Manual

47
A safe direction must take into account the fact that a bullet may penetrate a
wall, ceiling, floor, window, etc., and strike a person or damage property.
Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing
whenever you handle it, and be sure that you are always in control of the
direction in which the muzzle is pointing, even if you fall or stumble. Keep
your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
3. FIREARMS SHOULD BE UNLOADED WHEN NOT IN
USE
.
Firearms should be loaded only when
you are in the field or on the target
range or shooting area, ready to
shoot. Firearms and ammunition
should be securely locked in safes,
racks or cabinets, or by using the
locking device supplied with the
firearm when not in use. Ammunition
should safely be stored separate from
firearms. Store your firearms out of
sight of visitors and children. It is the
gun owner’s responsibility to be cer-
tain that children and persons unfa-
miliar with firearms cannot gain
access to firearms, ammunition, or
components.
4. BE SURE THE BARREL IS CLEAR OF OBSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE SHOOTING.
Even a bit of mud, snow or excess
lubricating oil or grease in the
bore may cause the barrel to
bulge, or even burst on firing, and
can cause serious injury to the
shooter and bystanders. Be sure
that you are using ammunition of
the proper caliber and loading for
the gun you are using. If the
report or recoil on firing seems
weak, or doesn’t seem quite right,
CEASE FIRING IMMEDIATELY,
unload your firearm, and check to
be sure that no obstruction has
become lodged in the barrel. Never
try to shoot out an obstruction!