Some forty-four million Americans exercise their rights to own a gun. Firearms are bought for protection, hunting and recreation. However, all too often, we hear about the tragedies.
Children are frequently the victims of firearms left within their reach.
In 1998, one child or teenager was killed every five hours in this country, from a firearm-related accident or suicide. Owning a gun is a serious responsibility. The National Crime Prevention Council says there are some safety measures gun owners can take to prevent a tragedy. Unload your gun - Never leave even a single bullet in the chamber when you store it away. Lock your gun - A gun safe is the most secure storage, but a gun box or trigger lock are other options.