Gun Safety

Posted by Kacie Gavinchuk
There is nothing more important than gun safety. Being a gun owner or user means that you have made a commitment to safety, responsible ownership and use of your firearm. Here are the 4 main rules of firearm safety, how to store your guns and how to transport them according to Canadian law and some general range etiquette.
The 4 Main Rules of Firearm Safety
  1. Always treat firearms as if they are loaded at all times.
  2. Never point a firearm at something you are not willing to destroy.
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target.
  4. Always be sure of your target, what is in front and beyond it
Safe Storage of Firearms
Canadian law requires that all firearms be stored unloaded and locked.
  • Non-restricted firearms must either have a trigger lock or be locked in a gun safe (or cabinet or room that is difficult to break into).
  • Restricted firearms must have a trigger lock or locking device so the firearm can not be fired AND be locked in a gun safe, vault or room modified specifically to store firearms safely.
  • Ammunition must be stored separately or locked up.
Safe Transportation of Firearms
Canadian law requires that all firearms must be unloaded while transporting.
  • Non-restricted firearms can be transported unlocked. I recommend keeping them in a soft or hard case out of sight.
  • When transporting a Restricted firearm you must first have an Authorization to Transport (call your Chief Firearms Officer or apply for an ATT here (you must have an RPAL for this - learn about the different classifications here). Once you have obtained this, the firearm must be unloaded, have a trigger lock AND be locked in a sturdy, non-transparent case AND you must travel a reasonably direct route to an approved facility.
  • If you must leave your firearms in your unattended vehicle, you must put the firearms or cases carrying restricted firearms in the locked trunk. If the vehicle does not have a trunk, you must put them out of sight and lock the vehicle.

Note: There are specific rules for transporting restricted firearms. Be sure you educate yourself!
Range Etiquette
All ranges will have their own set of rules and bylaws you must follow. Be sure to read them and ask if you have any questions.

Here are a couple general rules that are considered proper etiquette when on the range:
  1. Always treat firearms as if they are loaded at all times. (notice a theme here?)
  2. Never point a firearm at something you are not willing to destroy.
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target.
  4. Always be sure of your target, what is in front and beyond it.
  5. When traveling from 1 stand to the next, lock your action open and carry your firearm so that other people can see that your gun is unloaded.
  6. Never cross the firing line.
  7. If you need to go down range, wait for a cease-fire and instructions from the designated range officer.
  8. Pick up after yourself. Try to leave your space cleaner than how you found it.
  9. Respect the other shooters on the range. If you are waiting to shoot, don’t talk loudly and be a distraction to the person on the line.
Final Word
​You are responsible for your safety and the safety of everyone around you. Being aware of your surroundings is not enough and if you see someone who is not following the rules, you owe it to yourself and others to point it out to a range officer and/or instruct them on gun safety. If you see something unsafe, call a cease-fire.

​Now go forth and enjoy!