ADDITIONAL SAFETY POINTS

The six basic safety rules are the foundational rules for gun safety. However, there are additional safety points which must not be overlooked:

• Never handle a gun when you are in an emotional state such as anger or depression. Your judgment may be impaired.

• Never shoot a gun in celebration (such as on the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve, for example). Not only is this unsafe, but it is generally illegal. A bullet fired into the air can return to the ground with enough speed to cause injury or death.

• Do not shoot at water, flat or hard surfaces. The bullet can ricochet and hit someone or something other than the target.

• Hand your gun to someone only after you verify that it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open. Take a gun from someone only after you verify that it is unloaded and the cylinder or action is open.

• Guns, alcohol and drugs don’t mix. Alcohol and drugs can negatively affect judgment as well as physical coordination. Alcohol and any other substances are likely to impair normal mental or physical functions and should not be used before or while handling guns. Avoid handling and using your gun when you are taking medications that cause drowsiness or include a warning to not operate machinery while taking the drug.

• The loud noise from a fired gun can cause hearing damage, and the debris and hot gas that is often emitted can result in eye injury. Always wear ear and eye protection when shooting a gun.

Self Test

1. A safe practice when handling a gun is to rest your finger on the outside of the trigger guard or along the side of the gun until you are ready to shoot. (page 4)
True False

2. To “know your target, its surroundings and beyond,” you must consider that if the bullet misses or completely passes through the target, it could strike a person or object. (page 5)
True False

3. Drinking alcohol while handling firearms is safe if your blood alcohol level remains below the legal limit. (page 6)
True False

4. Which of the following safety points should you remember when handling a gun? (page 6)
A. Never shoot a gun in celebration.
B. Do not fire at water, flat or hard surfaces.
C. Wear ear and eye protection when shooting a gun.
D. All of the above.

5. As a safety measure, your firearm
should always be pointed:
(page 4)
A. To the north.
B. In the safest possible direction.
C. Up.
D. Down.

6. One of the safety rules is to know how to properly: (page 5)
A. Clear a malfunction. B. Operate your gun.
C. Load your gun.
D. Clean your gun.