Accurizing & Shooting Lee Enfield Rifles
Accurizing & Shooting Lee Enfields
By Brian Labadda & Ian Skennerton
How to get the best out of the Lee Enfield rifles covers from the Magazine Lee-Metford, The Short Magazine Lee Enfield, The No 1 Short Magazine Lee Enfield Rifle, The No1 Mark III (*)Short Magazine Lee Enfield Rife, The No 4 Lee-Enfield Rifle and The No 5 Jungle Carbine Lee Enfield Rifle. If you want to get the best out of your favourite Lee Enfield, have a good look at this before you begin your project. Ian and Brian have lots of knowledge and idea’s to get you the maximum results, from shooting to accurizing. Getting it right the first time will save you time and money. Order it today
$18.60
plus $10 postage Australia Wide, (cheaper if you buy more)
Letters To the Editor :- Early Stainless Steel ?? Barrels
Letter to the Editor
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 3:25 PM
1. Subject: Stainless Steel barrels.
Hi Ron.
I have been interested in stainless steels for barrels for some time, since acquiring a Model 1904 rifle with it, see photo
I note your Bulletin No 11 that you advised:
“For several years prior to 1930 the Winchester Repeating Arms Company supplied a “stainless” steel to a limited extent. It was really not a steel but rather a high chrome iron, its approximate composition being chromium 13 percent, carbon 0.10 percent, and copper 1.50 percent. Certain intricate heat treatment was necessary to make it both machinable and rust proof. It could not be successfully blued and was copper plated outside and then subjected to a treatment which turned the copper black. High cost of production and the advent of non-corrosive ammunition led to its discontinuance. “
Can you please advise the source of this information, and the method of painting them?
George Madis’ book, The Model 12, makes reference to stainless steel barrels on pages 46, 47, 138 and 139
“Stainless steel barrels were a Winchester development announced on June 9, 1926. Although the company ran a number of advertisements and pushed this feature, in spite of Winchester’s belief that stainless steel barrels would be great sellers the sales were poor.
Perhaps one of the greatest reasons the stainless steel barrels did not sell very well was given by Captain E. C. Crossman and other gun editors. In various articles stainless steel barrels were criticized with the apparent opinion that cleaning your gun was a necessary evil, part of hunting and apparently good for the soul. In one of his articles, he stated, “Stainless steel resists rusting, hence resists bluing or browning. So Winchester put on some sort of paint and if it does not look like hell in six months, it is because the gun has been kept in a glass case”.
A blue-black varnish-like Japanned finish was originally applied to stainless steel barrels, and as the old Captain says, it quickly loses that finish and appears patchy.
On July 15, 1930 Winchester advised all dealers that stainless steel barrels were to be discontinued and were offered at no extra charge over guns with standard barrels while the stock lasted. “
Madis claims that barrels were made for the Models 1897 and 1912 shotguns. Have you ever seen one?
From Arthur Pirkle’s books on the Lever Action rifles Models 1886 and 1892 I had noted on page 166 that “stainless steel barrels were made in limited numbers from 1924, and discontinued soon after”, and that “they were distinguished by having “-STAINLESS STEEL-” rather than “-NICKEL STEEL-” or ” WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL” in the barrel markings”.
I have seen two Model 1892 rifles with Stainless steel barrels.
I would be interested to hear if you have ever come across other models of Winchester rifles with Stainless Steel barrels?
As you can see it is a topic near to my interest.
You also stated:
Chrome Molybdenum Steels. About 1930 the chemists and metallurgists of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company undertook a study of their barrel steels, resulting in a complete revision of their specifications, and that study is continued until the 1960’s with a view to utilizing the most recent knowledge of metallurgy to provide the best steels possible; which is as it should be. These steels are termed “Winchester Proof Steel” which title does not mean any particular kind of steel, but rather “the best steel which Winchester has been able to find for the particular purpose.” Thus the Winchester Proof Steel used in .22 caliber rim fire barrels may be entirely different from that used in high power cartridge barrels.
It is understood that the Winchester Proof Steel now being used in high power rifle barrels is an alloy steel containing chromium and molybdenum, heat treated to give the required physical properties.
