Safety
No compromise on Safety ! ! !
We've said that shooting is a safe and fun sport. Actually it is safe only
if EACH ONE OF US MAKES SAFETY THEIR FIRST CONCERN. We at the Parma Rod & Gun Club
will not
accept anything less. The Parma Rod & Gun Club is a very friendly group of people, but we do take
safety very seriously. If we see anyone doing something unsafe, we will call it
immediately. Don't be alarmed, just stop what you are doing immediately and listen.
General Notes on Safety:
It cannot be overemphasized that safety with firearms must be our primary concern
as spectators, as shooters, as Safety Officers, as firearms enthusiasts, and as
human beings. It is up to each individual participant to keep a high standard
of safety foremost in consideration as we practice this martial art.
Therefore,
please commit the following to memory and use every opportunity to teach these
rules to others.
The 4 Basic Safety Rules
(as taught at
Gunsite):
1) ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED!
We do not say "treat it like" or "act like." Mindset is critical and you must
believe this! Never take anyone else's word for the condition of any firearm,
including a range official. If you handle it, the responsibility rests
with you and you alone.
2) NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY!
This rule is constantly violated, especially with pistols, because of their
compactness and is usually excused by saying "It's OK, it's not loaded."
Refer to rule 1, above! You must be constantly aware of the direction in
which the muzzle is pointed.
3) KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET!
Never put your finger inside the trigger guard "until your sights are aligned
and you are ready to shoot." A Law Enforcement Officer searching a warehouse
for an armed suspect or a hunter following a wounded lion into thick brush
should most certainly be ready to shoot. But at this point they have no target
at which to direct their fire and should not have their fingers on the trigger.
This distinction of mindset is important. This rule alone, if followed without
fail, could eliminate most Negligent Discharges. Teach it, enforce it, and live it.
Of the
four basic firearms safety rules, this is the Golden
Rule.
4) ALWAYS BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET!
Know what it is, what is beyond it, and what is around it. You are never
justified in shooting at a noise, a movement, a shadow or anything you
have not positively identified as a threat to you or to someone you are
legitimately trying to protect.
Different ranges have different rules, but these four rules are universal.
You should
strive to make them a permanent part of your character.
By participating in shooting matches we are involved in a competitive sport, one
which uses time as one criterion for measurement. This can create a situation
in which one may be tempted to momentarily compromise safety for some other
advantage. DO NOT FALL PREY TO THIS MISTAKE!
When someone wants to show you his new handgun in the parking lot, remember
rule #1.
When you are shooting from a seated position or from a car, remember rule #2.
When you are on the move with an unholstered handgun, remember rule
#3.
When you are in a low position such as prone, remember rule #4.
We can all be Safety Officers and we especially need to look out for those who
are new to our discipline.
WE ALL WANT TO GO HOME AFTER THE
SHOOTING SESSION!
Range Conduct Rules:
Do not handling a firearm except while on the firing line or in the safety
area.
The muzzle of one's handgun must never be
pointed in an unsafe direction.
Endangering another person, or dropping a
loaded firearm.
Never stand directly behind the holstered handgun during the start command
or during reholstering of the handgun.
When on the line: Stand firm. Plant your feet and resist
fidgeting.
Do not turn around with a pistol in your
hand. Holster first, then turn!
Do not allow the pistol to dangle in your hand. The pistol must be in
shooting position, held at the ready, or holstered.
Keep the muzzle downrange when loading, reloading, or clearing a
malfunction.
Keep your finger out of the trigger guard when in motion.
Keep rifle and shotgun actions open, magazines removed, and weapons slung or
racked unless on the line.
Copyright © 2004-2009 Parma Rod &
Gun Club