Some Golden Rules to Remember:

1. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times

Never point your firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot, a safe direction may be defined as a direction that will not cause harm if the firearm was to be accidently discharged. May not occur if the firearm is kept in a safe direction at all times. Extreme car must be taken and maintained at all times when loading and unloading a firearm. Always treat an empty firearm as a loaded firearm and as we have heard from time to time I thought it was empty, safety glasses should be worn at all times when discharging a loaded firearm

2. Firearms when not in use should not be loaded

The only time your firearm should be loaded is when you are going to use it (unless you are in law enforcement, security, armed services or other lawful activities).Never pass a loaded firearm to another person always ensure it is in a safe state prior to handing it to someone else, always keep the action in the open position or if a break action shot gun it must be in the broken state when handing the firearm to someone, if you have an automatic firearm the receiver must be in the open position when not in use, always double check that the firearm is in a safe state. Extra care must be undertaken when children are in the household where firearms are stored and double extra care must be undertaken when children are at shooting events or in the field where firearms are being used. Do not attempt to cross a river or creek on foot with a loaded firearm, never climb over or under a barbed wire fence with a loaded firearm, and never pass a loaded firearm to someone on the other side of a fence

3. Safety catches and systems

Is your safety catch or device “safe” (the quick answer is NO), under no circumstances you should never rely or your firearms safety catch or device for the satisfaction of your firearm is in a safe mode, keep your fingers off the trigger until you are ready to discharge the firearm sometimes this can be misleading that the safety may be on when in fact it may not be, this could result in grave consequences if the firearm discharged. Human error is often the cause of a firearm incident that causes injury

4. Sights on a target

Always check that your target is a lawful target when in the field hunting, always check the background behind your target a house, other animals, human beings may be in the line of fire as bullets from high calibre firearms travel great distances and a ricochet could result if the back drop of your target is not capable of stopping your bullet or you miss the target. Never shoot into water or rocks as a ricochet may result, people have died and been seriously maimed and injured as result of ricochets, remember pick and choose your target carefully and only discharge the firearm when completely safe to do so

5. Correct ammunition and reloading

Each firearm is unique and may require a particular round or brand of ammunition, read the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct gauge, size ammunition that suits your firearm, if reloading please ensure that only the recommended loads are loaded into your cases or hulls, an overload or higher charge does not necessarily mean a better load, remember an overload may and could result in serious injury or death, due diligence must be adhered to at all times whilst reloading ammunition of any variety and size. Always keep your ammunition and reloading components stored and locked in a well-ventilated and dry area and out of reach of children at all times

6. Misfire and or fails to fire one the trigger is pulled

If for any reason your firearm fails to fire once the trigger is squeezed immediately remove your finger from the trigger and remember the # 1 rule (keep the muzzle aimed or pointed in a safe direction and wait for no less than 30 seconds ,  Once satisfied that the firearm is in a safe position to unload the misfired cartridge or bullet remove it and place it in a safe place until it can be disposed of in a safe manner

7. Eye and ear (PPCE) protection

Your eyes and ears are one of the most important thing we human have and sometimes we place them under great pressure and sometimes pain to achieve what we want to do, shooting is amongst these things and or sport we like to do and to help us enjoy and achieve these goals and to help protect us from serious injury or some form of permanent disability is the use of personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) as it is commonly referred to. It is highly recommended that whist shooting in the field or at a competition event that eyewear and ear protection should be worn at all times, sometimes long sleeved clothing is of an assistance and added protection from the sun’s rays and other weather elements and is highly recommended at all times – **see eye protection page for further details**

8. Obstruction (barrel) and other

One golden rule must never be broken or taken for granted and that is an obstruction in the barrel and in some cases barrels, prior to loading your firearm check the that the barrel or barrels are free from obstruction, this simple check may safe your or someone else’s life. Never put the barrel of any firearm into the ground as a blockage will result in the barrels bulging and possibly exploding which may result in serious injury and or death.

SEE SECTION SIX

9. Modifications and alterations

Alterations and or modification to your or any firearm should be completed by a qualified gunsmith and or stock maker, a good warning and advice is to never attempt to alter or modify your firearm in any way shape or form apart from voiding any warranty it is not recommended that a none qualified person should attempt any modification whatsoever in the interest of your and or a family members safety, this may and could prevent a serious injury or even death. Regular servicing and maintenance by a qualified person should see your firearm in good condition for many years to come and remember your firearm is only as good as it kept, correct lubricants as per the manufacturers recommendations should be used at all times

10. Characteristics and knowing you firearm

As you are aware like all other machines, vehicles, tools and so on a firearm is no different from the previously mentioned items, it is imperative that you get to know your firearm from but to the end of the barrel, like cars no motor vehicle is the same as with firearms, when you purchase a new or second hand firearm you need to familiarize yourself with it as soon as possible and get to know how it works, how it feels when fired, where it is shooting, read the hand book that may come with the firearm, if a second hand purchase is made ask the seller or the local firearm reseller if a manual is available, this is an important document that should be read, re-read and completely understood before any live firing is undertaken

***REMEMBER EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FIREARM SAFETY AT ALL TIMES ON THE RANGE AND IN THE BUSH AND HOME***