New gun owner? Here are the basics of gun safety

Published on February 5, 2021
Duration: 22:14

This video, presented by Joel Persinger of GunGuyTV, details the three fundamental NRA firearm safety rules for new gun owners. The core principles are: always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. The instructor emphasizes that adhering to the first rule, 'safe direction,' is paramount, as it mitigates the consequences of violating the other two rules. He provides practical examples and explanations for each rule, including defining 'safe direction' in various contexts and demonstrating proper trigger finger placement.

Quick Summary

The three fundamental NRA firearm safety rules are: 1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you have decided to shoot. 3. Always keep the gun unloaded until it is ready to be used. Mastering these rules is essential for safe firearm handling and preventing accidents.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Channel Info
  2. 01:14Why Basic Safety Rules Matter
  3. 01:36NRA Rule 1: Safe Direction Explained
  4. 03:05Defining a Safe Direction
  5. 04:34What Goes Up Must Come Down
  6. 06:05No Direction is Always Safe
  7. 06:45Safe Direction in Self-Defense
  8. 07:36Safe Direction in Travel/Hotels
  9. 08:45Manufacturing a Safe Direction
  10. 09:08Rule 1 Importance: Ego vs. Injury
  11. 09:45NRA Rule 2: Finger Off Trigger
  12. 10:58Proper Trigger Finger Placement
  13. 11:21Visibility for Range Safety
  14. 12:36Revolver Trigger Finger Placement
  15. 13:29NRA Rule 3: Unloaded Until Ready
  16. 13:50When is a Gun 'Ready to Use'?
  17. 14:28Unloading Example: Hunting
  18. 15:13Bonus Footage: Range Safety Issue
  19. 17:12Move Yourself, Not the Gun
  20. 18:41Final Thoughts & Homework
  21. 19:13Analyzing Accidental Shootings
  22. 20:29Example: Gun Store Accident
  23. 21:33The Power of Rule 1
  24. 22:02Conclusion & Stay Safe

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three fundamental firearm safety rules?

The three fundamental NRA firearm safety rules are: 1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. 2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until you have decided to shoot. 3. Always keep the gun unloaded until it is ready to be used. These rules are crucial for preventing accidents.

How do you determine a 'safe direction' for a firearm?

A safe direction is one where an accidental discharge would not cause injury or damage. This requires constant assessment of your surroundings. For example, pointing a gun 'down' might be unsafe in a multi-story building if people are below, and 'up' can be unsafe in populated areas due to falling projectiles.

Where should your finger be placed when not actively shooting a firearm?

Your finger should be kept off the trigger and placed along the frame where it meets the slide (for semi-automatics) or cylinder (for revolvers). This practice, known as trigger discipline, prevents accidental discharges and is easily visible to range safety officers.

Why is it important to keep firearms unloaded until ready to use?

Keeping firearms unloaded until ready to use prevents accidental discharges in situations where the firearm is not actively needed for defense, sport, or hunting. This includes when storing the firearm, taking breaks, or handling it in potentially unsafe environments like hotels.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from GunGuyTV

View all →