Is this steel 4140 as we know it today?
Regards
Keith N
Dear Keith
Came across a Winchester in bolt action centrefire in 220 Swift in about 1969 the rifle had been made in the late 1920s. Resembled a M17 with the rear sight ears removed, mauser type extractor and a patchy plating finnish on the surface which was mainly an alloy of some description, silver in colour. I have heard or read somewhere that Winchester had a lot of trouble with the 220 Swift eroding barrels due to the heat from hot loads and tried to find a alloy mix which would hold together. I found some information for the article in Wheelan’s Small Arms and Ballistics.
4140 is a Chrome Molybdenum Steel.
All The Best
Ron Owen
Owen Guns Bulletin January 2009 No 9
Welcome to the Ninth Edition of the Owen Guns Bulletin.
STOP PRESS
Scroll down for another Free Firearm Manual
We are currently publishing our new website at www.owenguns.com
Where we are in the process of listing 1000s of rifles,shotguns, handguns, accessories, and gun parts that we have for sale. Visit the website now. We also have shooting articles and important firearm information for the gun enthusiast.
Take away free gun photos and free firearm images for your gun gallery collection. New firearm related material being added every day.
Have Great time on Australia Day from all of the team at Owen Guns. Going Shooting for the weekend?
Any Inquiries on any products phone 07 54824099 or 07 54825070
Monthly Specials
Barsaka 3-9×50 Huntsman
The Huntmaster combines high quality optics and rugged construction with accuracy and ease of use. Huntmaster scopes feature fully-coated optics for bright clear views, rugged 1” monotube construction and are waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. Huntmasters are suitable for all types of general purpose hunting. 50 millimetre objective lens all for
$125.
plus postage
BRAND NEW IN THE BOX
Four still in stock at
$550.
New Stock at $650.
| Stevens® Centrefire | |
| Stevens Model 200 – Short Action | |
| Caliber | 223 REM, 22-250 REM, 243 WIN, 7MM-08 REM, 308 WIN |
| Overall Length | 41.75″ |
| Barrel Length | 22″ |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Stock | Gray synthetic with positive checkering, dual pillar bedding |
| Sights | No sights. Drilled and tapped for scope mounts |
| Rifling Rate of Twist | 1 in 9″ (223 REM) 1 in 9.25″ (243 WIN) 1 in 9.5″ (7MM-08 REM) 1 in 10″ (308 WIN) 1 in 12″ (22-250 REM) |
| Features | Standard trigger, blued barrelled action, free-floating and button-rifled barrel, top loading internal box magazine, and swivel studs. |
| Special Price | $650.00 |
| Stevens® Centerfire | |
| Stevens Model 200 – Long Action | |
| Caliber | 22″ (25-06 REM, 270 WIN, 30-06 SPFLD) 24″ (7MM REM MAG, 300 WIN MAG) |
| Overall Length | 42.75″ (25-06 REM, 270 WIN, 30-06 SPFLD) 44.75″ (7MM REM MAG, 300 WIN MAG) |
| Barrel Length | 22″ (25-06 REM, 270 WIN, 30-06 SPFLD) 24″ (7MM REM MAG, 300 WIN MAG) |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds (25-06 REM, 270 WIN, 30-06 SPFLD) 3 rounds for (7MM REM MAG, 300 WIN MAG) |
| Stock | Gray synthetic with positive checkering, dual pillar bedding |
| Sights | No sights. Drilled and tapped for scope mounts |
| Rifling Rate of Twist | 1 in 9.5″ (7MM REM MAG) 1 in 10″ (25-06 REM, 270 WIN, 30-06 SPFLD, 300 WIN MAG) |
| Features | Standard trigger, blued barreled action, free-floating and button-rifled barrel, top loading internal box magazine, and swivel studs. |
| Special Price | $650.00 |
Email owenguns@spiderweb.com.au for more & bigger photos, its worth it.
If you want to get the best out of your favourite Lee Enfield, have a good look at this before you begin your project Ian and Brian have lots of knowledge and idea’s to get you the maximum results and getting it right the first time will save you time and money. Order it today
$16.60
plus postage
Bi-pods (made Famous by Harris,’Patents ran out’) fit to QD (Quick Detachable) Swivel Stud. Ten years ago they retailed for over $150 now while stocks last half Price
Fully Extended
Compact and folded under the barrel
$79.00.
