Quick Tip: Gun Etiquette & Safe Gun Handling

Hey folks, have a seat while Brownells Gun Techs Caleb and Steve talk about gun etiquette. No, not the "lift your pinky finger while you sip tea," Miss Manners, Emily Post kind of etiquette, but rather the proper way to handle a gun . Recent events have brought a lot of first-time gun buyers into gun stores, who may not be savvy to the do's and don'ts of safe gun handling. Even experienced gun owners can benefit from a refresher. The rules are simple. Observe them at all times, and you'll never experience the heart-stopping sound of a gun going off in a place where it shouldn't.
(1) Treat every gun as if it's loaded. When you pick up a gun make sure it's unloaded first thing! Keep the muzzle pointing in a safe direction, remove the mag, lock the slide or bolt back, and check the chamber - both visually AND the "pinky" check - to made sure it's empty. If don't know how that particular gun works, hand it back and say, "Please clear the gun."
(2) Don't "sweep" the muzzle across the path of somebody else OR yourself.
(3) Keep your finger OFF the trigger.
(4) If you want to dry fire the gun, ask permission first. If it's OK, make sure the gun is totally unloaded and the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction when you dry fire.
(5) Read the manual that comes with your gun. It'll tell you about any unique aspects of the gun's operation you need to know about.
"Safe direction" is one where there's no risk of hitting a person IF the gun did accidentally go off. Since you've already made sure it's unloaded (right? RIGHT?), this is an extra layer of safety. Accidental discharges happen when folks fail to observe one or more of these rules. Remember: redundancy = safety. Got questions? Ask an experienced shooter or call the Brownells Tech Line. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask!
Plenty more Brownells videos to learn from: www.brownellsvideos.com

[@hugeshows]

The "always loaded" mantra cannot be overstated. Just a couple of weeks ago a guy was showing me a nickel 1911 and he popped the magazine out and handed it to me and said that the chamber was empty. I pointed the gun in a safe direction, pulled the slide back, and out plopped a live round. Those are the sort of people you don't go to the range with.

[@TheEaglekun]

One of my local ranges has a large pickle jar filled with live rounds and has a bunch of them compleatly filled with rounds of unloaded guns

[@carguy0389]

@@TheEaglekun does that place happen to be in Arkansas?

[@TheEaglekun]

@@carguy0389 lol 😆 yep been to another one in MO except it was a bigger jar lol

[@kalebdye4378]

@@TheEaglekun You mean like supposed "unloaded firearms"? Lol and they have a jar filled with rounds that they didn't realize were there?

[@roykiefer7713]

I have been shooting for about 60 years. Those four critical rules of firearms safety are proven, generally redundant and truly excellent . . . they should never be violated. BUT, I’d suggest that there is a fifth rule that is even more important: KEEP YOUR BRAIN ENGAGED AT ALL TIMES. I have seen highly proficient and experienced marksmen occasionally do truly stupid and dangerous things - notwithstanding their comprehensive knowledge of the “four safety principles” - because their brain wasn’t focused on the inherently dangerous activity at hand. For example, an individually could thoughtlessly and lackadaisically lower a hammer on a live round, so sloppily that his thumb losses its grip PLUS he doesn’t have a finger between the hammer and the frame - and BOOM, a negligent discharge. NEVER assume you’re so experienced that the four principles can be glossed over and keep your brain engaged.

[@rlsanders1057]

My uncle shot his TV but he swore he outdrew Dillon

[@RaspingPompano2]

You should tell him that you're John Wick!

[@denniswolff7300]

RL Sanders Good stuff

[@elifoust7664]

New gun owners,this is great info...

[@ChristianVedder1]

Steve said... every gun is loaded until proven otherwise. Well... I was taught... you treat every gun as it's always loaded. Period. This means even if you have cleared and inspected the chamber to see that it's unloaded. Universal Firearms Safety RULE #1 TREAT ALL FIREARMS AS THEY ARE ALWAYS LOADED.

[@bobghengis]

Then you can't disassemble a Glock.

[@bobghengis]

You also wouldn't be able to dry-fire at home. Treat it as if it were loaded, until you've proven to yourself definitively that it isn't. Once it leaves your grip, then prove to yourself again, as many times as you need, to be sure that is actually no longer loaded at the moment. Then you can dry fire the weapon

[@artlessknave]

@Dakota Matos it will if you don't follow the habit. that one time you don't check is usually the one time you needed to check. and that's usually when people lose kids or siblings.

