Firearm Safety and Safe Range Operation MGySgt Bailey

This lesson introduces you to the main parts of the air rifle and the safest way in which to use it.

Lesson Objectives Identify the main parts of a firearm that concern safety (muzzle, action, trigger). Develop rules for safe firearm handling. Understand rules and procedures for safe range operations. Demonstrate rules for safe firearm handling.

Shooting Ranges Safety Perimeter – Wall or barrier preventing unauthorized persons from entering the range.

Shooting Ranges Target Holders – At one end of the range, there are a series of target holder. Exterior wall or Safety perimeter

Shooting Ranges Firing Line – No one is allowed to cross the friing line until instructed to do so. Exterior wall or Safety perimeter Target Holders: One for each firing point

Shooting Ranges Firing Points – The firing line is broken into divisions called firing points. Exterior wall or Safety perimeter Target Holders: One for each firing point Firing Line

Shooting Ranges Range Officer – A table for the range officer is located immediately behind the line of firing points. Exterior wall or Safety perimeter Target Holders: One for each firing point Firing Points: One For each shooter

Shooting Ranges Preparation Area – Most ranges also have a preparation area behind the firing line. Range Officer stand or table Exterior wall or Safety perimeter Target Holders: One for each firing point Firing Line Firing Points: One For each shooter

Warm Up Question Which sentence describes your knowledge of Firearm Safety? I haven’t had any classes on firearm safety. I know not to point a firearm at anyone. I have had a firearm safety class. I have passed a firearm safety test. Example:

Warm Up Question True or False: The sport of target rifle shooting is one of the safest of all youth sports. True False Example:

Introduction There are several thousand JROTC teams and junior clubs that compete in position rifle shooting. Target shooting is one of the safest of all sports because it is a sport where the safety of its participants can be assured when everyone follows basic safety rules.

Rules for Safe Gun Handling These fundamental safety rules focus on three key part of every gun that control when and where the gun can be fired. Those parts are the ______, ______, and ______. muzzle action trigger Muzzle Action Trigger

Rules for Safe Gun Handling Whenever anyone picks up a gun of any kind, the first thing that must be done is to control the direction the muzzle is pointing. Whenever anyone handles a gun of any kind, The gun muzzle should never be pointed at other people under any circumstances! The only direction your rifle will point is straight up toward the celling or down range toward your target.

Rules for Safe Gun Handling As soon as the gun muzzle is pointing in a safe direction, the second step is to check the action of the rifle to ensure that a clear barrel indicator is installed.

Rules for Safe Gun Handling With the muzzle pointing in a safe direction and the action open with a clear barrel indicator installed so that the gun cannot be fired, the third safety precaution is to hold or carry the rifle so that the index finger is held outside of the trigger guard and not on the trigger itself.

Lesson Question Make sure a CBI is installed Check the action Whenever anyone picks up a rifle of any kind first safety precaution: Make sure a CBI is installed Check the action Check for air Control the direction the muzzle is pointing

Lesson Question courtesy and respect safety rules sportsmanship and timeliness All the above Target shooting is one of the safest of all sports because it is a sport where the safety of its participants can be assured when everyone follows basic ______ _____ .

Lesson Question Trigger, safety, Action Muzzle, Bolt, Trigger What three key part of every rifle controls when and where the rifle can be fired. Trigger, safety, Action Muzzle, Bolt, Trigger Muzzle, Action, Trigger Action, Air pressure, Trigger

Lesson Question The second safety precaution/step is to check the action of the rifle to Ensure a Clear Barrel indicator is installed Check the action Check for air Control the direction the muzzle is pointing

Lesson Question The third safety precaution is to hold or carry the rifle so that the Ensure a Clear Barrel indicator is installed Check the action index finger is held outside of the trigger guard and not on the trigger itself Control the direction the muzzle is pointing

Lesson Question Straight up toward the celling Straight down Which are the only directions your rifle will pointed is straight up toward the celling or down range toward your target. Straight up toward the celling Straight down Down range toward your target A and C

When the Range Officer starts the PREPARATION period, Range Commands When the Range Officer starts the PREPARATION period, you may get into your firing position, but you can not go downrange, close your action, or remove your CBI

Range Commands When the command “STOP” is given, it means just that, immediately take your finger off the trigger. Under no circumstance will a shooter attempt to quickly fire another shot.

Range Commands When the command load is given, you simple place the pellet into the action of the weapon and push the bolt forward. You may “NOT” fire until the command “FIRE” is given.

Pellet Direction Flat end of the pellet goes toward the front of the weapon

Pellet Direction Flared end of the pellet goes toward the rear of the weapon

Lesson Question Load my air rifle for the first shot When I am on the firing line and the Range Officer begins a PREPARATION period, I may. Load my air rifle for the first shot Remove the CBI, close the action and dry fire Go downrange to see if my target is hung correctly Get into my firing position.

The command LOAD means: Lesson Question The command LOAD means: I can load my air rifle and start shooting It may occasionally be violated if accidents do not occur I can insert a pellet and push the bolt forward I can start shooting my air rifle

Lesson Question True False No one is authorized to fire a shot until the command START is given, even if the command LOAD has already been given. True False

Rules for Safe Gun Handling All safety rules are important when handling any weapon no matter the size or power rating.

