Firearms Experts Offer Safety Tips Following Mercer County Tragedy

DECEMBER 10, 2012- Police are still investigating the tragic death of the 7-year-old Mercer County boy killed in what is believed to be a gun misfiring...

    Fire arms experts say regardless of your experience, safety should always come first.

    Ken Chernicky, the owner of Edinboro Outdoors, buys sells and trades firearms.

    He's been in the business for more than 22 years.

    He says safety is often forgotten especially for the seasoned hunters and gun owners.

    Chernicky recommends using the following tips.

    First, regardless of where you are keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.

    Either point the gun upward in the air or down near the ground.

    A misfire can happen at a moments notice.

    Second, keep your finger off the trigger at all times.

    Third, never keep the gun loaded.

    Edinboro Outdoors has had a fair share of people coming in with loaded guns.    

    If the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber which should be clear of ammunition.

    Experts also recommend using a trigger lock.

    they come on a lot of the newer hand guns and rifles.

    You can also purchase a separate lock to insure even more safety.

Autopsy results are not back yet, but State Police believe the incident was accidental.