The NRA Home Firearm Safety Course Hosted by

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Introduction - Purpose: To introduce the basic principals of firearm safety Guns are neither safe nor unsafe by themselves The NRA has promoted firearm education and marksmanship training for more than 100 years Upon finishing this course, the student should understand and be able to apply: The basic elements of gun safety: attitude, knowledge, and skill The fundamental rules of safe gun handling How to identify and unload different types of firearms The different types and uses of ammunition How to clean and care for guns Factors for evaluating gun storage options

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Introduction - Purpose: To introduce the basic principals of firearm safety Guns are neither safe nor unsafe by themselves The NRA has promoted firearm education and marksmanship training for more than 100 years Upon finishing this course, the student should understand and be able to apply: The basic elements of gun safety: attitude, knowledge, and skill The fundamental rules of safe gun handling How to identify and unload different types of firearms The different types and uses of ammunition How to clean and care for guns Factors for evaluating gun storage options

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Introduction - Purpose: To introduce the basic principals of firearm safety Guns are neither safe nor unsafe by themselves The NRA has promoted firearm education and marksmanship training for more than 100 years Upon finishing this course, the student should understand and be able to apply: The basic elements of gun safety: attitude, knowledge, and skill The fundamental rules of safe gun handling How to identify and unload different types of firearms The different types and uses of ammunition How to clean and care for guns Factors for evaluating gun storage options

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Introduction - Why we own guns Nearly 18 million hunt Millions more enjoy competition and recreational shooting Gun collecting Historical reenactment Personal protection

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Introduction -

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Elements of Gun Safety - Home accidents involving guns generally result from Ignorance or Carelessness Three basic elements of gun safety – eliminate both causes Positive attitude Knowledge Skill Fundamental Gun Safety Rules Always Keep the Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction Always Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You Are Ready to Shoot Always Keep the Gun Unloaded Until Ready to Use

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Elements of Gun Safety - SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR PARENTS A CHILD MIGHT DISCOVER A GUN WHEN A RESPONSIBLE ADULT IS NOT PRESENT In the child’s own home In the home of a neighbor, friend, relative, or in a public place Children should be taught to apply the following gun safety rules: If you see a gun: STOP! DON’T TOUCH. LEAVE THE AREA. TELL AN ADULT.

HOME FIREARM SAFETY Identifying and Unloading Different Firearms Types of Firearms: Handguns Rifles Shotguns Identified by their various actions

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Handguns - Revolvers Components Checking the Double Action Revolver

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Handguns - Single Action Revolver Checking Loading Unloading Double Action Revolver Unloading

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Handguns - Semi-Automatic Pistols Cartridges to be fed into chamber are stored in a magazine Semi-Automatic Components

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Handguns - Semi-Automatic Pistols To Check the Semi-Automatic: Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger Remove the magazine Grasp the slide firmly and pull back Lock the slide in the rear position – if possible If slide cannot be locked open, hold it back or lock with an object Visually inspect the chamber

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Handguns - Removing the Magazine

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Handguns - Pulling Back the Slide

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles - Bolt Action Bolt Action Rifle Components

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles – Bolt Actions - To check a bolt action rifle Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger Remove the magazine (if it can be removed)

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles – Bolt Actions - To check a bolt action rifle (cont.) 4. Open the action by lifting the bolt handle 5. Visually inspect the chamber if possible, or manually with little finger 6. Leave the action open

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles – Bolt Actions - To check a bolt action rifle with hinged floor plate Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger Release the floor plate to open the magazine

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles – Bolt Actions - To check a bolt action rifle with hinged floor plate (cont.) 4. Catch falling cartridges in your hand 5. Open the action by lifting the bolt handle and pulling it toward you 6. Visually and/or manually inspect the chamber 7. Return floor plate to locked position 8. Leave the action open

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles – Bolt Actions - To check a bolt action rifle with an internal magazine and no hinged floor plate Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger Open and partially close the action Make sure that the chamber is empty Visually and/or manually inspect the chamber to make certain 4. Partially close the bolt, which should move a cartridge part of the way into the chamber Pull the bolt back, reach into the action and remove the cartridge Repeat the cycle until all cartridges removed 6. Visually and/or manually inspect the chamber 7. Leave the action open

