Treating Air, Spring, and Gas Firearms with the Respect They Deserve

When it comes to handling firearms—be they your traditional rifles or the more nuanced air, spring, or gas varieties—it’s all about safety. You might be surprised to learn that even these seemingly less intimidating pieces of equipment require the same rigorous safety protocols as any conventional gun. So, what gives? Why should we assume that air, spring, or gas firearms deserve our utmost caution?

Let’s get into it: the key principle here is that they must be treated like firearms and that’s where the ACTS and PROVE principles come into play. ACTS stands for Assume Every firearm is loaded, Control the muzzle direction, Trigger finger is only outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot, and See that the firearm is unloaded. Then there’s PROVE: Prove the firearm is safe, Remove any ammunition, Observe the chamber, Verify the feeding path, and Ensure the firearm is not loaded.

"Why bother?" you might ask. Well, let’s break it down. First, air, spring, or gas firearms, while sometimes perceived as ‘safer’ or ‘less lethal,’ can still fire projectiles with notable force. If you think about it, even a lightweight pellet shot from one of these types can cause injury—with enough speed to make you rethink what it means to be ‘non-lethal.’ So yes, neglecting safety procedures can lead you down a rabbit hole of accidents—something no one wants on their conscience.

You know what? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if a firearm doesn’t look or act like the ones you see in movies, it's not much of a concern. But that assumption can be dangerous. Misunderstanding the mechanics of air, spring, or gas firearms might lead to complacency during loading or handling. Imagine being at a range or just practicing in your backyard, thinking you've got everything under control, only to realize you let your guard down because you thought it wasn’t “real” enough. A simple lapse can have serious repercussions.

So, what’s the takeaway? Always adopt a disciplined mindset with these firearms, treating them as you would any other. Familiarize yourself with the ACTS/PROVE protocols and make them second nature. Whether you’re new to the world of firearms or a seasoned shooter, approaching all firearms with respect and caution fosters a safe environment for yourself and those around you.

In the grand tapestry of firearm ownership, mishaps can happen, but with an understanding grounded in diligent safety habits, you’re far less likely to fall victim to avoidable mishaps. Every safety protocol you adopt isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a step towards building a culture of responsibility and respect in the shooting community.

Now, go ahead, gear up with that knowledge and make every shot count—safely!