(Adapted from the NRA Gun Safety Rules)
1. Treat all guns as if they are always loaded and ready to fire.
Using good common sense is the first rule of firearms safety. If you observe unsafe behavior immediately take appropriate action, and bring the violation to the attention of the Range Master or your instructor.
2. Always keep a gun pointed in a safe direction.
Always point the muzzle in a safe direction; never point a firearm at anyone or anything you are not willing to destroy.
A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off accidently, it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the barrel is pointed at all times. Keeping a gun pointed downrange or in a safe direction when not on the gun range, and at a downward angle (approximately a 45-degree downward angle), is generally the safest. However, common sense dictates the safest direction, and this can change as circumstances change.
Even when putting a gun into a holster or storage container, make sure that the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction until the gun is safely secured.
3. Never touch the trigger unless you are ready to shoot.
Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have made the decision to shoot.
When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger-guard (not the trigger) or along the side of the gun. Do not touch the trigger until you are actually ready to fire. When putting a gun in a holster, storage container or anywhere else, watch to make sure that nothing snags the trigger.
4. Be sure of your target—and what is behind it.
Confirm your target before pointing your gun at it. Be aware of what is behind your target.
Even if the area between you and your target is clear, the area behind your target may make it unsafe for you to shoot. Bullets penetrating the target, or missing the target, go somewhere. Also, a ricochet can still be deadly, so consider this possibility before shooting.
Since a bullet can travel more than a mile, it is essential that you are sure of your backstop. It is essential to use due care and caution to avoid unintended consequences of death, injury or property damage. Never shoot unless you are sure that the area is safe, and that you have a legal right to shoot.
5. Always keep the gun securely locked or unloaded until ready to use.
The act of legally carrying a concealed weapon is “use” of the gun, so carrying a loaded gun in a safe concealed-carry holster is reasonable as long as proper safety precautions are observed. However, other guns should be kept securely locked or unloaded until they are ready to be used.
Guns should be transported to and from the gun range unloaded. When possible, semi-automatic firearms should be transported to the range with the action open and magazine removed. No unlocked firearms should be handled in the parking lot of the gun range.
For TXRFA range instruction and gun range activities, guns should be transported to the range in either a locked container, or with a highly-visible gun lock installed. Guns must be inspected by a TXRFA instructor or the Range Master prior to being unlocked. Guns cannot be handled until the TXRFA instructor or Range Master directs the student(s) to ready their firearm for inspection or use. Even locked and unloaded guns must always be pointed in a safe direction.
6. The first activity of handling a firearm is to render it safe and verify that it is unloaded.
While keeping the muzzle of the gun pointed in a safe direction, remove the magazine (clip) if it has one, open the action of the firearm, and verify that it is unloaded. Be sure to look, and also to manually check the chamber with your finger, to verify that a cartridge is not inserted.
Whenever a firearm is handed to another person, repeat this exercise, and show the open action and unloaded condition to that person, before handing it to them.
When receiving a firearm from another person, repeat this same process even if you have already observed that the gun is unloaded.
7. Never rely on a gun’s safety mechanism, or a mechanical device, to render it safe.
Any mechanical safety device can fail. Always treat a gun as if it is loaded and ready to fire.
8. When at the gun range, do not handle a firearm except as directed by your instructor or Range Master.
Wait for instructions before handling a firearm at the gun range. Firearms should only be handled when on the firing line, and only after verifying that no one is downrange or forward of your location.
When it is your turn to approach the firing line, when directed by the Range Master or your instructor, remove your gun from its place of storage and only when no one is forward of the firing line.
Know the rules for the gun range you are using, and the commands which will be used on the range, and what they mean.
Do not handle a firearm at the range, or in the parking lot of the range, except as directed by the Range Master or your instructor. Do not handle a firearm except on the firing line.
Do not handle a gun when anyone has moved forward of the firing line, when the firing area has become unsafe, or when targets are being replaced or adjusted.
