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Firearms Safety Information

Qualified Indiana residents approved to receive a License to Carry a Handgun (LTCH) are referred to this site for general safety information.  Although a LTCH is generally required to carry a handgun on your person, the information below may be helpful for anyone who handles or is around firearms.  The Indiana State Police encourages all gun owners to be responsible when carrying, using or storing firearms.  Implementing safety standards could save the life of a friend or family member.  Please be safe and responsible whenever and wherever you carry your handgun.

When using your weapon:

  • Know your target and what is beyond.
  • Know how to use the firearm safely.
  • Be sure the firearm is safe to operate.
  • Use only the correct ammunition for your firearm.
  • Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.

Consider the following to prevent injury, death and theft:

  • Assume 24-hour a day responsibility for any firearm in your possession.
  • When not in use, a firearm should be stored unloaded in a gun safe, lock box or other secure location, separate from the ammunition.  Gun locking devices are sold by locksmiths, gun dealers, firing ranges, sporting goods and discount stores.
  • Make sure children and unauthorized users do not have access to your firearm or ammunition.
  • Always handle the firearm as if it were loaded.
  • Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
  • Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction.
  • Know and use firearm safety features.
  • Avoid use of alcohol or drugs before or while handling a firearm.
  • Clean and inspect the firearm regularly.
  • Before storing the firearm, ensure it is unloaded.
  • Take a class to learn firearm safety and educate children on firearm safety.
  • Seek advice from law enforcement officials or a licensed firearms dealer before disposing of a weapon.
  • Do not try to repair your firearm yourself, seek a qualified gunsmith or dealer to assist in repairs.
  • In case of theft, record the firearm serial number and keep in a safe place.
  • When traveling out-of-state, check with local law enforcement to see if your Indiana License is recognized in the State(s) you will be traveling.

If young children or teenagers reside in the home:

  • Teach children the difference between toy guns and real guns.
  • Explain television shows and movies depicting violence with guns are not real and often show guns being handled in an unsafe manner.
  • Teach children that a firearm found anywhere should be considered a real gun, should not be touched and the child should report the discovery of the weapon to a responsible adult.

Additional safety precautions should be taken if anyone else residing in the home is known to abuse alcohol or drugs, exhibits violent behavior, or suffers from depression or mental illnesses.

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