[@durango8882]

Did he kind of aim the pistol muzzle towards himself while checking the gun if it’s loaded?

[@Whyyyyyy]

I think it's a simplified rule that is good especially for people who don't own a gun and don't need to be dry firing or disassembling anyways. Dry fire drills, function tests, snap cap practice, the disassembly process itself on many guns (famously Glocks) all require lessening of the restriction to treat a gun as if it's loaded even after carefully clearing it, which is ok as long as it is done with the height of respect and caution, and never for the sake of playing with a gun in a way you wouldn't do with it loaded.

[@zxrider9246]

Only thing I would add is "at the first chance get an NRA safety course".

[@davidchicoine9209]

I like these guys' humility. It counts for a beginner.

[@Realengoswrestlingpr]

Just love the way you guys explain everything without missing a detail !!! A+🙏

[@PaulSteMarie]

Well timed video! I especially liked Caleb's "redundancy in safety redundancy" comment 😁

[@CalebSavant]

Thanks!

[@AndyCigars]

Caleb, thanks for bringing up the point of NOT putting your finger on the trigger. That is the simplest of tips that gets forgotten. Do not put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire the weapon.

[@zh3401]

Thanks Steve & Caleb. I have several colleagues who have become first time gun owners due to the pandemic. I am partially responsible for 14 new Remington 870 owners. Videos like this I can share with them with confidence. Maybe comb the archives and build up a playlist to ease people into responsible ownership of a firearm.

[@GunsNGames248]

it's crazy how people can't just watch KZbin and figure out how to hold a gun . you can learn alot from just watching videos for first time gun owners.

[@tovalhallayall]

Also, never try to catch a falling gun, let it hit the floor. People new to guns don't have quite the muscle memory or proficiency in gun handling making it easier for new gun owners to drop or be a little clumsy at first. This is more like an add on rule to finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

[@benjaminharrisongray9079]

That's what scares me the most is dropping it and thinking it will go off.

[@coling657]

That’s actually something I do want to know. I’m very new to guns. Is it that more than likely nothing would happen when a loaded gun is dropped or does it depend? Chambered? Cocked? Etc? Thanks.

[@tovalhallayall]

@@coling657 any modern gun will not fire when dropped even when fully loaded with a round chambered, but in trying to catch it you can inadvertently pull the trigger

[@roadrunner6961]

One of the Rural Kings in my town in Indiana have great personal been buying from them for years and they will always be kind and don't try to make you buy high dollar guns they always say customer is right. Great Video 👍

[@RaspingPompano2]

I wish they would make like 10 videos a day!

[@rankang2194]

Absolutely great information for everyone.

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

Many, many years ago, my late, dear Dad, showed me how to safely clear his 1903 hammerless and his H and R .32. He taught me to clear them in front of the person I was handing it to, and knowledgeable gun owners will double check it. Thank you for your valuable videos!!!

[@Led-blimp]

thank you for making this video on the basics. I was familiarized with these rules by my father, while first learning to shoot with a BB gun. I thought most people knew these rules as law. Regardless, when a friend asks about my gun, and wants to check it out. I always always ask if they are familiar with firearms, and know how to handle them. I always take out the mag, and clear the gun (2x) before handing it to them. But as iv found out... many, many, MANY, people iv met in their early 20s, do not at all know the seriousness, and responsibility a person needs to have when handling firearms. Its terrifying. I'll call them out quickly, and explain the importance of safety, as well as redundancy in safety. I will be sure to send this to any future friends that need the education.

[@davidcurry1818]

Caveat to "magazine-out dry firing": some firearms (Browning Buckmark notably) will not fire (dry or otherwise) if the magazine is not inserted. Yes, I (I mean, a friend) nearly put a 22 bullet through a glass door (the safe direction) while about to do post-deep-cleanup cycling on the pistol, but caught myself and ejected the "empty" mag, to discover it had one round left from our earlier range time. So now, clear it, clean it, clear it, and clear the mag before dry firing.

