ALWAYS THINK SAFETY FIRST
Prioritizing safety is essential in responsible firearms ownership.
Where do I start?
A great place to start is by enrolling in the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC). The CFSC prepares students with beginner level knowledge on the responsibilities of possessing and using non-restricted firearms, their safe use and handling as well as storage of firearms and ammunition. These courses are available to take anywhere in Canada. The CFSC is required in Canada to apply for your Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). In Canada, you must have a PAL to own or buy a firearm and to buy ammunition. Once the CFSC is completed an optional Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) can be taken which may allow qualified individuals to purchase and possess firearms subject to the restrictions in the Firearms Act.
You can see a full list of available courses in each region throughout Alberta here.
What if I don’t want to take a course?
We can still help you. Every time you pick up a firearm you become responsible for the actions of that firearm. Only you have control and only you determine if the gun is safe or unsafe. So let us help you walk through that.
Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
Of all firearm safety rules, this is the most basic and the most important. Be particularly careful of where your muzzle is pointing at all times, especially when you’re loading or unloading the firearm. Make it a habit to know where your muzzle is directed in the event you were to slip, trip or fall. Firearms are safer when this basic rule is observed. The muzzle of your firearm is your responsibility and it is up to you to control its direction at all times. (It does not have a mind of its own.)
Firearms must be unloaded when not in use
Load your firearm only when you are ready to shoot. The firearm should only be loaded when in the field hunting or the firing line at a shooting range. When your firearm is not in use, it must be unloaded and the ammunition should be stored securely and separately from the firearm.
Whenever you handle a firearm, always assume it is loaded until you have verified that it is unloaded. Always open the action and visually inspect the chamber, receiver and magazine to verify that the firearm contains no ammunition.
An experienced and safe firearm handler is one who never assumes that a gun is unloaded. When a gun is handed to you or when you pick it up, verify it for yourself. An unloaded firearm cannot discharge.
Never cross an obstacle with a loaded firearm. Keep the muzzle pointed away from yourself and others. Never pull a firearm towards yourself by the muzzle; use the safety but never rely solely on it as safeties can fail. (There may be times when common sense dictates that the safest way to move in the field is with an unloaded gun.)
If ever in doubt, unload your firearm.
Don't rely on your firearms safety mechanism
Relying on your firearms safety could have tragic consequences. Use it don’t rely on it.
The safety on your firearm is a mechanical device and, like most things mechanical, it can fail. It may fail at the worst possible time and, therefore, you should never completely rely on it. The safety device on your firearm is part of a complete package of handling that renders your firearm inoperable. On its own it is not a substitute for common sense.
Keep your fingers away from the trigger and out of the trigger guard until you are prepared to discharge the firearm. Regardless of the position of the safety, it is possible for a strong enough blow to jar the safety
mechanism. The only time you can be absolutely certain the firearm will not discharge a round is when the action is open and completely empty.
The most important safety on your firearm is you.
Be sure if your target and what lies beyond it
Once you pull the trigger and a projectile is released, there is no changing the outcome. Don’t ever shoot unless you are aware of your target and what lies beyond it. Positively identify the target with binoculars first never with the scope of your firearm, then look past it to ensure it is safe to shoot. Do not shoot if your bullet could ricochet. Bullets can ricochet off trees, metal, rocks, water or other surfaces.
You are ultimately responsible for the projectile and where it comes to rest.
Use the proper ammunition
The ammunition used in a rifle, shotgun or handgun varies in size, appearance and components. Ammunition is designed specifically for the firearm. Using incorrect ammunition can result in serious injury and or damage firearm, yourself, or others around you. Read all warnings including those that appear in the firearms manual from the manufacturer as well as information on the ammunition box.
Always check the data stamp of your firearm to the manufacturer’s information on the ammunition itself, as well as on the original box for which the ammunition came from.
Firearms are designed around specific proof-tested requirements by the manufacturer. Using hand loaded or reloaded ammunition that exceeds the manufacturer’s specifications can be dangerous and can cause severe damage to your firearm or serious injury the shooter. Never use improper reloads or ammunition that is made up of unknown components. Get yourself into the habit of carefully examining every shotshell or cartridge you load into your firearm.
It’s your responsibility to use the correct ammunition in your firearm.
