15 Gun Safety Test Questions You Should be able to Answer Before Buying a Firearm

15 Gun Safety Test Questions You Should be able to Answer Before Buying a Firearm

If you’re on the search for your first gun, you’ve probably looked at all the makes and models out there, deciding which one is right for you. Buying a gun is an important step in protecting your home, hunting, or just exercising your 2nd Amendment right in general.

However, firearms are dangerous when handled improperly and there are no second chances in case you mess up. Because of the high risk of guns, you should be knowledgeable about basic gun safety before owning a gun. Thus, before you buy your pistol or revolver, if you haven’t yet obtained a firearm safety certificate, you should be able to answer the following questions:

1) How should you treat a gun?

2) Where should you point the gun when holding it (and not shooting)?

3) How should your trigger finger be before you are ready to shoot?

4) How should you keep the gun before you’re ready to use it?

5) Should you point a gun at just anything?

6) What is an additional thing you should be aware of when targeting something (besides the target itself)?

7) What kind of ground should you be standing on when you shoot your gun?

8) What kind of ammunition should you use?

9) Should you shoot at water or hard surfaces?

10) Should you climb over anything with your gun in hand?

11) Should you always rely on the gun’s safety?

12) How should the barrel be before loading and shooting the gun?

13) What should you do if you pull the trigger and the gun doesn’t fire?

14) Do you know how your gun works inside and out? Mechanical and handling characteristics?

15) When in doubt, what should you do?

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If you’ve failed to answer one of the questions above, you should educate yourself further about owning firearm safety. Again, firearms are a great responsibility, and people are often injured or killed due to gun negligence. In the pursuit of educating potential gun owners about their guns, below are the answers to the above questions.

–> How should you treat a gun?

As if it is always loaded. This way, you are more aware of the danger that can arise if you mishandle the gun.

–> Where should you point the gun when holding it (and not shooting)?

In a direction that will not potentially hurt anyone or cause structural damage—110%. The ground right in front of you is a safe bet, typically.

–> How should your trigger finger be before you are ready to shoot?

In terms of firearm safety, it should be straight in front of your hand (pointing in front of you) and off of the trigger. That way, you’ll have to physically move your finger before deciding to shoot, decreasing the likelihood of accidentally shooting.

–> How should you keep the gun before you’re ready to use it?

Keep it unloaded, especially if you have children in the house. According to the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, more than 75% of 1st and 2nd graders know where their parents’ pistol or revolver is, and 36% admitted to handling the weapons without their parent’s consent. Keeping the gun unloaded prevents your children from accidentally injuring themselves or others.

–> Should you point a gun at just anything?

Nope. NEVER point the gun at anything unless you plan on destroying it.

–> What is an additional thing you should be aware of when targeting something (besides the target itself)?

Be aware of your target’s background as well. That way, if you accidentally miss your target you’re less likely to accidentally destroy something you didn’t mean to.

–> What kind of ground should you be standing on when you shoot your gun?

Solid ground. Anything that keeps you sturdy and stable as you shoot.

–> What kind of ammunition should you use?

Whichever one is correct for your firearm.

–> Should you shoot at water or hard surfaces?

No. It’s difficult to see what is under the water due to refraction, and hard surfaces have a tendency to cause bullets to ricochet, which can destroy something you didn’t intend to. Play it safe and avoid shooting at water or hard surfaces.

–> Should you climb over anything with your gun in hand?

No, since you might accidentally cause your gun to go off in the process. In addition to that, try to avoid climbing over things with a loaded gun on your body in general, since the excess movement can prompt an accident.

–> Should you always rely on the gun’s safety?

No. Murphy’s law—the law stating that anything that can go wrong will go wrong—applies fully to guns. Never rely on the safety and instead use proper gun handling techniques to keep everyone/everything safe.

–> How should the barrel be before loading and shooting the gun?

It should be clear from obstruction, so check it thoroughly before loading and shooting.

–> What should you do if you pull the trigger and the gun doesn’t fire?

Hold your firing position for a few more seconds, then slowly lower the gun, pointing it in a safe direction. After that, unload the gun.

–> Do you know how your gun works inside and out? Mechanical and handling characteristics?

If you don’t, you should. Danger lies in ignorance, and when you don’t know every inch of your gun, you’re likely to cause an accident. Not knowing your gun is no excuse for destroying something you didn’t mean to destroy.

–> When in doubt, what should you do?

Don’t shoot.

Conclusion

Buying a gun is thrilling. Holding your own gun in your hand will feel even better. However, be sure to take the time to know the above 15 gun safety questions fully, answering them with ease. Then, if you want to educate yourself further, take a gun safety class or read up on some of the literature that exists out there. A lot of good, educational stuff is free, so there’s no reason to have any doubt in your ability to own a firearm.

Like Uncle Ben Spiderman said, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Owning a gun is a great power over others, so it’s up to you to be responsible for thoroughly understanding your firearm. We hope this article helped you on your journey.