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles – Lever Actions - Lever Actions – are popular with hunters, cowboy re-enactments, and are commonly seen in western movies To check a lever action Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles – Lever Actions - 3. Push the lever down away from you, opening the action [the gun cannot be fired with the action open] 4. Work the lever until all cartridges are ejected 5. Leave the action open Note: some lever actions have detachable magazines – even after removing the magazine, you must still open the action and check the chamber

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles – Pump Actions - Pump action rifles have a fore-end under the barrel that is “pumped” to operate the action To check a pump action rifle: Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles – Pump Actions - 3. Pull the fore-end back toward you to open the action 4. A release device, usually near the trigger guard, may need to be pressed 5. Work the action repeatedly until no more cartridges are ejected – make sure the chamber is empty 6. Visually check the chamber and look for the end of the magazine rod. Note: The action should remain open whenever the rifle is handled

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles - Semi-Automatic Most semi-automatics have either a detachable magazine or a magazine tube, which may be under the barrel or housed within the stock To Check a semi-automatic rifle with detachable magazine: Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger Remove the magazine

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles - Semi-Automatic (cont.) Pull the bolt back to open the action, and lock it open Some require magazine to be inserted to lock open - If it will not lock open, insert a small piece of wood or plastic block into the chamber 5. Visually check the chamber and magazine to ensure that the rifle is unloaded

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles - Semi-Automatic - To check a semi-automatic with tubular magazine: Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger Pull the bolt back; a cartridge will eject if a round was chambered Gently release the bolt,which will spring forward and chamber another round Continue to pull and release the bolt until all cartridges are ejected Lock or block the bolt open and visually and/or manually inspect the chamber Leave the action open

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Shotguns - Shotguns – similar to rifles in appearance and operation of their actions Pump action, hinge action, and semi-automatic shotguns are the most common Bolt and lever action not as common Shotguns with these actions function similar to rifle counterparts. Some individual features may vary

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Shotguns - Shotgun Gauges - Gauge is defined as the number of lead balls of that diameter required to total exactly 1 pound in weight Gauge Diameter 8 .837 10 .775 12 .729 16 .662 20 .615 28 .550 32 .526 410 (67ga) .410

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Shotguns - Chokes – Function is similar to a garden hose nozzle – controls the shot spread or pattern diameter Choke sizes [pattern] @ 40 yards: % of total pellets Choke in a 30” circle Designation 40 Cylinder 53 Skeet 57 Improved Cylinder 67 Modified 73 Improved Modified 75 Full

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Shotguns - Chokes Fixed Choke Poly Choke Choke Tube Cutts Compensator System

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Shotguns - Sights, typical: rear sight is a groove in receiver; front sight is a bead (some shotguns have another bead midway on barrel) Optical sights – for deer, bear, or turkey hunting Red Dot – 1X (no magnification) Scope – typically 1-4X or 2-7X magnification Barrel Lengths (typical): Application Length, in. Trap 28-32 Skeet 26-28 Waterfowl 28-30 Upland Hunting 24-28 Deer 22-28 Self Defense 18-26

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Shotguns - Safety Issues Mud or snow in the end of the barrel (from tripping) can split the barrel Damascus barrels – have checked by a gunsmith; use only special low power loads if OK’d by gunsmith

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles - Single Shot Rifles – Typical types: Break open action Falling Block action Rolling Block action Bolt action Older models generally do not have a separate safety device Safe carry is with action open; load only when ready to shoot To check A single shot rifle Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger Open the action Break open: push release lever to side Falling Block: retract hammer to “half cocked” Lower the under lever

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifles - To check A single shot rifle (cont.) 3. Open the action (cont.) Rolling Block retract hammer to “half cocked” Lower the action block Bolt action – same as previously described 4. Visually check to make sure the chamber is empty 5. Leave the action open

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Single Shot Rifles - Thompson Center Encore [Break-Open Action] Ruger No. 1 [Falling Block Action] Remington Rolling Block

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifle Safety Incident - Sighting in your new deer rifle Shiny new, high-powered deer rifle..........$1200.00 Quality, high power scope……………….…$550.00 Bore sighting Device…………………….…..$140.00 Forgetting to remove the bore sighting device prior to shooting……………………Priceless!

