The Complete Guide to Gun Safety

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Incidents of people who are accidentally injured or killed because of mishandled firearms have been a longtime problem. As guns have become more accessible in recent years, accidents due to inexperince or neglect have risen too.Thankfully, it can be easy to avoid accidental injuries and fatalities caused by mishandled firearms. Basic firearm safety training and a cultivation of one’s sense of responsibility provide the most reliable solution to accidental gun fatalities and injuries.
If you’re a new gun owner or an experienced gun owner who wants to help newbies learn the proper ins and outs of firearm safety, this quick and easy guide is here to help you.

Table of Contents

The rate of accidental firearm injuries or fatalities caused by unintentional discharge of a loaded gun is alarming. In a study by Dr. Shilpa J. Patel and her team, it was discovered that as many as 63 percent of firearm injuries were defined as unintentional. What’s more, the most common victims of such injuries were children and adolescents from the ages 7 to 21 years old.

Another researcher, Dr. Kiesha Fraser Doh, has likewise observed that most children, regardless of whether they belonged to gun-owning or non-gun-owning households, were unable to tell the difference between toy guns and real ones.

Proper firearm-safety procedures are often made out to be an ineffective solution to unintentional firearm casualties. This has prompted many lawmakers to suggest very stringent measures that compromise individual rights to gun ownership without really solving the issue. In fact, proper and rigorous firearm safety training for gun owners and an added awareness are more than enough to solve the dilemma.

Chapter 1: Gun-Safety Rules

There are four gun-safety rules that have become something of a standard in the world of firearms. These are largely attributed to one Jeff Cooper, a Marine Corps officer and combat veteran of the Second World War and the Korean War. While these four rules are by no means comprehensive, they contain the essence of what gun safety aims to ingrain in every firearms handler.

illustration of a gun being fired

Rule 1: Treat Every Gun as If It Were Loaded

Most cases of unintentional discharge or accidental injuries result from the presumption that a firearm is clear (i.e., empty). Ascertaining whether or not a gun is clear is in itself a risky endeavor, so play it extra safe by treating every gun that you handle as if it were loaded.

Even if you are perfectly sure that a gun isn’t loaded, treat it like it still is. This leaves no room for error and any potential accidents that may arise when you find out (often too late) that it may, in fact, actually be loaded!

illustration of a gun aimed at a target

Rule 2: Never Aim a Gun at Anything You Don’t Intend to Shoot

Since you can’t ever really be 100 percent sure if a gun is clear, never point a gun at anything you don’t want to shoot. Never play at pointing a presumably empty gun anywhere, and most especially, never point a gun at a person, even if you know the gun is unloaded. Not only does it still pose a risk to yourself or the other person, but the act is also considered a criminal offense called brandishing. That can land you in prison.

illustration of a gun pointed to the air at an angle

Rule 3: Keep Your Finger off the Trigger until You Are Ready to Shoot

Trigger discipline is of paramount importance when you’re handling a loaded firearm. Some models can have hair triggers, which can discharge at the slightest pressure, and carelessly leaving your finger on the trigger while brandishing a firearm can end badly.

Trigger discipline should also extend to clear firearms, most especially during routine cleanings. You should make it a habit to put your finger on the trigger only once you have locked on a target and are sure that you want to fire.

illustration of a target dummy

Rule 4: Be Sure of Your Target before Firing

The true mark of an experienced firearms handler is in their capacity to gauge whether or not it is safe to shoot their intended target. This involves a careful scrutiny of your environment and the nature of your target.

If you’re firing at a moving target, you have to make sure nothing is behind it or in front of it, which may take on collateral damage. A stationary target will likewise involve a thorough consideration of whatever is behind and around it to avoid mishaps like ricocheting bullets. If you aren’t sure that you’re going to hit your target with the utmost accuracy, take stock, and do not fire.

These four basic gun-safety laws cover only the surface of proper gun handling and ownership. However, if they’re consistently applied, they will ensure you avoid any possible accidents from occurring whenever you’re handling a firearm.

Chapter 2: Other Gun-Safety Rules

Firearm Safety on the Firing Range

If you have a gun, it will be normal for you to want to try it out for shooting practice every now and then. If firearms are an integral part of your line of work, you will also be expected to train with it on a regular basis.Firearm safety on the firing range is of the utmost importance, especially since you’ll be handling firearms with live ammunition. Here are some key safety points you’ll want to remember when you’re handling loaded firearms in the range:

  • Wear protective gear. Whenever you’re in the firing range, make sure you wear protective gear. Eye and ear protection are mandatory.
  • Keep guns unloaded in a “cold” range. To ensure safety, guns in a cold range must always be checked by others that their firearms are unloaded. In a cold range, firearms are placed in the shooting bench. They are completely unloaded, with their actions open, and should be left that way unhandled.
  • Load only in a “hot” range. If a cold range has been declared hot, that is the go signal to load, aim, and fire guns. Under no circumstances must you load, aim, and fire unless the range is declared hot. Only shooters are allowed in a hot range.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Always ensure that nobody is crossing the range or is moving from a hot range to a cold range before you take aim and fire. Always double-check that no one is downrange or that you or anyone else will not mindlessly step into a hot range.
  • Aim and shoot only at designated targets. Make sure that you only aim for proper targets within a range. Aiming elsewhere or at items that are not set at the appropriate height for a target may result in rounds escaping the range and in accidents.
  • Practice proper trigger discipline. Keep your finger off the trigger while in the process of aiming, and pull the trigger only when you’re sure that you’re ready to shoot the target.

