Firearm Safety

In owning a firearm, you must undertake full-time responsibility for your firearm's safety and security. You must protect yourself and all others against injury from the firearm. In particular, you must secure firearms form children or those who act like children.

Many safety features are incorporated in firearms. For your safety and safety of others, do not rely on mechanical features alone. Only your safe gun-handling habits will ensure the safe use of your firearm. This is your responsibility. Accidents do not just happen. Accidents are the result of violating the rules of safe gun handling and common sense. Insure the safe use of firearms. Follow these essential safety instructions and warnings.

Preparation for Firing

• Wear safety glasses and ear protection whether indoors or out.
• Select a place to shoot which has a safe backstop, is free from obstructions and water surfaces which cause ricochets.
• Always be aware of other people so that persons cannot accidentally walk into the line of fire.
• Position the shooter and all others so that they are not within an area where they may be struck by ejected cases.
• Keep fingers and other parts of your body away from the muzzle.
• When firing on a target range, be alert and follow the range officer's commands.
• Before anyone is allowed forward of the firing position, be sure that all cylinders and actions of firearms are open, that chambers are clear of cartridges, magazines are removed, and that firearms are pointing in a safe direction.
• Never use alcoholic beverages or other drugs before or during shooting.
• Be alert at all times. Never shoot if you are tired, cold or impaired in any way.
• Never cross obstacles such as fences or streams with a loaded firearm.
• If you are carrying a loaded firearm in the field, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

Basic Safety Rules

• Never point a firearm at anyone or anything you do not intend to shoot.
• Before handling any firearm, understand its operation.
• Always have your firearm pointed in a safe direction.
• Keep your firearm unloaded when not in use.
• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
• Never pass your firearm to another person until the cylinder or action is open and you visually check that it is unloaded.
• Place your finger inside the trigger guard only when you are ready to fire.
• If you must carry a loaded firearm always carry it with the muzzle pointing in a safe direction.
• Never carry or store firearms with the hammer in the cocked position.
• Do not allow a firearm to be used by individuals who do not understand its safe operation and the rules of safe gun-handling.
• Be sure all accessories, such as holsters and grips, are compatible with the firearm and that the accessories do not interfere with safe operation.
• When transporting your firearm, be sure your firearm is unloaded and that the cylinder or action is open.
• Store your firearm unloaded. Safe and secure storage is one of your most important responsibilities.
• Store your unloaded firearm and ammunition separately and in places inaccessible to children and unauthorized persons.