As a gun owner, knowing the law is critical. Guns are, of course, lethal, so it is important to know what your state’s guidelines are for gun ownership and gun operation. When it comes down to it, gun ownership is a right, but there may be some circumstances where your guns can be confiscated. In order to avoid this situation, you want to know what some of the basic gun laws are. Many of these laws were put in place to protect citizens and gun owners. Each year, it seems like accidental deaths as a result of firearms are rising, so these laws are important in combatting these deaths. Here are some laws every gun owner should know.
- You cannot own a gun if you are a convicted felon. In most states, you are not allowed to own a firearm if you are convicted felon. Some state gun laws won’t allow gun ownership to individuals with a history of psychiatric issues. Before you purchase a gun, you want to find out what your state’s laws are. You also want to know what these laws are before you head over to Diamond K Brass to purchase ammo.
- In most states you are not allowed to open carry a gun. It is also important to do your research about open carrying a weapon in your state. Most states won’t allow you to open carry, but some do. Open carry simply means that you can walk around in public places with your firearm visible to other people. In most states, though, you are required to keep it safely tucked away where people can’t access or see it.
- Guns are only to be used for reasonable self-defense. It is also critical that you use your gun for self-defense only. When it comes down to it, there are no good reasons why you would use a gun on another human being – unless that person was causing you direct harm. If you believe that your life is in danger, you can discharge your weapon. If this is the case, you must stay at the scene until the police arrive and take statements and names.
- You must have a license to own a gun. There is also a law that you must have a permit or license for your gun. If you don’t have a license or permit, it is not a legitimately owned gun. If you are caught with an unregistered firearm, you could go to jail. When you purchase a weapon, you want to make sure that you process your permit right away – the last thing you want is to be caught with a gun without a license.
- Always keep your gun away from minors. On top of everything, you also want to keep your gun safely away from minors. This means that you have to place your gun in a safe – with the safety on. You can be liable for the death or injury of a child that finds your weapon and you could get a lengthy prison sentence. In the end, keeping your firearm in a locked safe or closet should do the trick.