Rules for Safe Gun Handling The most important component of rifle safety is: “YOU” the person holding the rifle

Rules for Safe Gun Handling The safest and correct way to load a pneumatic air rifle is: Open the action Insert a pellet Then push the bolt forward

Rules for Safe Gun Handling If your rifle malfunctions (fails to fire) you must: Keep your muzzle pointed downrange Raise your hand so the Range Officer can see it Wait for instructions from the Range Officer

Rules for Safe Gun Handling Although dry firing is discouraged, you must be on your designated firing point and the Range Officer begins the PREPARATION period. Your rifle must be charged when attempting to dry fire your rifle

Lesson Question True False Safety rules are not as important in being safe with air guns because air rifles are not very powerful. True False

Lesson Question If I still have a loaded rifle (pellet in the barrel) after the Range Officer gives the command STOP, I must Remain in position and keep my air rifle muzzle pointed downrange Raise my hand so the Range Officer can see it Follow the Range Officer’s instruction All of the above

Lesson Question The most important component of rifle safety is: The trigger The action The muzzle The person holding the rifle

Lesson Question The safest and correct way to load a pneumatic air rifle is: Open the action, charge the air, then insert a pellet Open the action, insert a pellet, then push the charging handle forward Whichever way works for me Charge air, open the action, then insert a pellet

Lesson Question When my air rifle malfunctions (fails to fire), I must: Keep the muzzle pointed downrange Raise my hand so the Range Officer can see it Wait for instructions from the Range Officer All of the above

Rules for Safe Gun Handling everyone must open their actions and point their rifle muzzles up. Before anyone can go down range for any reason,

Rules for Safe Gun Handling If your rifle is still loaded (pellet in the barrel) after the Range Officer gives the command to STOP, you must: Remain in position and keep your muzzle pointed downrange Raise your hand so the Range Officer can see it Follow the Range Officer’s instructions

Rules for Safe Gun Handling When ever a shooter is “NOT” firing (rifle is grounded): The action must remain open, with CBI installed

Rules for Safe Gun Handling When handling your rifle the action must remain open, unless you are attempting to fire a shot at your target

Lesson Question True False To dry fire my air rifle, I do not need to push the bolt forward. True False

Lesson Question Before anyone can go downrange to change a target or for any purpose: Everyone must open their rifle actions and point their rifle muzzles up No one can go downrange until rifles are placed in safe storage All air rifle must be unloaded, ground with CBI’s inserted and checked All firers must finish firing

Lesson Question The command “STOP” means Complete the shot I am attempting to fire Quickly complete the shot I am attempting to fire Immediately take my finger off the trigger and do not fire anymore shots Tell the Range Officer I am not done

Lesson Question True False After I finish firing, I may put my rifle down without opening the action first because it has just been fired. True False

Lesson Question The only place I can close the bolt/action of my rifle and dry fire is: It’s OK to dry fire anywhere the gun is pointing in a safe direction Any time I am forward of the Ready Line On a safe range On my designated firing point after the Range Officer begins a PREPARATION period

Lesson Question If I am with someone else who is handling a rifle behind the firing line with the action closed, I should Wait for an adult to show up Mind my own business and hope nothing bad happens Tell that person to put the rifle away Ask that person to open the action immediately

Rules for Safe Gun Handling Only place your finger on the trigger after you start to aim at you target

Rules for Safe Gun Handling Once the command to fire has been given, no one can leave the firing line unless the Range Officer gives permission to do so, even if you have finished firing your shots.

Rules for Safe Gun Handling A rifle is considered “unloaded” : The action open No pellet in the barrel Clear Barrel Indicator (CBI) inserted

Rules for Safe Gun Handling A rifle is considered grounded if it is: Lying on the floor or bench The action open Clear Barrel Indicator (CBI) inserted

Rules for Safe Gun Handling everyone who handles air rifle pellets should wash their Hands Immediately after they leave the range. Because most pellets are made of lead,

Lesson Question True False When I finish firing my shots on a target, I should lay my rifle down, but I don’t have to open the action or insert a CBI until the Range Officer tells me to do that. True False

Lesson Question True False When I am shooting after the command to LOAD and START has been given, it’s OK to lay a loaded air rifle on my mat or bench and step away from the firing line. True False

Lesson Question The proper time to place the index finger on the trigger is: After I start to aim at my target After I load my rifle When I start to put the rifle in position on my shoulder Whenever it feels right

Lesson Question An air rifle is considered “unloaded” if: The Action is open The shooter is done firing The action is open, there is no pellet in the barrel, and a CBI is inserted The muzzle is pointed in a safe direction

Lesson Question When a rifle is grounded, it must: Be safe Be lying on the floor or bench with its action open and CBI inserted Be lying on the floor or shooting mat with action closed Be prepared for use in the next position

Lesson Question True False Everyone who handles air rifle pellets should wash their hands immediately after they leave the range? True False

Rules for Safe Gun Handling Although Target Shooting is one of the safest sports in the world, careless handling or horse play with a weapon may lead to this!!!!!! DON’T BECOME A PHOTO OP

Questions

Lesson Review True or False: The sport of target rifle shooting is one of the safest of all youth sports. True False Example:

Lesson Review Make sure a CBI is installed Check the action Whenever anyone picks up a rifle of any kind first safety precaution: Make sure a CBI is installed Check the action Check for air Control the direction the muzzle is pointing

Lesson Review courtesy and respect safety rules sportsmanship and timeliness All the above Target shooting is one of the safest of all sports because it is a sport where the safety of its participants can be assured when everyone follows basic ______ _____ .

