3
Remember, safe gun handling does not stop with your firearm’s
mechanical “safety” devices, it starts there. Always treat this firearm
with the respect due a loaded, ready-to-fire firearm.
Some firearms do not have a mechanical “safety.” Many target
firearms, lever-action firearms and pistols do not have manual
“safety” mechanisms. Therefore it is critical to read and
understand the owner’s manual for every firearm which explains
the safe operation of the firearm.
While it is a good idea to “test” your firearm’s mechanical “safety”
periodically for proper function, never test the “safety” while your
firearm is loaded or pointed in an unsafe direction.
3 whenever you handle any firearm, or hand it to someone,
always oPen the action immediately and visually checK the
firearm’s chamBer to maKe certain that the firearm is
comPletely unloaded.
Make certain the firearm does not inadvertently contain any
ammunition. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety”
in the on safe position unless shooting is imminent.
4 always wear ear and eye Protection when shooting.
Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can cause hearing
damage. Wear hearing protection (shooting ear plugs or muffs)
to guard against such damage.
Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles.
Allow proper distance (eye relief) between a scope and your
eye when firing a scoped rifle, shotgun or pistol. Do not use
unorthodox shooting methods that could cause the rearward
travel of the slide or bolt of a firearm to contact your eyes, face
or hands. Always keep a safe distance between the muzzle of
your firearm and any persons nearby, as muzzle blast, debris
and ejecting cartridges could inflict serious injury.
Always wear eye protection when disassembling and cleaning any
firearm to prevent the possibility of springs, spring-tensioned
parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes.