Many makes and models of firearms might LOOK nearly the same. However, they differ widely in design and operation, and in the location and function of various controls. Study these notes thoroughly. Educate yourself on the characteristics and operation of your particular firearm before attempting to handle it. Do not permit others to handle it - unless they also have done so.
Your knowledge can prevent injuries.
Rules of Firearms Safety
1. DANGER: Never, never-ever point any gun, loaded or unloaded, at anything you do not intend to shoot.
2. WARNING: Always treat every gun as if it were loaded.
3. SAFETY FIRST: The safety (IF FITTED) is only a mechanical device, not a substitute for common sense.
4. WARNING: Keep your finger off the trigger until you are actually aiming at the target ready to shoot.
5. WARNING: Be certain the gun is unloaded before cleaning.
6. WARNING: Always empty gun before entering a place where there are people.
7. SAFETY FIRST: Never leave a loaded gun unattended.
8. SAFETY FIRST: Store gun and ammunition separately beyond the reach of children
9. WARNING: Don't test the safety by pulling the trigger while the safety is on unless you are absolutely sure the firearm is empty and you are pointing away from everyone.
10. SAFETY FIRST: Be sure of your target and backstop before you shoot.
11. WARNING: Guns and alcohol or drugs don't mix. Do not shoot or handle firearms after consuming beer, wine, other alcoholic beverages or any medications or other drugs that may affect your ability.
12. WARNING: Never pull a gun towards you by the barrel. Don't climb a tree or cross a fence with a loaded gun.
13. DANGER: Load and unload with the barrel pointed in a safe direction.
14. SAFETY FIRST: If a gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, keep it pointed at the target for at least 30 seconds. Sometimes slow primer ignition will cause a "hang" fire and the cartridge will go off after a short pause.
15. SAFETY FIRST: Never shoot at hard flat surfaces or water, bullet may ricochet.
16. DANGER: When receiving a gun always check that it is unloaded, (open cylinder to check if it is empty), even if you saw it done previously.
17. DANGER: Never put your hand over the barrel of a gun.
18. DANGER: Check ammunition is the right size and calibre, and that it is not dented.
19. NOTICE: Never cock the gun until you are ready to shoot.
20. SAFETY FIRST: Dry firing is bad for this gun, whether the hammer block is engaged or not.
21. DANGER: WHILE HANDLING ANY FIREARM, NEVER ALLOW IT TO POINT AT ANY PART OF YOUR BODY OR AT ANOTHER PERSON, NO HARM SHOULD RESULT IF YOU OBEY THIS RULE, EVEN IF AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE OCCURS.
22. Revolvers have "SIDE BLAST" or "CYLINDER BLAST", hot gases and particles escaping at high speeds to the sides of the gun from the clearance gap between the cylinder and barrel. Keep people behind and away from you and keep your hands and body clear of the sides of the revolver when firing.
23. CAUTION: If there is any reason to suspect that a bullet is obstructing the barrel, immediately unload the firearm and look through the bore. It is not sufficient to merely look in the chamber.
24. SAFETY FIRST: Treat this gun as a precision instrument.
25. WARNING: Old or reloaded ammunition may be dangerous. We recommend against using it.
26. SAFETY FIRST: Never carry handgun in your pocket, purse or waist band. Use a pistol case or proper holster with safety flap or strap.
27. DANGER: Don't try to change your gun's trigger pull, because alteration of trigger pull usually affects sear engagement and may cause accidental discharge.
28. DANGER: Never engage a gun lock on a loaded firearm.