If you are new to air guns and looking for some general guidelines of what to keep in mind and be cautious of during use. There are many types of air guns or BB guns available today and the first and foremost cautionary tool is to consult with the dealer or the manufacturer of the gun you will be purchasing as mechanisms and methods vary as well as the types of ammunition.

Air guns are very definitely a weapon and should be treated with such respect. As a general rule of thumb, you always want to make sure you handle the air rifle with caution and awareness. Like any gun, it is quite common for accidental shootings to occur that could have otherwise been avoided.

Awareness

With a air rifle or any gun for that matter, being alert to your gun is just as important as surveying your surroundings. Simple steps and actions like making sure that you never direct the muzzle in the direction of a person, or be conscious of the location, position and maintenance of your gun can prevent many unwanted accidents. Be aware of the state of your weapon. A standard precautionary method is to always treat your gun as if were loaded. It is not recommended to load or cock a gun until it is ready to be used. Leaving a loaded gun of any kind around is not only stupid, it's a liability.

Precautions

When you are target shooting, always be certain that your perimeter has been fully inspected, that the target has sufficient backstop to prevent bullets or pellets from endangering unwanted objects. Dress appropriately and with the intention of target shooting. Don't wear sandals or open toed shoes, loosely tied shoes or heaven forbid, high heels. Comfort in stance is important not only for accuracy of shooting, but no one wants to miss a target due to tripping over their own feet. Also be prepared to wear the proper protective eyewear. We've all seen the movie, A Christmas Story. Do you really want to end up like Ralphie?

Positioning & Handling

Prior to shooting, check your target and the area surrounding your target. Make sure the target area is unobstructed and that people or other unintended targets are not in line with the primary target. When you are using the air gun on the move, take note to what you are shooting at. Be alert to objects that may cause ricochet and try to keep the muzzle unobstructed and free from foreign interaction. Keep it clean, off the ground and in good working condition. This not only improves performance, but reduces the chance of unnecessary accidents and misfires from happening.

Respect & Rights

An air gun should be treated with the same respect as any other weapon. Always keep safety and precaution at the forefront of recreation. If signs are posted, respect the law, the owner or the property. If you are rodent hunting, be respectful to mother nature and handle your targets with courtesy. Always keep control of your muzzle and never leave an air gun loaded. Practice utilizing the safety mechanism and get in the habit of setting the gun to safety after each use. Don’t just shoot to shoot, have a target, be controlled and calm in your method. This not only aids in your target practice, but minimizes accidental shootings. If you are hunting, treat of area your encounter as if you are the guest. Be respectful to recreational land, private property and even open space. Follow hiking guidelines and leave no trace, leave as you found it or even go the extra step. If you come across trash or debris, whether its yours or not, pack it out and dispose of it appropriately.

Sam Brown is a fan of recreational target shooting using air rifles and air guns.