Gun safety tips to live by

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Firearms, regardless of your stance on them, are a part of America's culture and have played a defining role in the nation's history. From settling the frontier to fighting off fascism, firearms are an indelible part of our national identity.

Here in Texas, firearms are a way of life, shooting as a form of recreation is the norm and gun ownership is common. As such, Laughlin's 47th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms have some tips to live by for members of Team XL who are considering purchasing a firearm or who already have.

"Understanding gun safety is critical to gun ownership," said Staff Sgt. Joseph McIlrath, 47th SFS combat arms instructor. "There have been incidents in the past where Airmen have shot themselves or others because they were over confident or complacent in handling their firearm."

According to McIlrath, firearm safety begins before a weapon is purchased. Firearms, like cars, come in all types and each one has a purpose and a gun owner must know why he or she is purchasing the gun for home defense, recreation or hunting.

"When deciding to purchase a gun, a person must research the types of firearms available and their purpose," said McIlrath. "They should also try out the weapon at a range and study its operation. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it so why wouldn't you try out a firearm before buying it. You want one that you can operate safely and meets your needs."

Once a person decides on the firearm they want to purchase, it's time to review the law. Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding gun ownership and these laws apply equally to military members as they do the community they live in, explained McIlrath.

"When is it legal to carry the weapon? How do you store it? Do you need a safe and how big of a safe? Do I have a safe place to store the weapon? These are some of the things a gun owner must look up and know," said McIlrath. "Get educated, attend a class, and talk to experienced gun owners."

The next step is practice, explained McIlrath. Repetition is key because owning a gun may seem overwhelming but the more experience one has handling it the safer it becomes.

"I didn't handle a weapon until I joined the Air Force. I was a little terrified and could barely focus on qualifying, but through practice I grew more confident. You never want your first time using a weapon to be the real deal because you're more likely to just hurt yourself."

Another basic but often forgotten rule is to always consider a weapon loaded when handling.

"Always assume all guns are loaded when you are handling them," said Staff Sgt. Shaun Jackson, 47th SFS NCO in charge of combat arms. "When handling a gun, even if the person handing it to you says it is clear, treat it as if it hasn't been cleared and is still loaded."

Children add another dynamic to gun ownership, that can't be ignored.

"You must ensure your child doesn't become a statistic," said McIlrath. "You must do everything you feel as a parent will prevent that. If you feel they must be familiar with weapons then make sure they are as trained and familiar as you are with them."

For Jackson, who has a young child, this means locking the weapon up and keeping it out of reach.

"I keep my weapon locked and out of reach at all times," said Jackson. "I make sure she knows it's not a toy."

Lastly, Airmen must understand the rules and regulations placed on them while living and working on base. All weapons must be registered with security forces and if an Airman is in the dorms, it must be stored in the armory. Guns cannot be carried concealed and when being transported must be unloaded and separated from its ammo and out of reach of everyone in the car. If a gun is being taken on or off base, an owner must go directly to their home or directly out the gate without delay, explained McIlrath.

In short, firearm safety boils down to the idea that no matter how comfortable you may be with a gun, always take the time to follow the steps to make sure the weapon is safe and secure.

"Never let your first time using a firearm be the real time," said McIlrath. "Make sure that regardless of what you use your gun for, make sure you are knowledgeable in its use and its processes and procedures and make sure everyone handling the firearm is as versed in it as you."