1. Know your chosen weapon.
Be familiar with every facet of our gun. Thoroughly read the instruction manual supplied with your firearm. Study your gun inside and out. Make sure you know how to operate your gun safely and properly.
2. Safety first!
You should routinely make sure that your firearm is in good working order and that the barrel is clear of dirt and obstructions. Quality ear and eye protection should always be worn when shooting or observing. Only use ammunition recommended by the firearm manufacturer, and always be certain that the ammunition matches the caliber of your gun.
3. Handle all firearms as if they are loaded.
Don't ever believe that a gun isn't loaded until you see it for yourself. Whenever you handle a firearm, the first thing you should do (while keeping it pointed in a safe direction with your finger outside the trigger guard) is to open the action to determine whether or not the firearm is properly loaded. Make it a habit to check no matter what! It is always better to be safe.
4. Always point the gun in a safe direction.
Never point the gun at anyone or anything you don't want damaged or destroyed if the gun goes off. The corollary to this is never entirely trust a safety device to prevent firing. In simplest terms: Never point a gun at anything you're not willing to shoot.
5. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot!
Keep your finger out of the gun?s trigger guard and off the trigger until you have aligned the gun?s sights on a safe target and you have made the decision to fire. If you don't touch the trigger, the gun is unlikely to fire.
6. Know exactly what you are shooting at.
Pay attention! Always be certain that your target and the surrounding area are safe before firing.
7. Never shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
Water might not seem like a hard surface, but its density makes it pretty dangerous. It has a tendency to allow bullets and shotgun shot to ricochet (glance off) and fly off in an unintended direction. Hard surfaces like metal, rocks, and hard wood can do this too - and they can even send the projectile back to the shooter.
8. Always make sure the firearm is unloaded and keep the action open except when actually hunting or preparing to shoot.
When in the field or at the range, unload your gun and leave the action open so others can see it is not ready to fire. In active hunting or shooting you can load and close your gun. But always, always use your gun responsibly.
9. Always transport your gun in the safest manner.
The transportation of firearms is regulated by Federal, State and local laws. Always transport your firearm in a safe, unloaded condition and in accordance with applicable laws.
10. Never mix gunpowder and alcohol!
Firearms must be used with care. Never use them while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. You need a clear head to make proper decisions when handing firearms. When under the influence of drugs and alcohol, your ability to think clearly, act accordingly, and react to anything unexpected is severely impaired. So, please, don't drink and fire.
