National Rifle Association (NRA) Gun Saftey Rules  •  Club's Terms and Conditions

Firearm Safety Rules

The following list may be used as a guide to safety and firearms.

If improperly handled and discharged:
A firearm has the potential to do severe damage and even cause death to yourself or others!

There are hundreds of situations that may arise where safety and firearms must be the first and foremost consideration.

The following is a partial list of considerations:

  1. Firearms and ammunition are not toys. Children are attracted to firearms.
    Make sure they are kept away from children.
  2. Always instruct children to respect firearms.
  3. Instruct children to do the following when they see a firearm:
    STOP! DON'T Touch. LEAVE the area. TELL an adult
  4. Answer your children's questions about firearms openly and honestly.
    Do not make a gun an object of curiosity for a child.
  5. Always handle firearms as though they were loaded.
  6. Make sure someone is acting as a "range officer" when more than two people are shooting.
  7. Always wear eye and ear protection when you are shooting or near any type of shooting activity.
  8. The only "safety device" that really exists in "between your ears".
    THINK! Keep your mind on what you are doing at all times.
  9. Never point a firearm at anything that you do not or would not intend to shoot and destroy.
  10. When shooting, always know what your target is and what is behind it.
  11. Never shoot at a hard surface such as rock or concrete or any other hard surface.
    Bullets may ricochet and their subsequent trajectories will be unpredictable.
    Do not shoot at water for it may have the same properties.
  12. Always check to see if a firearm is unloaded. Never assume anything anytime.
  13. Never load your firearm unless you are ready to shoot.
  14. Your firearm may discharge when dropped or mishandled.
  15. Never cock your firearm until you are ready to shoot.
  16. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire a shot.
  17. If a firearm malfunctions, point the barrel in a safe direction and wait at least 30 seconds.
    Then do what you have to do to remedy the problem. If you are not sure what to do, seek assistance.
  18. Never leave a firearm unattended.
  19. When you are finished shooting, remove unused ammunition and inspect your weapon.
  20. Make sure your firearm is clean and in good working order. Inspect it before and after you shoot.
  21. Make sure your ammunition is of top quality and appropriate for the firearm before being used.
  22. Never drink or take drugs when handling a firearm.
  23. Make sure you are physically fit to shoot your firearm. Consult a Doctor if necessary.
  24. Walking around with a loaded gun is very dangerous, but sometimes necessary.
    If this is required, be very careful. Hunter safety classes explain how to do this as safely as possible.
  25. When not in use, store firearms and ammunition in a safe place such as a gun safe.
  26. When transporting firearms and ammunition, make sure you do it safely and legally.
    Find out about your local laws regarding the safe transportation of firearms are and follow them.
  27. Keep your firearms clean. Failure to do so may result in injuries and possibly death.