| Gun safety is a collection of rules and | | | | is removed. Such locks are commonly designed so |
| recommendations that can be followed when handling | | | | that they cannot be removed without permanently |
| firearms. The purpose of gun safety is to eliminate | | | | damaging the firearm. This method is considered less |
| the risks of injury or death caused by improper | | | | effective than keeping firearms locked in a safe or a |
| handling of firearms. Follow these general rules when | | | | gun cabinet since locks are more easily compromised |
| handling firearms. | | | | than approved safes. |
| Treat firearms as if they are loaded | | | | Most firearm experts do not promote the use of |
| Point the muzzle away from non-targets | | | | trigger locks. In most cases, the firearm can still be |
| Keep fingers off the trigger | | | | loaded and a round put in the chamber with the lock |
| Be sure of your target-and of what is beyond it | | | | in place. In some cases, the firearm can even be fired |
| Gun safety at home is intended to prevent access to | | | | with a trigger lock secured around the trigger guard. |
| and discharge of a firearm. Preventing access to | | | | If a firearm is intended to be used for self defense |
| firearms serves a duel purpose in that it also protects | | | | at home, special-purpose locking devices exist that |
| the firearm from theft. | | | | allow the owner to store the fully loaded firearm in a |
| An effective method of preventing access to a | | | | safe manner while still providing quick access to it. |
| firearm is to store it disassembled and to keep the | | | | However, if children can gain access to the firearm |
| parts separated. Ammunition may also be stored | | | | the owner should take precautions beyond just the |
| away from the firearm. | | | | use of locking storage containers. He should also |
| A lock that prevents pulling the trigger, blocks the | | | | provide gun safety education to the children. |
| chamber or in any other way prevents the firearm | | | | In summary, never put a firearm in the hands of an |
| from being discharged may be used for additional | | | | inexperienced user without close supervision and |
| safety. This also makes the firearm less useful to | | | | schooling in firearm safety. |
| thieves as the firearm cannot be used unless the lock | | | | |