Gun Safety for Open and Concealed Carry

There are times when you have to carry a gun with you, whether for work or as a primary or secondary means of self-defense in hostile or risky environments. Know, however, that carrying a gun on your person comes with certain risks that can be avoided.Modern firearms, especially sidearms, may have improved safety features, but for folks who like older models, carrying vintage sidearms can be a potential threat if not handled properly. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your everyday carry is safe:

  • Choose your type of carrying form. Will you carry your gun openly or as a concealed weapon? Choosing a type of carrying form beforehand (in accordance to personal preferences, local laws, or both) will help in deciding how best to outfit yourself for carrying your gun.

  • Pick the right holster for your gun. A gun holster is specifically designed to allow for a secure, snug, and tamperproof way to carry a gun. There are variants available for both open and concealed carry, and they can be made from an assortment of different materials, although leather has traditionally been the go-to choice.

    Choose a holster that fits your gun like a glove and is of solid, preferably seamless, construction. It would be ideal to choose one that is custom-made to your specific gun’s model.

  • Invest in a proper gun belt. A proper gun belt isn’t just a fashion statement—it ensures that your holstered weapon is secure and won’t droop or sag regardless of its weight. It also guarantees smoother and more reliable drawstrokes for faster response. It also helps to distribute weight around your waist more evenly, allowing you to carry additional mags and associated tools and accessories on top of your holstered firearm comfortably.
  • Learn the safety options for your chosen gun model. Almost all guns on the market today—with the exception of black-powder Old West–style firearms—always have one, if not several, mechanical safety features installed. Familiarize yourself with them, and decide whether or not to engage these safety features while carrying.
  • Learn safe carrying procedures for long-range firearms. Learn how to properly carry long-range firearms, especially if you wish to participate in or regularly participate in hunting excursions and recreational shooting. Familiarize yourself with sling carrying, trail carrying, cradle carrying, and ready-carrying modes. Learn about their respective benefits and drawbacks too.
  • Practice standard safety protocols. As with anything involving firearms, practice the standard four-step safety protocol when carrying any firearm, regardless of caliber.

Gun Safety Rules When Drawing Your Firearm

Sooner or later, you will have to draw your firearm from its holster. Remember, though, that you should only draw your gun if and when you have to and only when you have an intended target.An exception to this rule will be the routine checkpoints in airports and some malls. In a select number of other public places, even concealed carry is not allowed. You will have to draw your firearm out of its holster and leave it in the care of the designated authorities.

Here are some safety tips you should practice repeatedly until they become almost second nature each time you draw your firearm:

  • Practice a firm, ready grip. Whether you’re drawing your gun quickly or slowly, it is always important to clasp the grip firmly, as if you were preparing to fire.

    Do not draw your firearm with a limp grip, assuming that you can tighten your grip or stabilize the gun in your hand after drawing. Chances are you won’t be able to do so. Limp grips are what often cause guns to accidentally slip from a shooter’s hands and can pose a great risk.

  • Trigger discipline applies at all times. Never forget trigger discipline when drawing your firearm. Always keep your finger away from the trigger until you’re certain about shooting your intended target.
  • Take note of your trigger safety. Almost all handguns today have a physical trigger safety option. This usually looks like a small, raised section on the front of the trigger. Many handgun models also have manual safeties near the grip. Know if your trigger is set to Safe or Fire when storing and drawing your weapon. Know if your trigger is set to Safe or Fire. Adjust the setting per your needs.

  • Invest in a high-quality holster. Not all gun holsters are made the same. Make sure you invest in a holster that ensures proper support, smooth drawing, and a secure hold. A flashy holster doesn’t necessarily mean it’s reliable.

    Kydex holsters and high-quality molded-leather holsters are two of the most popular choices. Make sure your chosen holster is suited for the carrying method you prefer (concealed or open carry) and that it’s specifically fitted for your gun’s model.

  • Practice drawing your firearm. Practice drawing your gun until you can do it effortlessly and perfectly. All it takes is one single mishap to cause a fatal accident, so getting your draw flawlessly perfect, especially in high-stress situations, will make all the difference.

Firearm Safety While on the Road

You may want to keep your firearm on hand even while on the road. In such cases, you will need to follow safety protocol specifically geared toward drivers. Carrying a firearm in a vehicle can get you into trouble with the authorities even if you do have a license to own and carry it. To avoid unnecessary tension with authorities and mishaps due to transport, follow these handgun-safety rules while you’re on the road:
  • Choose a preferred carrying method. There are four basic firearm-carry methods while on the road: concealed vehicle carry, vehicle rapid deployment, accessible vehicle transport, and inaccessible vehicle transport. Choose the best one that suits your needs.

