Three Rules For Safe Handling 1 2nd 3rd ALWAYS ALWAYS keep your keep the gun pointed nger o gun inasafe the unloaded direction. until ready until ready to shoot. to use.

The Fundamental NRA Rules for magazine tube), open the , visually and physically open and close the action and remove any ammunition Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. are Safe Gun Handling Are: inspect the chamber(s) and magazine area, which should from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun’s mechani- loud and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can be clear of ammunition and leave the action open with cal device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This the mechanical safety engaged. If you do not know how replace safe gun handling. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protec- is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means to open the action or inspect the chamber(s) leave the tion should be worn by shooters and spectators. that the gun is pointed so that even i t were to go ot Be sure the gun is safe to operate. Just like other tools, gun alone and get help from someone who does. would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting. to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is Regular cleaning and proper storage areapart of the Alcohol, as well as any other substance likely to impair When Using or StoringaGun, Always pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest gun’s general upkeep. If there is any question concerning normal mental or physical bodily functions, must not be direction, depending on dierent circumstances. Follow These NRA Rules: a gun’s ability to function, a knowledgeable used before or while handling or shooting guns. should look at it. ALWAYS keep your nger othe trigger until ready to Know your target and what is beyond. Be absolutely Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized shoot. When holding a gun, rest your trigger nger out- sure you have identi ed your target beyond any doubt. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. Only persons. Several factors should be considered when you side the trigger guard alongside the gun. Until you are Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your BBs, pellets, cartridges or shells designed foraparticu- decide where and how you intend to store your guns. actually ready to re, do not touch the trigger. target. This means observing your prospective area of lar gun can be red safely in that gun. Most guns have Your particular situation will beamajor part of the con- re before you shoot. Never re inadirection in which the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. sideration. Safe and secure storage requires that ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. there are people or any other potential for mishap. Ammunition can be identi ed by information printed untrained individuals (especially children) be denied Whenever you pick up a gun, always keep the gun point- Think rst. Shoot second. on the box and sometimes stamped on the cartridge. access to your guns. ed inasafe direction, keep your nger othe trigger, Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting engage the mechanical safety if possible, remove the Know how to use the gun safely. Before handlingagun, proper ammunition. activities require additional safety precautions. ammunition source (magazine or ammunition from learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely Cleaning NRA Instructor Training Program —This program pre- To join NRA today, or for additional information pares experienced shooters to teach rearm safety and regarding membership, please call (800) NRA- Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to shooting skills to others as NRA Certi ed Instructors. 3888. Your membership dues can be charged to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper care o t will NRA Training Counselors in each state provide training VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or also maintain its value and extend its life. Your gun to quali ed candidates. Discover. should be cleaned every time that it is used. NRA Shooting Coach Program — NRA Certi ed Shooting Coaches provide training to shooters and ath- A gun brought out of prolonged storage should also be National Ri e Association letes who wish to develop and re ne the skills necessary cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and for success in competitive shooting. 11250 Waples Mill Road dirt, or solidi ed grease and oil, can prevent the gun from operating properly. If you are interested in attending an NRA Fairfax, Va. 22030 Basic Course, Instructor Training Course, Before cleaning your gun, make absolutely sure that it is or Shooting Coach School, or wish to receive The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) aliate of The National unloaded. The gun’s action should be open during the training from an NRA Coach, contact the Rie Association, has the mission of raising tax-deductible con- tributions to promote rearms safety and to enhance marks- cleaning process. Also be sure that no ammunition is NRA Training Department, or visit our Web site manship skills of those participating in the shooting sports and at www.nrainstructors.org . present. to educate the general public about rearms. If you would like to makeatax-deductible contribution and at the same time Other Resources assist The NRA Foundation with its mission, you can make a Training Programs contribution to The NRA Foundation, 11250 Waples Mill The NRA oers a wide variety of programs, activities, and Road, Fairfax, VA 22030, by specifying The Firearms and NRA Basic Training Program — Safety with publications, including: Marksmanship Training Endowment . The NRA Foundation rearms begins with learning the rules outlined in this can be contacted by calling 1-800-423-6894. brochure and acquiring the skills to apply them in a Youth Programs — Youth activities in the shooting responsible and conscientious manner. You can obtain sports, such as: air gun programs for secondary schools; hands-on training in the safe and proper use of dierent cooperative programs with 4-H, Jaycees, Boy Scouts, and types o rearms by enrolling inacourse of the NRA The American Legion; marksmanship quali cation pro- Basic Firearm Training Program. gram; and shooting camps and fairs. Books, Brochures and Videos —Production of various Many thousands of persons attend these courses annual- safety and instructional materials, including: brochures (A ly and receiveasolid foundation in the basics of safe Parent’s Guide to Gun Safety) ; booklets (Smart & rearm handling and shooting skills. NRA basic courses Safe) ; books (NRA Neighborhood Air Gun Program are conducted in communities around the world by and Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Quali cation NRA Certi ed Instructors. Program) ; an accident-prevention program for children pre-kindergarten through third grade (The Eddie Eagle Courses are available in the following twelve areas: GunSafe™ Program) ; and videos (Fundamentals of Gun Muzzleloading Pistol Safety, Basic Pistol Shooting, Personal Protection In The Rie Muzzleloading Rie Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home, and Muzzleloading Shotgun Learn Gun Safety with Eddie Eagle®). Home Firearm Safety Personal Protection Range Safety Ocer In The Home Shotgun Shell Reloading Personal Protection Metallic Cartridge Outside The Home ©2001 The National Ri e Association of America 10/2010 Reloading

NR40830ES14080 NRA GUN SAFETY RULES

SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL HINGE ACTION SHOTGUN HAMMER HINGE RELEASE MUZZLE SLIDE SAFETY

MUZZLE SAFETY BARREL TRIGGER SLIDE STOP TRIGGER GUARD BARREL TRIGGER GUARD MAGAZINE TRIGGER RELEASE STOCK

MAGAZINE

REVOLVER BOLT ACTION CYLINDER BARREL SAFETY BOLT HANDLE MUZZLE HAMMER STOCK CYLINDER MUZZLE RELEASE LATCH EJECTOR ROD TRIGGER GUARD BARREL GRIP TRIGGER

TRIGGER TRIGGER GUARD

The Fundamental NRA Rules for When Using or Storing a Gun, Safe Gun Handling Are: Always Follow These NRA Rules: • ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in • Know your target and what is beyond. • Know how to use the gun safely. a safe direction. • Be sure the gun is safe to operate. • Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. • ALWAYS keep your nger o the • Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate. • Never use alcohol or drugs before or while trigger until ready to shoot. shooting. • Store guns so they are not accessible to • ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded unauthorized persons. • Be aware that certain types of guns and many until ready to use. shooting activities require additional safety precautions.

Prepared by: The National Rifle Association • 11250 Waples Mill Road • Fairfax, Va. 22030