Chapter Summary
Firearm safety rules and practices are the most important component to take away from this course. If you obey all the rules and safe practices you learned in this chapter, you will greatly reduce your chances of being involved in a firearm or hunting incident.
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You should know the different types of firearm safeties and how to use them properly. In most cases, red means fire. If you see red on the safety mechanism, it means the safety is disengaged and the firearm is ready to shoot.
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Always engage the firearm's safety as soon as the firearm is loaded, and leave the safety engaged until you have properly identified your target and are ready to fire.
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A firearm's safety is a mechanical device and consequently subject to failure. Using the mechanical safety is no substitute for obeying all the rules of safe firearm handling.
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As a safe hunter, you should know the different types if firearm carries, and when it is safe to use them. For example, never use the shoulder, trail, or elbow carries when there is someone in front of you. The two-hand carry gives the best muzzle control. Remember: ALWAYS keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
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When hunting with others, whether on land or on the water, be sure to properly identify the zones of fire, and keep the muzzle pointed within your zone of fire at all times, to ensure you are not pointing the muzzle at another hunter.
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It is your responsibility to ensure that the firearm you are using is in good working order.
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Your firearm should be cleaned regularly to help ensure shot accuracy.
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When cleaning a firearm, ALWAYS ensure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction, and make sure the firearm is unloaded.
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Always remove live ammunition from the work area before you start to clean your firearm.
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Always wear hand and eye protection when cleaning your firearm.
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If possible, always clean the firearm from the breech end.
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If your firearm is damaged, always take it to a qualified gunsmith for repair.
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When storing firearms at home, always store firearms and ammunition separately and securely. Obey local regulations on proper storage of firearms.
