FIREARMS SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU...
Introduction
From the time you pick up a firearm, you become part of a system over which you have complete control. You are the only part of the system that can make a gun safe - or unsafe. These rules are intended to make them even safer by emphasizing the basics of safe gun handling and storage and by reminding you that you are the key to firearms safety.
You can help meet this responsibility by enrolling in SAFETY 1ST FIREARMS TRAINING CENTER. You must constantly stress safety when handling firearms.
Please read this section carefully and follow each of the safety procedures outlined. Develop safe shooting habits, and remember, firearms safety is up to you.
1. Always Keep The GUN Pointed In A Safe Direction
This is the most basic safety rule. Never point your gun at anything you do not intend to shoot. This is particularly important when loading or unloading a firearm. The safe direction may be "up" on some occasions or "down" on others, but never toward anything not intended as a target.
Even when "dry firing" with an unloaded gun, you should never point the gun at an unsafe target. Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing at all times, and be sure that you are in control of the direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. This is your responsibility, and only you can control it.
2. Always Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
This is the second rule of safe GUN handling, most gun accidents occur as a result of ignorance ( not trained ) and inattention to the task at hand. There is never any reason to have your finger on the trigger unless you are ready to shoot... that includes at the range, at home or in a self defense situation. remember the gun is only a last resort tool think before you shoot,
3. Always keep your gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.
Your gun should only be loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or shooting area, ready to shoot. When not in use, firearms and ammunition should be secured in a safe place, separate from each other. It is your responsibility to prevent children and careless adults from gaining access to firearms or ammunition.
4. Don't Rely On Your Gun's "Safety"
Treat every gun as though it can fire at any time.The "safety" on any gun is a mechanical device which can fail. Besides, by mistake, the safety may be "off" when you think it is "on". The safety serves as a supplement to proper gun handling but cannot possibly serve as a substitute for common sense.
You should never handle a gun carelessly and assume that the gun won't fire just because the "safety is on". Never touch the trigger on a firearm until you actually intend to shoot. Keep your fingers away from the trigger while loading or unloading. Never pull the trigger on any firearm with the safety on the "safe" position or anywhere in between "safe" and "fire".
5. Be Sure Of Your Target And What's Beyond It
No one can call a shot back. Once a gun fires, you have given up all control over where the shot will go or what it will strike. Don't shoot unless you know exactly what your shot is going to strike. Be sure that your bullet will not injure anyone or anything beyond your target. Firing at a movement or a noise without being absolutely certain of what you are shooting at constitutes criminal disregard for the safety of others.
No target is so important that you cannot take the time before you pull the trigger to be absolutely certain of your target and where your shot will stop. Be aware that even a .22 short bullet can travel over 1 ¼ miles and a high velocity cartridge, such as a 30-06, can send its bullet more than 3 miles. Shotgun pellets can travel 500 yards, and shotgun slugs have a range of over half a mile.
6. Use Correct Ammunition
You must assume the serious responsibility of using only the correct ammunition for your firearm. Read and heed all warnings, including those that appear in the gun's instruction manual and on the ammunition boxes. Using improper or incorrect ammunition can destroy a gun and cause serious personal injury. It only takes one cartridge of improper caliber or gauge to wreck your gun, and only a second to check each one as you load it. Be absolutely certain that the ammunition you are using matches the specifications that are contained within the gun's instruction manual and the manufacturer's markings on the firearm.
7. If Your Gun Fails To Fire When The Trigger Is Pulled, Handle With Care!
Occasionally, a cartridge may not fire when the trigger is pulled. If this occurs, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction for at least 30 seconds. Keep your face away from the breech. Then, carefully open the action, unload the firearm and dispose of the cartridge in a safe way. Any time there is a cartridge in the chamber, your gun is loaded and ready to fire - even if you've tried to shoot and it did not go off. It could go off at any time, so you must always remember Rule #1 and watch that muzzle!
8. Always Wear Eye And Ear Protection When Shooting
All shooters should wear protective shooting glasses and some form of hearing protectors while shooting. Exposure to shooting noise can damage hearing, and adequate vision protection is essential. Be Sure The Barrel Is Clear Of Obstructions Before Shooting.
9. Don't Alter Or Modify Your Gun, and Have Guns Serviced Regularly
Any alteration or change made to firearm after manufacture can make the gun dangerous and will usually void any factory warranties. Do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of others by altering the trigger, safety or other mechanism of any firearm or allowing unqualified persons to repair or modify a gun. You'll usually ruin an expensive gun. Don't do it! Your gun is a mechanical device which will not last forever and is subject to wear. As such, it requires periodic inspection adjustment and service. Check with the manufacturer of your firearm for recommended servicing.
10. Learn the Mechanical and Handling Characteristics of the Firearm You Are Using
Not all firearms are the same. The method of carrying and handling firearms varies in accordance with the mechanical characteristics of each gun. Since guns can be so different, never handle any firearm without first having thoroughly familiarized yourself with the particular type of firearm you are using,
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER...... " Don't Just get Licensed.... Get Trained "