Home on the range: The Big 4 and More

How do you know when a gun is loaded?
That’s easy.
It’s always loaded. Always.
Whatever you learn about firearms, this is the first of the big 4 rules you should know before you even pick up a gun.
You may have noticed that every time you go to a gun show or a gun shop, the first thing the seller does is drop the magazine. Then he or she pulls back the slide to show you that the chamber is empty. This is important to make very certain that the gun is unloaded. It’s a good practice that when you’re out on the range, to check before you handle the gun. When you are leaving the range, check it again.
You may have no round left in the magazine.
But there might be one left in the chamber.
Many guns can fire without a magazine in the grip. This is not the time to wonder if the gun you’re holding is able to fire right now. And, since your life is involved, don’t take anyone’s word for it. The gun is not unloaded until you check it yourself.
So, what are the big 4?
• Always treat the firearm as if it is loaded. (See above paragraphs.)
• Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
Never point the firearm at something you are not willing to shoot. In fact, keep your shooting finger in the “home” position. This is when you place your shooting index finger along the frame of the gun: not on the trigger. It’s a lot harder to shoot a gun accidentally if your finger is not on the trigger.
Another reason to be concerned about where your gun is pointing is that bullets can penetrate walls. If you’re in an apartment, a discharging gun could pass through the wall and hit something or someone that you don’t intend to harm.
Keep that muzzle in a safe direction when cleaning, loading or unloading. Do the same when walking with your gun. You might trip.
• Keep your finger off that trigger until you are ready to shoot.
Guns don’t go off by themselves. Again, using that “home” position will help to keep from having an accidental firing. Also, don’t depend on your gun’s safety. The safety might not work every single time.
• Always know what your target is and what is behind it.
What is behind your target? Bullets can travel long distances.
Those are the Big 4 rules for all shooters. Lots more good advice is available, but here are a few more thoughts.
You may be out in the forest and far away from people, but wherever you are, take care of your sight and your hearing. ANSI rated safety glasses are inexpensive and can keep casings and debris from damaging your eyes.
Loud noises can damage your hearing. Ear plugs that are squishy can be stuck in your ears to reduce the noise. They are extremely cheap. Earmuffs cost more, and they are effective, too. I use both at the same time. The old in my family are prone to going deaf, and I don’t intend to do anything to hasten that process.
Guns are loud. Expect the noise and prepare for it.
Guns have recoil. The lighter the gun, the more the felt recoil or kick. The greater the mass of a gun, the less recoil you will feel. This is why although you might like a lightweight gun for your purse, you will find that kind of gun to have more recoil than a heavier, longer-barreled gun. An airweight .38, for example, can pack a big kick. If you don’t want to feel a lot of recoil, don’t buy that pretty pink airweight revolver.
Another reason to find a gun with less recoil is that you may not want to practice with it.
And speaking of practice, well, a gun is a tool. Your tools work better when you’ve had a lot of practice using them. It’s not necessarily like riding a bike. If you haven’t ridden for a while, riding a bike may come right back to you. Shooting well takes practice.
There will come a time when you’ll have a difficulty with your semi-automatic handgun. It happens.
Do not panic. Do not look down the muzzle of the gun.
First, press the magazine release to dump the magazine. Next, pull back the slide. Lock it back and look in the chamber. Do you see a casing? If you do see a casing, or if anything else that is abnormal, notify the range safety officer for assistance. This is what you should do if you have a problem with your semi-automatic.
The best advice for purchasing a gun?
Find a place that allows you to rent handguns. Ask questions. Taking all the good advice from your knowledgeable friends and from the renting place, try out a few guns you think you might like. A gun that fits your hand well may not be a gun that feels good when you shoot it. “Try before you buy” is the best advice for finding your new firearm.
It looks real macho to hold a great big gun. How about that “Dirty Harry” gun? That’s a Smith & Wesson Model 29 44 magnum revolver. Some women, just like men, want to look like they can handle something big and powerful. But don’t get a gun that is too high a caliber for your abilities.
I’ve shot many handguns. Having a big recoil hasn’t stopped me (so far).
Once, a friend gave me the opportunity of shooting his gun with a 454 Cassull load. That load is so strong it can take down a bear.
He looks at me to see if I dare shooting it.
“You’ll fall on your hind end,” he warns.
That does it. I have to shoot. I will not fall. I am going to hit that target.
Planting my feet, tightening my hands, arms and wrists, and taking careful aim, I shoot that gun. It kicks like a mule. Pain!
He is watching. Maybe thinks he’d have to catch me.
I smile up at him.
“May I do it just one more time?”
He allows it, and I have the satisfaction of hitting the target one more time.
I don’t let him see me mouthing: “Ow! Ow! Ow!” as I walk away.
You can fix stupid. I won’t shoot that gun again. Ever.
So, buy a gun you’ve tried out: one you enjoy shooting. One that won’t beat you to death. Otherwise, you won’t practice with it.
When you have found your gun, read its manual, and cleaned and lubed it, remember: it’s always loaded.