——————————————————-
This book originally printed by the War Office, was intended for use by officers under instruction at the British School of Musketry at Hythe. It is a complete examination of everything needed to be known about smallarms, ammunition and ballistics. It looks at rifles, swords, lances and bayonets, as well as revolvers, grenades and machine guns. There is a section dealing with small arms ammunition (including pre-.303inch ammunition) which is very comprehensive. The book also looks at the ballistics of this ammunition. The book is amply illustrated with photographs, line drawings and tables, and forms a complete record of the weapons and ammunition that were in service between the two World Wars. It was the Text Book Bible referred to by all the 20th Century Gun writers such as Hatcher, Ackley, and Whelen .430 A4 pages.
Special for this Month Only $59.
plus postage
RCBS Great Prices, Get the Best Reloading Tools for the Lowest Price.
RCBS Great Prices, Get the Best Reloading Tools for the Lowest Price.
Big-scale features and capacity with an affordable price. Two-poise design lets you weigh up to 505 grains with 0.1 grain accuracy. The 5-0-2 also sports our magnetic dampening system for fast readings, maintenance-free movement and a rugged die-cast metal base. Tip-proof aluminum pan for loading convenience. Ounce-to-grain conversion table on the base for handy shotshell reference
$99.00
Special Price RCBS 502 RELOADING SCALES $99.00 plus post
EMAIL Or PHONE 0754824099
For More RED HOT PRICES
EMAIL Or PHONE 0754824099
Second Hand Custom Sako in 17 Fireball
includes 3-9×40 Tasco World Class includs QD swivels
Brilliant Barrel, walnut stock
$720.
plus freight
GUN LAWS
Seeing the Light
Italians Legislate To Protect Self-Defence.
By Carlo Stagnaro & Dave Kopel
Italy is taking big steps towards greater protection of fundamental human rights, as it looks to significantly change old laws that have infringed the right of self-defence.
In Italy, the Minister of Defence, Antonio Martino, recently announced his support for private gun ownership. “Gun control disarms law-abiding citizens, not criminals,” he said. Martino, who was a professor before becoming defence minister, observed that gun laws only affect the law-abiding, not criminals:
When gun-control laws were passed, I neither saw any member of the Mafia giving up his shotguns, nor any terrorist giving surrendering Kalashnikovs. Instead, I saw retired officers giving up their issue guns. Actually, we disarmed law-abiding citizens, and that resulted in leaving weapons in the hands of those who don’t obey the laws.
Italy only has 44,000 Licensed to Carry for Defence.
Australia Zero Licenses for Defence.
Professor Martino’s statement is the strongest ever uttered in favour of gun rights by an Italian minister since at least 1931, when modern Italian gun control was imposed by Mussolini’s fascist regime. The Italian system is similar to what Sarah Brady has announced as her preferred American policy: “needs-based” licensing. A citizen must apply for a permit from the local prefect (for handguns) or to the chief of police (for long guns), and the official then decides whether he thinks the applicant “needs” the gun. Gun-carrying permits are very difficult to obtain; only 44,000 Italians are legally allowed to carry arms for personal defence.
Moreover, the parts of the Italian criminal code (dealing with “legitimate defence” and “unintentional excess”) have often been interpreted by the courts against those who defended themselves or their loved ones against predators. The courts insist that the defence must be “proportional” to the aggression — so that if a man is using his bare hands to commit rape, the woman cannot fight back with a gun. Likewise, if your home is invaded by a gang armed with knives, the courts will not allow you to use a firearm against them.
A few months ago, Minister of Justice Roberto Castelli created a commission to revise the criminal code. The commission is supposed to recognize the right of the people to defend themselves, at least in their own home. Castelli said that “current laws should be revised, especially in those areas concerning actions taken by citizens in their own home.” Carlo Nordio is the head of the commission. “There’s a further, more serious and pressing problem,” he wrote in the Italian daily Il Messaggero, that is, the problem of legitimate defence by those who lawfully own a gun and are forced to use it to defend themselves, and then they are treated as if they were the aggressor. They are peaceful and honest citizens who, faced with a robber invading their home, shot him and perhaps killed him. The laws about those cases are vague and bungling…
In Italy 80.7 % of Crimes Unpunished. In Australia Report a Crime and the Police Feel Threatened and Arrest You.