When at the range, never shoot at anything other than your assigned target. Make sure that the target area is free from rocks, metal and other objects which might cause a bullet to ricochet.
9. Be sure that the gun you are about to use is safe to operate; and that you know how to operate it safely, before loading it.
It is the responsibility of the user of a gun to make sure that it is safe and in good working condition; and that the user knows how to render the gun safe, how to load and unload it, how the mechanism operates, how to clean and maintain it, and (if a semiautomatic) how to disassemble and reassemble it after cleaning and lubrication.
Even if you are familiar with the weapon, it should be inspected before you load it, to make sure that it is safe and that the action and barrel is clear and free of obstructions. Ammunition should be similarly inspected to make sure that it is undamaged and clean. Do not use damaged, corroded or dirty ammunition.
If you are not familiar with the gun you are about to use, learn how to use it before you load it. And, know what to do in the event of a misfire. If the gun is old or may be damaged, have it inspected by a licensed gunsmith before attempting to use it.
10. Use only ammunition that is appropriate for the gun you are about to use.
Use only clean, non-corroded, undamaged ammunition in your gun. And, only use ammunition of the type and caliber recommended by the manufacturer. If the gun is new to you, confirm a match between the gun and ammunition. Note: the caliber and ammunition type is stamped into the barrel or action of the gun. Compare this to the ammunition box and the base of the handgun cartridge. If in doubt, do not proceed until you have verified that the ammunition is appropriate for the gun.
Further, even ammunition which is suitable for use in a particular firearm may not be suitable for in every situation. Or, it may not be approved or appropriate for the gun range or place where you plan to shoot. Some calibers, loads and bullet types are not allowed on a particular range due to their power, environmental considerations, tendency to ricochet, or because they are of a type that is likely to damage the range. Similar factors must be considered when you plan to use the ammunition anywhere else. Tracers, armor piercing and various other specialty-ammunition types are also illegal to use.
Ammunition used for any Texas Republic Firearms Academy class or activity must be SAAMI approved. SAAMI ammunition includes most major brands such as: Black Hills, Cor-Bon, Federal, Fiocchi, Hornandy, Remington, Sellier and Bellot, Speer, Ultra Max, and Winchester. Brands specifically prohibited are: Magtech, Monarch, Wolf, and any ammunition manufactured in Russia, China or one of the former Easter Bloc countries. Further, no re-loads or hand-loads are permitted at any Texas Republic firearms Academy sponsored activity.
For self-defense use, use only quality ammunition of a type designed for self-defense, and made by one of the SAAMI approved manufacturers.
11. When in the proximity of someone who is shooting, utilize appropriate safety equipment.
Whether on the grounds of a gun range or shooting anywhere else, wear suitable safety equipment.
When on the range for TXRFA activity, even when not on the firing line, appropriate safety equipment must be worn. This includes:
a) Eye-protection in the form of safety glasses, shooting glasses, or prescription glasses made from polycarbonate and of a design and material that is suitable for protecting the wearer’s eyes. Note: It is the responsibility of the individual to make sure that eye protection is adequate.
b) Hearing protection which is muff-style, that has a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 27 or higher, but still allows the wearer to hear range commands. (Ear plugs may be worn in addition to ear-muffs for added hearing protection). However, ear-muff style protection is required so that the instructor and Range Master can see that everyone has ear protection in place. Also, recent studies indicate that the area behind the ear (protected by muff-style hearing protection) is also vulnerable and may be susceptible to hearing damage if not protected.
12. No guns are allowed in a classroom being used by Texas Republic Firearms Academy.
Except for those guns carried or used by TXRFA instructors or certified law enforcement officers, weapons are not allowed in the classroom. This also applies to those who have a State issued license authorizing them to carry a concealed handgun.
