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THE FUNDAMENTAL NRA RULES FOR SAFE
GUN HANDLING ARE:
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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.
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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.
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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.
JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP AT THE
FARMHOUSE
WHEN USING OR STORING A GUN, ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE NRA RULES:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Be aware that certain types of guns
and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
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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.
Source:
http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp
October 17, 2004
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