Firearms - Security, Theft and Safety.
By Jim McDonald. January 24th, 2018
Overly casual safe keeping of firearms is probably all too common and the ramifications of carelessness can be wide ranging. Responsible gun ownership requires that various common sense factors are taken into account and followed.
In the home, firearms not needed should be secure and a decent safe is a wise option. If it is desired to have a defensive handgun available it should be secured ideally by something like a fast action code protected mini safe - or better still, that weapon to be carried on the person at all times. The dangers of a home break in are always a possibility and good security can protect against theft. Beyond that also is child safety - kids are curious and can find what is often thought be a well hidden gun, with potentially tragic consequences.
When it comes to handling safety it is important that children even from an early age are taught about firearms handling, even if they are in a gun-free home. A classic example of what can happen is a child visiting a friend's house where a gun is not secured - if that is discovered a child should know not only the dangers but also what to do and what not to do. Ignorance is dangerous.
Criminals obtain guns by many means but unfortunately acquisition by theft is all too common. Apart from security in the home the cases of theft from a vehicle are all too likely when storage is casual and in an unlocked vehicle. Once again, when feasible, carry on the person is perhaps the most desirable but beyond that there are devices available such that even if left in a vehicle, a firearm can be kept secure from easy theft.
Clumsy firearm security is in part what can give otherwise law abiding gun owners a bad name, and only adds to the 'ammunition' that "gun control" proponents have to further their mission. Hopefully this is all pretty much "preaching to the choir" but there is no apology made by keeping it front and center.
As a reminder to all - the basics of the late Jeff Cooper's rules of gun safety should be learned by everyone and applied as constant life lessons.
1) - All guns are always loaded, and should be treated as such
2) - Never point a gun at anything you do not wish to destroy
3) - Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot
4) - Know your target and what is beyond.
While all the rules should be faithfully followed, perhaps number two can be regarded as the biggest fail-safe. When fired, your bullet is no longer in your control so knowing its potential destination is vital - there is virtually no such thing as a firearm accident, only negligent discharge.