Ten Commandments of Gun Safety

Press, 9 April 1981, Page 15

Ten Commandments of Gun Safety

With the opening of the 1981 duckshooting season not far away, no-one at this stage can say how good their luck will be. But what is a certainty — even before the season starts —• is that during the next few weeks several sportsmen will .lose*their lives by drowning or gunshot wounds. . Every season the media, the blew Zealand Water Safety Council and the New. Zealand Mountain Safety Council re-emphasise the need for extreme care. But every Monday the same media'sources tell the story of shooting trips which have ended in tragedy. The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council would like to see these deaths reduced, if not completely eradicated, and has prepared a list of suggestions which

might make yoor next shooting trip safer. However, the most basic rule of all firearm safety is to ensure that your weapon is always unloaded while travelling, in the house or hut, in the car or boat. Most firearm fatalities are caused by supposedly “unloaded” guns. • With a double-barrelled shotgun it is simple enough to ensure the breech is empty. The gun is merely opened and kept that way until the hunting ground or miamia is reached and the game in sight. With pump-action weapons and semi-automatics, the problem is slightly more complex. Those who prefer these types of guns must accept their responsibilities and make sure the breech is empty. It should be left open for safety.

The Ten Commandment’s of Gun Safety are: 1. Treat every gun with respect due to a loaded gun. 2. Ensure that guns are unloaded when carrying them into camp or when taking them home and when they are not in use. 3. Always make sure the barrel and action are clear of obstacles and that yon have ammunition of the proper size for your gun. Remove oil and grease from the chamber before firing. 4. Always carry your gun so that you can control the direction of the muzzle even if you stumble. 5. Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger ~ your target could be another shooter, not a duck.

6. Never point a gun at anything you do not want io shoot. Avoid all horseplay while handling a gun. 7. Unattended guns should never be left loaded. Guns and ammunition should always be stored separately beyond the reach of children. 8. Never climb a tree or fence, or jump a ditch with a closed or loaded gun and never pull a gun towards you by the muzzle. 9. Never shoot-at a flat hard surface or at the surface of the water. When at target practice, be sure your backstop is adequate and observe the safety zones recommended. • ' 10. Don’t have alcoholic brinks before or- during shooting.