  • illustration of a gun in a holster

    Concealed carry. For concealed-carry options, you may want to opt for a concealed shoulder holster instead of a regular waist-strapped one. That will make drawing your firearm easier, if ever there’s a need for it.Alternatively, you can also opt for clip-on holsters that can easily be removed and reattached. Of course, factors like gun size will ultimately decide if this option is possible.

  • illustration of a gun in rapid deployment

    Rapid-deployment and ready-armed options. If lightning-fast access to your firearm is a necessity in your line of work, use a specialized vehicle holster. The holster is mounted on the steering column, right below the dash, or anywhere in the interior of your car. This allows you to quickly draw your gun and assume a firing position.

  • illustration of a gun in a concealed transport

    Concealed accessible transport. If you frequently travel with your kids or loved ones and don’t want them to have unimpeded access to a loaded gun, you may want to invest in a mountable small gun safe. That will keep your firearm out of reach from prying hands but just near enough for those times when you really need it.

  • illustration of a gun in concealed inaccessible transport

    Concealed inaccessible transport. Some states and countries have specific rules that allow only the transportation of firearms in safe, sealed containers. This option is also ideal if you want to keep your firearms safe from potential theft.

    Gun safes and hard cases with molded foam lining to prevent shocks are all excellent options for concealed inaccessible transportation of firearms. They usually come with a heavy-duty cable affixed to the vehicle to prevent theft.

Rules of Gun Safety during Cleaning, Maintenance, and Modification

Any firearm should be kept in good, working condition through regular cleaning and maintenance. This helps not only to prolong a firearm’s life but also to maintain its accuracy and reliability. Regularly handling your guns, whether for cleaning and maintenance or the rare modification, still demands that you follow basic firearm-safety protocols.Care, maintenance, or modification of your firearms always involves three crucial steps:

  1. Checking the firearm to ensure it’s not loaded
  2. Removing any ammunition, which may still be chambered, and keeping away magazines and ammunition away from the area where you intend to clean or modify your gun
  3. Disassembling your gun in an organized manner to ensure all parts are accounted for during disassembly and reassembly

Whether you’re cleaning, disassembling, or modifying a gun, always implement the following safety protocols:

  • Always check your gun if it is or isn’t loaded. If loaded, safely unload the chambered round in a separate room from your cleaning area. Before moving into your designated cleaning area, check again to guarantee that the gun isn’t loaded.
  • Ammo is off-limits. Keep mags, loose bullets, and ammunition boxes away from your cleaning area. It is best if you have your ammo stored in a separate area or, if the former option is not possible, in a locked box.
  • Handle an unloaded gun as though it were loaded. Never point the muzzle at anything, most especially other people or yourself. Only point a gun’s muzzle toward you if it has been completely stripped (disassembled) and the slide is separated from the gun barrel.
  • Have a large work space. It is always a better idea to clean, disassemble, or modify a gun on a large work table, not on a cramped one.
  • Wear safety gear. Wear proper safety goggles to prevent any accidental eye injuries during cleaning, disassembly, or modification.
  • Keep all your tools within arm’s reach. Everything you need for whatever job should be easily accessible and arranged in a well-organized manner.
  • Work with absolutely zero distractions. Never casually watch TV while stripping, reassembling, or modifying your firearm. Music and the presence of other people within the room are also discouraged.
  • Double-check your firearm after reassembly. This is to ensure that all parts are accounted for and that everything is in proper, functioning order.
  • Modify only in accordance with the model. If you want to modify a gun, make sure anything that you add (e.g., improved sights, new grips, accurizing, or sporterizing firearms) is always done within the boundaries of the gun’s specific make and capacity.
  • Never attempt repairs on your own. This is pretty self-explanatory. If your gun is damaged, leave it in the care of an expert gunsmith. Never attempt to repair it yourself using shoddy methods.

Chapter 3: Storing Guns and Ammunition Properly

Guns and ammo that are unused must always be stored in a secure area away from the reach of children and other adults.

Why Is Proper Gun Storage So Important?

Storing your firearms correctly and securely helps to avoid mishaps that may occur if they are in any way tampered with, whether by children or adults. Proper storage will likewise protect your firearms from damage and the ravages of the elements.While it’s possible to store unused firearms and ammunition in hard cases (preferably lined with molded foam), the safest storage for both of these items is a gun safe. Today, a large number of gun safes are available in the market, the most popular being biometric gun safes (which are also the most expensive) and multiple-lock safes.

A regular hidden safe will likewise suffice if you’re unable to invest in more high-end models. The key is to ensure that your guns and ammo are kept secure and that any potential theft, tampering, or access is prevented outright.

Aside from these simple tips, here are additional storage rules you should know:

  • Never store loaded firearms. Always unload your firearms if you are storing them for prolonged periods. Double-check if a gun is cleared before you store it.
  • Keep ammo and firearms stored separately. As an additional safety protocol, always keep your guns stowed away in a separate place from your ammo, so if ever either is compromised, neither can be used.
  • Clean and prime firearms prior to storage. This is important especially if you intend to store a gun for a long time as this prevents the oxidation of gun parts during storage.
  • Store ammo in a cool, dry place. Ammunition will remain usable for decades, if not centuries, if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.
  • Properly label your storage containers. Always indicate the type, caliber, and number of rounds you have stored, as well as its date of purchase. Similarly, label the storage containers where you stow your firearms. Organization is key to easier access during times when you need your gun the most.