Some Italians are heavily criticizing Defence Minister Martino for saying that people should be allowed to be armed. “I find that absurd,” said sociologist Domenico De Masi. “The crime rates make America one of the worst countries in the world from that point of view. The American population is about five times the Italian one, but the number of prisoners is 26 times greater.” Perhaps De Masi should have added that one reason that number of Italian prisoners is so low is that Italian criminals usually escape capture and punishment. In Italy, 80.7 percent of all crimes go unpunished and the culprit is not found — 96.8 percent of the thefts, 58.2 percent of the homicides, 84.6 percent of the robberies, and 64.3 percent of the kidnappings. Moreover, Mr. De Masi might have addressed the fact that the Swiss are much more heavily armed than Italians are, yet are also less violent. The 1994 Swiss homicide rate was of 1.32 per 100,000 people (among which only 0.58 were perpetrated with a firearm), while the Italian rate was 2.25 (of which 1.66 were perpetrated with a firearm).
Coming to Martino’s defence was Alberto Mingardi, columnist for the conservative daily Libero: “Around the freedom to be armed a duet is played: civilization against barbarism. Martino stands for civilization.” Vittorio Feltri, director of the same paper, pointed out that Italian laws “prosecute the crime of ‘unintentional excess of legitimate defence,’ while citizens and their properties are not safeguarded, since possessing wealth seems to be a crime worse than stealing it. They say that communism is dead; however, it left us with a heritage we were not yet able to get rid of.”
Before the 20th century, Italy had a solid tradition of armed resistance — a tradition that fascism deeply harmed, and the socialist republic of the last few decades almost killed. The free people of Venice and the other Renaissance city-states were loath to allow their governments a monopoly of force. As Machiavelli explained in The Prince,
“When you disarm your subjects you offend them by showing that, either for cowardliness or lack of faith, you distrust them; and either conclusion will induce them to hate you.”
The founder of criminology, 18th-century scholar Cesare Beccaria of Milan, wrote:
“False is the idea of utility that sacrifices a thousand real advantages for one imaginary or trifling inconvenience; that would take fire from men because it burns, and water because one may drown in it; that has no remedy for evils, except destruction. The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of such a nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. Can it be supposed that those who have the courage to violate the most sacred laws of humanity, the most important of the code, will respect the less important and arbitrary ones, which can be violated with ease and impunity, and which, if strictly obeyed, would put an end to personal liberty — so dear to men, so dear to the enlightened legislator — and subject innocent persons to all the vexations that the guilty alone ought to suffer? Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve to rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man. They ought to be designated as laws not preventative but fearful of crimes, produced by the tumultuous impression of a few isolated facts, and not by thoughtful consideration of the inconveniences and advantages of a universal decree.“
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were both big fans of Beccaria and his 1764 treatise On Crimes and Punishments. Adams quoted Beccaria during his arguments in the 1770 Boston Massacre trial.
Thomas Jefferson admired On Crimes and Punishments so much that he carefully copied many lengthy passages into his “Commonplace Book” of favourite sayings. As Garry Wills notes in Inventing America, Jefferson used Becarria as “his principal modern authority for revising the laws of Virginia.” Among the passages the Jefferson copied was the above passage about firearms.
Self Defence is a Human Right
Beccaria was also a major intellectual influence behind the Eighth Amendment, barring cruel or unusual punishment. Beccaria reasoned that a penal system should provide punishment only severe enough to preserve security; any punishment above this level was a form of tyranny. The purpose of the criminal law was to protect “That bond which is necessary to keep the interest of individuals united, without which men would return to their original state of barbarity.” Therefore, “Punishments which exceed the necessity of preserving this bond are in their nature unjust.”
