Blank-Firing Gun Safety
Blank-firing guns are designed to fire shells that contain powder, but no projectile. This means they produce a loud sound without actually firing a bullet. Blank guns can be used in a variety of ways, such as for theatrical productions, film and television, and training purposes. Although they do not shoot a projectile, this doesn't mean that users can disregard safety. Even with blank guns that cannot be modified to fire, it's still important to treat them with respect and to use them carefully.
Here are some important things to keep in mind related to blank-firing gun safety:
Know The Rules of Gun Safety
Anyone familiar with guns should know the four rules of gun safety:
- All guns are always loaded.
- Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger till your sights are on the target.
- Identify your target, and what is behind it.
Many people may mistakenly believe that these rules only apply to firearms. However, you should keep these principles in mind for any type of gun you use, even an air gun or a blank-firing gun. In fact, many experts will even recommend that you follow these rules for a non-firing replica. This is because the actions you take with an object that looks like a gun, even if you know for a fact it cannot fire, affect your habits and developing poor safety habits around guns can have catastrophic consequences.
Only Use The Proper Ammunition
Blank guns should only be used with the proper type of ammunition. These cartridges have powder, but no projectile. Loading ammunition made for a standard firearm into a blank-firing gun is extremely dangerous and should never be done under any circumstances. Additionally, make sure you are using the correct caliber of blank ammunition for the gun you are using.
Be Mindful of the Vent Hole
When a blank gun is fired, gunpowder gas is vented forward and sideways through a vent hole, which is typically near the front of the cylinder/slide. This hot gas can have small particles of powder debris. If you are holding the gun at arm's length, the gas and particles dissipate into the air harmlessly. However, the rapid expansion of this hot gas can cause burns, cuts, or abrasions if any part of your body (or someone else's) is in close proximity to the vent hole. In certain circumstances, the rapidly expanding gas can even be lethal.
Know Applicable Laws and Regulations
Using a blank-firing gun in a reckless way not only poses a safety risk, but may be illegal depending on the jurisdiction. For example, brandishing a blank-firing weapon often has similar legal consequences to brandishing a real firearm. You may also be prohibited from altering the orange tip in some areas. In addition to researching local laws before using a blank-firing gun, you should also consider how others might react if there is any confusion as to whether the gun is real or not.
Read The Manual
The above list is not a complete guide to how to operate a blank gun safely, and there may be additional considerations for different models. Be sure to read the safety manual for your particular blank-firing gun in full before using it.
Choose High-Quality Blank-Firing Guns
When used safely, blank guns are an excellent tool for training and for various productions. At Armory.net, we offer a wide selection of blank-firing guns that are realistic and high-quality.
