The people that frighten me the most when it comes to firearm usage, are those that have not received proper instruction in the basic safety concepts of firearms operation and storage. Don’t make your pistol in the closet a secret special item that your child can’t wait to get their hands on as soon as you are out of the house. Take the mystery out of the weapon and teach them to respect what it is capable as soon they are old enough to understand. This will not eliminate possible accidents, but it could make all the difference.
If you are not sure what to teach your child then here are some ideas from American Handgunner.
For younger children or unfamiliar firearms: 1. If you see a gun, never touch it. 2. Leave immediately. 3. Tell an adult.
For children that can learn and understand: RULE 1: All guns are always loaded. RULE 2: Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. RULE 3: Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. RULE 4: Be sure of your target. (Know what it is, what it is in line with it, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified.)
Jon
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