So in a sense, Italy’s moves towards restoration of legal protection for the right of self-defence — and against unfair punishments for people who exercise this right — could be viewed as making Italy more like America. At the same time, we should recognize that America’s Second and Eighth Amendments both draw important roots from the European Enlightenment in general, and from that Cesare Beccaria in particular.
As Beccaria, Jefferson, and Adams all understood, the right to protect your home and your family against an aggressor isn’t a cultural preference; it is a fundamental human right, belonging to all people at all times — even though sometimes governments might disrespect this human right, as they disrespect other human rights. By moving toward reaffirming human rights for its people, Italy’s government is removing the vestiges of fascist rule, and helping Italy reclaim its historic role as a model of civilization.
(So if you want better, safer more sensible Gun Laws Move to Italy as in Australia you have to be a Politician before your worth defending, of course the Tax payer pays for their armed guards, maybe they know we hate them? see quote above by Machiavelli. Ron Owen)
——————————————————————————–
Gun History
Barrel Developments
Part one Length
The barrel of the famous Kentucky rifle was very long, and Davy Crockett lived and was a real hero with a really long rifle, many people think that a long barrel is necessary for best accuracy in a small-arm. This is not true. Our old muzzle loading rifles and shotguns had long barrels because they used black powder as a propellant. Black powder burned relatively slowly, and it required a long barrel to burn a large enough charge to give the required velocity. Other reasons for long rifle barrels was to obtain a long sight radius, the further the front and back sight were apart, and yet remained visible the less angle of deviation of the sight.
Charges of modern smokeless powder are much faster burning, and the charge is completely consumed in a relatively short barrel. Accuracy depends not on barrel length, nor even in barrel straightness, but on the perfect delivery of the bullet- gyrostats into the atmosphere, and the perfection of that gyrostats.
The length of barrel required to give the maximum velocity with a given cartridge depends on the kind and amount of power loaded in that cartridge, and its bullet. Some powders burn faster than others, and some bullets offer more bore resistance and friction and consequently cause faster burning of the powder charge.
The little .22 Long Rifle cartridge attains its maximum velocity in a barrel only 16 inches, depending on the kind of powder loaded in the cartridge. With the regular target cartridge the velocity in a 4-inch barrel is about 850 fps.; 10 inches, 1,000 fps ; 16 inches, 1,030 fps.; and in a 24 inch barrel only 1,000,fps, showing that in the latter length the powder has been completely consumed, all the gas possible has been generated and expanded, and the friction of the bullet in the extra length of barrel is beginning to retard the bullet. Most.22 caliber rifles have barrels 24 inches long because that is the present “style.” Our .22 caliber match rifles quite generally have 28 inch barrels. The only advantage of such a long barrel on these match rifles is that it gives a greater distance between front and rear sights, and thus a certain error of aim does not cause the shot to strike so wide of the mark;. an advantage that does not hold with a telescope sight.
The disadvantage of a long barrel is also sometimes evident in revolvers using the .38 Smith & Wesson Special cartridge. Where a long or very heavy and soft bullet is used, the velocity is frequently greater in a 6 inch barrel than in one of 7 ½ inches, because the friction of the extra barrel length more than neutralizes the very slight increase in length of gas pressure.
With the US Governments first bolt action the .30-40 Krag cartridge firing the 220 grain bullet the muzzle velocity in the 30-inch rifle barrel was 2,000 fps., and in the 22-inch carbine barrel 1920 fps.
With the US Governments .30-06 cartridge firing the 150 grain bullet, the standard Muzzle Velocity was 2,700 fps., was obtained in a 24 inch barrel which was the standard length for Springfield ’03 and Garand rifles. Increasing or decreasing the barrel length an inch increased or decreased the muzzle velocity 18 to 25 fps, depending on the bullet and powder used. The increase per inch pertained up to a length of about 32 inches when apparently most powder charges were completely consumed.
24 inch Barrel Springfield 1903 Rifle with a Scope nearly as long. WWII Sniper Version.
