The Basic Firearms Safety Rules
Hi all
This is my first blog post and something that I feel that needs to be said with 2 recent tragic incidents in the last week both in Victoria and Queensland.
I thought it is quite important to remind us about firearm safety. no matter if you have been shooting for years or just starting out safety should be always first in our minds as there is no second chances when it comes to firearms
1. Treat every firearm as being loaded
Check every firearm yourself, do not take the word of another person that a firearm is unloaded.
2. Always point firearms in a safe direction
Loaded or unloaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
Do not point a loaded or unloaded firearm at anybody, or at anything you do not wish to shoot.
3. Never have loaded firearms in the car, home or camp
Before entering a car, home or camp, completely unload your firearm. Ensure that the action is open and that there is no ammunition in either the breech or the magazine.
4. Identify your target and what is behind it
Be absolutely certain you have positively identified it. If in doubt, DON’T SHOOT.
also be aware of the area between you and your target, but also the area beyond the target.
5. Never fire at hard surfaces or water
Consider the area in which you are shooting. Could a ricochet occur? A ricochet will almost certainly result from shooting at water or smooth flat surfaces and rocks.
6. Store ammunition and firearms separately
When not in use, lock away firearms and ammunition separately, there is a legal requirement on firearms owners to store firearms and ammunition separately in locked containers. Please check with your local Firearms branch for relevant storage requirements.
7. No alcohol or drugs when handling firearms
Never mix alcohol or drugs with firearms use. Alcohol dulls and slows mental and physical reactions. Alertness is essential to proper and safe firearms use.
8. Do not climb fences or obstacles with loaded firearms
Before attempting to negotiate a fence or obstacle unload your firearm. Better still only load the firearm when you are ready to shoot.
9. Do not rely on safety catches.
Safety catches, at best, only supplement the safe handling of firearms.
10. Never “muck around”
When you have a firearm in your hands. This is irresponsible behaviour and can result in a serious and tragic accident.
Our attitude as a firearms owner can do much to influence others we need to always promote safe handling of firearms.
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Category: Guest Blogs
Great first post and welcome to the team Phil!
I think its pertinent to go over the safety rules every once in a while no matter how long you have been shooting for as that way it stays fresh in your mind!
Welcome Phil,
Great first post on a very serious subject.
THANKS MAYBE THESE SHOULD COME PRINTED ON EVERY BOX OF BULLETS. JUST TO REMIND SOME PEOPLE NOT TO SWITHED.
Your right Phil, a good time for a reminder even those of us that shoot often are sometimes complacent.
Sure we dont need it rammed down our throat everyday but I think a reminder every now again is good and has more effect.
Nice post mate!
It’s good to see something like this. A good friend of mine new the two hunters in Vic where the tradgedy took place. If we can show the future generations of hunters the correct way of firearm safety and this is practiced repeatly, the maybe we can all continue our sport safely and grow old with the ones we love.