Firearms.co.za  strongly believes in the importance of being a responsible firearm owner. Being  responsible with your firearm ensures compliance with the law, as well as your safety and the safety of those around you. Yes, you are your first responder in the case of an emergency, but with this comes a great deal of responsibility on your part. 

We have constructed detailed steps on how you can be a more responsible, and law abiding firearm owner: 

1. Comply with all laws and regulations: Ensure that you are aware and follow all governmental and state laws regarding firearm ownership, possession and use. This includes obtaining the necessary permits and licences. 
2. Store firearms securely: Keep your firearms locked in a safe or gun cabinet when not in use. This is especially important if there are children in the house.  Use trigger locks or cable locks to prevent unauthorised access. Ammunition should be stored separately from firearms. 
3. Educate yourself: Take firearms safety courses to learn the fundamentals of safe firearm handling, storage and use. Continuous training and practice can help you become a more responsible owner.  Fortis Proactive Defence provides specialised training programmes, such as their Lone Operator Course and multiple other training courses covering a variety of scenarios and skills.
4. Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded: This is a fundamental rule of firearm safety. Even if you believe a firearm is unloaded, handle it with care and always point it in a safe direction: See our article on the best safe action trigger systems.
5. Trigger discipline is vitally important: Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. This prevents any accidental discharges of the firearm.
6. Be aware of your target and what lies beyond it: bullets travel much farther than you anticipate, even after striking a solid object. Always be aware of what is behind your target to prevent unintentional harm.
7. Use appropriate safety equipment: Wear hearing and eye protection when shooting to protect your senses from the noise and debris associated with firearms.
8. Under no circumstances should you be under the influence of drugs or alcohol when using a firearm.
9. Educate others in your household: Ensure that everyone in your home who may come into contact with the firearm, are aware of and respect all safety procedures and rules. 

Despite doing everything right, the reality of living in SA sooner or later you could be forced to use your firearm. This is why legal and liability insurance is vital. Learn more about Firearms Guardian for the best legal coverage regarding firearm incidents money can buy.

Firearms.co.za is a Firearms network, established to provide support for law-abiding citizens looking to be armed, or that are already armed in South Africa and even elsewhere. Firearms.co.za provides a network platform for gun-owners and/or enthusiasts who like to catch up on firearm related news and training opportunities.