If your firearm misfires, handle it with care
From time to time, a cartridge or shotshell may fail to fire when the trigger is pulled. This is known as a “misfire”. If a misfire occurs, the muzzle must be pointed in a safe direction at all times. Wait approximately 60 seconds, then carefully open the action of the firearm, unload it, and dispose of the cartridge in a safe manner.
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Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting
Shooting exposes the ears to some of the loudest sounds anywhere in our environment. Protecting them is necessary if you are to save yourself from severe hearing losses over time. If you are a casual shooter, recommendations vary, but a minimum of 33 NRR plugs provide maximum protection. You only get one chance to save your hearing. Once it is damaged it will never recover, so, in general, safer is better.
It is highly recommended that you wear ear plugs with ear muffs over them. If you are a regular shooter, electronic muffs, passive noise activated muffs or indoor/outdoor range plugs may be for you. These devices let sound through so that you can hear voices in spite of the protective device, but when a very loud sound wave hits the device, it protects you from that dangerous loud sound. Passive muffs and plugs have a noise activated mechanical valve that slams shut and electronic muffs have a circuit that does the same thing only quicker. Electronic muffs also offer the added advantage that they will amplify low sounds, making your hearing even better with them on than with them off.
Shooting glasses guard against twigs, debris, falling shot, clay target chips and the rare, but possible, rupture of your firearm or ammunition. Wearing eye protection to guard against potential hazards makes absolute sense. No target shooter, plinker or hunter should ever be without eye protection. You only get one set of eyes and one set of ears. Protect them as though they are to last you a lifetime.
The key to eye and ear protection is to remember to wear them.
Be sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before shooting
Before you load your firearm, open the action and ensure there is no ammunition in the chamber or magazine. Then verify that the barrel is not obstructed in any way by using a suitable cleaning rod and mop or a pull through cleaning device. Even a partial block barrel can prove to be dangerous. This can include mud, snow, debris, rust, excess oil or other lubricant. When an obstruction is present, it can cause the barrel to bulge or even burst, which can cause serious injury to you, or those around you.
Don’t be in a hurry — remember to check the bore and avoid the pitfalls of shooting through obstructions.
Don’t alter or modify your gun and have guns serviced regularly
Your gun is a complicated mechanical device that is designed by experts to function under a variety of conditions. Any changes or alterations can make the gun operate in an entirely different manor than it was originally designed to. These types of changes can exceed manufacturer specifications and place you in danger. Never take chances with your safety or the safety of others by modifying your firearm. Leave changes to your gun to qualified professionals.
Your firearm, although a complex and precisely engineered device, will not last forever. It is subject to wear and as such requires periodic inspection and service. Check with the manufacturer of your firearm with regards to recommended servicing.
Regular cleaning will keep your gun in good working order and will prevent it from rusting. Any firearm that has been stored uncovered for a long time or has been exposed to moisture or dirt, must be cleaned thoroughly before use or storage.
Before cleaning any firearm, check to ensure it’s unloaded.
Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of your firearm
There is no such thing as a foolproof gun. You cannot guess what the operation of a particular firearm may be. You need to know how to use, handle and store your firearm safely. You should always read and refer to the operational instructions you receive from the manufacturer of the firearm. If you have misplaced the manual, simply contact the manufacturer for a copy.
There are numerous types of firearms and they are not all designed the same. They do not operate the same way and their characteristics are not all the same. Since they are so different, you have the responsibility of familiarizing yourself with your firearm before you handle it. You need to be aware of the safety features and the safe handling rules for loading, shooting, unloading and carrying your firearm.
Don’t be timid when it comes to firearms safety. Rules are safe only when they are obeyed. If a fellow shooter doesn’t want to follow the rules for safe handling of firearms, you should refuse to hunt or shoot with them until they correct their behaviour.
Firearms safety is not negotiable.
How can I remember all this?
Simple. Every time you pick up or put down a firearm remember to follow the ACTS and PROVE of firearm safety.
Assume every firearm is loaded.
Control the muzzle direction at all times.
Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard.
See that the firearm is unloaded.
Point the firearm in the safest available direction.
Remove all ammunition.
Observe the chamber.
Verify the feeding path.
Examine the bore for obstruction.