SAFETY ON THE RANGE

Although safety is largely a matter of common sense, the following is intended to confirm what you already know and bring to your attention some situations that you may not have previous experience of.

A well-maintained air rifle can project a pellet at 500 feet per second.

It can kill at ranges over 50 metres, and cause serious injury at up to 250 yards

ALWAYSobey the Range Officer’s commands immediately

ALWAYSprove a gun uncocked / unloaded

(a)before handling it

(b)before passing it to anyone

(c)before leaving the firing point

ALWAYSTreat all equipment loaned to you as if it were your own.

Check it before you use it and report any defects.

Should it fail during use, put it down pointing down the range, breach open, stand back and draw the attention of the Range Officer

NEVERpoint a gun at anyone – EVER

NEVERload a gun anywhere other than on a firing point

NEVERpoint a loaded gun anywhere other than down the range

NEVERfinger the trigger until the gun is aimed at the target

NEVERhandle anyone else’s gun without permission

NOTE:If ever the Range Officer or tutor gives the emergency signal, shooting must cease immediately. Guns must be placed on the table and made safe then shooters must stand back from the firing point.

THIS SIGNIFIES AN EMERGENCY AND MUST BE ACTED ON IMMEDIATELY!

When you visit other ranges you may find they have specific safety rules, the Range Officer should make you aware of these. However if you carry out the above actions so that they become habit you will be seen to be safe anywhere you go, as any local safety procedures will not vary greatly from these. If you are not sure if it’s safe, ASK.

REMEMBER - BE SENSIBLE - BE SAFE