Quite generally most modern rifles, both military and sporting, are now made with barrels 22 inches long which seems to be a happy medium, giving both handiness and good accuracy, with almost the maximum velocity in many cases. Formerly, over a hundred years ago military rifles used to have very long barrels, 32.5 inches for the Springfield 1873 and 30 inches for the Krag rifle, with the carbines of these models equipped with 22 inch barrels. With the Springfield 1903 rifle a compromise of 24 inches was made with a view to having the same weapon for both Infantry and Cavalry use, and it proved so good that it has established the 24-inch style as standard for seventy years. Another reason for the longer barrel on early military rifles was to provide a sufficiently long handle or reach for the bayonet.
Sporting barrels have been standardised generally at 22 inches, with 20 inches for carbines. Exceptions are the .22 caliber match rifles which have 28 inch barrels chiefly because they are using aperture sights and not optical sights; and rifles for the .220 Swift and 7mm magnums and .300. Magnum cartridges which are made 26 inches long to give certain advertised velocities to their cartridges. Extremely high intensity rifles of over M.V. 4,000 fps, and over attain their high velocity from relatively large charges of powder and light bullets, which combination requires a longer barrel to burn all the powder and give them their high velocity, so that 26 or 28 inch barrels might seem desirable.
.50 cal also needs a long barrel 26 or 28 inch to burn over 600 grains of slow burning powder.
Standard shotgun shells give practically the same velocity, penetration, and pattern whether the barrel length be 26 or 30 inches, so the well informed shotgun shooter bases barrel length on considerations other than ballistics. A gun with 26 inch barrels handles faster, and is handier in brush and on most upland game. The long barrel swings slower and in the hands of many shooters is best on ducks, particularly in pass shooting. So the shooter who selects a long barrelled shotgun with the idea that he is thereby getting higher velocity, greater penetration, and a denser pattern is all wrong. The ultra modern long range 10 and 12 gauge magnum shells do, however, need around 30 inch barrels to give the maximum ballistic effectiveness which is the sole reason for such heavy loads.
While a moderately short barrel tends towards greater handiness, there are serious objections to a very short barrel which accentuates recoil and report, sometimes to a very objectionable degree. Except with very light cartridges, like pistol cartridges, with an extremely short barrel of only two or three inches, the powder blast at the muzzle may so upset and deform the base of the bullet just as it leaves the barrel so as to preclude any accuracy.
Next Edition Barrel Weight
FREE FOR ELECTRONIC DOWNLOAD
Manual IMI GALIL Assault Rifle
Operators Manual, photographs, specifications and details of all types and different Models and Ammunition.
Exploded View and Parts diagrams and Part Numbers.
Email : OwenGuns@spiderweb.com.au and it will be sent to you in .pdf format free of charge.
To subscribe to this newsletter add your email address to the Newsletter sign up field in the right menu column.
To enquire about any product in our newsletter or website, send an email to
owenguns@spiderweb.com.au
This Newsletter is published by Owen Guns 24 McMahon Road, Gympie
Ph: 07 5482 5070
If you no longer wish to receive the newsletter, click Unsubscribe to have your email address automatically removed from our email list.
FIREARMS SAFETY DEPENDS ON YOU!
INTRODUCTION
From the time a firearm is grasped in the hand, the shooter becomes a part of a system over which the shooter has complete control. The shooter is the only part of the system that can make a gun safe – or unsafe.
Hunting and target shooting are among the safest of all sports. This study is intended to make them even safer by re-emphasizing and reaffirming the basics of safe gun handling and storage and by reminding each individual shooter that he or she is the key to firearms safety.
You can help meet this responsibility by constantly stressing safety when handling firearms, especially to children and non-shooters. Newcomers in particular must be closely supervised when handling firearms with which they may not be acquainted. Don’t be timid when it comes to gun safety. It you observe anyone violating any safety precautions, you have an obligation to suggest safer handling practices, such as these.
When Someone Is Pointing It The Wrong Way, Tell Them.
Please read this carefully and follow the safety procedures outlined. Firearms safety is up to you. Make no mistake about it.
ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND GUNS DON’T MIX
1. Always Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction
This is the most basic gun safety rule. If everyone handled his firearm, so carefully that the muzzle never pointed at something he did not want to shoot, there would be virtually no firearms accidents. It’s as simple as that, and it’s up to you.
Never point your gun at anything you do not intend to shoot. This is particularly important when loading or unloading a firearm. In the event of an accidental discharge, no injury can occur as long as the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction.
