Gun Safety in Remington Country
May 24, 2016
A friend of ours told us the other day about his son’s 1950s Remington 16 gauge 870 shotgun. It belonged to his great-grandfather and has been passed down in the family ever since. His son lives in Vermont and loves to shoot skeet in the back of the auto parts yard he works at.
This got us to thinking about the 200th anniversary of Remington Arms in Ilion, NY. That’s right, it’s the bicentennial of the Mohawk Valley’s longest running employer and one of the premier gun makers in the world. So check out the Remington website for fascinating info on the history of the company and its mission in the world of guns.
Here at Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig we are constantly on the lookout for valuable safety tips for our fellow Central New Yorkers. So after a little history, we’ll list Remington’s Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety. What better source for good gun safety than our own Remington Arms!
Eliphalet Remington II
In 1816, 23 year old Eliphalet (El life el let) made his first rifle barrel at his father’s forge. He took it to Utica to have a gunsmith hand-build it into a flintlock rifle. He then competed in a local shooting match and impressed the other competitors with his new rifle.
He got orders that day, so he and his father started fabricating rifles for sale. Demand for their quality rifle was so high that in 1828 they built a state of the art forge in Ilion along the Erie Canal. And that’s the location of the Remington Arms factory today.
The Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety
Remington says it this way, “The Ten Commandments of Firearms Safety should be etched in your memory forever. Let them govern your actions wherever and whenever you’re involved with firearms. In the woods. On the range. Or in your home.”
We couldn’t agree more.
- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
- Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use.
- Don’t rely on your gun’s safety.
- Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
- Use proper ammunition.
- If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pullled, handle with care.
- Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
- Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting.
- Don’t alter or modify your gun and have it serviced regularly.
- Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.
Bonus Commandment. Shoot sober.
Along with the 10 Commandments of Firearms Safety you’ll find safety and shooting tips for:
- Clay Target Shooting
- Upland Game Shooting
- Waterfowl Shooting
- Muzzleloader Safety Rules
- Muzzleloader Cleaning
- Safe Reloading Procedures
It’s sometimes hard to believe that an internationally known brand that started in the Mohawk Valley is still doing business here in that same location. Central New Yorkers are proud of Remington Arms and they look forward to celebrating another 100 years of quality gun manufacturing.
Until next time,
Your SZW Team
Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig, Inc. is your New Hartford area independent insurance agent. Call us for a quote on insurance for your home, car, business, or life at 315.792.0000. Or request a quote here.
