Manual

16
Safety Reference • Owner’s Manual • All Model 2011 Firearms
Before firing your STI handgun for the first time…
To assure safe, trouble-free performance beginning with the first time
you fire your STI handgun, follow the cleaning and lubricating instruc-
tions on page 32 of this manual.
To assure safe firing conditions…
• Always handle a loaded firearm responsibly.
• Follow all safety precautions and customs of firearm safety at all times.
• Always keep the muzzle pointed away from anyone and in a safe
direction.
• Always have the thumb safety set to SAFE when the handgun is cocked
and ready to fire.
• Never release the thumb safety until you have aimed your handgun at
your intended target and are ready to fire.
• Always position yourself sufficiently away from other people to assure
everyone’s safety when firing.
• Always squeeze the trigger slowly and deliberately towards you with
your index finger when firing. Do not pull the trigger abruptly, in a
jerking motion, or use another finger, under any circumstances.
• Never shoot any firearm in an unstable stance or position.
• Never drink alcohol or use other drugs before or during a shooting
session. In the case of prescription medications, consult your doctor
about possible side-effects that could interfere with your ability to safely
handle a firearm.
• Never shoot at a hard surface or at the surface of water. Make sure you
have a safe backstop.
FIRING THE HANDGUN - IN CASE OF MALFUNCTION
WARNING!
Never attempt to remedy a malfunction yourself before completing a
course of training by a qualified instructor.
• Malfunctions occur from improper firearm handling, defective ammu-
nition, or from damaged parts. A malfunction can be recognized by the
improper feeding or ejection of a round of ammunition - a condition
otherwise known as a “jam”.
• The remedy of malfunctions requires specialized training and should
not be attempted without first completing a full course of instruction by a