[@DJ.Apocalypto]

I remember just the other day, my sister handed me her single shot 410 shotgun and as soon as she handed it to me I checked to see if it was loaded. I haven't felt a firearm since I was 10 and it felt second nature to me to check if it was cleared. I love firearms and I'm glad this video is here to give me a refresher along with the gun shop quick tip video. I hope to get my FSC and get my first handgun!

[@bangochupchup]

You guys rock! Keep up the good work! :)

[@skip123davis]

i'm taking a novice shooter to the range this weekend, and just sent him this. short, to the point, and covers the basics. i wanted something like this, so i didn't omit anything in the moment.

[@danscott3880]

Always treat a weapon as if it's loaded...downrange check if it's empty Never point a weapon at a person unless your ready to engage that Threat...

[@Dee-if3re]

Excellent information and thanks

[@Mike1-]

Thank you great video

[@kcstott]

My 12 year old knows how to set the hammer on 1/2 cock and check a SAA revolver. and the bugger hook is off the bang switch. and it's kept pointed in a safe direction. usually up or down but not always.

[@jamesa4958]

Thank you

[@solo9352]

Good information.

[@realsirex]

quality information.

[@Despierto]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@zexelM]

Toilets are a great place to read owner's manual...

[@gmoops8986]

Be sure you are unloaded.

[@zexelM]

Mark D O i'll be unloading...that's for sure...

[@justinhereforcomments2502]

Good video👍 but @0:43 pointed firearm at self. Demonstration purposes yes but could have been pointed down with ejection port towards camera. We’ve all done it though when we know the hun is clear.

[@SlickSixguns]

Albeit this is a good video for new shooters. I disagree with a few things on this video 1. Rules of firearms need to be updated they are antiquated, note how I said updated not disposed of. For example, there is no rule that says don’t drink and handle firearms other than local statutes. If you say well that’s common sense...all the more reason to have it as all the rules are common sense. Nor is there a rule to be trained and know how your weapon functions which also is just good practice. The finger on the trigger rule is archaic and can easily be replaced if you know how your weapon functions especially with a SA weapon with an exposed hammer that is obviously in the fired position, in public with a semi auto by all means keep your finger off the trigger 2. A camera is not a person feel free to point a gun at a camera to show details or pose, believe me those bullets won’t go through your camera and hit me. if there is someone behind the camera I hope you have the sense to do them a favor and ask them to move if you are going to do the aforementioned.

[@mossranchoutdoors7249]

The muzzle is a garden hose,don't get anyone wet!

[@worddunlap]

I was looking at some used shotguns at a store and was handed a fully loaded, round in the chamber 12 gauge pump shotgun. I racked it and a shell popped out. Someone got fired.

[@khalidmazen9197]

Am 16 but its nice to know about this things just in case

[@sharpaf310]

What do you do when you find a round in the chamber when clearing the gun?

[@oresanyadivine7170]

I really want to learn everything that concerns gun. I am from Nigeria and how do I go about it

[@rustytaylor7708]

Here we go again. It was me dammit. I shot the stupid tv.

[@tommykawasaki9676]

Many of us were new gun owners between the ages of 8 to 12 years old. At my house, ANY mishandling of a firearm, meant target practice was over for the day, no matter how insignificant the infraction. There were no second chances with Dad. Grandpa, might forgive you once. Point being, you grew up with these hard & fast rules & if you wanted to shoot, you best be highly tuned in, to what you are doing. It forced a high degree of safety awareness. As a new adult gun owner, no one can force this school of thought on you. Self awareness is highly critical to develop good safety habits.

[@Calupp]

Even after I clear my gun, if you ask me to dry fire it I'm 100% expecting a bullet to fire out of it. until click and it doesn't. Even if I dry fired it again right after that.

[@Calupp]

I honestly think firearm safety should be taught early in life. Like before you turn 10

[@EvanONS1]

Any advice for a hotelier who finds guns left or hidden in rooms?

[@1982rrose]

And go to Kit Badger & see his on going series for new owners.

[@brownells]

Good call! he is great!

[@magiclarry7688]

You will never check the gun too often.

[@RayW808]

It's not a laser it's a Light Sabre...

[@GunsNGames248]

he just pointed it at himself loll

[@Ozzyjunky]

I have a question. Why didn't you show how to clear the AR on the table? lol

[@reaperactualgaming3075]

The process is the same. Take the magazine out lock the bolt to the rear and inspect the chamber.