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifle Safety Incident - Laser Bore Sight Device

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifle Safety Incident - WOW!

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifle Safety Incident - Oh My God!

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Rifle Safety Incident - Rest in Peace!

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Shotguns - To check a hinge or break action shotgun: Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger Push the lever to the right to open the action – on many guns the shells will eject automatically Inspect the chamber(s) If loaded, pull the shells out by hand Leave the action open

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Tubular Magazines - Some tubular magazines have an inside tube that must be removed to let the cartridges drop out The action should also be opened and closed several times to be sure that no cartridges are left in the gun Some tubular magazines do not have a removable tube – the cartridges must be removed by carefully operating the action CAUTION: Even after you have taken these unloading steps, a gun may still contain a cartridge that has become stuck in the magazine tube. A cartridge cannot be moved from the magazine into the chamber if the action remains open. After making sure that the chamber is empty, leave the action open.

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Muzzleloading Firearms - Muzzleloaders are the predecessors of cartridge firearms So named because they are loaded through the muzzle They are loaded with “black powder” [or black powder equivalents] Black powder is volatile Must be handled with special care Always keep away from heat or flame

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Muzzleloading Firearms - Loading Muzzleloaders Powder is poured through the muzzle, into the barrel Lead projectile is placed on top of the powder A hole located at the rear of the barrel allows a flame or spark to enter the barrel, ignite the powder, and fire the gun Matchlock uses a wick-like piece of material that is lit before the gun is fired When the trigger is pulled, the “match” is lowered into a priming pan, igniting the powder The wheel lock has a flint and a spinning wheel that replaces the “match” by sparking and igniting the powder Wheel locks work much like today’s cigarette lighters

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Muzzleloading Firearms - On flintlock muzzleloaders, a spark is created when the hammer , containing a piece of flint, strikes a metal plate or frizzen On “percussion” muzzleloaders, the spark is produced by the hammer’s striking a percussion cap Muzzleloading handguns, rifles and shotguns are all available today Popular with collectors and are used in hunting, recreational shooting and historical reenactments Modern muzzleloaders mostly use No. 209 shotgun primers in place of a percussion cap

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Muzzleloading Firearms - It is difficult to tell if a muzzleloader is loaded with powder It is possible for a gun to remain loaded and fireable for many years If you suspect a muzzleloading gun is loaded, do not attempt to handle it or unload it yourself Leave it alone Secure it Have a knowledgeable individual make sure it is unloaded

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Air Guns - BB and Pellet Guns Also called Air Guns Popular as “starter guns” for young people Commonly found in the home Used in various competitions including the Olympics, as well as informal recreational shooting

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Air Guns - Similar to cartridge firearms, except that they use springs, compressed air or carbon dioxide, rather than gunpowder Generally less powerful than cartridge firearms, but: They are not toys Must be used within same guidelines as firearms Demand responsible use and the observance of all gun safety rules Air gun actions also differ from those on firearms Typically loaded by inserting a BB or a pellet into a loading port or the rear of the barrel

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Air Guns - The basic procedure to tell whether a BB or pellet gun is loaded is: Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger Open the loading port Inspect the chamber area The location and operation of the loading port varies widely from model to model Refer to the owner’s manual for procedures to check a specific model Can be unloaded by having a trained individual fire at a safe backstop or into a container filled with several inches of newspaper

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Air Guns - Many BB and pellet guns can be unloaded without firing – it is essential to consult the owner’s manual General procedure (on some guns) to unload: Point the gun in a safe direction Keep your finger off the trigger Remove the magazine – if present and detachable If the magazine is internal, open the loading port and pour out the remaining projectiles Sight through the bore from the rear end, making sure no projectiles are lodged in the barrel – if not possible, pass a cleaning rod completely through the bore

