GENERAL
RULES FOR SAFE GUN HANDLING
1.
Treat the weapon as though it is loaded---ALWAYS.
2.
Whenever you are handling the weapon but not firing, keep your finger off
the trigger. Never trust the safety 100%.
3.
Be certain of your target before you fire. Don't shoot into foliage, darkness,
or through building walls or doors. Know what's behind your target.
4.
Never point your weapon at anything you don't intend to shoot.
5.
Never:
a)leave
loaded weapons unattended, even briefly. b)
lean
loaded weapons upright against a fence, wall, tree, etc. (refer
to #1)
6.
Be extra cautious when crossing obstacles (fences, streams, obstructions,
etc.) while carrying a weapon.
7.
Check to see if the weapon is loaded every time you pick it up or someone
hands one to you. (refer
to #1)
8.
Don't handle weapons that you do not know how to use.
9.
Never allow yourself to become overconfident, sloppy, or careless with weapons.
You can use them for 20 years, but it only takes one second of carelessness
to create a very permanent tragedy. Guns are made to kill; this they do very
well.GUNS
FOR DEFENSE
Using
firearms for defense is one of the most contentious subjects in our culture
today. The improper use of firearms is expounded daily in the media, and has
become a rallying cry for those who either have a special interest in disarming
the honest citizen or those who truly know little or nothing about the subject.
The
case can be made that the major cause of the illegitimate use of firearms today,
especially among young people, is our society's departure from the laws of
God. Ken Ham once said that it only takes one generation to raise up a race
of savages. Since America's abandonment of Scriptural guidance in the 1960's,
children have been incessantly bombarded with the message that life has little
value. When a child realizes that it was only a mother's choice that kept him
or her from being aborted, that child is less inclined to hold a deep respect
for the life and rights of others than one who has been taught that there is
a Supreme Judge who knows every fault and whose justice we cannot escape.
My
point is, there are many, many people out there who do not respect your life,
rights or property. Whether we face criminals, abusive officials, or merely
desperate and misguided people, we each have an obligation to protect our family,
and a God-given right to protect ourselves (Exod. 22:2; Luke 22:36; Neh. 4:14).
It is therefore to our advantage to consider effective means to do so with
minimal jeopardy to ourselves and family. The following information and suggestions
are offered in that light. PREPARE
IN ADVANCE OF NEED
You
should carefully consider whether or not you could and would use lethal force
against a person (or persons) who pose a threaten to you or your family. It
only takes a moment to take a life, but you will have to live with the memory
the rest of your life. Proper preparation can help prevent deadly mistakes.
1.
Consider several of the most likely scenarios you may encounter (i.e.; intruder
in house, carjacking, mobs, hidden snipers, etc).
2.
Obtain the most effective weapon for that scenario (i.e.; shotguns and handguns
are most effective at short [in-house] range, rifles have longer range and
greater penetration). Obtain sufficient ammunition and cleaning supplies.
3.
Get training from a knowledgeable person, and practice often with the weapons
you will use, under conditions you will likely encounter (obstacles, darkness,
bad weather, weapon malfunction, multiple attackers, etc).
4.
Prepare the terrain to your advantage. Pick out suitable positions for cover.
Place obstacles (such as furniture) to hinder intruders, not you. a)
Set
up a "kill zone" to maximize your chances and minimize the enemy's. Try to
"channel" the intruder (in a hallway, for instance). Try to keep the intruder
from reaching occupied rooms. b)Stay
low (crouch) in the darkness, from behind cover, and aim high (chest-height).
c)
Include
family members in your plan. Be sure they won't accidentally be caught in a
crossfire or be behind the target. Know what's on the other side of the wall.
6.
Have a powerful flashlight, rope or "zip-ties" (in case you are able to
subdue the intruder) and first-aid kit handy (especially trauma dressings).
Keep the light with the gun. You may be able to use it intermittently to dazzle
the intruder.
7.
Never threaten unless you plan on backing it up.
8.
If you intend to warn the intruder (in the hope he or she will leave); practice
what you will say ahead of time. Make it sound authoritative, not wimpy or
panicky. Decide whether to tell them (don't ask!) to leave, or spread-eagle
on the floor if you intend to capture them (really not recommended). Give commands,
not choices. Don't allow them to talk (they all have a story to lull you into
relaxing).
9.
Don't shoot the intruder in the back. Fire only if he or she threatens you
or others, or advances toward you after you give warning. Firing on a retreating
intruder is not self-defense; it is murder. 10.
If at all possible, phone for help (or have someone else do it) at the first
sign of trouble. |
