Practical firearm and ammunition knowledge, explained clearly.
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These rules work together and should be followed every time a firearm is handled.
Before handling a firearm, understand how that specific model operates. Keep it pointed in a safe direction while checking its condition, opening the action, and confirming the chamber and feeding path are clear. Do not rely on a mechanical safety as a substitute for muzzle and trigger discipline. If you do not know how to inspect or operate a firearm safely, leave it in a safe condition and ask a qualified instructor or gunsmith for help.
Load only when you are in an appropriate place and ready to use the firearm. When unloading, keep the muzzle in a safe direction, remove the ammunition source, open the action, and visually and physically verify the chamber is empty according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep live ammunition away from the cleaning or maintenance area.
Follow the commands of the range officer and the rules of the facility. Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection. Keep the firearm unloaded with the action open until the firing line is declared ready. Never handle firearms while people are forward of the firing line. Stop immediately if a person, animal, or unsafe condition enters the shooting area.
A safe backstop must be capable of stopping the projectile being fired. Bullets can pass through a target, skip from hard surfaces, or travel far beyond what is easy to see. Never fire at movement, sound, shapes, water, rocks, or another surface unless the target has been positively identified and the entire path of the projectile is safe.
Store firearms so unauthorized people cannot access them. A locked safe or secure cabinet provides better protection than hiding a firearm. Use locking devices appropriate to the firearm, control the keys or combinations, and consider storing ammunition separately. Storage choices should account for children, visitors, theft risk, fire protection, and the laws that apply where you live.
Do not assume a child will avoid a firearm because they have been warned. Secure storage is the adult’s responsibility. Teach children that if they encounter an unattended firearm they should stop, not touch it, leave the area, and tell a trusted adult. Guests and other household members should never be able to access a firearm without your knowledge and authorization.
Before transporting a firearm, unload and secure it in a suitable case and comply with all applicable federal, state, tribal, and local laws. Rules can differ for vehicles, public lands, schools, restricted locations, and travel across state lines. Plan the route before traveling and verify the current requirements for every jurisdiction involved.
Use only the exact cartridge and specifications approved by the firearm manufacturer. Confirm the markings on both the firearm and ammunition rather than relying on appearance. Keep ammunition clean, dry, and protected from heat, moisture, oils, and impact. Do not use cartridges that are corroded, damaged, improperly seated, or of uncertain origin.
If a shot sounds or feels unusual, stop shooting immediately, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and follow the firearm manufacturer’s procedure. A delayed ignition or an obstruction can create a dangerous condition. Do not look into the muzzle or attempt to fire another round until the firearm has been safely cleared and inspected.
Unload the firearm completely before cleaning, remove all live ammunition from the work area, and follow the manufacturer’s manual. Inspect for excessive wear, damage, obstruction, corrosion, or loose components. Modifications and repairs that affect safe operation should be performed or checked by a qualified gunsmith.
Never handle or shoot a firearm while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, fatigue, or any medication or condition that affects judgment, balance, vision, or coordination. Avoid distractions and horseplay. Safe firearm use requires full attention and deliberate decisions from the moment the firearm is accessed until it is secured again.
Written guidance is not a substitute for hands-on instruction. Seek training from a reputable instructor, practice safe administrative handling, and learn basic trauma first aid. Keep a properly stocked first-aid kit and a reliable way to contact emergency services whenever shooting. If an injury occurs, make the scene safe, call emergency services, and provide aid within your training.
