Gun Handling Mistakes: Avoiding Disaster Through Proper Training

Negligent Discharges: The Danger of Carelessness

One of the most common and avoidable mistakes in gun handling is a negligent discharge. This occurs when a firearm is accidentally fired due to carelessness, often resulting in injuries or even death. These incidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and the consequences can be devastating. Here are some of the most common reasons for negligent discharges and how firearm handling classes can help prevent them:

• Failing to keep the gun pointed in a safe direction: This is the most basic rule of gun safety – always point the muzzle in a safe direction. However, when handling a firearm, it is important to remember that the safe direction can change depending on your surroundings and the people around you. A professional trainer can help you develop a keen sense of situational awareness and teach you how to adjust your muzzle accordingly.
• Poor trigger discipline: A negligent discharge can also occur when a finger is placed on the trigger when it shouldn't be. This could happen when carrying a gun in a holster or putting it into a gun safe. Through proper gun safety training, you will learn to keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, reducing the risk of accidents significantly.
• Failure to follow the four cardinal rules of gun safety: Along with keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction and proper trigger discipline, there are two other cardinal rules that every gun owner must follow: always treat every gun as if it were loaded, and be sure of your target and what's beyond it. Firearm safety training programs emphasize the importance of these rules and help you develop habits to follow them instinctively.
  

Modern firearms are often equipped with multiple safety features to prevent accidental discharges. However, many gun owners make the mistake of relying solely on these features, neglecting essential safety procedures. Here are some things to keep in mind when handling a gun with safety features:

• Do not rely on safety to prevent discharges: Safety features can fail, and they are not a substitute for responsible gun handling. When you have a gun in your hand, you must always follow the four cardinal rules, regardless of how many safety features it has.
• Practice disengaging the safety: If you're unfamiliar with a particular firearm, make sure to familiarize yourself with the placement and operation of the safety. In high-stress situations, it is easy to forget how to turn off the safety, potentially costing you precious time when you need to defend yourself.
• Understand the difference between manual and passive safeties: Manual safety requires you to engage it every time you pick up the gun, while passive safety automatically engages when you disengage the trigger. It is important to know which type of safety your gun has and how to operate it correctly.
  

Another critical aspect of responsible gun ownership is proper storage. Storing guns in an irresponsible manner is not only dangerous but also illegal in some states. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind when storing firearms:

• Always keep guns unloaded when in storage: Whether you are storing your guns at home or in a gun safe, it is crucial to keep them unloaded. This will not only reduce the risk of accidental discharges but also prevent unauthorized access to your firearms.
• Ensure secure storage: Investing in a quality gun safe is the best way to ensure secure storage of your firearms. Make sure to purchase a safe that cannot be easily accessed or broken into.
• Keep ammunition separate: It is recommended to store ammunition separately from your firearms, preferably in a locked cabinet or a separate safe. This further reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your guns.
  

Many gun owners, especially those with years of experience, can become overconfident in their gun handling skills. However, even the most experienced shooters can make mistakes, leading to potentially disastrous results. Remember to always be humble and continually seek opportunities to improve your skills. Professional handgun safety training can provide you with new perspectives and techniques to enhance your abilities and help you recognize and correct any bad habits or complacency.

Don't wait until it's too late to learn how to handle a firearm safely. Lake Brownwood Firearm offers professional training programs to help you confidently handle your firearms with caution and care. Remember, one small mistake can have life-changing consequences. Don't risk it - contact our team at (325) 203-8899 to schedule your gun safety training today.

Our team at Lake Brownwood Firearm is committed to promoting responsible gun ownership through our comprehensive training programs. With a wide range of training programs, including mass shooter  and school safety training, we are dedicated to promoting responsible gun ownership in Brownwood, TX, and the surrounding areas .Don't let overconfidence or lack of training put you and your family at risk. Let us equip you with the knowledge and skills to handle firearms safely. Contact us today to learn more about our training options.