The decision to own a handgun assumes you are prepared to undertake full-time responsibility for your weapon’s safety and security. You must protect yourself and your family members against misuse of the handgun by anyone who is either incompetent or unqualified to handle the weapon. In particular, you must secure your handgun from theft and misuse.
You must also assume full-time responsibility for its safe handling and use, making sure you know how it works and how to maintain it. You must also be aware of the circumstances in which you may legally use a handgun for self-defense.
You should understand that a handgun is a lethal weapon, capable of inflicting death and disabling injury on living targets. If not treated with utmost caution and safety, it can accidentally discharge and result in tragic consequences for you and your family. Studies show that accidental handgun deaths in the home occur most often while playing with the gun, examining or demonstrating the gun, and cleaning or repairing the gun. According to the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, 12 American children die every day in handgun accidents, suicides and homicides.
Storage
As a handgun owner, safe and secure storage is one of the most important responsibilities that you assume. Only you and your spouse should be aware of where your weapon is permanently stored. It should not be within sight or reach of children, or accessible to burglars.
If children are in the home, a conscious effort by the gun owner should be made to assure that the weapon is locked and stored appropriately. According to Connecticut law, you may be guilty of a felony if you are found to have been negligent in storing your firearm and it was used by a minor to cause death or injury to another person. We recommend that you: Store your handgun, unloaded and uncocked, in a securely locked container.
Store and lock your handgun and its ammunition in separate locations.
Do not store your handgun among your valuables, such as jewelry or silver.
Do not store your handgun in a bedside table or under your mattress or pillow.
Child-proof your weapon by placing a padlock around the tip strap of the weapon or by securing a trigger lock.
Harvard School of Public health researchers found that over one-third of gun owners surveyed kept their weapons loaded and more than half kept them in unlocked places.
Firearms dealers are required to provide a gun locking device and warning at the time of sale.
Child-proof your handgun by removing all ammunition, opening up the action of the weapon and securing it with the locking device. There are several types of locking devices available. Remember to lock your handgun before storing it in a locked container. We recommend that you: Always carry with you, on your key chain, the keys that open both the locked container that stores your handgun, and its padlock or trigger lock.
If you go on vacation, consider additional safe-keeping measures for your handgun while you are away.
Store ammunition in a locked container, away from heat or moisture.
Never throw out ammunition in the trash.
Record your handgun’s serial number and keep it in a safety deposit box.
Maintenance
Another important responsibility you undertake, if you choose to own a handgun, is to lean and maintain your weapon on a monthly basis. Proper functioning and safety of a handgun can be impaired by rust, dirt or improper maintenance procedures. As with any high quality piece of equipment, your handgun must be cared for according to the manufacturers directions.
We recommend that you: Always check twice prior to cleaning your handgun to make sure that it is unloaded.
Clean your handgun after each use according to the manufacturers directions with the proper equipment.
Clean your handgun alone and in a safe place, preferable at any approved shooting range. Double check to make sure that the weapon is unloaded!
Store your handgun in a location that protects it from excessive temperature changes or moisture.
Wrap your handgun in a silicone cloth or moisture-barrier paper. Never wrap it in a newspaper, sock, or leather holster. These attract moisture.
Do not make repairs on, or modifications to your handgun. These should only be made by the manufacturer or a qualified gunsmith. Any modification to your handgun may be potentially dangerous and may void your warranty.
Be sure to replace unused ammunition periodically.
Training
If you own a handgun you have a responsibility to
Any safety courses should present relevant information as well as ample opportunities for you to practice firing and cleaning your handgun.
The course should: Provide information describing the parts and workings of the handgun, how to load and unload it, and the location and operation of its safety features.
Teach specific procedures for proper care, cleaning and maintenance for the handgun.
Describe safety rules for handgun home storage and use, while transporting the weapon and while on the range.
Specify the legal requirements and moral considerations related to handgun ownership, use, possession, sale and transfer.
Teach the principles of marksmanship: trigger control, grip and site alignment and site picture.
Provide opportunities for you to fire a minimum of four hundred rounds of ammunition at the pistol range.
Require you to pass a written test demonstrating your comprehension of course material.
Require you to pass a performance test demonstrating your ability to handle, use and clean the handgun properly.
Handling and Use
You must be absolutely certain that your handgun is unloaded whenever you or a family member handles it. Further, it should never be displayed at a social gathering or be made a topic of conversation. It should never appear accompanying the use of drugs or alcohol.
We recommend that the following safety rules be strictly enforced:
Always treat every handgun as if it were loaded.
Never point a gun (whether loaded or unloaded) at another person or at yourself.
Always keep the firearm pointed in safe direction. You must also take into consideration that a bullet can ricochet or glance off of any object it strikes, and that bullets can penetrate walls, ceilings, floors, and windows.
Give your handgun to someone only if you verify that it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open. Take a handgun from someone only after you verify that it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open.
Always be certain that your target and the surrounding area are safe before firing.
Before firing your weapon you should routinely make sure that your firearm is in good working order and that the barrel is clear of dirt and obstructions.
Load your handgun only if and when you intend to fire it.
Assume your handgun’s safety devices will fail.
When handling or cleaning your handgun, never leave it unattended – It should be in your view and under your supervision at all times.
The most dangerous handgun is an «unloaded» handgun.
Know the Laws
You must be 21 years old to purchase a handgun.
Upon purchase of a handgun the gun seller is required to register it with the local authorities.
If you owned a handgun prior to October 1, 1995, you do not need a permit to keep a handgun in your home. However, all purchases of handguns since that time require the buyer to have a valid permit to carry a pistol or revolver at the time of purchase (even if you do not plan to carry it).
You need to be at least 21 years of age to apply for a permit.
Anyone found guilty of carrying a handgun without a permit is subject to a fine of up to $1,000 and a minimum one year prison term.
Criminally negligent storage of a firearm is a felony.
Altering or removing an identification mark on a firearm is illegal and may result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a prison term of up to 5 years.
