Darwin Lviv

Using a firearm always carries risk. That’s why anyone who picks up a pistol or shotgun must follow simple yet critical rules to avoid endangering themselves and others. This article summarizes the basic principles of firearms safety. These are skills every shooter should master until they become second nature.

Why is it important to know the rules for handling weapons?

Rules for handling weapons— this is the basic knowledge every shooter should know, regardless of their experience. Why is this so important?

Firstly, they significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Even a technically sound weapon becomes dangerous if it falls into the hands of someone who doesn’t know how to handle it or acts impulsively.

Secondly, following the rules makes shooters’ behavior predictable and controllable. At a shooting range or practice area where several people are training simultaneously, agreed-upon procedures minimize human error and increase training effectiveness.

Thirdly, this is both a legal and moral responsibility. Ignoring the rules for storing, transporting, or using weapons can lead not only to injury but also to serious legal consequences.

Basic rules for safe handling of weapons

Any mistake when handling a gun can have serious consequences. Therefore, safety precautions are based on the following important rules:

Always treat your gun as if it were loaded. Even if you’ve personally checked the chambers and magazine, don’t change your attitude.
Never point the muzzle in a direction you don’t plan to shoot. It should be pointed in a safe direction (downward, toward the target, or another predetermined area).
Monitor your target and the area behind it. Before firing, ensure there are no people, animals, or objects behind the target that could be damaged.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you decide to shoot. It should be along the frame or on the safety until you aim.
Always check the technical condition of your weapon before training. The barrel should be clean, the mechanisms in good working order, and the magazine properly installed.

In a professional shooting club, practicing these rules is the first and mandatory stage of training. This is not a formality, but a necessary condition for ensuring the safety of all visitors to the range.

Rules of conduct at the shooting range and on the firing ground

The shooting range and test site have a strict set of rules and requirements that all visitors must adhere to. Above all, the following is prohibited:

Move around the shooting range without an escort or permission from the instructor.
Taking ammunition, magazine or weapon without the coach’s permission.
Ignore the instructor’s instructions and demands.
Enter the shooting zone without personal protective equipment (headphones, safety glasses).

When shooting at a shooting range or shooting gallery, the following is prohibited:

Take the weapon from the table if there are people on the shooting line.
Leaving weapons unattended in the shooting area.
Passing weapons to others without the instructor’s permission.
Use weapons with visible defects or malfunctions.
Be distracted (adjust headphones, glasses, etc.) when the weapon is in your hands.
Leave the weapon on the table with the hammer cocked.
Point the muzzle in a direction other than the target or the permitted area.
Keep your finger on the trigger until the shot is fired.
Start shooting without the instructor’s permission.
Fire at objects (frames, flags, etc.) that are not intended for this purpose.
Shoot at someone else’s target.
Remove loaded weapons from the shooting area.

Remember that safety during shooting at a shooting range or on a shooting range is the shared responsibility of all participants. Be disciplined, attentive, and strictly follow the instructor’s instructions.

Safety precautions for storing weapons

If you already own a firearm or are planning to purchase one, it is important to know that there are clearly defined legal regulations regarding its storage.

First of all, weapons must be stored in a designated area. This could be a metal safe or a gun cabinet securely locked with a key. Access should be restricted to the owner or an authorized person with the appropriate permission.

Weapons must be stored unloaded. There must be no ammunition in the chamber, and the magazine must be removed. Ammunition must be stored separately in the safe’s internal compartment or in a special safe, which must also be locked.

The technical condition of the gun must be regularly checked. It must be cleaned and lubricated even when not in use. It’s also worth periodically inspecting the safe itself, checking the locks, hinges, fasteners, and interior for corrosion or mechanical damage.

Finally, never leave a weapon unattended, even when friends are around. Even a moment’s absence could lead to irreparable consequences for you or those around you.

Maintenance and inspection of weapons

Regular gun maintenance is key to reliable operation. Therefore, every shooter should follow these rules:

After shooting, be sure to clean the barrel, bolt, and moving parts. Use special brushes, cleaning rods, solvents, and lubricants designed specifically for firearms.
Even if the combat unit has not been used, it should be inspected and cleaned at least once every few weeks.
Before visiting a shooting range or test site, make sure the barrel is clean, the bolt moves smoothly, the safety is working, and the magazine is locked without any play. If you have the slightest suspicion of a malfunction or issue with your weapon, do not attempt to fix the problem yourself. Contact a gunsmith immediately.

Timely maintenance is a sign of professionalism and responsibility on the part of a shooter. A well-maintained gun operates reliably, shoots accurately, and, most importantly, reduces the risk of dangerous situations.

Training and development of firearm safety skills

If you are a beginner and want to quickly and safely learn the rules of handling a weapon, it is best to sign up for training with an instructor inshooting range in LvivPractical training provides real-world experience, develops correct reflexes, and helps develop behavior in standard and non-standard situations.

Each lesson at the shooting range begins with a briefing onsafety measures when shootingThe instructor will familiarize you with the basic principles of firearms handling, range rules, range organization, terminology, and basic commands. Without this, further training is simply impossible.

This is followed by theoretical training. During this, you’ll learn about the weapon’s design, ammunition types, the basics of ballistics, aiming principles, and factors affecting accuracy. Only then do dry fire drills begin, without the use of live ammunition. During these drills, you’ll practice your grip, body position, aiming, and trigger control.

The next stage of training involves firing live ammunition. During short bursts of shooting, you’ll learn how to aim correctly, manage recoil, and shoot accurately. Each shot is supervised by an instructor, who will point out any errors and help you correct them. Afterward, they analyze your results and provide personalized advice on further training.

Ethics and Culture of the Shooter

Shooter’s Ethics is a practical code of conduct that can make shooting range training safe and comfortable for all users. It is based on several rules:

Respect for others. Respect the range staff and other shooters. Do not interrupt the instructor’s instructions, do not engage in extraneous conversations during classes, and respect the personal space of other visitors.
Responsibility and honesty. Strictly adhere to firearms safety rules. If you make a mistake, admit it and report it to your instructor.
Discipline and self-control. Keep your emotions under control, and resolve conflicts calmly and constructively. Aggression or disdain are unacceptable in the shooting range.
Handle your equipment carefully and with care. Avoid careless handling of weapons, ear protection, and eyewear, and keep your work area tidy.
Stay sober and clear-headed. Don’t come to training under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s dangerous for you and those around you.

A shooter’s etiquette also means constantly improving your skills. Attend training, follow the rules, listen to instructors’ advice, analyze your mistakes, and be sure to work on them.