For those interested in competition handguns, entering a tournament is probably high on your bucket list. However, it is important to know some of the guidelines you can use to stay safe when in these tournaments.
- Follow Basic Firearm Safety
The best way to be safe at a tournament is to follow all of the basic firearm safety rules. This means you need to treat all firearms like they are loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger, and know what is behind your target. It also means you should have a thorough understanding of the parts of your gun and how it works.
- Handle Firearms Safely
Typically, handling a firearm unsafely is doing anything that could potentially endanger yourself or another person. Ensure that you handle all firearms safely to avoid being disqualified or accidentally harming someone.
- Avoid Dropping a Weapon
Dropping your weapon during a tournament will result in immediate disqualification. This is because dropping a weapon is very dangerous for yourself, other competitors, and spectators. Therefore, you want to avoid dropping your pistol. Try adding a sweat-wicking grip to reduce the chances of this happening.
- Wear Eye and Ear Protection
All shooters and spectators must wear ear and impact-resistant eye protection. This protects your hearing and your vision. It is recommended that your hearing protection be rated at 21 dB NRR, and your glasses have a minimum of ANSI Z87.1 impact rating and be wrap around or equipped with side shields.
When attending a handgun competition, it is crucial to stay safe. This is your responsibility as a shooter. Following the basic firearm safety rules is just a start. You must also make sure that you know any additional safety rules and wear the proper protective equipment.
