AIRGUN SAFETY

These are a basic set of safety rules for airgun fans. If you are new to using airguns, please read and memorize them. If you are an old hand, re-read them as a refresher. Remember - YOU are responsible for your airgun and any harm caused by its use. Just you. Please be responsible at all times. Also, note these aren't the ONLY safety rules you need to abide by, but they are basics everyone should know. For the ultimate in safety, take a firearms safety course from a certified instructor in your area.

Basics: (In no particular order)

1. Never operate your airgun when you are impaired.

2. Never point your air rifle at anyone, nor at anything other than a legitimate target.

3. Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when shooting. (Anyone shooting or near a shooter should wear safety glasses.)

4. Never leave your air rifle unattended.

5. Never leave a pellet in the breech when storing your air rifle; remove the magazine when not shooting.

6. Always check your air rifle is not loaded when you first pick it up.

7. Never climb or jump with a gun. You can't control the direction of the muzzle if you trip or fall. 

8. Always treat your air rifle as if it were loaded, even if you know it is not.

9. Never trust the safety catch. Use the safety but remember safety catches can fail. They are more like locks on an outside fence. They help build good habits but ultimately, you need to rely on yourself.

10. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. 

11. Always use a safe, large backstop to catch your pellets - and pay due attention to what is behind the target should you miss. All persons near a shooter should remain behind the shooter and the direction of the muzzle.

12. Avoid ricochet. Do not shoot at hard surfaces or at the surface of water. The pellet may bounce off or ricochet and hit someone or something you had not intended to hit.

13. Treat all airguns and air tanks with respect. Both can be dangerous if not stored, operated and maintained properly.

14. Always store your air rifle and pellets separately and securely so that no unauthorized person can access or use them. 

15. Always apply the safety catch when reloading, moving or whenever the rifle is inactive.

16. Never loan your gun to someone who is not trained or authorized to use it. 

17. Never brandish your airgun in public.

18. Know and abide by the air rifle laws applicable in your city, state (province) and country.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a basic list of simple airgun rules for safety. It is not intended to be a white paper on the subject and is not a substitute for a full gun safety course. Exercise extreme caution at all times.