A distressing number of accidental shootings occur when people improperly-handle weapons before, during or after cleaning them. Unfortunately, this is a time when it’s easy to let our guard down and make simple, careless mistakes that can have life-altering consequences. However, many of these mistakes can be avoided by religiously-following some basic safety rules. Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the following tips, and chances are that you’ll never have a problem while cleaning your weapon.
It’s Loaded
Always approach a firearm as if it’s loaded, even if you are certain that it isn’t. Never look down the barrel, never point the weapon at anything that you don’t want to shoot, and always remove magazines, empty revolvers and clear chambers before attempting to clean, inspect or disassemble the weapon. This is the cardinal rule of firearm safety, and it is applicable every time you handle a gun.
Choose a Safe Location
Always assume that the weapon will go off by accident, and think about where that bullet will travel if that happens. Remember that bullets can penetrate walls, fly through windows or travel through floors and ceilings and strike nearby, unsuspecting targets. This may seem overly-cautious, but an innocent person that is hit by a stray bullet will undoubtedly think otherwise, and this happens a lot more often than people think.
Don’t Rush
Make sure that you allow yourself some extra time when cleaning a firearm, and try to do it when you are less-likely to be distracted or interrupted. All of your attention should be focused on the task at hand, and you don’t want to be in a position where you feel rushed. It’s easy to make a lot of mistakes when we’re in a hurry, and some of those mistakes can lead to malfunctions or mishaps later on.
Don’t Touch the Trigger
Never put your finger around the trigger when handling your weapon unless you plan on firing it at that moment. Doing so is just inviting an accident to happen, and it only takes one slip or mishap to cause that finger to instinctively pull the trigger. You should also be pointing the weapon at a safe target when handling it as well. That way, you will know that the bullet won’t cause any harm if it is fired accidentally.
Putting it Back Together
Make sure that you are following manufacturer instructions when putting the weapon back together, and follow the steps in order. It’s also important to inspect components prior to reassembly to ensure they are in good condition and free from debris that could have been picked up during cleaning.
Finally, inspect the weapon after it has been reassembled to make sure everything is working properly before loading it with ammunition.
Secure the Weapon
Now that you’ve safely cleaned your weapon, don’t mess up the end game by leaving it out or unattended. In fact, a good rule of thumb to follow is to secure your weapon before you put your cleaning kit away. Put the safety on, place it in the holster, case or safe, and return it to where it is normally stored.
