11 Important BB Gun Safety Tips You Need to Know

Shooting with a BB gun is more fun than you can imagine. Though not as powerful as live ammunition, they let you test your shooting skills and accuracy without the need for the danger and licensing that goes with live ammunition shooting.

However, BB guns can be just as dangerous as their bigger counterparts.

If you own a BB gun, it is just as important that you keep yourself and others around you safe. Read on to learn 11 important BB gun safety tips.

1. Always Assume the Gun Is Loaded

The number one priority when handling any gun is to assume it is loaded. Even if you know it is not, and have already checked, treat the gun as if it is ready to be fired. The human mind can forget things, or someone else may have tampered with the gun in your absence.

Do not point the gun at anyone. Even if the lock is on, aim it away from people and places when you are not ready to shoot or if you have just taken a shot.

2. Check Local Laws About BB Gun Safety

When you purchase a BB gun and you are thinking of transporting one, you must check your state and federal laws regarding licensing. Many states can have different laws, with some guns not being allowed in certain areas.

If you are planning to hunt, it may also help to check licenses for this. Even small animals may have certain seasons or areas for hunting.

3. Check Target Safety

When setting up a target, always make sure to do a thorough check of the area surrounding the target. You must make sure there is no chance of missing and hitting something close by or behind. This may include a living person, moving vehicle, or property that may be damaged.

Always place a target on a safe surface, avoiding combustible items like gas canisters. You should also check that there are no surfaces that could cause a rebound and injure a person or cause damage.

4. Keep Your Finger off the Trigger

It is important that you always keep your finger off the trigger until the moment you are ready to fire. Never lift the gun or move it with your finger on the trigger. Doing so can result in unwanted shots that could injure someone.

Set the gun up and position it before placing your finger on the trigger. It may be that you even have an involuntary reaction that causes you to grip when you do not want it.

5. Do Not Place Yourself in Compromising Positions

BB guns are increasingly being made to look very real. This can cause a lot of confusion, and even if you know it is not a full firearm, many people around you may not. You should avoid taking the gun into any public area.

If people around you or law enforcement think you have a real firearm, you are placing yourself in danger. In the event you are in this situation, let people know verbally that it is a BB gun and comply with any requests made.

6. Do Not Adjust the Shade or Look of the Weapon

While it may be cool to have a BB gun that looks like a real weapon, the truth is that it can lead to trouble. In extreme cases, this trouble could be a fatality, should a police officer mistake it for a real gun. You should never alter the look or appearance of a weapon to make it look more realistic.

If the gun has orange flecks or casing so that it is easy to spot it as a BB gun, then leave this on. It is actually illegal in some states to remove these.

7. Only Load a Gun When Shooting

A gun should only ever be loaded, or cocked, when you are shooting. It does not need to be loaded and ready to fire when it is in your home under any circumstance. Do all loading when you are at the range or ready to begin firing at targets.

8. Wear Shooting Glasses

BB gun bullets are renowned for ricocheting from surfaces. If one of them hits you, it will hurt, or could cause serious damage such as blindness. Get rid of this risk by always wearing shooting glasses.

Not only are shooting glasses good for protection, but a really good pair can also take the glare from the sun and any reflective surfaces. This will make aiming a lot easier.

9. Do Not Allow Minors to Use the Weapon

Anyone under the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult when shooting any type of gun, BB or not. They should also be properly supervised at all times. High-speed BB firearms are not recommended for anyone under the age of 16, so check the rate of fire when purchasing the gun.

10. Start at a Shooting Range

If you are new to shooting, start at a range. Though you may think that this place is only for people with live ammunition, they cater for all needs. People will be on-site to show you techniques, how to care for your gun, and how to stay safe.

11. Use Clean Ammunition

When firing BB guns, always reload with fresh, clean ammunition. Though it may be tempting to reuse old shots and ammunition, it will cause damage to your gun. Dirt and misshapen ammo can clog the weapon and will create problems in the long term.

Enjoy the Shooting

Once you have your BB gun safety rules in place, you can get on with the fun business of starting to shoot!

Do you need a little more help in finding the best weapons or accessories? Then visit our handy online shop and get the best BB gun equipment delivered to your door fast!