[@Ozzyjunky]

@@reaperactualgaming3075 Just giving them a hard time.

[@mapsuni-verse3026]

Me grabs a gun from a robber😬 Pass it back to him 😳 show me how to clearer a gun.

[@chrischiampo7647]

😀😊👍🏼

[@marktwain3531]

0:38 Keep the firarm in a safe direction, including that of the camera man.

[@gunfisher4661]

But automatically bitch out the person you show your unloaded firearm to, that instantly starts racking and pulling and flipping every button and lever on it as if they were a world champ shooter. I had to do that recently even though I new he had been trained in firearms 40 yrs back but I also knew he had`nt touched one in the last 40 either.

[@jackstoutamore8541]

Like that one dude who showed up to a range with a plate carrier on and a Mossberg Shockwave: When he finally shot the gun, it went between his elbow and his side and smashed the glass behind him 😂

[@gmoops8986]

Another stupid question is the one that was just discussed.

[@timlange531]

Redundant safety redundancy, how about safety in depth?

[@Bam-BamMoore-zz2vk]

GD... NICE-EARS...👂

[@CalebSavant]

The better to hear you with...

[@metalheadmachines9800]

These guys were jumping around to different spots at our local range and finally got kicked out for doing stupid stuff. My brother left his camera up by accident and caught the whole thing (we moved from the 25 yard to the 50 yard). He’s the one walking up at the end of the video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6nKk6l8rqtngrc

[@elifoust7664]

And old

[@Showtime-vf1cs]

Better routine is to eject round and lock back slide, then remove mag. Less time handling loaded weapon.

[@jimfield3347]

Without the magazine in the gun the slide locks back automatically.

[@Showtime-vf1cs]

@@jimfield3347 With an EMPTY mag in. Still live round in chamber.

[@reaperactualgaming3075]

Better to remove the mag first period. You don't know if that mag is empty or fully loaded. Just drop it and manually lock the slide if you have to.

[@Showtime-vf1cs]

@@reaperactualgaming3075 If there is a round in chamber it does not matter if mag is full or empty. Mag is not dangerous. Round in chamber is. Chance of negligent discharge while removing mag. Make weapon safe, then remove mag. Also don't want mag in hand while handling loaded gun.

[@nk-dw2hm]

Have the guys at backfire learned not to flag each other yet? Stopped watching them after every video seemed to have a handful of guys carelessly passing rifles around

[@DeathByLego]

Yeah great vid. But don’t poke your finger in it. It’ll pinch the shit out of you, and can really hurt your finger.

[@GeorgeAdamsIV]

Can someone send this video to Alec Baldwin!

[@ShiftyReaperGaming]

Is it good that I was born following these rules and no one has ever taught me. I taught myself with all the rules you’re stating to me without anyone ever telling me it’s like I was born with common sense to firearms.

[@RadDadisRad]

When I go to gun stores I get out a couple revolvers and open all the cylinders and 1 by 1 I Dirty Harry slam all the cylinders shut.

[@CalebSavant]

That is why we cant have nice things lol

[@mouthbreather280]

The gun shop will most likely not be to happy about that.

[@treygowdy7505]

I thought a clip was for pistols and magazines were for long guns....just sayin

[@CalebSavant]

A clip is used to load a magazine, internal or external. Pistols use magazines too.

[@artlessknave]

@@CalebSavant "clip", like "mag", is a slang word for a magazine.

[@CalebSavant]

@@artlessknave they are two very different things.

[@scottbeezley358]

you said not to flag the gun but you and the other guy did flag it when you were checking the gun to see that if it was loaded.go back to gun school you failed within 2 min

[@BogeyTheBear]

Rule #1: Unload the gun... "...but the gun is already unloaded!" Rule #1: Always unload the gun... "...I told you, I just unloaded the gun!" Rule #1: Did you pick up the gun? Unload it. Dumbass.

[@briankerr4512]

can you use 1 camera please. it looks really really stupid to have someone talking to a camera which is not the one with is taking the picture. Its moronic actually.

[@rustytaylor7708]

Said the genius that said with is taking

[@briankerr4512]

@@rustytaylor7708 its stupid and looks stupid