Chapter 4: Who Should Never Be Allowed to Use, Handle, or Be Near Guns?

Any experienced gun owner will tell you that there are people who should never be allowed to use guns, handle them casually, or even so much as go near guns. Here are two kinds of people you should look out for:

People under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This also includes folks under the influence of legal/recreational drugs.If you’re a gun owner who happens to be inebriated or using narcotics, you may not always have enough willpower or mindfulness to not brandish your firearm. Give people you trust, preferably your closest (still sober) friends, the right to confiscate your firearm and keep it locked away until you sober up.

Emotionally or mentally disturbed individuals. People who are emotionally or mentally disturbed, agitated, or confused should likewise not be allowed to handle guns or be within the same vicinity as a firearm is. Not only do they pose a risk to other people, but they also pose a threat to themselves.Mental disturbance goes beyond erratic or violent behavior. People with depression, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), suicidal tendencies, anxiety, or bipolar disorder should likewise be closely monitored in environments where firearms are readily accessible.

Chapter 5: A Quick Guide to Gun Ownership and Children

Talking to Your Children about the Importance of Gun Safety

Kids from the ages of six to nine are undeniably smart, but adults rarely give them enough credit when it comes to exactly how smart they are. If you’re a gun owner who has children, talk to them about gun-safety rules as soon as they’re able to comprehend most simple to moderately complex sentences.

Introducing them early on to the concept of gun safety will help ingrain the practice in their day-to-day habits sooner. This will equip them with the necessary knowledge to use accordingly when presented with the scenario.

Ensuring gun safety is a two-way street, and you shouldn’t just teach your children what to do and how to act. You also have to avoid any possibility of accidents or worst-case scenarios as much as possible.

Try to implement these step-by-step, easy-to-understand guidelines on what to do in the following situations:

Guns at Home

What Parents and Other Adults Can Do:

  • Store your firearms in a gun safe if not in use.
  • Always store your firearms unloaded.
  • Store ammunition and firearms in separate safes, preferably in different locations in your house.
  • Regularly check your gun safes or storage areas for signs of tampering.
What Children Should Do:

  • If you see a gun (or what may possibly be a toy gun) lying around in the house—on a table, a desk, a chair, or anywhere at all—do not pick it up.
  • Leave the area where you found it.
  • Look for a trusted adult, and tell them about it immediately.

Gun Owners around the Neighborhood

Your kids may befriend the children of someone who also happens to be a gun owner.

What Parents Should Do:

  • Check with the other adults prior to a visit. Meet them first, and have a little talk about their own methods of gun safety. You may want to ask them to keep their firearms stowed away, out of sight and out of mind, until after the kids are done with their playdates or sleepover.
  • Suggest alternative venues. If the parents are unable to comply for whatever reason, try to suggest alternative venues, like your house, a public playground, or somewhere else safe and away from firearms.
What Children Should Do:

  • If you see a gun (or what may possibly be a toy gun) lying around in the house—on a table, a desk, a chair, or anywhere at all—do not pick it up.
  • Leave the area where you found it.
  • Look for a trusted adult, and tell them about it immediately.
  • If an adult or teenager shows you a firearm, politely decline to see it. Walk away cautiously but calmly, and tell an adult about it immediately.

Knowing the Difference between Toy Guns and Real Guns

It’s inevitable that your kids will be exposed to toy guns sooner or later. In fact, toy guns are one of the reasons children develop a curiosity for authentic firearms. Toy guns are also one of the primary reasons real firearms are mistaken for a plaything.

What Parents Should Do:

  • Teach your child the difference. Let your child know the difference between a toy gun and a real gun. It may help if you point out identifying markers, like weight or color.
  • Even toys should be treated as real. Teach your child gun-safety rules and trigger discipline even with their water guns, Nerf guns, and rubber-bullet guns. This will help prevent accidents and minor injuries from occurring and make gun safety part of an early constructive-safety habit.
  • Make it clear that air guns, BB guns, and paintball guns are not toys. While they’re not “real” guns, they can still cause serious or even fatal injuries. The rules of firearm safety still apply.
What Children Should Do:

  • Treat toy guns as if they were real. Never point your toy gun at someone’s eyes or face. Never turn your toy gun toward yourself and attempt to fire it. Never point your toy gun at animals or public and private property.
  • Play with toy guns only in wide-open spaces. Never play with your toy guns in cramped spaces.
  • If you play with crowds, make sure your gun is not directly pointed at anybody. With the exception of soft-foam Nerf guns and water guns, never point any other type of toy gun at anybody. Do not fire at anybody or anything at will.

Conclusion

Keeping yourself and your loved ones safe from accidents brought about by improper gun handling isn’t all that difficult if you religiously follow basic gun-safety rules. Always remember, whenever you’re handling firearms, you can never be too sure about their safety. In that case, always exercise caution and prudence every step of the way.

