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Children & Firearms Safety
Firearms & Hunting Safety Rules
- There is no such
thing as an "unloaded" gun.
- The most dangerous
gun is the one you haven't personally checked.
- Always point the
muzzle of your firearm in a safe direction.
- Treat every firearm
as if it is loaded.
- Always wear ear
and eye protection when firing a gun, whether on the range or
in the field.
- Always check three
times to see if a firearm is unloaded, then check again.
- Pass or accept
only open and unloaded firearms.
- Always keep firearms
secured from children.
- If you own a bolt
action or a semi-auto rifle, lock the bolt and ammunition in
a separate place.
- Store firearms
in an unloaded condition.
- Either use specialty
gun locks or a safe to secure firearms.
- Make sure nothing
is obstructing the barrel of a firearm before shooting.
- Always unload a
firearm before leaving a shooting area.
- Never carry a loaded
firearm in a vehicle unless you are carrying one for self-defense,
in which case it must be legal to do so in your state or municipality.
If this is the case, your firearm should be secured with safety
on in a holster, case or other conveyance so that it cannot accidentally
- Do not carry or
discharge a firearm while intoxicated or while on medication.
- Never lean a firearm
against a vehicle or wall where it can accidentally fall and
- Don't rely on safety
catches alone. They can wear and break over a period of time.
- Never hop a fence
or hedge with a loaded firearm.
- Never jump a stream
or walk over slippery rocks with a loaded firearm.
- Always thoroughly
check a firearm before cleaning and disassembly.
- Always follow the
manufacturer's recommendations or owner's manual when disassembling
- Keep flammable
cleaning fluids away from open flame or heat source. Make sure
your cleaning area is well-ventilated.
- Don't wear clothing
that will catch or interfere with the operation of your firearm.
- Don't use a holster
or sling that will interfere with the operation of your firearm
or cause a dangerous carrying situation.
- When loading black
powder, always use a measure.
- Never smoke while
loading a black powder firearm.
- Always put the
cap on last after loading a percussion firearm.
- Never fire a black
powder firearm near exposed black powder or open black powder
- Always make sure
you use a patch or grease the chambers of a black powder revolver
to prevent multiple discharges.
- Never fire smokeless
powder from a muzzleloader.
- Never mix smokeless
powders with each other or with black powder.
- Never put black
or smokeless powder in unmarked containers. Keep it in the original
- Always store black
and smokeless powder in a cool dry place.
- When reloading,
always follow a recognized, well-established reloading manual
and never exceed recommendations.
- Always check the
condition of metallic cartridge casings and plastic shotgun shell
hulls before reloading.
- Always store primers
in a cool dry place and never directly handle them as moisture
and oils will interfere with their proper function and cause
- In case of misfire,
always point the firearm in a safe direction and follow the procedures
recommended in the gun's owner's manual.
- Fire only the caliber
or gauge ammunition that is marked on the firearm.
- Never fire ammunition
that is marked different than the box or container it is in.
© 2000-2011 American Derringer Corp.