Safe and secure storage of your firearm is one of your most important responsibilities. It is a
full-time responsibility. You must always secure your firearm and ammunition separately so
that they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.
Whenever your firearm is not in use, keep it unloaded and locked. Your safety and the safety
of others require that you always secure and store your firearm in a manner that will prevent
unauthorized access. Never leave a firearm unattended unless it is unloaded, locked and
secured.
Please review the Safe Storage & Transportation section at the bottom of this page for more
information about safe storage practices.
At home, in the field, at the range, or anywhere, the first concern of every firearm owner
should be safety. Before handling any firearm, understand its operation and familiarize
yourself with its mechanical features. Never allow a firearm to be used by individuals who do
not understand its safe operation or who have not read these firearm safety rules.
As a firearm owner, you accept a demanding responsibility. How serious you take this
responsibility can be the difference between life and death. There is no excuse for careless or
abusive handling of your firearm. At all times handle your firearm with intense respect for its
power and potential danger.
Firearms are dangerous and can cause serious injury or death if they are misused or used
inappropriately. Appropriate use of your firearm means using your firearm for legal purposes.
For example: target shooting, hunting, and lawful resistance of deadly criminal force. Safety
must be the prime consideration of anyone who owns, handles or uses firearms. Accidents are
the result of violating the rules of safe firearm handling and common sense. Firearm safety
training is available. Contact your firearms dealer, law enforcement agency, local sportsman's
club, etc. for availability.
Apply the following safety rules in every situation, with any kind of firearm:
Never point a firearm at anyone or anything you do not intend to shoot whether or not it is
loaded. This is particularly important when loading, unloading, or field stripping the firearm.
ALWAYS control the direction of the firearm.
Do not take anyone's word that the firearm is unloaded - always check for yourself. Never
pass your firearm to another person until the cylinder or action is open and you visually check
that it is unloaded. Keep your firearm unloaded and safely stored when not in use.
You should also take care to ensure that other objects do not touch the trigger.
Always be sure of where the bullet will strike and shoot only where there is a safe back stop
free of obstructions, water or other surfaces which can cause ricochets. Be sure your bullet
will stop behind your target. Bullets can glance off many surfaces like rocks or the surface of
water and travel in unpredictable directions with considerable velocity. Do not fire randomly
into the sky.
Wear eye protection that is specified for use with firearms every time you handle your
firearm for cleaning and maintenance. Wear eye and ear protection specified for use with
firearms every time you discharge your firearm. Make sure others in the vicinity of where
you will be shooting do so as well.
Only your safe firearm-handling habits will ensure the safe use of your firearm. This is your
responsibility.
Always make certain your firearm is unloaded before crossing a fence, climbing a tree,
jumping a ditch or negotiating other obstacles.
Further, do not use your firearm if you are on any medication which impairs, even slightly,
your mental or physical ability.
Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition
may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to cause birth defects,
reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Review the warnings and labels for all
ammunition and cleaning products carefully. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.
Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition
may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to cause birth defects,
reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Review the warnings and labels for all
ammunition and cleaning products carefully. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.
Never use non-standard, reloaded, or "handloaded" ammunition which has not been subjected
to internal ballistic pressure testing.
Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting. Mud, water, snow or other objects
may inadvertently lodge in the barrel bore. A small obstruction can cause a dangerous
increase in pressure and may damage your firearm and cause injury to yourself and others.
It is your responsibility to understand and follow all of the instructions in the safety manual
that accompanied your firearm, as well as those which may be supplied with your
ammunition and any accessory.
Improper disassembly or reassembly of your firearm may be dangerous and can lead to
serious injury or death.
Improper manipulation of any other internal component may affect the safety and reliability
of your firearm and may cause serious injury or death.
If you do otherwise, improper functioning of your firearm may occur and serious injury or
death and damage to property may result.
Before using your firearm for the first time, it should be cleaned. See the cleaning
instructions that accompanied your particular firearm. Your firearm was treated at the factory
with either a preservative or oil to protect it against corrosion during shipping and storage.
Preservative and oil should be wiped from the bore, chamber and exposed areas using a clean
swab or patch before using the firearm.
Purchase cleaning supplies from your firearms dealer that are specifically designated for your
type and caliber of firearm. Many suppliers offer these in kit form for your convenience.
Follow the instructions provided with your cleaning supplies. Whenever your firearm has
been exposed to sand, dust, extreme humidity, water or other adverse conditions, it must be
cleaned and lubricated.
When storing your firearm, do not encase it in anything that will attract or hold moisture, for
example, leather or heavy cloth. Also, do not store firearms with a plug inserted in the barrel
because this can be a contributing factor to moisture accumulation. If your firearm is to be
stored for an extended period, the bore, chamber and internal surfaces should be oiled with a
high-quality lubricating oil or preservative intended for firearms. The external parts; receiver,
bolt and barrel should be coated with an anti-rust oil. Before using your firearm again, be sure
to clean it. Every time you clean your firearm, check it for signs of wear. If wear is noted, do
not use the firearm. Return it to the manufacturer for service, or have it checked by a
qualified gunsmith.
In owning a firearm, you must undertake full-time responsibility for your firearm's safety and
security. You must protect yourself and all others against injury or death from misuse of your
firearm 24 hours a day. You must secure firearms safely from children and unauthorized
users. Your firearm should always be kept unloaded and locked when not in use.
Consult your local gun shop, hardware store, or local law enforcement agency for guidance
on the variety of other safe storage devices or practices which may be appropriate for your
particular needs. You must always evaluate your personal situation and employ the security
systems that meet your needs to prevent children and unauthorized users from gaining access
to your firearm.
NEVER LOCK A LOADED FIREARM AND NEVER LOAD A LOCKED FIREARM!
NEVER LEAVE THE KEY TO THE LOCK FOR YOUR FIREARM WITH THE
STORED FIREARM!
In owning a firearm, you must undertake full-time responsibility for your firearm's safety and
security. You must protect yourself and all others against injury or death from misuse of your
firearm 24 hours a day. You must secure firearms safely from children and unauthorized
users. Your firearm should always be kept unloaded and locked when not in use.
Consult your local gun shop, hardware store, or local law enforcement agency for guidance
on the variety of other safe storage devices or practices which may be appropriate for your
particular needs. You must always evaluate your personal situation and employ the security
systems that meet your needs to prevent children and unauthorized users from gaining access
to your firearm.
NEVER LOCK A LOADED FIREARM AND NEVER LOAD A LOCKED FIREARM!
NEVER LEAVE THE KEY
Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately so that they are not accessible to
children or other unauthorized persons. Safe and secure storage of your firearm and
ammunition are your responsibility. It is a full-time responsibility.
Others may be aware of your storage location or come upon it by chance. It is your personal
responsibility to use common sense when storing your firearm and ammunition and to always
make sure they are not accessible to children or other unauthorized persons.
When transporting your firearm, be sure it is unloaded and locked.
You must be familiar and comply with all local, state, and central laws regarding the safe
storage and transportation of your firearm. Failure to know and follow the law could lead to
criminal charges against you! Obey all laws relating to the storage and transportation of
firearms. Consult your local law enforcement agency or firearms dealer for information on
storing and/or transporting a firearm safely and legally in your jurisdiction.
You are responsible for securing your firearm from theft or misuse by untrained or
unqualified individuals.