General Firearm Safety
1. Muzzle Awareness: Always be conscious of where your firearm’s muzzle is pointing. Never point your firearm at another person unless you are legally justified in using it.
2. Secure Carry: Ensure your firearm is always properly secured in a holster when not in use.
3. Climbing Restrictions: Never climb over fences or walls while carrying a loaded firearm.
4. Unloaded When Not in Use: Firearms must remain unloaded unless actively being used on the range.
5. No Unnecessary Handling: Do not handle or play with firearms unnecessarily — they are not toys and careless behavior leads to accidents.
6. No Unauthorized Modifications: Never attempt to alter or repair a firearm yourself. Only a qualified gunsmith may perform such tasks.
7. Be Certain Before You Shoot: Once the trigger is pulled, the bullet cannot be recalled. Always identify your target and what lies beyond it.
8. No Alcohol or Drugs: Never handle or use a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
9. Know Your Firearm: Always be aware of your firearm’s condition — whether the safety is on and whether a round is chambered.
10. Proper Storage: When not in use, store your firearm in a locked safe to prevent unauthorized access.
11. Never Fire Into the Air: Bullets fired into the air can cause fatal injuries upon descent.
12. Caution with Warning Shots: If firing a warning shot, always ensure you know exactly where the bullet will stop.
13. Use Correct Ammunition: Use only the correct caliber of ammunition licensed for your specific firearm, as per South African law.
14. Check Before Use: If you haven’t used your firearm in a while, ensure the barrel is free from obstructions or excessive oil.
15. Use Eye & Ear Protection: Always wear appropriate protective gear on the range. For indoor ranges, earmuffs (not earplugs) are required to protect the delicate bones behind the ear.
16. Regular Cleaning: Clean your firearm thoroughly after every use to ensure reliable functioning.
17. Keep Out of Children’s Reach: Firearms must always be kept out of reach of children, who should be taught never to touch them.
18. Verbal Warnings: Issue a verbal warning before using your firearm whenever possible.
19. Chamber Awareness: When unloading a semi-automatic pistol, remember to clear the chamber — not just the magazine.
20. Functional Condition: Always ensure your firearm is in good working order — your safety may depend on it.
Range Rules
1. Arrival Protocol: Upon arrival at the range, your firearm must be in a secure bag, box, or holster. Never arrive with the firearm in your hand, as it may be perceived as a threat.
2. Wait for Instruction: Do not remove your firearm from its container until instructed by the designated Range Officer.
3. No Handling Behind Others: Never handle or load a firearm while standing behind another person.
4. Point Downrange: Always point your firearm downrange toward the backstop wall when handling or loading it.
5. Designated Firing Line Only: Fire only from marked firing lines — typically set at distances of 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m, or 25m from the target.
6. No Firing with Anyone in Front: You may not fire if anyone is in front of the firing line, even if they are not in your direct line of fire.
7. Wait for Command: Only begin firing upon the Range Officer’s command.
8. Stay Forward-Facing: Do not turn around on the firing line, even with your firearm holstered.
9. Dropped Items: Do not pick up any dropped item on the firing line until your firearm is safely secured in your holster.
10. Malfunction Procedure: If you experience a malfunction you can’t clear, raise your non-dominant hand. The Range Officer will assist you.
Additional Notes
1. Protective Gear: Personal eye and ear protection must be used. If you do not have your own, equipment is available on-site.
2. First Aid: A fully stocked first aid kit is available on the range for the duration of training sessions.
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