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Types of Ammunition - Rifle and Handgun Ammunition Rifles and handguns use “cartridge” ammunition Cartridge consists of four basic parts: Metal case Primer Powder charge Projectile Two basic types of modern cartridges: “Rimfire” “Centerfire” Names refer to the location of the primer Rimfire – chemical primer is located within the rim of the case Centerfire – primer is located in the center component inserted in the case bottom

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Types of Ammunition - Rifle and Handgun Ammunition In this country, ammunition is measured in caliber – the diameter of the bullet – usually measured in hundredths of an inch Some popular calibers are measured in millimeters With the exception of rimfire cartridges, the caliber of ammunition is almos always stamped on the cartridge Serious damage or injury can result if wrong ammunition is used Use only correct ammunition for your gun.

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Types of Ammunition - Shotgun Ammunition Shotgun ammunition is referred to as a “shotgun shell” Shotgun shell consists of five parts: Case – usually made of plastic and reinforced by a metal base Primer Powder charge Shot [or a slug or sabot & bullet] Wad Sabot Slug Bullet

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Types of Ammunition - Shotgun Ammunition Like cartridges, come in a variety of sizes [gauges] and various lengths Gauge and length are usually marked on the case and must match the gauge stamped on the shotgun If the wrong ammunition is used in a shotgun, serious damage or injury can result Shot Size Max Shell Length Use only correct ammunition for your shotgun.

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Types of Ammunition - Shotgun Ammunition DO NOT EXCEED SPECIFIED LENGTH – shorter is OK! Why drams equiv? The amount of gunpowder in a shotshell can vary and the measurement is referred to as the dram equivalent.  The dram equivalent is the amount of smokeless powder that produces a velocity comparable to that of the specified weight in drams of black powder of the [16 drams = 1 ounce] Lead shot alternates: steel, bismuth, tungsten matrix, copper, nickel – explain densities and potential damage to choke Shot sizes available range from #12 (.050 in.) to 000 Buckshot (.36 in.) and single projectile slug/bullet Use only correct ammunition for your shotgun.

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Types of Ammunition - Shotgun Ammunition - Safety Issues 20 gauge shells in a 12 gauge chamber – can cause severe injury to shooter and destroy his shotgun

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Types of Ammunition - Shotgun Ammunition - Safety Issues 3” shells in a 2 ¾” chamber – can cause gun damage and injury to shooter 3’ Shell into 2 ¾” Chamber 2 ¾ Unfired 2 ¾ Fired 3” Unfired 3” Fired

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Firing Sequence - Firing Sequence - Basically the same in both metallic cartridges and shotshells Firing pin strikes and ignites the impact sensitive primer The flame generated by the priming compound ignites the powder The powder charge burns very rapidly producing a large volume of gas The expanding gas pushes the bullet (or shot) out of the case and out the barrel at a high rate of speed

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - Guns operate better when clean and in proper working order Clean and well maintained guns protect the owner’s investment Cleaning mishaps result from a failure to apply safety rules Three factors must be present before a gun can be fired: Gun + Ammunition + Shooter Eliminate or separate any one of these factors from the others and a gun cannot be fired Remove ammunition and the gun can be cleaned safely Ammunition should not be present when cleaning guns! Cleaning also provides the opportunity to check for proper functioning

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - GUN CLEANING PROCEDURES To Begin cleaning, some basic materials are needed Cleaning rod & bore brush of right caliber or gauge and attachment to hold cleaning patches Cloth patches Bore cleaning solvent Light gun oil Small brush Clean cloth

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - GUN CLEANING PROCEDURES Cleaning steps vary with the type of gun After ensuring the gun is empty and removing ammunition from the area: Attach bore brush to cleaning rod, moisten it with solvent Start from the breech of the barrel if possible Work the brush back and forth Ensure the brush passes all the way through the bore before changing directions

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - Remove the bore brush and attach the cleaning patch to the rod Push a lightly oiled patch through the bore Using a small brush, cloth, or Q-Tip, clean dirt and materials [crud] from the gun’s action

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - 5. Finally wipe all exposed metal surfaces with a light coat of preservative oil

