Manual

26
Statement Issued by Sporting Arms &
Ammunition Manufacturers
Institute (SAAMI)
- Unsafe Arms & 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
recognizable because of significant dimension differences between
the cartridge and the firearm chamber.
Dangerous combinations may also have similar chamber and car-
tridge dimensions. It is not possible to list every unsafe combina-
tion; therefore, in the interest of safety, use only the cartridge (or
shell) designated 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
standards. 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.