Firearm Handling Axioms 123



1. BE CAREFUL and THINK!

  A person cannot do this fully if they are intoxicated by alcohol or under the influence of sense numbing or mind altering drugs. Do not mix these with guns.  Be aware of your surroundings. Know your own skill level. Be familiar with your equipment.  Be fully awake and focused on safety. No one should handle a firearm if they are Distracted, Distraught, Disturbed, Immature, Negligent, Nonchalant, or otherwise not careful and thinking.

 2. Always Point the Muzzle in a Safe Direction!

When the gun is in your hand you ARE "Pointing the Muzzle" and you are responsible for the direction that the Muzzle is Pointed until you put it down.  Pointing Muzzle is not the same as "Aiming".  Aiming is what you do for a short time when you are sure of your target and what is beyond it. Pointing Muzzle is a continuing process of FOCUS and AWARENESS and possible adjustment of position from the time that you pick up the gun, until you put it down.  Always Point the Muzzle in a Safe Direction applies to all guns at all times including "unloaded" guns.

3. Be Sure of your Target and what is Beyond It!

Know where your shot may go if you miss your target.  Know where the bullet will go if it ricochets or if it penetrates the target. Be aware of anything that could move into the line of fire. Be sure of your target before you put your finger on the trigger. This requires knowledge of the target, environment, your skills, your equipment.  Acquire this through study, analysis, & training. 



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