A few simple commandments ensure safe gun handling

For those of us who hunt for the table or shoot for pleasure or competition, guns are elemental necessities — no different than the ball to a game of football. Being familiar and comfortable with them, we have no reason to fear guns. And we forget that may not be the case for people who do not hunt or shoot.

Some may be surprised that injuries or deaths are virtually nonexistent in the shooting sports. Unintentional deaths by firearms account for roughly 0.6 percent (roughly 600) of all accidental deaths in the U.S. Motor vehicle accidents top the list with roughly 33,000 annually.

In the gun business we don't refer to firearms injuries or deaths as accidental; we refer to them as negligence.

Deaths by hunters shooting other hunters or persons in the field are the most common negligent use of firearms, followed closely by individuals "playing" with guns they believed were unloaded. The most tragic incidents, and fortunately the rarest, are deaths involving untrained youth who gain access to firearms.

The firearms deaths and injuries that are so prolific in our country — and which gather the most attention — are intentional. They are also the most difficult to prevent as they come at the hands of individuals with an intent to kill, either themselves or others.

Suicide by firearm is the top cause of death by guns at around 20,000 annually in the U.S. Homicide follows at a somewhat distant second place; accounting for some 10,000-11,000 deaths annually.

When you consider all of the intentional the gun deaths and injuries, it's no small wonder that folks who don't use guns for valid enterprises harbor animosity toward them. Nevertheless, there are more than 300 million guns in circulation in the U.S. today. They aren't going away anytime soon.

With that, the best we can do where guns are a way of life is continue to do what we have always done — promoting the safe and legal use of firearms in the shooting sports and hunting. It's no accident that shooting and hunting are very safe activities.

Through the efforts of hunters and shooters, programs are in place nationwide providing instruction in the safe use of firearms.  Hunter education programs around the country provide new hunters of all age groups a solid starting point for the safe use of firearms. These programs are funded by hunters and shooters through Pittman-Robertson funds generated by an 11 percent excise tax on firearms and ammunition. The National Rifle Association (NRA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) offer a multitude of instructional programs that promote the safe enjoyment of firearms.

The safe, legitimate use of firearms results from many years of developing and promoting safe gun handling and shooting programs. With that, there are four basic rules that, if practiced, will allow for a lifetime of hunting and shooting and never a need to apologize. Consider the following as the commandments of safe gun handling:

All guns are always loaded

An often-heard expression after a negligent shooting is, "I didn't think it was loaded." Thus, the No. 1 rule for safe firearms handling is to treat them all as if they are loaded.  Of course, they are not always loaded but the salient point is to treat them as if they are. Believing a gun is not loaded seems to provide an avenue for carelessness that can end in tragedy.

Never allow the muzzle to cover anything you are not willing to destroy

For many years the rule was along the lines of, "Don't point the gun at anyone." Which is fine, except that implies being aware of the muzzle only when actually pointing the gun.  We want to be sure, no matter what we may be doing with a firearm, that the muzzle doesn't get pointed at anything you would not want to be shot, including yourself, your gun dog, or your TV (unless you don't like your TV).  I've lost track of the number of times I've run into other hunters along a trail and they'll be holding there rifle in their hand at waist level, pointed right at me. They aren't doing it on purpose; they just aren't paying attention because they are not "pointing" it.

Even when the gun is slung on your shoulder, where does the muzzle go when you bend over? Same for climbing a steep face with it slung and another hunter ahead of you. Being constantly aware of where the muzzle is directed and thinking about the ramification should you somehow negligently discharge the firearm is the point.

Keep your finger off the trigger until the sights are on the target and you’ve made the decision to shoot

This is the most-violated rule.  People mimic what they see and bad examples are passed down generationally.

Though a bit better now, Hollywood used to portray people handling guns and their finger was always on the trigger. Until the instant prior to the shot being fired, fingers should remain off the trigger. We have a saying in the gun business; "The finger lives on the receiver and only visits the trigger."

There are three scientifically proven ways the trigger finger will involuntarily respond and discharge the weapon in field conditions. They are too long to describe here but they are real and reason enough to follow this practice.

Be sure of your target and your surroundings

Hunters mistaking other hunters or people enjoying the outdoors for game animals is the most common cause of unintentional death by shooting. Take the time to be sure. Get closer, look through binoculars, whatever it takes. Imagine for a moment walking over to the animal you just shot and finding your hunting partner dead by your hand. Consider where the bullet will go if it misses the target or passes through.  Every bullet you send downrange has your name on it, and you cannot call it back.

These are the main practices that will keep everyone safe with guns. There are many more details in the handling and shooting of I'll share in future columns.

The hope is to share a lifetime of experience with beginners and veterans — and to learn along the way.  For many Alaskans, the gun is simply part of life — a tool that enhances our experiences in Alaska, and a freedom we can ill afford to lose by mishandling them.

Steve Meyer of Soldotna is lifetime Alaskan and an avid shooter. He writes every other week about guns and Alaska hunting. Contact Steve at oldduckhunter@outlook.com