Manual

Commandment #5

Use the Correct Ammunition

Every firearm is designed to use a certain caliber or gauge of

ammunition. It is important that you use the correct ammunition for

your firearm. Information on the correct ammunition to use with your firearm

appears in the firearm’s instruction manual and the manufacturer’s markings on the

firearm itself. Use of the wrong ammunition, improperly reloaded ammunition or

corroded ammunition can result in the destruction of the firearm, serious personal

injury and/or death. Form the habit of examining every round of ammunition before

you put it into your gun to ensure it is of the proper gauge or caliber and that it is

in good condition.

Alcohol, Drugs and Guns Don’t Mix. Make No Mistake About It!

Never handle firearms after consuming alcohol or taking drugs that can affect your judgment.

Shoot sober! Alcohol, certain kinds of drugs and firearms don’t mix. Safe firearms handling

requires alertness and concentration on one’s actions. You cannot handle a firearm safely after

consuming alcohol. Never consume anything that can impair your judgment or physical

coordination when handling a firearm.

Commandment #3

Don’t Completely Rely on Your Gun’s Safety

Treat every gun as though it could fire at any time, even if you are not

applying pressure to the trigger. The “safety” on a firearm is a mechanical

device which, like any such device, can become inoperable at the worst possible

time and fail to function. By mistake, you may think the safety is “ON” when it

actually is not. Or, you may think your gun is unloaded when there is actually a

round of ammunition in it. The safety serves as a supplement to proper gun

handling, but cannot serve as a substitute for common sense. Never handle a gun

carelessly and assume that the gun won’t fire, just because “the safety is on.” Never

touch the firearm’s trigger until you are ready to shoot. Keep your fingers away

from the trigger when loading or unloading. Never pull the trigger when the safety

is engaged or when the safety is positioned between the “SAFE” and “FIRE”

positions. Never place your finger on the trigger unless you intend to fire.

Commandment #4

Be Sure of Your Target - And What Is Beyond It!

Once fired, a bullet (or shot charge) can never be called back; so, before

you shoot know where the bullet is going and what it will strike. Be

certain your shot will not injure someone or strike something beyond the target.

Never fire in the direction of noise, a movement, or at any object you cannot

positively identify. Be aware that a .22 Short bullet can travel over 1-1/4 miles. A

centerfire cartridge, such as the .30-06, can send its bullet over 3-miles. Shotgun

pellets can travel 500-yards and a shotgun slug has a range of over a half-mile. Make

sure your shot has a safe backstop, such as a hillside. Keep in mind how far the

bullet will travel if it misses your intended target. Once fired, a bullet can never be

called back. You are responsible for your actions and judgment.

toward yourself or another person. And, never carry a loaded gun in a scabbard, a

holster not being worn, or a gun case. Common sense prevails in gun safety!