Manual

THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING
1 LEARN THE MECHANICAL AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
FiREARM YOU ARE USING. Not all firearms are the same. The method of carrying and
handling firearms varies in accordance with the mechanical provisions for avoiding
accidental discharge and the various proper procedures for loading and unloading. No
person should handle any firearm without first having thoroughly familiarized himself with
the particular type of firearm he is using, and with safe gun handling in general.
2 ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. Be sure of the
bullet stop behind your target, even when dry-firing. Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at
any part of your body or at another person. This is particularly important when loading or
unloading
a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur as long as
the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. A safe direction means a direction which will not
permit a discharged bullet to strike a person, or to strike an object from which the bullet may
ricochet. A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a wall,
ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property. Make it a habit to know
exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing whenever you handle it, and be sure that
you are always in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or
stumble.
3 FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN USE. Firearms should be
loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or shooting area, ready to
shoot. Firearms and ammunition should be securely locked in racks or cabinets when not in
use. Ammunition should be safely stored separate from firearms. Store your firearms out of
sight of visitors and children. It is the gun owner’s responsibility to be certain that children
and persons unfamiliar with firearms cannot gain access to firearms or ammunition.
4 BE SURE THE BARREL IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS BEFORE SHOOTING.
Even a bit of mud, snow or excess lubricating oil or grease in the bore may cause the barrel
to bulge, or even burst on firing, and can cause injury to the shooter and bystanders. Be
sure that you are using ammunition of the proper caliber and loading for the gun you are
using. If the report or recoil on firing seems
weak, or doesn’t seem quite right, CEASE
FIRING IMMEDIATELY and check to-be sure that no obstruction has
become lodged in the
barrel.
5 BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET BEFORE YOU SHOOT. Don’t shoot unless you know
eiactly where your bullet is going to strike. Be sure of the bullet stop behind your target,
even when dry-firing with an unloaded gun. If you are in the field hunting, do not fire at a
movement or noise. Take the time to be absolutely certain of your target before you pull the
trigger.
6 WEAR’SHOOTING GLASSES AND HEARING PROTECTORS WHEN YOU SHOOT.
Ail shooters should wear protective shooting glasses and some form of hearing protectors
when shooting. Exposure to shooting noise can damage hearing. Adequate vision
protection when shooting is essential.
7 NEVER CLIMB A TREE OR FENCE WITH A LOADED FIREARM. Put the firearm
down carefully before climbing a fence, and unload it before climbing or descending a tree
or jumping over a ditch or other obstruction. Never pull or push a loaded firearm toward
yourself or another person. When in doubt, unload your gun!
8 DON’T SHOOT AT A HARD SURFACE, OR AT WATER. Bullets can ricochet off
iany surfaces like rocks or the surface of water and travel in unpredictable directions with
considerable velocity.
9
NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM. Firearms should always be unloaded
before being placed in a vehicle. A suitable carrying case or scabbkd should be used to
carry a firearm to and from the shooting areas.
10. AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WHEN SHOOTiNG. Handling firearms while
under the influence of alcohol, medication or mind-altering substance in any form
constitutes a criminal disreaard for the safety of others.