Manual

THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE FIREARMS HANDLING

We believe that Americans have a right to purchase and use firearms for lawful pur-

poses. The private ownership of firearms in America is traditional, but that owner-

ship imposes the responsibility on the firearm owner to use his firearm in a way

which will ensure his own safety and that of others. When firearms are used in a

safe and responsible manner, they are a great source of pleasure and satisfaction,

and represent a fundamental part of our personal liberty.

Firearms do not cause accidents! Firearms accidents are almost always found to

have been the result of carelessness, or ignorance on the part of the shooter of the

basic rules of safe firearm handling.

The following rules must be observed by firearm users at all times. Safe firearm

handling is not just desirable, it is absolutely essential to your safety, the safety of

others, and the continuation of firearm ownership and sport shooting as we know it

today.

1. ALWAYS TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT WERE LOADED.

2. 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 par-

ticular type of firearm he is using, and with safe firearm handling in general.

3. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.

Be sure of the bullet stop or area behind your target, even when dry-firing.

Always be sure the area beyond your target is safe. 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 direc-

tion 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 firearm 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. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are

ready to shoot.

4. 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 a rack, cabinets or a safe when not in use. Ammunition should safely be stored

separate from firearms in a locked container. Store your firearms out of sight of vis-

itors and children. It is the firearm owner’s responsibility to be certain that children

and persons unfamiliar with firearms cannot gain access to firearms, ammunition,

or components.