1. ALWAYS
keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of
gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it
were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to
control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times.
Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different
circumstances.
2. ALWAYS keep your
finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
When holding a gun, rest
your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are
actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
3. ALWAYS keep the
gun unloaded until ready to use.
Whenever you pick up a gun,
immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a
magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s)
which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action
or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who
does.
When using or storing a
gun, always follow these NRA rules:
Know your target and what is
beyond.
Be absolutely sure you
have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the
area beyond your target. This means observing your prospective area of fire
before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any
other potential for mishap. Think first. Shoot second.
Know how to use the gun
safely.
Before handling a gun,
learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the
action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun's
mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe gun
handling.
Be sure the gun is safe to
operate.
Just like other tools,
guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper
storage are a part of the gun's general upkeep. If there is any question
concerning a gun's ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at
it.
Use only the correct
ammunition for your gun.
Only BBs, pellets,
cartridges or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired safely in that
gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Ammunition can be
identified by information printed on the box and sometimes stamped on the
cartridge. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition.
Wear eye and ear protection
as appropriate.
Guns are loud and the
noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could
cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protectors
should be worn by shooters and spectators.
Never use alcohol or
over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting.
Alcohol, as well as any
other substance likely to impair normal mental or physical bodily functions,
must not be used before or while handling or shooting guns.
Store guns so they are not
accessible to unauthorized persons.
Many factors must be
considered when deciding where and how to store guns. A person's particular
situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of gun storage
devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the gun, are
available. However, mechanical locking devices, like the mechanical safeties
built into guns, can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe gun
handling and the observance of all gun safety rules.
Be aware that certain types
of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is
important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper
care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your gun should be
cleaned every time that it is used.
A gun brought out of prolonged
storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt,
or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the gun from operating properly.
Before cleaning your gun,
make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The gun's action should be open
during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present in the
cleaning area.
