Basic safety precautions when using firearms

Firearms are not toys. Even experienced shooters regularly remind themselves of simple but vital rules. Safety always comes first — whether at the shooting range, during storage, transport, or maintenance. In this article, we will discuss the key safety precautions for shooting that everyone who handles a firearm should know.

Any carelessness with a firearm can lead to tragedy. Safety precautions for shooting are based on basic rules. Everyone, regardless of experience, should know and follow them.

First, always assume that a weapon is loaded. Even if you have personally checked that it is unloaded, treat it as if there is a round in the chamber. This forms good habits and reduces risks.

Second, do not point the barrel where people may be. A safe direction is toward the ground, a target, or a specially equipped area.

Third, keep your finger off the trigger. Until you are aiming and ready to shoot, keep your finger along the frame, not on the trigger.

Fourth, check your weapon before shooting. Make sure the barrel is clean, the mechanism is working, and the magazine is installed correctly. Do not use a weapon that is not in good working order.

Fifth, listen to the instructor's commands. They are responsible for safety on the range. Follow instructions without question.

At the Darwin Club shooting club, training is based on these rules. They are the foundation for confident and safe shooting.

Behavior at the shooting range is an important factor in overall safety. All actions here must be clear and predictable. Safety precautions when shooting begin long before the first shot is fired.

Before going to the firing line, make sure you have received instructions. If something is unclear, ask for clarification. An instructor or shooting supervisor is always present at the range. They are responsible for order and safety.

Do not take a weapon without permission. Always keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction. Keep your distance from other shooters. After each exercise, check that the weapon is unloaded.

If you see a violation, report it to the instructor immediately. Safety is the shared responsibility of all participants.

Malfunctions can occur even with proper use. The most important thing is not to panic.

If a misfire occurs, keep the weapon pointed in a safe direction and wait 30 seconds. This will eliminate the risk of a delayed shot. Then carefully check the chamber without changing the direction of the barrel.

If the cartridge is jammed, do not try to pull it out by force. Set the malfunctioning weapon aside and contact an instructor. At the Darwin Club shooting range, there are always specialists on hand to help.

If the weapon falls, do not pick it up immediately. First, check its condition. If you have any doubts, set it aside and show it to a specialist.

Safety is not only about shooting, but also about storing weapons. The main task is to prevent unauthorized access to them.

Weapons must be stored in a metal safe with a lock. It must be secured to the floor or wall. Ammunition must be stored separately in an inaccessible place. Loaded weapons must not be left unattended.

Regularly check the condition of your weapon for rust, dirt, and mechanical damage. If in doubt, consult a specialist.

Proper storage is one of the key safety measures. Even if a weapon is not in use, it remains a highly dangerous item.

Violating the rules for handling weapons is not only irresponsible, but also carries direct legal responsibility.

At the shooting range, any violation is grounds for removal from shooting. This is not a punishment, but a standard safety measure.

If a person uses a weapon while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, this is a gross violation of the law. Confiscation, revocation of a license, or even criminal liability are possible.

Negligent storage is also punishable. If a weapon falls into the wrong hands, the owner is liable.

Darwin Club regularly reminds participants of these rules. Safety is the foundation of gun culture. And compliance is the responsibility of everyone who wants to shoot without risk to themselves or others.