Summary of Firearm Handling and Use of Force

## Introduction Firearms safety is about preventing accidents, reducing harm, and ensuring responsible handling, storage, and use of firearms. This guide covers general shooting range rules and broad safe firearm procedures that apply outside of specialized topics such as handgun handling, use of force, or formal firearms training. The goal is to give clear, practical rules and examples that help you stay safe and compliant. > **Definition:** Firearms safety refers to the set of practices, rules, and behaviors designed to prevent unintentional injury, damage, or death when firearms are present or being used. ## General Shooting Range Rules Shooting ranges have strict rules to protect everyone on site. Below are the key rules you should always follow. ### Core range rules 1. Firearms shall only be loaded at the firing point on instructions from a range officer, and with the barrel pointed at the target area. 2. Only the provided target shall be fired at. Under no circumstances use glass, bottles, or improvised targets. 3. Turning around with a loaded firearm is forbidden. 4. Whenever shooting is interrupted for target changing or other reasons, firearms should be holstered or placed down unloaded; firearms must not be handled while anyone is in front of the firing line. 5. Other people’s firearms shall not be touched without the express permission of the owner. 6. Ear and eye protection shall always be worn during shooting exercises. 7. Instructions given by the range officer shall be complied with unconditionally. 8. Persons entering the range area shall not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 9. On arrival at the range, keep your firearm in its holster, bag, or case until instructed otherwise by the range officer. 10. The shooting range must always be kept clean and free of hazards. > **Practical example:** At an outdoor range, you arrive, sign in, and leave your rifle in its case. Only when the range officer calls "commence fire" do you remove the firearm at the firing point, load, and aim at the authorized paper target downrange. ### Spacing and movement - Shooters shall be a minimum of 1.5 meters apart to prevent accidental contact and to ensure safe angles for muzzles and movement. ## General Rules Pertaining to Safe Firearm Procedures These are broader safety principles that apply whenever you possess, transport, store, or handle a firearm. ### Know and maintain your firearm - Know the firearm that was issued to you: safe handling procedures, operating functions, and identifying information such as the serial number. - A firearm must be made safe before receiving, handing over, or storing it. When handing it to another person, first make it safe and keep the slide/bolt locked open; only in life-threatening situations may you hand it over loaded. - Report any defect or fault immediately to the armourer or responsible official. - Never interchange parts between different firearms. - Your issued firearm may not be altered or modified by you. > **Practical example:** If your issued rifle has a malfunctioning safety catch, stop using it and report to the armourer rather than attempting a field repair. ### Carrying, storing, and transporting - The firearm must always be carried in the prescribed manner in the prescribed holster securely attached to your body. - No firearms may be unguarded; when not in use they must be locked in a safe. - All firearms must be made safe before being stored or locked away. - A vehicle is not a safe place to leave firearms unattended; never leave them unsecured where suspects are detained or in shared areas. - No official firearm may be loaned to another person — you remain responsible for the firearm issued to you. - The loss of a firearm must be reported immediately. ### Ammunition, cleaning, and handling - Always clean and oil your firearm regularly; refill magazines after use so they are ready for immediate use if needed. - Do not mix drill rounds, blanks, or sharp ammunitio