Gun Safety
Just as you must take a class to learn CPR, you must have qualified instruction for the use of a firearm.
If you aren't willing to take the responsibility to learn safe storage and handling of a firearm you have no business owning one.
Safety Rules:
- Every gun is loaded.
(This does not mean "Treat every gun as if it were loaded."
This means that There is no such thing as an unloaded gun.)
Never point a gun at something you are not willing to destroy.
Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
Know your target and what is beyond it.
Never store a loaded firearm.
(This rule obviously does not apply if you intend to keep a gun for self-defense. If that is the case, many other rules apply and you MUST get training. I would also strongly recommend getting the advice of a lawyer before you keep a loaded gun for personal protection.)
Images courtesy of Oleg Volk at www.a-human-right.com