Workbench Safety + The Four Cardinal Rules 

Working with firearms is an amazing career and a satisfying hobby. It is an excellent way to meet like-minded people and learn a host of new skills. But like many careers, it is not without some danger. It is of the utmost importance that safety is a number one priority and that all the necessary precautions are taken when building or repairing firearms. In this article, we discuss the four cardinal rules of gun safety alongside the best workbench safety practices to keep everyone safe so you can enjoy your hobby without any worry.  

When it comes to gun and workbench safety, there are four cardinal rules that everyone should live by. No excuses.  

The First Cardinal Rule of Gun Safety 

One of the main safety rules when using guns is to always be careful where you point any gun at any time. In many hobbies or workplaces, there is no imminent danger all around you, but when you are dealing with firearms on a regular basis, especially if they are loaded, that may not be the case. You must never point a gun at anything that you do not want to destroy, and if you have to deal with a loaded gun, it is best practice to create a safe area with materials such as sandbags. This gives a stable barrier for ammunition or projectiles to land safely.  

The Second Cardinal Rule of Gun Safety 

While you may know the ins and outs of your own firearms and whether they have ammunition inside, you will need to proceed with caution when you are dealing with other people’s guns or guns in public areas like shooting ranges. This is especially true if you are handling a repaired or modified gun, as there is always a chance that it may not function correctly. Completing essential checks on the chamber, magazine, and barrel will ensure that there is no ammunition present before you proceed. Just always treat a firearm like it’s loaded.  

The Third Cardinal Rule of Gun Safety 

There are many reasons why a trigger may not work optimally, so do not pull it until you focus on the target. If the trigger is newly installed or modified, stuck, or has excessive friction, it may not work correctly. Another best practice is to keep your finger off the trigger after you have pulled it to avoid accidental bump-firing. The best practice is to set up your target, and once you are ready to fire, then put your finger on the trigger.  

The Fourth Cardinal Rule of Gun Safety 

Before you release the trigger, ensure you are familiar with the environment around you and the target you wish to hit. This rule ties in with the first cardinal rule, as depending on the gun you are shooting, it may need a specialized environment. For instance, a semi-automatic rifle would require a different setup than a small handgun. Handling directions or instructions for each gun should be displayed for everyone you reference when needed.  

So, when you are starting to work on a project, ensure that your workbench safety is a priority. Choose the right location with the correct ventilation and lighting, with natural lighting being the best option. When it comes to prioritizing safety, there should be a fire extinguisher and other fire safety equipment within your space. With the correct ventilation, you should be able to control and defuse any fire, but hopefully, it will never come to that.  

Once the space is set up correctly, the workbench itself needs to be safe, secure, and uncluttered. If possible, the workbench should be bolted to the wall or at least made from high-quality, strong material. If your workspace houses everything you own for every project you have going on, you will not know what’s in the space you are working in, which could lead to a dangerous environment. Organization is key so that you have a clear countertop and everything can be accessed easily, quickly, and in a logical fashion.  

Keeping reference materials, manuals, and guides for any firearms you own or work with is a great way to ensure you are using, disassembling, and servicing a gun correctly. By following the manufacturer’s specifications, you are not making any unwise decisions that may cause an accident.  

There should be a space somewhere in your work area that is designated exclusively for cleaning your firearms. Having all the equipment you need, such as cleaning kits, solvents, and patches ready to use after you have completed any maintenance will speed up your process and make it more streamlined and safer.  

If you want to learn more about gunsmithing and the many ways you can make workbench safety a priority, then look no further than MGS Trade School. They have an extensive catalog and library filled with everything gunsmithing. Expand your knowledge and make workbench safety a priority today! 

Written by: Ryan Clancy, Engineering HQ