Owning​ a Gun

People own guns for several reasons-for hunting, for target practice or other shooting sports, and/or for self defense. But no matter why you own a gun, gun ownership is a serious and full-time responsibility. The decision to own a gun should be made carefully and with an understanding of how the decision could affect your own well-being and that of your family and community.
  • Almost as many people die from gunfire each year as die from automobile accidents.
  • Slightly more than half of all gun deaths are suicides, while the rest are accidental deaths and homicides.
  • Teenagers, young adults and the elderly are at greatest risk for gun suicide.
  • And, in most non-suicide gun deaths, the victim and the shooter are family members, friends or acquaintances.

Statistics clearly show that your own gun is much more likely to injure or kill you or a family member or friend than an intruder.

Should you decide to become a gun owner, protect yourself and those you love. As many as half of gun deaths and injuries and much gun theft can be prevented by practicing safe gun ownership and storage. 

Safe Gun Ownership​

Responsible gun ownership means learning and practicing behaviors that will help prevent needless injury, death and theft.
  • Record the serial number of your gun.
  • Check with your local police department to learn the laws about carrying or transporting guns outside of your home.
  • Take a gun safety course and learn how to use and care for your gun. Through a good safety course you will learn the parts of the gun, how to load and unload it, the safety features, how to safely care for a gun, and how to safely handle, aim and fire a gun.
  • Do not allow children or teens to handle or use a gun without parental or professional supervision.
  • Know your gun's standard safety features and use them!
  • Always handle your gun as if it were loaded.
  • Load your gun only when you are ready to fire it.
  • Dispose of ammunition properly. Contact your local police for assistance in disposing of ammunition - DO NOT throw it in the trash.
  • Never show off with your gun or talk about it at a party.

Safe Gun Storage

It is your responsibility to keep your gun out of the hands of those who, deliberately or accidentally, may misuse it.
  • Lock your gun. Guns should be stored unloaded, uncocked and securely locked out of sight or reach to minimize the risk that they will be used by unauthorized others such as children, teens, burglars, or the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed.
  • Remember that when the magazine is removed from a semi-automatic hand gun, there still may be a bullet in the chamber. Check the chamber to be sure it is empty.
  • Keep the keys to the lock(s) that secure your gun(s) on your key chain and with you at all times. Keep keys out of reach of children and teens.
  • Store ammunition locked up separately from your gun and away from moisture and heat.
  • Do not store your gun or ammunition with valuables that are likely to be stolen.
  • Do not store your gun under a bed, mattress or in an unlocked bedroom drawer.

Safe Cleaning and Maintenance

  • Clean and inspect the gun regularly and carefully.
  • Check your gun twice before you clean it to be sure it is unloaded.
  • When cleaning your gun, never leave the area. It should be in your view at all times.
  • Do not try to fix a gun yourself if it breaks.

Locking Your Gun

  • Trigger Lock. Trigger locks can be purchased for most guns. The lock between the trigger guard and the trigger makes it difficult to fire the gun until the trigger lock is removed with a key. Never use a trigger lock on a loaded gun. There are no manufacturing standards for trigger locks-be sure to choose a sturdy, well made model.
  • Padlock. Putting a padlock around the "window" in the frame of a revolver where the cylinder has been disarmed by swinging it out makes it impossible to fire. Do not place a padlock behind the gun's trigger. This method is unreliable and does not work for all guns.
  • Cable lock. A gun will not fire when a cable lock is used to stop the cylinder of a revolver from closing, or when the cable is fed through the barrel of a revolver or semi-automatic pistol. The cable can also be locked around a heavy object that won't move so that the gun cannot be taken.
  • Gun Safe. A gun safe or lock box provides the additional advantage of keeping firearms out of sight. To be effective they must be made of sturdy, hard to penetrate materials such as heavy gauge steal and have a strong locking mechanism.