Safe Gun Images

Posted: March 17, 2009

During the years I was editing The Upland Almanac magazine and overseeing its production, I was reprimanded a few times – and rightly so – for publishing improper gun images. I’d always check a photo to make sure no barrels were pointed at hunters, but on a few occasions I liked the photos so much, I overlooked other safety issues. Fortunately, we had readers who caught the errors, so we could then print an explanation and apology. Even though the errors were subtle, I’ve learned that safe gun handling – and the images of it – should always be a priority.
 

• Muzzle Direction. This is more than making sure no barrels are pointed at people. Shotguns and rifles should be carried barrel up, and in photos where hunters are shooting over dogs, they should not be doing just that – shooting directly over the dogs. The image should clearly show that the shooter is to the right or left of the dog, whether that dog is on point or flushing. 
• Open Barrel, Open Action. In a conventional still life or trophy shot where a shotgun or rifle rests by the game or in a hunter’s lap, it should be obvious that the gun is unloaded. Make sure a break-open gun (single barrel or double) is broken open and empty, and make sure any type of auto has its action visible, open and empty. 
• No Moving Objects. In some states, it is illegal to lean a shotgun or rifle on a moveable object like the side of a truck. Be very careful about where a firearm – even if it’s open and empty – is placed. In fact, it is best not to show a gun leaning on anything. Dogs, hunters and even wind can knock over a firearm. Put the gun on a table or surface, in a gun rack, or on your coat or a case on the ground. 
• Safe Hands. Check to make sure there are no fingers on or resting near the trigger of a gun unless that gun is properly and fully mounted in a shooting photo.