Sources
https://www.gunsweek.com/en/technics/articles/4-rules-gun-safety
https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2011/5/18/jeff-cooper-father-of-modern-pistol-shooting/

Firearm Safety – 10 Rules of Safe Gun Handling

Range Safety Rules


https://www.hunter-ed.com/michigan/studyGuide/Firearm-Safety-at-the-Shooting-Range/201023_700042878/

Safe or Not to Safe? Which Mechanical Gun Safety is Right for Concealed Carry?


https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2019/9/23/manual-safeties-on-carry-guns-pro-vs-con/
https://aliengearholsters.com/blog/handgun-safety-for-concealed-carry/

Guide to Basic Gun Safety


https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/tips-for-drawing-your-concealed-gun/
https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2018/3/22/driving-with-guns-how-to/
https://www.nraila.org/articles/20150101/guide-to-the-interstate-transportation
https://www.usacarry.com/6-rules-follow-cleaning-guns/
https://www.bbcleaningservice.com/gun-cleaning-and-safety.html
https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2018/1/14/how-to-clean-your-gun/
https://www.gunsweek.com/en/technics/articles/4-rules-gun-safety
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/blog/how-to-properly-store-ammo/

Ammo Storage: How To Avoid Common Amateur Mistakes


https://gunsafeguy.org/different-types-of-gun-safes/https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2019/11/5/6-ways-to-safely-store-your-firearms/

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All firearms sales are final, non-refundable, and cannot be returned to AT3 without prior authorization. If a firearm must be returned due to a failed background check or similar reason, we will charge a 15% restocking fee that will be deducted from the refund. AT3 reserves the right to modify its policies related to firearm sales through the Website at any time, without notice, and in its sole and absolute discretion.

Payment for all orders placed through the website must be made at the time of ordering. You agree that you will pay all applicable taxes or charges imposed by any governmental entity anywhere in connection with your use of the Website or purchase of goods through the Website. All costs and fees are quoted and payable in United States Dollars and you acknowledge and agree that AT3 is not responsible for any transaction fees or other fees charged to you by your financial institution or by AT3’s payment processor. You agree that you will not initiate any chargebacks to AT3 unless otherwise authorized by AT3 in writing. You understand and agree that you will be responsible and required to pay for any costs associated with any chargebacks that you have initiated against AT3.

Note to Alabama customers: AT3 Tactical will collect the Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT) of 8% on taxable customer transactions delivered into Alabama. The tax will be remitted on the customer’s behalf to the Alabama Department of Revenue. The Seller’s program account number is SSU-R010896575

e. Returns and Refunds

Our returns and refunds policy is available here at the below URL.
AT3 Returns Policy

f. Product Pricing and Availability

While AT3 strives to provide accurate prices for its products and to have regular access to sufficient inventory, it is possible that AT3 may, from time to time, mistakenly list a product’s price or stock. If this occurs, AT3 will contact you within a reasonable time frame to advise you of the mistake. You understand and agree that the price or availability of a product displayed through the Website does not guarantee that the product will be in stock, sold at the listed price, or that your order can be immediately fulfilled by AT3.

g. Shipping

All products purchased through the Website are shipped Free Carrier (F.C.A.) and the risk of loss and title passes to you upon delivery to the carrier. AT3 will pay for the shipping costs of returning a non-firearm product to AT3 if the product in question is defective. If you return a product that was not defective, AT3 reserves the right to deduct the cost of return shipping from the amount refunded to you.

You understand and agree that products sold through the Website are shipped and sold in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Many items sold through the Website may be restricted or prohibited in your area and you are advised to research your local and state regulations before ordering.

Further policy details can be found at the below URL.
AT3 Shipping Policy

AT3 reserves the right to modify its shipping policies at any time, without prior notice, and within its sole and absolute discretion.

h. Trademarks

You acknowledge and agree that any and all trademarks, trade names, design marks, or logos displayed on the Website by AT3, including but not limited to AT3, are common law or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to AT3. You are expressly prohibited from using the trademarks of AT3 to cause confusion in, to cause mistake in, or to deceive consumers, or from falsely designating the origin of, the source of, or the sponsorship of your goods or services. You are further prohibited from using the trademarks of AT3 in domain names, in keyword advertisements, to trigger keyword advertisements, or in meta tags. All other trademarks, trade names, design marks, or logos are the property of their respective owners.

i. Term and Termination

The term of this Agreement will begin upon your first accessing of the Website and will continue until the earlier of the following: (i) AT3 terminates your access to the Website; or (ii) you cease using the Website and terminate your Account. AT3 reserves the right to terminate the Website or your access to the Website in its sole and absolute discretion and without prior notice.

j. Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THE WEBSITE IS PROVIDED ON AN “AS-IS” BASIS AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, ACCURACY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SECURITY, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WHEREVER PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT AT3 WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIMS, DAMAGES, JUDGMENTS, CHARGES, OR FEES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF OR ACCESS TO THE WEBSITE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COMPENSATORY DAMAGES, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SPECIAL DAMAGES, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, PUNITIVE DAMAGES, EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, COSTS, AND ATTORNEYS’ FEES, DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ERRORS OR OMISSIONS, AND DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE UNAVAILABILITY OF THE WEBSITE OR DOWNTIME. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOUR USE OF THE WEBSITE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK AND THAT AT3’S LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THAT YOU PAID TO USE THE WEBSITE OR $1000, WHICHEVER IS LESS.

