The Ten commandments of Firearm Safety
All shooters must know these basic safety rules.
The SA Gunowners’ Association issued rules that are fundamental in any situation.
Whether or not you own a gun, it is important to know these rules so that you may help others to follow them.
• Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
Whether you are shooting or simply handling a gun, never point it at yourself or others (or animals).
Common sense will tell you which direction is safest.
Outdoors, it is generally safe to point the gun toward the ground, or, if you are on a shooting range, toward the backstop. Indoors, be mindful of the fact that a bullet can penetrate ceilings, floors, walls, windows and doors.
• Always keep your finger out of the trigger guard until ready to shoot
When handling a gun, people have a natural tendency to put their finger on the trigger.
Do not touch the trigger unless you are actually ready to fire the gun.
• Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use (obviously not applicable to self-defence guns)
If you do not know how to check to see if a gun is unloaded, leave it alone. Carefully secure it, being certain to point it safely and to keep your finger off the trigger, and seek competent assistance.
More basic shooting safety:
• Be sure of your target, and what’s beyond it
Be sure that your bullet will not injure anyone or anything beyond or adjacent to your target.
Firing at a movement or noise without having positively identified it as a legal and legitimate target could have tragic consequences.
• Use correct ammunition
It takes only one improper or incorrect cartridge to wreck your gun and cause you serious personal injury
• If your gun fails to fire…
If the trigger is pulled and the gun fails to fire, wait for a full 10 seconds. Exercise extreme care.
With the gun pointed in a safe direction and your face away from the breach, carefully open the action, unload the firearm and dispose of the cartridge in a safe way. Wear safety glasses.
• Always wear ear and eye protection
Shooting noise can permanently damage your hearing. Shooting glasses guard against escaping gases, ruptured cases, ricochets and other hazards.
• Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions
Check that the barrel is clear of any obstruction – sand, twigs, mud and gunge – the smallest of which can cause dangerously increased pressures causing the barrel to bulge or burst.
Before inspecting the gun (especially from the muzzle) ensure that is is not loaded.
Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety:
• Make safety a habit – you can’t recall a speeding bullet
• Point firearms only at your target or in a safe direction
• Check the barrel and action for obstructions, after having ensured the gun is unloaded
• Treat all firearms as if they are loaded and cocked
• Store weapons unloaded in a safe place
• Firearms are not for playing games
• Know and use only the right, clean and dry ammunition
• Ricochets can be dangerous – don’t shoot at hard flat surfaces or water
• Think clearly before pulling a trigger – never handle a gun during or after alcohol use
• Teach your family the proper use of firearms – knowledge breeds respect
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