Airgun shooting, whether just for pure fun, or serious competition, is an extremely enjoyable pass time; but one aspect which just has to be built in as part of our routine, is SAFETY. There really is no compromise with this one, and whilst the shooting sports in general are probably one of the safest sports of all, it falls upon all of us to maintain those high levels. This blog is a short reminder of proper gun handling, which should become second nature.
Get the Point!
Perhaps the most vital and basic rule of all is to TREAT EVERY GUN AS IF IT WERE LOADED.
Therefore – NEVER POINT A GUN, LOADED OR OTHERWISE AT ANYTHING, OTHER THAN DOWNRANGE.
If we stick to that, then it really is very difficult to have an accident. Many of us have heard shooters at events or clubs, casually remark – “oh don’t worry, it’s not loaded”, as if that makes it perfectly fine to badly handle a gun, and waive the barrel inadvertently in someone’s face or direction. But it really isn’t acceptable, and it doesn’t matter if it’s loaded or not. So we all need to adopt a watertight approach to safety.
Airguns are comparatively quiet when compared to live firearms, and extremely quiet when we are talking about a silenced PCP , and that can lead many shooters and certainly newcomers into thinking that there’s no power or danger to worry about. Just remember that a full powered 12ft/lbs airgun pellet will travel considerably further than a shotgun when the barrel is elevated, and that becomes an instant wake up call – so yes, we need to take care, and be safe at all times.
HFT/ FT competitions
Shoot Field Target or Hunter Field Target competitions, and these can be great fun and challenging. However, it’s sadly a fairly common sight at even national events, to see shooters taking their shot, from ether the sitting or prone position, depending upon the discipline, then as they get up, completely forget safety, and point their gun barrel, in the direction of fellow shooters.
Again not acceptable, and easily avoided with care.
Show it’s Safe
Different types of airgun can be shown to be safe in different ways, and this is well worth bearing in mind, whether shooting in the garden, on the range or down at the club. If you use a traditional break-barrel springer, then when not shooting, the breech can be broken (not actually cocked), then, just like an open shotgun, everyone can see at a glance that the gun is safe. Likewise, a fixed barrel under-lever rifle can be shown to be safe simply by unclipping the lever at the front and letting it hang down. For shooter safety, remember to grip that barrel or under-lever whilst you’re loading the gun too.
Own and use a bolt action PCP, and the bolt can be pulled open (again not cocked), and this will show a clear breech. Side-levers can have the lever pulled open too. Indeed some ranges will require a small plastic flag to be inserted into the open breech to signify an unloaded clear rifle, for added safety.
Where guns are multi-shot and rely on a magazine, adopting a safe regime with the mag makes sense. Firstly when moving around a club, range or competition firing line, never insert the magazine into the gun’s action until ready to shoot, and remove the mag and know the gun is clear (firing off if necessary), before leaving the position.
Added safety – Storage
Store guns and pellets separately if children are in the house, and under lock and key where small children are involved.
Block The Firing Line
If shooting on an official range or at a club, there will probably be a Range Officer ensuring safe conduct. But for those of us lucky enough to be able to shoot at home, we need to ensure that the designated firing line is protected and can’t be breeched. So lock doors, and put up signs to say shooting in progress, so it becomes impossible for anyone to accidentally stray into the path of the gun. In short, safe preparation is never ‘overkill’. Just make it impossible for an accident to happen, and you wont be left wondering how it happened in the first place!
Future proof
It may seem like stating the obvious, but our sports future relies on safe gun handling and good safe conduct in general. So let’s all do our bit and just be aware of how we are handling our treasured gun.
Is it in a safe state, and where is it pointing?
Adopt that safe regime, let it become second nature, and this great sport of ours will have a solid future, literally in safe hands.
Stay safe and happy shooting
Range & Country