AT3 EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE, INJURY, HARM, COST, EXPENSE, OR LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OR MISUSE OF PRODUCTS PURCHASED THROUGH THE WEBSITE. EXCEPT FOR THE WARRANTIES SPECIFICALLY STATED IN THIS AGREEMENT, PRODUCTS PURCHASED THROUGH THE WEBSITE ARE PROVIDED WITHOUT EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PUPOSE, TITLE, ACCURACY, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR QUALITY. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW AN EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES. IF YOU ARE LOCATED IN SUCH A JURISDICTION, YOU ARE ADVISED TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE TO DETERMINE IF THIS EXCLUSION APPLIES TO YOU.

AT3 WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO YOU UNDER ANY LEGAL THEORY, WHETHER IN WARRANTY, CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, TORT, PERSONAL INJURY, OR NEGLIGENCE, FOR ANY DAMAGES, CLAIMS, INJURIES, JUDGMENTS, COSTS, OR LIABILITIES OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OR MISUSE OF PRODUCTS PURCHASED THROUGH THE WEBSITE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PERSONAL INJURY, DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, DEATH, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF INCOME, SPECIAL DAMAGES, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, PUNATIVE DAMAGES, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, WHETHER FORESEEABLE OR UNFORESEEABLE. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOUR USE OF PRODUCTS PURCHASED THROUGH THE WEBSITE IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK AND THAT AT3’s LIABILITY IS LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THAT YOU PAID FOR THE PRODUCTS OR $1000, WHICHEVER IS LESS.

k. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless AT3, its officers, shareholders, directors, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates, and representatives from any and all losses, including, but not limited to, costs and attorneys’ fees, arising out of or related to (i) your use of the Website, (ii) your purchase of products through the Website; (iii) your use or misuse of products obtained through the Website; (iv) your violation of any term or condition of this Agreement; (v) your violation of the rights of third parties, including, but not limited to, intellectual property rights or other personal or proprietary rights; and (vi) your violation of any law, statute, ordinance, regulation, or treaty, whether local, state, provincial, national or international. Your obligation to defend AT3 will not provide you with the ability to control AT3’s defense, and AT3 reserves the right to control its defense, including its choice of counsel and whether to litigate or settle a claim subject to indemnification.

l. Choice of Law and Stipulation to Jurisdiction

You and AT3 agree that any dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement or your use of the Website, including, but not limited to, your purchase or use of products from or through the Website, will be governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. Specifically, the validity, interpretation, and performance of this Agreement will not be governed by the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods. Except for claims for injunctive relief by either party, you and AT3 agree that any dispute or controversy arising out of, in relation to, or in connection with this Agreement or your use of the Website including, without limitation, any and all disputes, claims (whether in tort, contract, statutory, or otherwise) or disagreements concerning the existence, breach, interpretation, application or termination of this Agreement, will be resolved by final and binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act in Hanover, Minnesota or, at the option of the party seeking relief, by telephone, online, or via written submissions alone, and be administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under the then in force Commercial Arbitration Rules by one arbitrator appointed in accordance with such rules. Such arbitration will be independent and impartial. If the parties fail to agree on the arbitrator within twenty (20) calendar days after the initiation of the arbitration hereunder, AAA will appoint the arbitrator.

This arbitration will be conducted in the English language. The decision of the arbitrator will be final and binding on the parties and judgment on any award(s) rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Nothing in this section will prevent either party from seeking immediate injunctive relief from any court of competent jurisdiction, and any such request shall not be deemed incompatible with the agreement to arbitrate or a waiver of the right to arbitrate. The parties undertake to keep confidential all awards in their arbitration, together with all confidential information, all materials in the proceedings created for the purpose of the arbitration and all other documents produced by the other party in the proceedings and not otherwise in the public domain, save and to the extent that disclosure may be required of a party by legal duty, to protect or pursue a legal right or to enforce or challenge an award in legal proceedings before a court or other judicial authority. The arbitrator shall award all fees and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, to the prevailing party. Any judgment rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE PURCHASE OR USE OF PRODUCTS FROM OR THROUGH THE WEBSITE, WHETHER IN ARBITRATION OR OTHERWISE, SHALL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION, AND YOU AND AT3 EXPRESSLY AGREE THAT CLASS ACTION AND REPRESENTATIVE ACTION PROCEDURES SHALL NOT BE ASSERTED IN NOR APPLY TO ANY ARBITRATION PURSUANT TO THESE TERMS.
Any claims must be brought within one year of each applicable invoice or will otherwise be barred.
m. Force Majeure

