Manual

19
Statement Issued
by Sporting Arms &
Ammunition Manufacturers
Institute (SAAMI)
Unsafe Arms and Ammunition Combinations
Ammunition used in a firearm must be the same caliber or gauge as
that marked on the firearm by its manufacturer. If the firearm is not
marked as to caliber or gauge, or if it appears that the original marking
has been overprinted or changed, it is the responsibility of the gun user
to have a qualified person determine what cartridge or shell can safely
be used in the firearm.
The firing of a cartridge or shell other than that for which the firearm is
chambered can result in the cartridge or shell rupturing and releasing
high pressure gas that can damage or destroy the firearm and kill or
seriously injure the shooter and persons nearby.
There are countless combinations of specific cartridges and firearm
chambers which are unsafe. Many of these unsafe combinations are rec-
ognizable because of significant dimension differences between the car-
tridge and the firearm chamber.
Dangerous combinations may also have similar chamber and cartridge
dimensions. It is not possible to list every unsafe combination; there-
fore, in the interest of safety, use only the cartridge (or shell) designat-
ed by the firearm or ammunition manufacturer for use in a specific
firearm. The cartridge caliber or shotshell gauge must be marked on the
firearm frame, receiver or barrel by its manufacturer.
The practice of rechambering firearms is not guided by industry stan-
dards. It is possible that a firearm which has been rechambered may
not be rechambered properly or the rechambered caliber may not be
marked on the firearm. The firearm user is responsible to find out from
a qualified person the cartridge caliber or shell gauge for which the
firearm has been rechambered.