Barrel Muzzle
Basic Firearm Safety For Hunters
Every year, many hunting accidents occur across the US; simply ask Vice President Cheyney. Most of these accidents could have been avoided by practicing a few fundamental gun safety systems.
Know your weapon
If your weapon came with an owner’s manual, read it from one page to the next. Practice taking apart your weapon and inspecting it thoroughly. If you know what your weapon appears like usually, you will probably be quick to recognize any abnormalities of the weapon in this line of business. If you drop your weapon or fall while carrying it, take it apart and inspect it for damage. Ensure that the slide operates smoothly. If you are in doubt about the integrity of your rifle, don’t fire it.
Educate yourself about the ammunition that you opt to use. A .22 caliber bullet fired from a rifle can travel over two and a half miles. This knowledge is required to line up a safe shot.
Transporting the weapon
Always keep your weapon unloaded until you are ready to fire. If you are going to hike to a new location, unload before commencing out. Shop the rifle and ammunition separately and, if possible, keep the storage container locked. Never carry a loaded rifle in your vehicle or on an ATV.
Sighting your prey
When sighting up your intended shot, the’re a great many things to consider before pulling the trigger. Never shoot at a partially obscured target. Identify your prey fully before even improving your weapon to take an attempt. If you are in doubt about what is moving, control your excitement and wait until the objective can be fully visualized. Never hunt after dusk or before daybreak.
Know what is ahead of and behind your target before shooting. Do not shoot animals that show on hilltops and near the tops of ridges as you cannot identify what could be behind your target. If your game is near water, rocks, or buildings, take into account that bullets can ricochet off hard surfaces. Don’t use the gun’s scope to sight your game. Use your binoculars first, and then if the shot is clear, switch to the scope.
Treat your weapon as if it is loaded at all times
Never look down the barrel of a weapon for any excuse. Keep your muzzle pointed faraway from yourself and others at all times. Learn and use different safe carrying positions for transporting your rifle in this line of business.
Keep an obvious head
Never go hunting or handle a weapon if you’ve had any alcohol or medication that may impair your judgment. Even a sleeping pill the night before can affect your reflexes during the day.
Get plenty of rest the night before your vacation and go home early if you end up becoming drowsy.
Sighting a big buck or a fat bird may be exciting. It’s essential to keep a level head constantly and not let your emotions cloud your judgment. Don’t allow yourself to act without thinking through the action to analyse if it’s safe first.
Wear your security gear
Bring along hearing and eye protection and wear them before shooting. Include safety orange in your decision of head gear and upper body clothing. This helps other hunters in the area distinguish you from the prey.
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Gunsmith – Crowning the muzzle of a rifle barrel