Ashton Village Homeowners Association

Handgun Safety

The most dangerous handgun is an "unloaded" handgun

The Texas Child Access Protection Law generally requires that “no person shall store or keep any loaded firearm on any premise under their control if it is known or reasonably should be known that a minor age 16 and under is likely to gain access to the firearm with out permission unless the firearm is properly stored. A person can be held criminally negligent if the minor gains access to the firearm and causes injury or death to him/herself or another person.” Texas law requires retailers to inform firearm purchasers of this law through a written public warning.

Child-proof your weapon by placing a padlock around the tip strap of the weapon or by securing a trigger lock.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Any safety courses should present relevant information as well as ample opportunities for you to practice firing and cleaning your handgun. The course should:

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.

Consider that the following safety rules be strictly enforced:

Be Responsible