Lesson Review Trigger, safety, Action Muzzle, Bolt, Trigger What three key part of every rifle controls when and where the rifle can be fired. Trigger, safety, Action Muzzle, Bolt, Trigger Muzzle, Action, Trigger Action, Air pressure, Trigger

Lesson Review The second safety precaution/step is to check the action of the rifle to Ensure a Clear Barrel indicator is installed Check the action Check for air Control the direction the muzzle is pointing

Lesson Review The third safety precaution is to hold or carry the rifle so that the Ensure a Clear Barrel indicator is installed Check the action index finger is held outside of the trigger guard and not on the trigger itself Control the direction the muzzle is pointing

Lesson Review Straight up toward the celling Straight down Which are the only directions your rifle will pointed is straight up toward the celling or down range toward your target. Straight up toward the celling Straight down Down range toward your target A and C

Lesson Review Load my air rifle for the first shot When I am on the firing line and the Range Officer begins a PREPARATION period, I may. Load my air rifle for the first shot Remove the CBI, close the action and dry fire Go downrange to see if my target is hung correctly Get into my firing position.

The command LOAD means: Lesson Review The command LOAD means: I can load my air rifle and start shooting It may occasionally be violated if accidents do not occur I can insert a pellet and push the bolt forward I can start shooting my air rifle

Lesson Review True False No one is authorized to fire a shot until the command START is given, even if the command LOAD has already been given. True False

Lesson Review True False Safety rules are not as important in being safe with air guns because air rifles are not very powerful. True False

Lesson Review If I still have a loaded rifle (pellet in the barrel) after the Range Officer gives the command STOP, I must Remain in position and keep my air rifle muzzle pointed downrange Raise my hand so the Range Officer can see it Follow the Range Officer’s instruction All of the above

Lesson Review The most important component of rifle safety is: The trigger The action The muzzle The person holding the rifle

Lesson Review The safest and correct way to load a pneumatic air rifle is: Open the action, charge the air, then insert a pellet Open the action, insert a pellet, then push the charging handle forward Whichever way works for me Charge air, open the action, then insert a pellet

Lesson Review When my air rifle malfunctions (fails to fire), I must: Keep the muzzle pointed downrange Raise my hand so the Range Officer can see it Wait for instructions from the Range Officer All of the above

Lesson Review True False To dry fire my air rifle, I do not need to push the bolt forward. True False

Lesson Review Before anyone can go downrange to change a target or for any purpose: Everyone must open their rifle actions and point their rifle muzzles up No one can go downrange until rifles are placed in safe storage All air rifle must be unloaded, ground with CBI’s inserted and checked All firers must finish firing

Lesson Review The command “STOP” means Complete the shot I am attempting to fire Quickly complete the shot I am attempting to fire Immediately take my finger off the trigger and do not fire anymore shots Tell the Range Officer I am not done

Lesson Review True False After I finish firing, I may put my rifle down without opening the action first because it has just been fired. True False

Lesson Review The only place I can close the bolt/action of my rifle and dry fire is: It’s OK to dry fire anywhere the gun is pointing in a safe direction Any time I am forward of the Ready Line On a safe range On my designated firing point after the Range Officer begins a PREPARATION period

Lesson Review If I am with someone else who is handling a rifle behind the firing line with the action closed, I should Wait for an adult to show up Mind my own business and hope nothing bad happens Tell that person to put the rifle away Ask that person to open the action immediately

Lesson Review True False When I finish firing my shots on a target, I should lay my rifle down, but I don’t have to open the action or insert a CBI until the Range Officer tells me to do that. True False

Lesson Review True False When I am shooting after the command to LOAD and START has been given, it’s OK to lay a loaded air rifle on my mat or bench and step away from the firing line. True False

Lesson Review The proper time to place the index finger on the trigger is: After I start to aim at my target After I load my rifle When I start to put the rifle in position on my shoulder Whenever it feels right

Lesson Review An air rifle is considered “unloaded” if: The Action is open The shooter is done firing The action is open, there is no pellet in the barrel, and a CBI is inserted The muzzle is pointed in a safe direction

Lesson Review When a rifle is grounded, it must: Be safe Be lying on the floor or bench with its action open and CBI inserted Be lying on the floor or shooting mat with action closed Be prepared for use in the next position

Lesson Review True False Everyone who handles air rifle pellets should wash their hands immediately after they leave the range? True False