Never assume that a firearm is unloaded. The only certain way to ensure that a firearm has the chamber(s) empty is to open the chamber and visually and physically examine the inside to see if a round is present. Removing or unloading the magazine will not guarantee that a firearm is unloaded or cannot fire. Shotguns and rifles can be checked by cycling or removing all rounds and by then opening and inspecting the chamber so that a visual inspection of the chamber for any remaining rounds can be made.
It is your responsibility to ensure that children under the age of 18 or other unauthorized persons do not gain access to your firearm. To reduce the risk of accidents involving children, unload your firearm, lock it and store the ammunition in a separate locked location. Please note that devices intended to prevent accidents – for example, cable locks, chamber plugs, etc, – may not prevent to use or misuse of your firearm by a determined person. Firearm storage in a steel gun safe may be more appropriate to reduce the likelihood of intentional misuse of a firearm by an unauthorized child or person.
Shooting at the surface of water or at a rock or other hard surface increases the chance of ricochets or fragmentation of the bullet or shot, which can result in the projectile striking an unintended or peripheral target.
5) Know the safety features of the firearm you are using, but remember: safety devices are not a substitute for safe handling procedures.
Never rely solely on a safety device to prevent an accident. It is imperative that you know and use the safety features of the particular firearm you are handling, but accidents can best be prevented by following the safe handling procedures described in these safety rules and elsewhere in the product manual. To further familiarize yourself with the proper use of this or other firearms, take a Firearms Safety Course taught by an expert in firearms use and safety procedures.
Store and carry your firearm so that dirt or lint does not accumulate in the working parts. Clean and oil your firearm, following the instructions provided in this manual, after each use to prevent corrosion, damage to the barrel or accumulation of impurities which can prevent use of the gun in an emergency. Always check the bore and chamber(s) prior to loading to ensure that they are clean and free from obstructions. Firing with an obstruction in the barrel or chamber can rupture the barrel and injure you or others nearby. In the event you hear an unusual noise when shooting, stop firing immediately, engage the manual safety and unload the firearm. Make sure the chamber and barrel are free from any obstruction, like a bullet blocked inside the barrel due to defective or improper ammunition.
Only use factory-loaded, new ammunition manufactured to industry specifications: CIP ( Europe and elsewhere), SAAMI (U.S.A.). Be certain that each round you use is in the proper caliber or gauge and type for the particular firearm. The caliber or gauge of the firearm is clearly marked on the barrels of shotguns and on the slide or barrel of pistols. The use of reloaded or remanufactured ammunition can increase the likelihood of excessive cartridge pressures, case-head ruptures or other defects in theammunition that can cause damage to your firearm and injury to yourself or others nearby.
The chance that gas, gunpowder or metal fragments will blow back and injure a shooter who is firing a gun is rare, but the injury that can be sustained in such circumstances can be severe, including the possible loss of eyesight. A shooter must always wear impact resistant shooting glasses when firing any firearm. Earplugs or other high-quality hearing protectors help reduce the chance of hearing damage from shooting.
Open and empty the chamber(s) of your firearm and engage the manual safety before climbing or descending a tree or before climbing a fence or jumping over a ditch or other obstruction. Never pull or push a loaded firearm toward yourself or another person. Always unload a firearm, visually and physically check to see that the magazine, loading mechanism and chamber are unloaded, and action is open before handing it to another person. Never take a firearm from another person unless it is unloaded, visually and physically checked to confirm it is unloaded, and the action is open.
Do not drink and shoot. If you take medication that can impair motor reactions or judgment, do not handle a firearm while you are under the influence of the medication.
Unload a firearm before putting it in a vehicle (chamber empty, magazine empty). Hunters and target shooters should load their firearm only at their destination, and only when they are ready to shoot. If you carry a firearm for self protection, leaving the chamber unloaded can reduce the chance of an unintentional discharge.
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. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.