Second Amendment supporters and gun owners believe that it is just as important as their constitutional right to bear arms without infringement, to be safety conscious about a gun in their home.
Via Remington:
The Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety should be etched in your memory forever. Let them govern your actions wherever and whenever you're involved with firearms. In the woods. On the range. Or in your home. Please take time to review and understand these rules.
- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use.
- Don't rely on your gun's safety.
- Be sure of your target and what's beyond it.
- Use proper ammunition.
- If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, handle with care.
- Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
- Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.
- Don't alter or modify your gun and have it serviced regularly.
- Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.
A couple of other points:
• Remove firearms from your home if you have a depressed or suicidal family member.
• Teach your child if they find a firearm to leave it alone and let an adult know right away.
• Talk with your children about the risk of firearm injury in places they may visit or play
• You must always secure your firearm and ammunition so that they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.
PoliceOne.com has additional safety tips.
Criminals that cannot obtain a gun legally will obtain one illegally, but responsible gun owners can make sure the gun the criminal gets their hands on, isn't theirs.