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1)
Handle all firearms as if they were loaded!
Never
forget that a gun has the potential to produce serious injury or death in
a single instant of carelessness. Make safe gun handling a habit to be
followed at all times. After you determine that a gun is unloaded,
continue to handle it as though it were loaded.
2)
Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction!
In
selecting a safe direction, you must also take into consideration that a
bullet can ricochet or glance off any object it strikes, and that bullets
can penetrate walls, ceilings, floors and windows.
Remember:
You should never point a gun (whether loaded or unloaded) at another
person or at yourself.
3) Keep
your finger out of the gun's trigger guard and off the trigger until you
have aligned the gun's sights on a safe target and you have made the
decision to fire!
By
keeping your finger completely outside the trigger guard until you are
aimed at the target, you guarantee that any shots you fire will go safely
in the direction of your intended target.
4)
Always be certain that your target and the surrounding area are safe
before firing!
Remember
that a bullet can travel as much as several miles, so you should be
certain of what your bullet could strike before you pull the trigger.
Never fire at a movement, a noise, a flash of color or a rustling bush
without positively identifying your intended target.
5)
Whenever you handle a firearm, the first thing you should do (while
keeping it point in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger
guard) is to open the action to determine whether or not the firearm is
loaded!
If
you do not know the proper way to open the action of a particular firearm
- do not handle it. Instead, consult the owner's manual, your local gun
dealer or a more knowledgeable shooter. Do not experiment
6)
Thoroughly read the instruction manual supplied with your firearm!
Never
use any firearm unless you completely understand its operation and safety
features. If you do not have an instruction manual, contact either the
retail store where you purchased your gun or the manufacturer directly and
request that one be furnished to you.
7)
Before firing your weapon, you should routinely make sure that your
firearm is in good working order and that the barrel is clear of dirt and
obstructions!
Any
obstruction that prevents the bullet from moving easily down the barrel
can cause pressure to build up in the weapon. A small bit of mud, gun
grease, excess lubricating oil or rust can cause pressure to build up to
the point where the barrel bulges or bursts upon firing, resulting in a
damaged gun and serious bodily injury to the shooter or those around him.
8) Only
use ammunition recommended by the firearm manufacturer, and always be
certain that the ammunition matches the caliber of your gun!
Most
modern firearms have their caliber designation stamped into the barrel
(for example, "9x19" or ".45 Auto") Your box of
ammunition should bear the exact same designation. Just because a
cartridge fits into your gun does not mean it is safe to fire. Firearms
are designed, manufactured and tested to standards based on factory loaded
ammunition. Hand-loaded or reloaded ammunition deviating from factory
specifications should not be used. Use only the correct ammunition for
your firearm. Attempting to fire even a single improper bullet can destroy
your gun and cause serious personal injury or death.
9)
Quality ear and eye protection should always be worn when shooting or
observing!
Exposure
to the noise of gunfire can permanently damage your hearing if protection
is not worn. Shooting glasses, preferably with side panels, help to guard
against eye injuries from ejected cases and the splash back of pebbles and
fragments from the backstop.
Wearing
eye protection when disassembling and cleaning your gun will also prevent
eye injuries from loosened springs or other parts, as well as from aerosol
solvents and cleaning agents.
10)
Never use firearms while under the influence of drugs or alcohol!
Handling
and using a firearm requires your full and continuous attention, alertness
and unimpaired judgment. Avoid handling firearms while taking prescription
medicines which can make you draw drowsy, slow your reflexes and impair
your normal
11)
All firearms should be stored unloaded and secure in a safe storage case,
inaccessible to children and untrained adults
12)
The transportation of firearms is regulated by laws. Always transport your
firearm in a safe, unloaded condition and in accordance with applicable
laws.
Remember
- no set of rules can cover all possible situations. The safe and rational
use of a firearm depends on the common sense and proper training of the
user. Always follow safety rules and think before using any firearm
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