Gun Etiquette

Gun etiquette is something that is most often not taught, but you should know these basic rules when you are around firearms. 

1. Alcohol and/or drugs should never be consumed and/or used when handling or will be handling firearms.

2. The first thing you do when you pick up any gun, is check to see if it’s loaded.

3. Before you pick up or accept a gun from someone, make sure you know how it works. If you do not know or cannot remember, never be embarrassed to ask someone to show you. It is the smart and safe thing to do.

4. When handing a gun to someone, remove the magazine if it has one, open the cylinder or lock open the action and look in the gun including the chamber to make sure it is not loaded. Then, with the cylinder or action still locked open, hand the unloaded gun to the person with the muzzle pointing away from them. That person will then take possession of the gun and also check it for ammunition out of respect for the gun and the person who just handed it to them. The recipient is then clear to close the cylinder or action and inspect the gun. When the gun is handed back or to the next person, the same process is followed each and every time.

5. Handle the guns of others with care and respect. 

When Dealing with Other People's Guns:

• Never let the slide or action slam forward in automatic pistols. (unless loading the chamber to shoot)

• Never let the hammer fall uncontrolled.

• Never fling or slam the cylinder shut on revolvers.

• Never let the bolt slam forward in semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. (unless loading the chamber to shoot)

• Do not quickly or forcefully close the bolt on bolt action rifles, lever action rifles, and pump action shotguns and rifles.

• Always handle shotguns, rifles, and pistols with care.

Range Etiquette

1. Always pick up your spent cases or shells when you are done shooting.

2. Always take down your targets when you are done shooting.

3. Always straighten up your area before you leave.

4. Never eat or drink while shooting. After shooting always wash your hands and face before you eat or drink. It is also a good idea to change your clothes as soon as possible and put them in the wash to avoid spreading powder residue.

Hunting Etiquette

1. Know and follow all hunting rules and regulations for your type of hunt and the area you are hunting in.

2. When approached by a conservation officer, police officer, another hunter, or anyone else, always hold your firearm in a non threatening manner. If your rifle or shotgun has a sling, use it and sling your firearm over your shoulder. If you are carrying a pistol, put it in the holster.

3. Always pick up your spent cases or shells after you shoot.

4. Never litter and please pick up any trash.

5. Always leave your camp or hunting area in better condition then when you found it.

Gun Safety Rules

Never fool around or play with guns. Guns are dangerous when they are not handled or used properly and can easily injure or kill you, and those around you. There are no second chances with a gun and the rules for safe gun handling must always be followed to avoid accidents.

The 12 Golden rules for Safe Gun Handling

1. Always treat the gun as loaded.

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

3. Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

4. Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.

5. Never point the gun at anything you do not intend to destroy.

6. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

7. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the gun you are using.

8. Always use proper ammunition.

9. Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before loading and shooting.

10. If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for several seconds; then with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, carefully unload the gun.

11. Do not solely rely on the gun's safety to keep it from firing.

12. Be aware of your surroundings when handling guns so that you do not trip or lose your balance and accidentally point the gun at anyone or anything.

Range Safety

1. Follow the 12 golden rules.

2. Know and follow all the rules of the shooting range.

3. Listen and do what the range master tells you to do.

4. Load and unload your gun at the shooting bench, never behind the safety line.

5. Always keep the barrel pointed down-range.

6. Always keep the gun on safe until you intend to shoot.

7. Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.

8. Never shoot at water or hard surfaces.

Hunting Safety

1. Follow the 12 golden rules.

2. When hunting in a group, always pick one person to act as a safety officer for the day or trip.

3. Establish and share everyone's zone of fire and know where everyone is at all times.

4. Always keep the gun on safe until you intend to shoot.

5. Never climb over anything with a loaded gun in your hand.

6. Never use a scope on a gun as binoculars.

7. If you fall or trip, control your muzzle. Afterward, check the gun for damage and obstructions in the barrel.

8. When in doubt, do not shoot.