of your senses, look at it (obviously), feel it, smell it and listen to it. If anything feels or smells off about the weapon then don’t proceed. You should never go into any situation not thinking that there could be a firearm involved. Even something harmless like an airsoft gun should still be considered a potential danger because you wouldn’t want someone who didn’t know the difference to mistake your toy for a real one (and vice versa).
- Can firearms go off on their own?
It is a common misconception that guns can go off on their own, without any physical interaction on the part of the shooter. This misconception is based on a misinterpretation of what causes a gun to fire. The explosion that causes a gun to fire comes from the primer or ammunition detonating. It’s a well-known fact that guns don’t just fire on their own. The explosion that causes the trigger to move comes from the ignition of gunpowder, called primers or ammunition.
- Is it legal for you to have a pistol in your car?
The legality of transporting handguns and some other guns in motor vehicles is a very complicated area of law. There are federal, state and local laws that all need to be considered when determining whether or not it is legal for you to have a firearm in your car. It is your responsibility as a gun owner to know the laws and regulations of your area, so that you always make safe and responsible choices about your firearms. You should know whether it is legal or illegal for you to carry a pistol in your car.
- What’s the distinction between a gun and a firearm?
If a firearm is a “weapon designed to propel a projectile through an explosive and/or mechanical means,” then guns are a subset of these. Guns tend to be lighter and handier than other firearms capable of the same functionality, and can utilize cartridges or propellants for ammunition. This allows for faster shooting as well as smaller carrying capacity and lighter overall weight.
Firearms changed once again in 1885 when gun manufacturers produced new bullets made with smokeless powder. You can see why many people want to classify all firearms as guns; however, they would be wrong to do so. Whether you call it a gun or a firearm, as long as you don’t point it at another human being without reason or just cause, it is perfectly legal to own in most countries.