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - Factors such as: Storage facilities (what is available to fit where?) Access by others (prevent unauthorized access) Personal needs (accessible when needed) Security (protection from theft) Must be considered when deciding how and when to store guns One general rule must be applied under all conditions: Store guns so that they are not accessible to untrained or unauthorized persons

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - Answering the following questions will help gun owners evaluate their storage options What is the gun used for? Personal protection Must be ready for immediate use Kept loaded only in local laws permit AND every precaution taken to prevent careless or unauthorized individuals from gaining access General rule: A gun stored for any purpose other than personal protection should never be kept loaded in the home How many people live in the home? A person living alone and trained to handle firearms safely (ex.: police officer) would need minimal LEGAL storage precautions

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - Do children in the home know what steps to take if they should find a gun? Every child should be taught: If you see a gun: Stop! Don’t Touch! Leave the area! Tell an adult! If children in the home have shown an interest in guns, or are learning to handle guns, is qualified adult guidance available? Firearm safety should be discussed openly and honestly with interested children Don’t allow children to think firearms are taboo Once mature enough to begin handling firearms – do only under qualified adult supervision

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - 5. Are gun storage facilities in the home adequate?

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - Storage facilities – continued Dozens of secure devices such as gun cabinets, wall racks, hard and soft cases, and safes are available Massachusetts law requires that firearms be stored in a locked container or at a minimum, with a trigger lock The most secure device you can afford, is recommended It is more challenging to make off with a 500 pound safe than a clothe or hard case A decent gun safe costs about the same as 1 quality firearm – a small investment to protect a collection As a general rule, store ammunition separate from the gun – less important if both are stored in a gun safe Proper storage of firearms is the responsibility of all gun owners

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - Cleaning and Storage - RECORDKEEPING: It is useful to keep a record sheet for every firearm owned Description can be used for insurance purposes Provide police with information if stolen For parts ordering For collection investment evaluation tracking Supplement description with pictures of accessories such as scopes on the firearm; of unique markings, stock figure, etc. Appendix 2 shows a sample record sheet

HOME FIREARM SAFETY - POSTSCRIPT - Gun ownership has been and will continue to be part of American society Each year millions of Americans, young and old alike, share the unique experience that the various shooting sports and activities offer The choice of being a shooter or not belongs to the individual The responsibility for safety must be shared by all This responsibility begins with education and matures through the development of proper attitudes, knowledge, and skills Mastering the information in your booklet is the first step toward accepting that responsibility ALTHOUGH EDUCATION CAN PROVIDE THE ESSENTIALS, APPLYING THIS KNOWLEDGE AND ACCEPTING THE RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD SAFETY ALWAYS REMAINS WITH YOU

HOME FIREARM SAFETY APPENDIX 2 Firearm Record Sheet

HOME FIREARM SAFETY APPENDIX 2a Firearm Record Sheet – More Detailed

HOME FIREARM SAFETY APPENDIX 3 GUN SAFETY CHECKLIST: Do you have a gun in the house? Yes No Is the gun inaccessible to unauthorized people (including children)? Yes No What gun storage options do you utilize: Wall rack Gun Cabinet Strongbox Hard or soft case Gun safe Other Is the gun kept unloaded unless actually being used for personal protection? Yes No Do you know how to open the action to check that your gun is unloaded? Yes No Is ammunition correctly identified and securely stored separately from the gun? Yes No Have all muzzleloading firearms in your home been checked to ensure they are unloaded? Yes No 8. If blackpowder is kept in your home, is it stored in a cool dry area and in its original container? Yes No Do Members of your family understand the three fundamental rules of gun safety? Yes No Do young children in your home know what steps to take if they should find a gun? Yes No Do all members of your family recognize that air guns are not toys and should be treated like all other guns? Yes No 12. Have members of your family who shoot taken a course in firearm safety and marksmanship? Yes No 13. Have you located a knowledgeable person who can answer questions you may have on firearms or firearm safety? Yes No Are you familiar with federal, state, and local laws pertaining to possession, storage and transportation of firearms within your community? Yes No

HOME FIREARM SAFETY APPENDIX 5 NRA RESOURCES

HOME FIREARM SAFETY APPENDIX 5 NRA RESOURCES