Never have a cavalier attitude when
handling firearms. YOU are dangerous when firearms are not handled
or used properly and can easily injure or kill you and those around
you. There is no way to call a bullet back. Gun rules for safe gun
handling must always be followed. Learn them, memorize them,
practice them and live them to avoid tragic accidents.
RULES FOR SAFE GUN HANDLING
ALWAYS treat the gun as if it was loaded.
ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a
safe direction.
ALWAYS keep your finger straight
and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded
until you are ready to use it.
NEVER point the gun at anything
you don't intend to destroy.
Be sure of your target and what
is beyond it.
Learn the mechanical and handling
characteristics of the gun you are using.
GENERAL RULES
Treat all firearms as if they are loaded at all times.
Keep finger off the trigger until
aimed at target.
Never let the muzzle cover or SWEEP anything you are not willing
to destroy.
Know the target and what is beyond.
No intoxicating substances of any kind or intoxicated people are
allowed on the range.
Cooperate with others as to cease fires for target placement and
obey all range commands.
Shoot only in the appropriate direction from the designated
firing lines.
Fire at authorized targets only.
Police all brass, paper, and other debris that accumulates on the
range. Dispose of them in the containers provided.
Fire only on designated ranges.
Fire only authorized firearms and ammunition.
Use of appropriate ear and eye protection is mandatory for all
individuals.
Ensure all projectiles impact within the established range safety
limits.
Call “Cease Fire” and make safe all firearms when observing any
unsafe condition or when a shooter moves forward of the firing line.
Notify the Range Safety Officer (RSO) or Chief Range Safety
Officer (CRSO) of any safety infractions.
Do not climb on the backstop berms.
Children are to be supervised and under the control of an adult
at ALL times. Even if that means you don’t get to shoot. It is your
responsibility to ensure their safety and others at every second
they are handling a firearm.
MEMORIZE
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS
ALWAYS use proper Ammunition.
Be sure the barrel is clear of
obstructions before loading and shooting.
If your gun fails to fire when
the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for several
seconds; then with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction,
carefully unload the gun.
Don't rely on the gun's safety to
keep it from firing.
Be aware of your surroundings
when handling guns so you don't trip or lose your balance.
Always stay alert. If you’re fatigued, tired - it is time to
stop. Do other things or go home.
RANGE
SAFETY
Know and follow all the rules of
the Shooting Range. They will differ slightly, from range to
range.
Listen and do what the Range Master
tells you to do. He is there to help and to enforce these rules.
Uncase and case your gun at the shooting bench, never behind the
safety line.
ALWAYS keep the barrel pointed down range.
ALWAYS keep the gun on safe until you intend to shoot.
ALWAYS wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
NEVER shoot at water or hard surfaces.
If you have to walk with your firearm, the action WILL be open and
muzzle pointed at the ground.
GENERAL
RANGE AREA/CLUB RULES
Have your club membership card with you at the range.
Always lock gates when you enter or exit.
Check downrange for other shooters or range maintenance
personnel. Do not set up downrange or up range of other shooters.
Be prepared to share the range facilities with others. Be
cooperative.
Red flags USUALLY indicate a match in progress.
IF RULES ARE NOT FOLLOWED, and AFTER BEING REMINDED.
It is best to remove yourself from an unsafe environment.
HUNTING
SAFETY
When hunting in a group, select one person to act as a Safety
Officer. Don’t let pride interfere with direction
from this person. Except the fact we make mistakes and grateful for
the guidance.
The goal is to learn
from them and have everyone return from the Hunt.
Establish and share everyone's zone of fire with each other and
know where everyone is at all times.
ALWAYS keep the gun on safe until you intend to shoot.
There is
always time to place the firearm on FIRE. You won’t miss the shot at
that trophy.
NEVER climb over anything with a loaded gun in your hand or on your
person.
NEVER use a scope on a gun as Binoculars.
If you fall or trip, control your muzzle.
Immediately, safely verify and inspect
for damage and/or barrel obstructions.
When in Doubt; Don't
use firearm until thoroughly checked out by a competent
gunsmith.
Remember that guns are inherently dangerous and should always be
treated with great respect. Even reverence.
ADDITIONAL POINTS TO ALWAYS
REMEMBER
No mechanical device has a will of is own. A gun never "goes off"
unless something causes it to do so. The aspect of safety is central
to gun handling.
Memorize the principles of firearm safety. Treat them with absolute
seriousness. Burn them into your consciousness.
All guns are are treated as loaded.
Never let the muzzle SWEEP anyone or anything you are not
intending to shoot.
Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the
target.
Be sure of your target. (Know what it is, what is in line
with it, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not
positively identified or do not intend to destroy.)
Most on duty Range Safety Officers will be happy to answer any
questions regarding the safe firearm handling or Range Policies. DO
NOT HESITATE TO ASK!!!
REMEMBER - SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU!!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE RULES ARE FOR EVERYONE. THOSE THAT USE
FIREARMS AT A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL WILL ALSO ABIDE BY THEM WHEN OFF
DUTY. HIGHLY TRAINED PERSONALS MAY BE OBSERVED OPERATING USING
DIFFERENT FIREARM HANDLING PRACTICES. THESE MEN AND WOMEN ARE HELD
TO A DIFFERENT STANDARD AND PARTICIPATE IN ON GOING TRAINING AND
SHOULD NOT BE EMULATED IN ANY WAY BY THE UNAUTHORIZED!
