Manual
INTRODUCTION TO SAFETY
TEN COMMANDMENTS OF FIREARM SAFETY
1. Keep the gun’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction
and never pull it towards you by the muzzle.
2. Be sure of your target and what is beyond.
3. Never rely on a gun’s mechanical “safety.”
4. Gun should be kept unloaded until ready to use.
5. Always wear eye and ear protection.
6. The barrel should be clear of all obstructions before
shooting.
7. Handle every gun as if it is loaded.
8. Keep guns and ammo separate and in locked
storage.
9. Avoid alcohol and drugs before and during use of a
firearm.
10. Do not alter or modify your firearm. Have your
firearm regularly checked by a competent gunsmith
to ensure all parts are working properly.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS UNIQUE TO
MUZZLELOADERS
1. Never smoke when shooting or handling a
muzzleloader. Ashes or loose sparks could ignite
powder.
2. Never pour powder into a muzzleloader directly
from a flask, horn, or any large volume, enclosed
container. Hot embers in the barrel could cause
container to explode.
3. Always keep powder and percussion caps well away
from shooting area. Sparks from shooting could
cause accidental ignition of these devices.
4. Use only Blackpowder, Pyrodex or Pyrodex pellets,
Clean shot or Clean Shot Powder Pelletized or other
approved blackpowder substitute in your Winchester
muzzleloader. (Never use modern smokeless
powder in a muzzleloader.)
5. Always check to ensure that your muzzleloader is in
proper working condition before using. Thoroughly
check barrel for obstructions, and inspect the bolt
and safety for proper function.
6. Never prime the muzzleloader until you are ready to
fire. Primer cap should always be removed when
walking, climbing trees or fences, transferring the
gun from one person to another, leaving the gun
unattended, etc.
7. Never lean or rest a loaded muzzleloader against a
tree, wall, vehicle or other surface. Any fall of a
loaded gun may cause accidental discharge.
8. Never transport a loaded muzzleloader in any type
of vehicle. A muzzleloader is considered loaded
until powder, bullet, and primer cap have been
removed.
9. Never exchange a loaded muzzleloader with another
person. Only the person who loaded the
muzzleloader should fire it. This practice will help
prevent overloading or doubleloading a charge.
10. Never store a loaded muzzleloader. Muzzleloaders
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