Gun Safety in the Home: A Guide for Every Gun Owner

We all know the feeling: the weight of a firearm in your hand, the sense of responsibility that comes with it. Whether you're a seasoned marksman or just starting your firearms journey, one thing remains constant: Gun Safety must always come first. It's not just about protecting yourself; it's about protecting your family, your loved ones, and your community. And honestly, even those of us with years of experience can get complacent, a lesson I've learned the hard way. 

My time in the Army Reserves, instilled in me a fundamental truth: firearm safety is not a destination, it's a continuous journey. Whether I was helping fellow officers qualify with the Beretta M9 or developing rifle marksmanship drills as an enlisted soldier, I've seen firsthand how crucial it is to reinforce safe practices, no matter your experience level. And it's a principle I'm passionate about sharing with all gun owners, especially when it comes to the safety of our homes.

I remember one afternoon at my parents' house like it was yesterday. I was handling my brother's 1911-style.45. I thought the gun was unloaded, and for some inexplicable reason, I decided to "test" the safety. I pulled the trigger. The gun fired, the bullet whizzing past our dog by a few inches! Although I had a few years of firearms experience, I wasn’t familiar with the 1911-style handguns. As I look back at the shock, the terror, the sheer stupidity of it all…it was a wake up call. A stark reminder that no matter how much experience you have, complacency and lack of knowledge can lead to disaster. That near-miss taught me a valuable lesson. It's a lesson I want to share with you today.

This article is for all gun owners, from beginners to experts. Because when it comes to firearm safety, there's always something to learn, something to reinforce. And it all starts with the foundational principles. Understanding how your firearm works is paramount to safety, and if you'd like to brush up on this, I've written a couple of articles on the topic. You can find them here:  How Does a Gun Work: The Science of Shooting, Parts of a Handgun: A Simple Breakdown for Home Defense and Revolver vs Semi Auto: Unlocking the Pros and Cons for New Shooters.

Firearm Safety Rules: Foundational Principles for Every Gun Owner

These aren't just rules; they're the bedrock of responsible firearm ownership. They're the principles that keep us, our families, and our communities safe.

• Principle 1: Treat Every Firearm as if It's Loaded: This is the golden rule, the one that can prevent countless tragedies. Never assume a firearm is unloaded. 
  
  
  
  Pro Tip: Even if you know a firearm is unloaded, make it a habit to check every time. This reinforces safe practices and prevents complacency.
  
  
  

• Principle 2: Never Point the Muzzle at Anything You Are Not Willing to Destroy: This principle applies to every situation, but it's especially critical in a home environment. Think about where that muzzle is pointing. Walls? Floors? Family members? Pets? 
  
  
  Pro Tip: Visualize the path of the bullet before you even pick up a firearm. This mental exercise can prevent accidents.
  
  
  

• Principle 3: Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You Are Ready to Fire: The trigger is not a light switch. It's a mechanism that sets off a chain of events. Keep your finger off it until you're ready to engage a target. 
  
  
  Pro Tip: Practice dry-fire drills regularly to reinforce trigger discipline and other shooting fundamentals. (Emphasize the importance of ensuring the firearm is unloaded before dry-fire practice.)
  
  
  

• Principle 4: Be Sure of Your Target and What Is Beyond It: This is perhaps the most crucial rule in a home defense scenario. You need to know exactly what you're aiming at, and you need to know what's behind it. 
  
  
  Pro Tip: Take a walk through your home and identify potential backstops and areas where overpenetration could be a concern. This will help you develop a safer home defense plan.

Firearm Safety: Creating a Culture of Safety in Your Home

A safe home is a home where everyone understands and respects the power of firearms.

• Safe Storage - Beyond the Basics: Secure storage is non-negotiable. It's not just about keeping firearms away from children; it's about preventing unauthorized access. (Detailed overview of gun safes and alternatives – as before).
  
  Pro Tip: Regularly review your safe storage practices and make sure they are still meeting your needs.
  
  

• Developing a Family Firearm Safety Plan: A Conversation for Everyone: Talk to your family about firearms. Educate your children. Establish clear rules. 
  
  Pro Tip: Make firearm safety a regular topic of conversation in your home, not just a one-time event. Resources like the NSSF's Project ChildSafe can be invaluable.
  
  

Gun Safety for Kids: Protecting the Next Generation

Children are naturally curious. It's our responsibility to teach them about firearm safety in an age-appropriate way.

• Age-Appropriate Education: Tailor your conversations to the child's age and understanding.
  
  

• The Eddie Eagle Program: This program (https://eddieeagle.nra.org/) is a great resource for teaching children what to do if they find a gun.
  
  

• What to Do if You Find a Gun: The key message: Don't touch. Tell an adult.
  
  

• Secure Storage is Non-Negotiable: Reiterate the importance of safe storage.
  
  

• Pro Tip: Involve children in age-appropriate firearm safety activities.
  

4 Golden Rules of Gun Safety: A Quick Review

1. Treat every firearm as if it's loaded.

2. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.   

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

Home Readiness: Training and Planning

Home defense is more than just owning a firearm. It's about having a plan and practicing it. If you're considering a carbine for home defense, be sure to check out my article What is Carbine: A Practical Guide to Home Defense and Sports Shooting to understand its features and safe handling considerations.

Pro Tip: Consider taking a home defense course with your family.
The USCCA is a great resource for finding training.

Conclusion: A Shared Commitment to Safety

Looking back at the negligent discharge I had with the .45, I want to ask: What rules did I break?

Almost 20 years later, I can still remember the incident and I would say I broke the first three rules of firearm safety:

Rule 1: I did not check to see if the gun was unloaded. I assumed it was and I did not treat it like it was loaded.

Rule 2: While I was pointing the gun at the wall by my bed, the dog was on the bed so I did not pay attention to what was in front of me and almost destroyed our dog!

Rule 3: While I did intend to “test the safety” by pulling the trigger. This is a stupid idea! I should have checked the gun to make sure it was unloaded and I should have pointed the gun away from our dog before I tested the trigger and safety.

Firearm safety is a lifelong commitment. It's a responsibility we all share. By following these principles and creating a culture of safety in our homes, we can ensure the well-being of ourselves, our families, and our communities.