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1.
Always keep the Firearm pointed in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of Firearm safety. A safe direction means that
the Firearm 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 Firearm. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch
the trigger.
3. Always keep the Firearm unloaded until ready to use.
Whenever you pick up a Firearm, immediately engage the safety device if
possible, and, if the Firearm 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 Firearm alone and get help from someone who does.
When Using Or Storing A Firearm, 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 Firearm safely. Before handling a Firearm, learn how
it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action
and remove any ammunition from the Firearm or magazine. Remember, a Firearm's
mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace
safe Firearm handling.
Be sure the Firearm is safe to operate. Just like other tools, Firearms
need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper
storage are a part of the Firearm's general upkeep. If there is any question
concerning a Firearm's ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should
look at it.
Use only the correct ammunition for your Firearm. Only BBs, pellets, cartridges
or shells designed for a particular Firearm can be fired safely in that
Firearm. Most Firearms 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 Firearm unless you know you
have the proper ammunition.
Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. Firearms 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 Firearms.
Store Firearms so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. Many
factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store Firearms.
A person's particular situation will be a major part of the consideration.
Dozens of Firearm 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 Firearms, can fail and should
not be used as a substitute for safe Firearm handling and the observance
of all Firearm safety rules.
Be aware that certain types of Firearms and many shooting activities require
additional safety precautions.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is important in order for your Firearm to operate correctly
and safely. Taking proper care of it will also maintain its value and
extend its life. Your Firearm should be cleaned every time that it is
used.
A Firearm brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before
shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil,
can prevent the Firearm from operating properly.
Before cleaning your Firearm, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded.
The Firearm's action should be open during the cleaning process. Also,
be sure that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.