AT3 will not be responsible for any delay or failure in performance of the Website or its associated products arising out of any cause beyond AT3’s control, such as acts of God, war, riots, fire, terrorist attacks, pandemics, power outages, severe weather, or other accidents.

n. Survivability

The representations, warranties, duties, and covenants made by you under this Agreement will survive the termination of this Agreement, your Account, or the Website, including, but not limited to, your duty to indemnify and defend AT3.

o. Interpretation

This Agreement will be deemed to have been drafted by both parties, and the terms and conditions of this Agreement will not be interpreted against its drafter.

p. Assignment

You are expressly prohibited from assigning your rights and duties under this Agreement. AT3 reserves the right to assign its rights and duties under this Agreement, including in a sale of AT3 or its Website.

q. Waiver and Integration

No term or condition of this Agreement or breach of this Agreement will be deemed to have been waived or consented to unless said waiver is writing and signed by the party to be charged. This Agreement is the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all previous agreements or representations between the parties.

One Last Tip

If there’s anyone that knows the AR-15 platform, it’s the US military. As a special offer for our readers, you can get the Official US Army Manual for AR-15/M4/M16 right now – for free. Click here to snag a copy.

AT3 Tactical, LLC Privacy Policy

AT3 Tactical Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 11, 2024

AT3 Tactical, LLC (“AT3”) values the privacy of its users and believes that you should know what kind of data we collect from you, how we use it, and how you can have control over, and stop the collection of it. We make every attempt to be transparent in our data collection efforts and to provide you with information that you need to make decisions about our collection of data from you.

When you use the AT3 Website, even if you are just browsing, we may collect some basic data from you such as the type of device that you are using, your geographical location, and your IP address. If you choose to complete a purchase through the Website, you share additional data with us, which is outlined below. We also provide you with the ability to limit the data that we collect from you and how we use it. We also may use your interactions with the AT3 Website to show you more relevant content.
If you have any questions about our privacy policy, how we collect data from you, how we use your data, or how you can control your privacy settings, you can contact us at any time at support@at3tactical.com.

Data You Share with Us
We may collect data from you when you voluntarily share it with us. This may include the following data:
Transaction Data. When you purchase a product through the Website, you provide us information needed to complete your purchase, such as your name, phone number, address, billing address, email address, city, state, zip code, and any notes you provide to AT3. This data is used to help us contact you, complete your purchase, and ship products to you that you have purchased through the website.
Public Data. Some of the activity on the Website is public. We may use this public data to provide you with the services requested, to provide you with more relevant content, to tailor content to your preferences, to keep records of communications between us and you, and to defend against legal claims.
Private Communication Data. We may use your contact data, such as any data that you voluntarily provide to us like your phone number, address, and email address, to authenticate your purchase, to communicate with you, to respond to communications sent to you by us, to keep records of our communication, to fulfill your orders, or to pursue or defend against legal claims. We may store and process your private communications with us and data related to them to scan for malicious content, to review content for violations of our terms of use agreement, or to respond to legal process or law enforcement inquiries.

Additional Data We Receive From You
We may also collect data from you automatically when you use the Website. This may include the following data:
Location Data. We may collect data about your location by collecting and processing your IP address and device settings. We may use this data to tailor our offerings to your geographic location, respond to law enforcement requests, or to provide you with content that is relevant to your geographic location.
Technical Data. We may collect technical data about your use of the Website, such as your IP address, your device IDs, your phone number, pages visited, referring web page, your mobile phone model, mobile charrier, search terms, cookie data, your operating system, your geolocation, and your time zone. We may use this data to analyze your use of the Website, to administer and secure our services, to determine how we should allocate resources to our Website, and to understand the technical load on our servers.
Marketing Data. We may collect your IP address, your device IDs, your geographical location, your phone numbers, pages visited, referring web page, mobile phone model, search terms, cookie data, Google Advertising IDs, and Apple Advertising IDs to provide advertisements to you through third-party ad networks. We may use your data to provide advertisements to you, to provide remarketing advertisements to you after you previously visited the Website, to determine the relevance of advertisements, to measure the effectiveness of advertisements, and to help make those advertisements more relevant to your preferences.

Use of Cookies
We may also collect data from you through the use of cookies and other technologies. This helps us understand how you use the Website and to understand any patterns that may be associated with your use of our services. This aids us in developing or improving our services in response to your needs or wants.
We may use session or persistent cookies. Session cookies are only stored on your computer or mobile device during your use of the Website and are automatically deleted when you close your web browser. Persistent cookies are stored as a file on your computer or mobile device that remain on your computer or mobile device even after you close your web browser. Persistent cookies can be read by the website that created the cookie when you revisit it again. We may use persistent cookies when we utilize Google Analytics or other analytics providers, which are intended to track the origin and behavior of traffic to the Website. We may also, from time to time, receive data from third parties including analytics providers or advertising networks such as Google, Facebook, or Apple.

Marketing Communications
We may send you marketing communications if you have asked us for information concerning our services or if you have agreed to, and have not opted out from receiving marketing communications from us. You may ask us to stop sending you marketing messages at any time by following the opt-out link in any marketing message sent to you.

