The Course . . . . 1 – Gun Safety

GUN SAFETY

Although you will hear different versions from different people regarding the safe handling a gun, these are the 3 basic, universal rules that should be practiced at ALL times. At ALL times means exactly that . . . “at ALL times”. There are NO exceptions.

1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

3. Always keep your gun unloaded until ready to use.

Question:

What is always a safe direction to point a gun? (Select the one correct answer.)

  1. Up
  2. Down
  3. Floor
  4. There is no always safe direction.

Discussion: There is no always safe direction to point a gun. You, the gun handler, must determine what a safe direction is, under any given circumstances, should there be a negligent discharge there is minimal property damage and no loss of life or injury to yourself or others. – The correct answer is: (4) There is no always safe direction.

Question:

When handling a firearm (gun) and not actively firing it, your trigger finger should be: (Select the one correct answer.)

  1. Resting gently on the trigger
  2. Placed alongside the frame away from the trigger and the trigger guard
  3. Placed under the trigger guard
  4. Placed in front of the trigger guard

Discussion: When not actively firing a gun (firearm) regardless if it is a handgun (revolver or semi-automatic), rifle or shotgun, your trigger finger is to be placed alongside the frame, where it is clearly visible to anyone who is observing you that your finger is off the trigger. – The correct answer is: (2) Placed alongside the frame away from the trigger and the trigger guard.

Gun Safeties

Pivot Safety Pistol
Pivot Safety Rifle
Cross-Bolt Safety
Slide/Tang Safety

Question:

A gun’s safety is always located on the left side of the gun’s frame. (Select the one correct answer.)

  1. True
  2. False
  3. Only on handguns
  4. Only on long guns.

Discussion: The location of the gun’s safety varies on every make, model and type of firearm. Some guns have multiple safeties. Some guns do not have a visible safety. A gun’s safety is a mechanical device that can fail. A gun’s safety should never be relied upon to ensure the gun cannot be fired. That is why there is no always safe direction to point a gun. You, the gun handler, must determine what a safe direction is to be certain that if there is a negligent discharge (the gun is fired) no one is injured and there is minimal property damage. – The correct answer is: (2) False

Question:

When handling a firearm, handgun (revolver or semi-auto) or long gun (rifle or shotgun) the shooter’s trigger finger should be placed: (Select the correct answer.)

  1. Along side the gun’s frame, clearly visible that the shooter’s finger is off the trigger
  2. Resting gentling on the gun’s trigger
  3. Below the trigger guard
  4. Anywhere because the gun is not loaded

Discussion: The shooter’s trigger finger is the final safety. Whenever handling a firearm, the shooter’s finger should be placed alongside the gun’s frame, where it is clearly visible that the shooter’s finger is off the trigger. The shooter’s finger is only placed on the trigger when the shooter is ready to fire/discharge the gun. – The correct answer is: (1) Along side the gun’s frame, clearly visible that the shooter’s finger is off the trigger.

Question:

Correctly identify the most common type safety on semi-automatic pistols: (Select the one correct answer.)

  1. Pivot safety
  2. Muzzle break safety
  3. Modified choke safety
  4. Hinge break safety

Discussion: It should ALWAYS be remembered the safeties are mechanical devices that can fail. A firearm, loaded or unloaded, should ALWAYS be pointed in a safe direction. The greatest and most important factor in firearm safety is the SHOOTER. A firearm will not discharge (fire) without it being loaded and the trigger pulled. It is the shooter, the gun handler, who is responsible for the safe direction of the gun . . . the gun’s muzzle direction. When it comes to firearms, there is no such thing as an accident. It is negligence. – The correct answer is: (1) Pivot safety.

Gun Cleaning & Safety

When cleaning a gun/firearm it is extremely important to be absolutely certain the gun is unloaded. There are no half measures. Never attempt to clean a loaded gun.

When cleaning a gun, safety begins when picking up the gun.

  1. Point the gun in a safe direction
  2. Inspect and unload the gun
  3. Remove all ammunition from the cleaning area
  4. Disassemble and clean the gun
  5. Reassemble the gun
  6. If not being use for defensive purposes, secure the gun by placing in a locked safe or install locking device (cable lock, trigger lock).
  7. If the gun is being used for defensive purposes, reload the firearm and safely secure it.

Question:

The correct steps for unloading a semi- automatic pistol are: (Select the one correct answer.)

  1. Point the gun in a safe direction, pull the trigger, remove the clip, rack the slide, inspect the chamber
  2. Remove the clip, rack the slide, pull the trigger, inspect the magazine well
  3. Rack the slide, remove the clip, inspect the magazine well, inspect the chamber, pull the trigger
  4. With you finger off the trigger, point the gun in a safe direction, remove the magazine, rack the slide and lock it back, inspect the chamber and magazine well for the presence of any ammunition.

Discussion: Every gun should be considered loaded until proven otherwise. The gun should be checked, checked again and rechecked. When receiving a gun from someone else or when picking up a gun, with your finger off the trigger, the gun should be pointed in a safe direction, remove the magazine, rack the slide and lock it back, inspect the chamber and magazine well. – The correct answer is: (4) With you finger off the trigger, point the gun in a safe direction, remove the magazine, rack the slide and lock it back, inspect the chamber and magazine well for the presence of any ammunition.

Question:

What is the first step to be taken when cleaning a gun? (Select the one correct answer.)

  1. Remove all ammunition from the area
  2. Disassemble the gun
  3. Gather all necessary cleaning materials
  4. Point the gun in a safe direction and unload the gun

Discussion: Every gun is loaded until proven otherwise. Whenever handling a gun, it is to always be pointed in a safe direction, loaded or unloaded. Whenever handling a firearm, the shooter’s finger should be placed alongside the gun’s frame, where it is clearly visible that the shooter’s finger is off the trigger. – The correct answer is: (4) Point the gun in a safe direction and unload the gun.

Question:

When handed a gun by someone who tells you the gun is unloaded, it is safe to believe them and assume the gun is unloaded.

  • TRUE
  • FALSE

Discussion: Every gun is loaded until proven otherwise. Whenever handling a gun, it is to always be pointed in a safe direction, loaded or unloaded. – The correct answer is: FALSE.

Question:

When handed a gun by someone who tells you the gun is unloaded, your first action should be: (Select the one correct answer.)

  1. Check the safety go be sure it is engaged
  2. Point the gun at the floor or ground
  3. Rack the slid and inspect the action
  4. Point the gun in a safe direction and inspect it for ammunition

Discussion: Every gun is loaded until proven otherwise. Whenever handling a gun, it is to always be pointed in a safe direction, loaded or unloaded. Whenever handling a firearm, the shooter’s finger should be placed alongside the gun’s frame, where it is clearly visible that the shooter’s finger is off the trigger. – The correct answer is: (4) Point the gun in a safe direction and inspect it for ammunition.

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