13. Alcohol and/or drugs do not mix with firearms use.
Do not carry or use a firearm if you have been drinking any alcoholic beverage or using any drug that might impair your judgment, or your ability to safely operate a gun. It is not sufficient that you are not intoxicated. Even the smallest impairment due to alcohol consumption or drug use is unacceptable. This includes the use of legal drugs which are prescribed by a doctor. If the medication has a cautionary label warning about possible adverse effect to your driving ability or the use of equipment, do not carry or use a firearm until the effects of that drug are completely out of your bloodstream.
14. No horseplay or “joking around” when handling a firearm; or when on the firing-line.
Gun use is serious business. Firearm safety and range safety must always be in the forefront of thought and actions when dealing with firearms. Joking and horseplay can be a distraction to you or other shooters, so save it for later when guns are not involved.
15. Keep your firearms secure and safe.
Even a firearm that is being legally carried should be transported in a secure holster or container, and never allowed to be out of your immediate control.
An unattended firearm is a danger to children, and to adults who do not know how to safely handle a firearm. Stored firearms should be unloaded, locked, and securely stored so that a burglar or thief cannot easily use or steal the gun. Criminals rarely purchase guns from a store; they either steal their guns or purchase a stolen gun. Don’t inadvertently arm a criminal as a result of your negligent storage.
It is unlawful to store, transport, or abandon an unsecured firearm in a place where children are likely to be and can obtain access to a firearm. (46.13a-g). Even if you are confident that your child is mature enough to handle a firearm, their friends may not be. Except when used under your supervision and a few other specific exceptions, it is a crime to let a person under 18-years of age to gain access to a firearm.
For extended storage and in situations where a gun safe is not available, consider storing the slide, bolt, and other components of the gun separately. Still utilize a gun lock to keep the gun inoperable even if the pieces are found and reassembled.
Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store guns. A person's particular situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of gun storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the gun are available. However, mechanical locking devices, like the mechanical safeties built into guns, can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe gun handling and the observance of all gun safety rules.
16. Clean and lubricate your firearm after each use.
Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your gun should be cleaned every time that it is used. For extended storage, use gun oil or a metal preservative made specifically for gun storage. Most lubricants do not adequately protect gunmetal from rust. Additionally, handguns used for concealed carry should be wiped-down with a gunmetal preservative or silicon-impregnated cloth daily, especially if carried in a warm or humid climate.
A gun brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the gun from operating properly. Heavily oiled barrels can cause a bullet to be unstable in flight and inaccurate.
Before cleaning your gun, check and double-check to make absolutely sure that it is unloaded.
Use your eyes to visually inspect the firearm, and then insert your little finger into the chamber to make a tactile (by feel) check to confirm that the weapon is unloaded. The gun's action should be open during the cleaning process. Confirm that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area. Do not clean your gun when you are tired, or if you have consumed alcohol, drugs, or any medicines that might cloud or impair your judgment. Remember that even during the activities of cleaning a firearm; it must always be pointed in a safe direction.
17. Do not dry fire or quick-draw your gun in an unsafe place or manner.
A gun should not be dry fired (the trigger pulled on an empty gun) and quick-draw should not be practiced, except when an accidental discharge would not bring the risk of death, injury or unintended property damage. Treat all guns as if they were loaded and ready to fire.
Quick-draw practice, or quickly removing a gun from a holster or storage device, can be extremely dangerous. If you elect to engage in such practice, you need to begin with slow-draw, and over time gradually build to a more rapid presentation of the handgun. The trigger-finger should never touch the trigger until the gun is on target. Quick-draw practice also brings a much greater risk of self-injury. Whether engaged in quick-draw or slow draw of a firearm, holsters and clothing can snag or impede the draw (presentation) of a handgun or accidently pull the trigger, so extreme care must be used to avoid an accidental discharge.
Remember, it is rarely the speed of your draw that will save the day; it is the accuracy of your shots. The benefit of a quick-draw is overrated. We do not allow quick-draw on the range.
To download a PDF of these safety rules formatted for printing, visit:
www.TXRFA.com