Disclosure of Personal Data
We only share your personal data in limited circumstances.
We may share or disclose your personal data with your consent or at your direction.
We may also share your data with certain third parties to aid us in operating the Website. For example, we may share your personal data with third parties, such as analytics providers, to utilize their software tools and measure the effectiveness of our Website or advertisements. We may also share personal data, such as device IDs, with third party advertisers to help them determine whether they should serve an ad to you. The data that we share with these third parties does not include your email address, name, phone number, or username, but it may include your geographical location.

We may also share your personal data with our accountants, auditors, insurers, or attorneys where doing so is necessary to protect the interests of AT3 or to comply with any law or regulation.

We may also share your personal data with government or law enforcement agencies when we are required to report our data processing activities, upon receipt of an exigent circumstances request, upon receipt of a duly authorized subpoena or court order, to comply with any law or legal process, to comply with government or regulatory requests, or where doing so is necessary to protect our users, our employees, our contractors, third parties, or property.

Finally, we may share your personal data to a third party if we sell, transfer, or merge any part of our business or assets. In the event that we share your personal data in the sale, transfer, or merger of any part of our business or assets, this Privacy Policy will continue to apply to your personal data when transferred to the new entity.

Management, Protection, and Retention of Your Personal Data
To stop our collection and use of your data, you need only cease using Website and clear your web browser’s cookies and cache.

We put data security measures into place to protect your personal data. We allow access to your personal data only by employees and service providers who have a need to know or access your personal data on our instructions. We will notify you and any regulatory body of any breach of your personal data or our security measures if and when we are legally required to do so.

We will only retain your personal data for so long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it is collected under this Privacy Policy or for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements.

Third Party Links
Our services may include links to third party websites and applications. By clicking on third party links, you may allow third parties to collect or share data about you. We do not control these third-party links and you are advised their respective privacy policies.

Responding to Do Not Track Signals
You can generally opt-out of receiving personalized ads from third party advertisers and ad networks, such as Google and Facebook, who are members of the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) or who follow the Digital Advertising Alliance’s Self-Regulatory Principles for Online Behavioral Advertising by visiting the opt-out pages on the NAI website and DAA website. Our websites are not currently set up to respond to browser do-not-track signals, but you can configure your browser settings to reject all cookies or prompt you before a cookie is set.

California Privacy Rights
California residents have a right to request that we disclose what personal information we collect from you and whether, and how, we disclose or sell that personal information. California residents may also request that we delete any personal information collected or maintained by us from you.

AT3 collects personal and personally identifiable information from you when you visit the Website. AT3 may provide this personal and personally identifiable information to third parties to deliver ads tailored to your interests.

California residents may also have the right to opt out of the sale of their personal information by clicking a link or icon associated with an advertisement. Specifically, this link or icon may state “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” or “Do Not Sell My Info.” By selecting this link or icon, you “Opt Out,” which means that you have opted out of the sale of your personal information as set forth in the California Consumer Privacy Act. However, even though you may have opted out, you may still see interest-based advertisements. To learn more about interest-based advertising across websites and additional opt-out choices, you can visit http://optout.aboutads.info. If you opt-out of the sale of your personal information but do not opt out of interest-based advertising more generally, you may still receive ads tailored to your interests based on personal information that was not sold by us, personal information that was sold to downstream participants at least 90 days before you opted out, or personal information that was sold by other sources from which you have not opted out.

To submit a request for a list of the categories of personal information collected from you or to request that AT3 delete your personal information, please email us at support@at3tactical.com, or send a letter to our US-based legal counsel at the following address:
AT3 Tactical, LLC Privacy Request
c/o Revision Legal, PLLC
444 Cass St., Suite D
Traverse City, MI 49684
United States of America

To verify your request, we may request certain information from you to confirm that you are an AT3 user, such as your phone number, username, email address, city, state, or geographic location. You may also designate an authorized agent to make a request to AT3 to disclose or delete your personal information. To do so, you must provide AT3 with proof that the individual or business has been appointed as your agent, such by providing a a signed power of attorney form, and provide accurate responses to any information requested by AT3 that may be necessary to confirm that you are an AT3 user, such as your phone number, username, email address, city, state, or geographic location. California residents have a right not to receive discriminatory treatment by AT3 for their exercise of these rights conferred under California law.

10DLC Compliance and Privacy

  1. Collection of Personal Information
  1. Use of Personal Information
  1. Privacy and 10DLC
    As a 10DLC service provider, we adhere to the following principles:
  1. Opting Out
  1. Disclosure of Personal Information

Notification of Changes
Whenever we change our Privacy Policy, we will post those changes to this Privacy Policy and other places that we deem appropriate. Your use of the Website following these changes indicates your consent to the practices described in the revised Privacy Policy.

Contact Information
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding our Privacy Policy, or if your personal information is not accurate or complete, please contact our Data Protection Officer at:
Zachary Plansky, support@at3tactical.com

One Last Tip

If there’s anyone that knows the AR-15 platform, it’s the US military. As a special offer for our readers, you can get the Official US Army Manual for AR-15/M4/M16 right now – for free. Click here to snag a copy.

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