The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)—the firearms industry trade group—has rolled out Gun Storage Check Week as a way to remind millions of gun owners like you to review your firearm storage practices.
The dates run through this Friday.
Despite many gun owners storing their firearms securely and responsibly, NSSF notes in a statement to the media, there are still far too many firearms accidents as a result of unsecured firearms. Many of these outcomes can be prevented by gun owners taking the steps to “Make Sure It’s Secure™.”
During this inaugural Gun Storage Check Week, NSSF said, “We encourage you to review your firearm storage practices and improve them if necessary. No gun owner wants their firearm in the hands of someone who may do harm to themselves or others.”
The organization, which has become increasingly active in recent years representing and defending the firearms industry, annually produces the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, where new guns and gear are introduced to industry retailers and wholesalers, and the outdoor media.
There are all kinds of locking devices for firearms, ranging from simple cable locks to actual gun safes. NSSF, like other genuine gun safety groups, does not argue for mandatory lock-ups, but does provide tips for safely storing firearms when not in use.
In its announcement, NSSF reiterated the four basic gun safety rules:
1. Always Keep Firearm Pointed in a Safe Direction
2. Treat All Guns as Though They are Loaded
3. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger until You are Ready to Shoot
4. Always Be Sure of Your Target and What’s Beyond It