These saftey precautions should be followed thoughtfully to avoid or reduce the chance of serious bodily injury or death. In addition to these considerations, having someone show you how to safely handle a firearm is never a bad idea, nor is doing some research to learn the workings of the gun you intend to purchase before you use it. If you have not done so already, check out our youtube channel where we have many videos that help you better understand all things firearms and ammunition.
- ALWAYS carefully read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions for any firearm you intend to use BEFORE using it.
- ALWAYS use proper ammunition made for your firearm. Check the barrel of the gun and compare it with the labeling of the ammunition box. Improperly made, or incorrect ammunition may cause operation failures, misfires, or an explosion and should never be used due to the increased risk of death or serious bodily harm to the shooter and/or bystanders. Always use ammunition that meets the manufacturer’s specifications as stated on the gun itself and in the manual. Improper use of ammunition will void any return and/or refund of damaged firearms.
- ALWAYS keep firearms pointed in a safe direction. NEVER point a gun – loaded or unloaded – at anything you are not intending to shoot. The first thing you should do when picking up a firearm is to make sure the safety is engaged if the gun has one, and check whether or not it is loaded with a round in the firing chamber.
- ALWAYS assume that every gun is loaded until you personally confirm that it is not. Know how to check your firearm to verify whether it is loaded. Know how to clear (this involves making sure the firing chamber and the magazine or cylinder are unloaded) the firearm in the event of a malfunction. Check out our videos on youtube about this here:
- ALWAYS keep firearms unloaded until they are ready for immediate use. Only loaded firearms can discharge accidentally or cause any harm. When keeping firearms loaded, for security purposes for example, it is absolutely imperative and necessary to guarantee that no one else has access to the firearm. Accidents have happened when children or people lacking sound judgement, have had access to loaded firearms which has resulted in otherwise avoidable tragedy. Think carefully about who has the ability to access your firearms and ammunition and take measures to ensure they are securely stored.
- ALWAYS carry firearms pointed in a safe direction while it is being handled, due to the possibility of accidental discharge. This is ESPECIALLY important when loading, unloading or operating any other mechanism of the gun as This is when most accidental discharges occur. Never let the gun point at you or others when you are holding, loading, or inspecting it.
- NEVER rely on any mechanical safety. Mechanical devices can break or fail. FIREARMS SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU, THE USER. Safety mechanisms on are not guarantees against discharge and may not prevent accidental discharge if they have been damaged by misuse or abuse. Instead ensure the firearm is always pointing in a direction that should it fire accidentally, it will not cause injury to yourself or others.
- NEVER shoot at hard surfaces, water or randomly into the sky. Always select a place to shoot that has a safe backstop and is free from obstructions and water surfaces which could cause ricochets. Do not shoot over a hill behind which you cannot be sure what is there. There is no way to predict where a ricocheted bullet will go.
- ALWAYS check for obstructions BEFORE you load the firearm or whenever there is any reason to expect that a blockage may have occurred. NEVER attempt to check the bore or chambers without first unloading and disassembling the firearm to a non-functioning state. Firing any firearm with a barrel or chamber obstruction can lead to serious injury. Keep bore and chambers free from rust and corrosion. Rust and corrosion can cause a sufficient obstruction to generate extreme overpressure upon firing, which may result in possible structural failure and serious injury to the shooter or bystanders.
- ALWAYS wear proper safety-rated ear and eye protection when shooting. Ear protection reduces the cumulative and permanent hearing loss that results from unprotected exposure to gunfire. Use of impact resistant shooting glasses might protect your eyes in many circumstances where injury would result without them.
- ALWAYS make sure all other persons are safely to the rear of the shooter and are wearing ear and eye protection as well when discharging any firearm.
- ALWAYS cease firing immediately if you have a misfire or notice any unusual sound or recoil while discharging the firearm. Unload the firearm and check for obstruction before resuming firing. A misfire can result in a barrel obstruction which is extremely dangerous. In the event that you pull the trigger and your firearm does not properly discharge (a “delayed ignition”), do NOT pull the trigger again.
- NEVER make alterations to any parts in your gun. Any adjustments that become necessary should be performed by a qualified gunsmith. Alterations will void the warranty. Do not risk your safety or the safety of others by making modifications to your firearm.
- NEVER cross obstacles such as fences or streams with a loaded firearm. Always make certain your firearm is unloaded before navigating any obstacle, including but not limited to crossing a fence, climbing a tree, jumping a ditch, etc.
- ALWAYS hold or carry your gun so that you can control the direction of the muzzle if you fall or stumble. Dropping guns or allowing an impact to a loaded gun accounts for many accidental discharges.
NEVER allow a firearm to be used by individuals who do not understand its safe operation or have not read these firearm instructions and safety rules. - NEVER leave an unattended gun loaded. EVER. Store unattended guns unloaded and locked in a secure, clean, dry place. INSURE that unattended guns are beyond the reach of children, or any unauthorized user. Keep guns stored separately from ammunition. Your gun is YOUR responsibility.
- ALWAYS carefully inspect your firearm and ammunition prior to use for any and all defects.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS OR FAILURE TO OBEY A SAFETY WARNING MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU, TO OTHERS, OR SEVERELY DAMAGE THE FIREARM.
