Empty chambers...

Empty chambers look like this...

Empty chambers look like this...

Empty chambers look like this...

Empty chambers DO NOT look like this...

Our friends' teenage son learned a gun safety lesson on their farm this past Monday... Don't try to catch a dropped gun!  Accidents with firearms can happen, and thank the Good Lord this young man's injury doesn't have any permanent or long-term physical implications.  He's a good kid and has handled firearms for years.  It can happen to just about any of us.

As an experienced and long-time shooter, hunter, former law enforcement officer, NRA certified instructor, and 4H Shooting Sports instructor... I have found that the most important part of owning and/or using firearms are the safety rules.  

So let's review the Gun Safety Rules:

NRA Gun Safety Rules:

- ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction

- ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot

- ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use

...and the additional rules for using or storing a gun.

Col. Jeff Cooper's Gun Safety Rules:

- All guns are always loaded.

- Never let the muzzle cover anything which you are not willing to destroy.

--> - Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target. 
- Identify your target, and what is behind it.

Two other thoughts on this topic...
1. Do you have a blowout kit handy, or a first-aid kit, or even a plan - just in case?
2. You can argue all day about self-defense calibers, but that little .380ACP went through this young man's hand and then went through the sidewall of their vehicle's tire, leaving them with a flat-tire.  Just some food for thought.

Follow the gun safety rules.  Make sure your gun is unloaded when not in use... keep it pointed in a safe direction... and check three times... for empty chambers...