Hey, Everyday Gun Owners! That firearm in your hand? It’s not a toy, and it’s definitely not a paperweight. Whether you’re a sharpshooting vet or a newbie still figuring out which end goes bang, one rule reigns supreme: safety first, always. This isn’t just about you—it’s about keeping your family, your dog, and even your nosy neighbor safe. Complacency’s a sneaky jerk, and trust me, I learned that the hard way. Grab a seat, and let’s lock in the smarts to make your home a fortress, not a firing range.
One afternoon at my parents’ house 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: Parts of a Handgun: A Simple Breakdown for Home Defense and Revolver vs Semi Auto: Unlocking the Pros and Cons for New Shooters.
These aren’t suggestions; they’re your lifeline. Memorize ‘em, live ‘em, or regret it.
Newsflash: “I thought it was empty” doesn’t unshoot a bullet. Check it, every time, no exceptions.
Pro Tip: Make checking a reflex, like locking your door. Even if you “know” it’s unloaded, do it again. Complacency’s not invited.
Never point that barrel at anything you’re not cool with turning into Swiss cheese—walls, pets, your kid’s teddy bear.
Pro Tip: Before you grab your gun, picture the bullet’s path. Thin walls? Family nearby? Adjust your aim.
The trigger’s not your fidget spinner. Keep your finger clear until you’re ready to fire, period.
Pro Tip: Dry-fire drills (gun unloaded, checked, double-checked) build trigger discipline. Don’t skip the “unloaded” part.
Home defense ain’t a video game. ID your target and what’s behind it—bullets don’t stop at drywall.
Pro Tip: Scout your home for safe shooting lanes and backstops. Overpenetration’s a real buzzkill.
| Rule | Why It's Not Dumb | Screw-Up Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Treat It Loaded |
Stops “oops” shots |
Assuming it’s empty, firing indoors |
|
Muzzle Discipline |
Saves walls, pets, people |
Pointing at a “safe” wall that’s not |
|
Finger Off Trigger |
Prevents accidental bangs |
Resting finger on trigger “just in case” |
|
Know Your Target |
Avoids tragic misses |
Shooting without checking what’s behind |
A safe home isn’t just locked doors—it’s a crew that respects the power of firearms. Here’s how to make it stick:
Kids are nosy. That’s not a flaw—it’s your cue to teach ‘em right.
Owning a gun doesn’t make you John Wick. Plan and practice like your life depends on it—because it might.
That .45 fiasco? I broke rules 1, 2, and 3 like a rookie. Didn’t check the chamber, pointed near the dog, pulled the trigger like a moron. Twenty years later, it still stings—but it’s why I’m here, preaching safety to you. Firearm safety’s not a checkbox; it’s a lifestyle. Live it, teach it, own it, and you’ll keep your crew safe without the drama.
Got a safety hack sharper than a bayonet? Drop it in the comments or hit us up on X. Let’s keep the Everyday Gun Owners crew locked and loaded—safely.
#GunSafety #HomeDefense
| Dave Pitcher, who’s been shooting and handling firearms since 1988. In addition, Dave’s served 12 years in the Army Reserve with deployments to Qatar and Afghanistan. This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws, rosters, and Glock’s discontinued list can change. Last updated: October 30, 2025. |
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