Shooting sports are a serious activity many regions appreciate. If a person passes all tests, they have a right to purchase firearms at GritrSports and other shops for shooting sports and sometimes self-defense. Moreover, an outdoor shooting range is not a rarity (for instance, look at any range TX). Many regions perceive a shooting range as entertainment, letting people enjoy games with harmless weapons.
I am here to remind us all that a good 22 rifle or a beautifully designed revolver is never the #1 cause of tragedies. It is not a gun firing at innocent people in public places like schools — that is the hand pulling the trigger. Of course, it is a firearms haver’s responsibility to ensure that they do not use this tool for shooting sports for harmful purposes.
Examples of Mostly Safe Countries that Legalized Firearms
- Sweden
- Germany
- Israel
- Finland
- Estonia
All listed countries managed to minimize criminal issues by allowing people to buy tools for shooting sports and self-defense. Of course, all their doctrines and laws vary, but the results resemble. Does that mean those countries never experience school shootings? No. But those are rare and quickly mitigated by the police.
In 2012, for example, a teenager opened fire in a school in Sweden, injuring two people before being subdued by the resource officer. It was over in less than 7 minutes. Nevertheless, such cases are rare in Europe, while in the USA, such tragedies happen more than eighty times yearly.
5 Principles of Responsible Weapon Usage for Shooting Sports
We must highlight: shooting sports. It is not a game of “killing people,” and it never should be. It is a competition, self-defense, or training with an inanimate object that requires handling like any other sports gear, from footballs to hockey sticks. Of course, there must be no unauthorized gun holding, first and foremost. Here are the other principles that will help you use your firearms safely for shooting sports:
1. Handle your tool for shooting sports safely
Of course, it is necessary to comprehend how your firearm for shooting sports functions. Read the manuals, practice, and master your 22 rifles or a handgun. Remember that even an unloaded gun is dangerous if handled carelessly.
2. Treat every weapon as if you have loaded it
Even when you are sure your firearm is not loaded, act as if it were. That way, you will avoid tragic accidents like the one that happened to actor Jon-Erik Hexum.
3. Point the muzzle safely
A person can get hurt even if you don’t intend to shoot them. To avoid such accidents, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, away from people, animals, and fragile objects.
4. Revise gun lock safety tips
Locks are vital for keeping firearms safe. Educate your kids about gun safety as soon as they are old enough to understand you. If children are at home, keep your guns out of their reach and sight.
5. Your gun is great at a shooting range but is not appropriate in the public
Your gun will show its full potential at a properly organized shooting range. Let your firearm shine there. Do not disturb others with it if you are not a police officer. Moreover, you, too, would not like to see a person holding a firearm when you go to a park.
Final Words
A gun is a great responsibility. We must ensure that we are handling our firearms safely and responsibly. Be careful with your handling of firearms, and everything will be alright. And remember — a loved gun never shoots if its person does not pull the trigger.
