The firearms safety rules that were put down by Jeff Cooper of Gunsite fame have rung
true for decades due to their universal application and simplicity. Generations of children
and adults have been kept safe by them, and they are still passed down responsibly to
this day. One of those rules is treating every firearm as if it’s loaded. This extends a bit
further than many consider, especially as the weather changes during seasons. That
rule also extends beyond the firearm, which is where this journey is headed.
First, checking to make sure a firearm is safe to operate isn’t as simple as making sure
it fires when the trigger is pressed or doesn’t fire when the trigger and safety or safeties
are engaged. It is possible with high-round-count handguns to have them fire without
pressing the trigger or discharge multiple rounds with a single trigger press. There are
legal ramifications to the latter, and from a safety standpoint, making sure your firearm
is in proper working order extends beyond basic function. With most striker-fired
handguns, such as Glock, Smith & Wesson, and yes, even Sig Sauer, it’s important to
make sure the striker and sear are engaging properly. This is best tested by a qualified
gunsmith, and there are plates that can be purchased to see striker engagement for
both Smith & Wesson as well as Glock. For Sig Sauer on their striker-fired pistols, it’s
best to consult a gunsmith to be sure. If you suspect that your handgun has the
potential to be unsafe, you should discontinue use and leave it fully unloaded with no
round in the chamber and no magazine as an extra precaution. Lastly, replacing parts
on a heavily used pistol (10,000+ rounds fired) might not solve safety issues. Like all
things, firearms will eventually need to be replaced due to wear and tear.
Far more likely when it comes to firearm safety issues is exposure to moisture, which
can lead to corrosion or worse. Whether it’s humidity, rain, or the worst offender, sweat,
it’s important to check for corrosion on metal surfaces, especially those that make
contact with essential components of your firearm. With enough time and moisture, any
component can be affected, including failure. Some examples include rust forming
under optics on pistol slides, rust on a bolt for a hunting rifle, rust in a barrel, and rust on
a striker or sear in a striker-fired pistol need to be considered. For those who carry a
pistol in the heat or who sweat on a regular basis, it is the single greatest concern for
corrosion on a firearm. The composition of sweat varies from person to person based
on biology, diet, and environment, but it can cause corrosion in almost all cases. For
those who conceal and carry in particular, making sure to wipe your pistol down safely
when given the opportunity is a wise choice. When detail stripping firearms, it can be
helpful to apply a thin layer of oil to surfaces that make contact with your body to create
a temporary corrosion-resistant coating. Lastly, when cleaning components, doing so
with rubbing alcohol to fully remove any traces of sweat, then re-lubricating appropriately, is wise. A general rule for lubricant selection is oil for cold conditions and grease for hot conditions. Slip 2000 EWL (Extreme Weapons Lubrication) has been the gold standard for years and is a solid choice as an all-around lubricant. If there’s ever a question of the operational safety of a firearm, the staff of Stock & Barrel will be happy
to assist in either choosing a new firearm or the repairs necessary to bring yours back to
the state in which it should operate.
Finally, the topic that is most often ignored, and in humid environments, one of the
greatest threats to the proper operation of your firearm is ammunition storage. Most
ammunition commercially available in the United States comes in cardboard boxes of
various shapes and types, often in another cardboard box. Cardboard, unfortunately,
does a fantastic job of absorbing and storing moisture, which can cause serious issues
in the long term for ammunition stored in wet conditions. For hunters in particular,
shooting ammunition that has been stored for years in unknown conditions through your
new, expensive, lightweight rifle can lead to poor performance or worse. It is vitally
important to feed your firearms quality ammunition that will perform as expected,
especially when meat needs to be put on the table, or it’s a moment of self-defense.
Sealed plastic cases with rubber gaskets are available at a wide range of outdoor retail
stores, including Costco, for storing ammunition or other products safely away from
moisture. They also fail eventually, and will be far greater protection compared to the
cardboard boxes typically found. The best solution is to store ammunition in a cool
(55-80 degrees farenheight) and with as little exposure to humidity as possible. For long
term storage, the tried-and-true method of using a Mylar-esque plastic wrap will also
work nicely, given the storage conditions are appropriate.
Ultimately, when it comes to safety, it is the owner’s responsibility to handle and ensure
it for themselves and anyone else handling a firearm. That also means annual safety
checkups are an absolute must. This doesn’t mean going over the four (or five,
depending on who you ask) firearms safety rules with the family once a year. This
means an outing for everyone where live shooting occurs in a safe area, with the
opportunity for all to discuss how the shooting went and to share safety takeaways.
Once again, shooting is based on education first and foremost for the public. That
means teachable moments can and will happen. If the basic rules are followed, nothing
life-altering will happen.
It’s a privilege to bring the experience of safe firearm use to current and future
generations. It all starts with having a safe firearm. Reach out to Stock & Barrel in
Chanhassen or Eagan with any questions about your firearm; they will be happy to
provide expert guidance.
OTHER BLOGS YOU WILL FIND OF INTEREST:
- What Size And Type Of Gun Storage Should I Buy
- Securing And Protecting Your Firearms
- Solving Shooting Problems Before They Start
CLASSES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:
- MN Multi-State Permit To Carry in Chanhassen and Eagan
- Introduction To Handgun Safety in Chanhassen and Eagan
- Surviving A Home Invasion in Chanhassen and Eagan
