It is the responsibility of every citizen to keep the community as safe as possible. However, the truth of the matter is there are many things beyond your control. And they can easily jeopardize your well-being as well as that of your loved ones—for example, the occurrence of mass shootings, which are difficult to anticipate and preemptively addressed.
In the United States, there were more mass shootings compared to the number of days in 2019. That is a staggering fact, one that should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders in different communities. For instance, if you belong to the gun-owning demographic, it’s high time you impose upon yourself a sense of accountability. Strive to become a responsible gun owner, not only for your benefit but for the benefit of society as a whole.
Those goals apply to those who own guns for both personal and business purposes. And to pull them off, here are some recommendations.
Store firearm and ammunition properly
Even if your entire house or place of business is covered by property insurance, you still need to have your firearms stored properly. Here, the main concern is not much about loss but the possibility of those guns getting in the hands of the wrong person.
Take, for instance, if you have children in the house. The last thing you want to happen is to find your six-year-old holding a loaded gun, with fingers ready on the trigger.
Ideally, you store firearms and ammunition separately and in a vault or storage box. It’s better if it’s code or lock protected.
Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded
When you hold a gun, remember that you are in possession of a fatal weapon. There is no room for mistakes. Treat every gun you carry as if it’s locked and loaded. That’s common advice thrown around between gun owners and enthusiasts. And it makes absolute sense. You tend to be extra careful holding a loaded gun compared to one whose magazine has been emptied.
Do not casually throw a gun around like a piece of candy. Always point the gun in a safe direction.
Do routine firearm maintenance
Just like any technology, a firearm requires routine maintenance. Failure to conduct a regular and thorough checkup of a gun may trigger disastrous results. A malfunctioning firearm is a real threat.
Remove any oil, dust, or debris buildup from your gun. Do not let it rust. You may use anti-rust gun oils.
If you suspect your firearm’s acting a little strange, take it to an expert, such as a gunsmith. Do not take any chances. Keep in mind that lives are on the line here. Yours, for starters. Rest assured what you invest in gun maintenance will be worth every penny.
Do not carry a firearm in intense situations
Consider this: you are to attend a political rally. You know things might get heated. To be on the safe side, do not bring a gun with you. That way, you cancel the possibility of pulling your gun and pointing it at another person because you got too riled up.
The same goes for if you are meeting someone for dispute resolution. You do not know how the process will transpire. To limit the risk of conflict escalation, choose to be unarmed.
Lastly, your goal in any conflict should always be de-escalation.
Pull the trigger only when absolutely necessary
Ideally, you have a gun mainly for recreational purposes. Maybe you are an avid shooter and fire firearms within a controlled and safe environment. Or perhaps you go on hunting adventures with friends and family. Those scenarios do not put you or other people at risk.
However, if you own a gun for self-defense, be very conscious of your decision. And make sure that you pull the trigger only when your life is in grave danger. Try to be as levelheaded as possible. Keep in mind that should you inadvertently send another person six feet under, even if that person happens to be a burglar, the incident will take a toll on your psyche.
To own a gun is a privilege. You having a gun at your disposal gives you a sense of power. Now to echo that famous line from that famous movie, with great power comes great responsibility. If you are averse to responsibility, the best route to take is to get your hands as far from a firearm as possible. That way, you won’t get in any trouble. And you won’t cause anyone trouble to your community as well.