A safe direction means a direction in which a bullet cannot possibly strike anyone, taking into account possible ricochets and the fact that bullets can penetrate walls and ceilings. The safe direction is nearly “up” all occasions but if other people are above you on another floor it has to be “down”, but never at anyone or anything not intended as a target. Even when “dry firing” with an unloaded gun, you should never point a gun at an unsafe target. Always develop safe shooting habits.
Make it a habit to know exactly where the muzzle of your gun is pointing at all times, and be sure that you are in control of the direction in which the muzzle in pointing, even if you fall or stumble. This is your responsibility and only you can control it.
2. Firearms Should Be Unloaded When Not Actually in Use
Firearms should be loaded only when you are in the field or on the target range or shooting area, ready to shoot. Firearms and ammunition should be secured in a safe place, separate from each other, when not in use. It is your responsibility to prevent children and careless adults from gaining access to firearms or ammunition. Unload your gun as soon as you are finished shooting. A loaded gun has no place in or near a car, truck or building. Unload your gun immediately when you have finished shooting, well before you bring it in, into a car, camp or home.
Whenever you handle a firearm, or hand it to someone, always open the action immediately and visually check the chamber, receiver and magazine to be certain they do not contain any ammunition. Always keep actions open when not in use. Never assume a gun is loaded – check for yourself! This is considered a mark of an experienced gun handler! Its good manners.
Never cross a fence, climb a tree, or perform any awkward actions with a loaded gun. There are many times during nearly all hunting trips when common sense and the basic rules of firearms safety will require you to unload your gun for maximum safety. Never pull or push a loaded firearm toward yourself or another person. There is never any excuse to carry a loaded gun in a scabbard, a holster not being worn, or a gun case. When in doubt, always unload your gun.
3. Don’t Rely on Your Gun’s “Safety”
Treat every gun as though it can fire at any time, regardless of pressure on the trigger. The “safety” on any gun is a mechanical device which, like any such device, can become inoperable at the worst possible time. Besides, by mistake the safety may be “off”, when you think it is “on”. The safety serves as a supplement to proper gun handling, but cannot possibly serve as a substitute for common sense. You should never handle a gun carelessly and assume that the gun won’t fire just because the “safety is on”.
Never touch the trigger on a firearm until you actually intend to shoot. Keep your fingers away from the trigger while loading or unloading. Never pull the trigger on any firearm with the safety on the “safe” position or anywhere in between “safe” and “fire”. It is possible that the gun can fire at any time, or even later when you release the safety, without your ever touching the trigger again. Never place the safety in between positions, since half-safe is unsafe. Only close the action when you are absolutely ready to fire.
Regardless of the position of the safety, any blow or jar which is sufficient to actuate the firing mechanism of a gun can cause it to fire. This can happen even if the trigger is not touched, such as when a gun is dropped. Never rest a loaded gun against any object because there is always the possibility that it will be jarred or slide from its position and fall with sufficient force to discharge. The only safe gun is one in which the action is open and which is completely empty. You and the safe gun handling procedures you have learned are your only real “gun safeties”.
4. Be Sure of Your Target And What’s Beyond It
No one can call a shot back. Once a gun fires, you have given up all control over where the shot will go or what it will strike. Don’t shoot unless you know exactly know what your shot is going to strike. Be sure that your bullet will not injure anyone or anything beyond your target. Firing at a movement or a noise without being absolutely certain of what you are shooting at constitutes criminal disregard for the safety of others. No target or animal is so important that you do not have the time before you pull the trigger to be absolutely certain of your target and where your shot will stop.
Be aware that even a .22 short bullet can travel over 1.1/4 miles, and a high velocity cartridge such as a .30-06 can send its bullet more than three miles. Shotgun pellets can travel 500yards and shotgun slugs have a range of half a mile.
Shooters should keep in mind how far a bullet will travel if it misses its intended target or ricochets in another direction.
- Some People Just Don’t Think, And Need Telling.
5. Make sure you use the Correct Ammunition.
You must assume the serious responsibility of using only the correct ammunition for your firearm. Read and heed all warnings including those that appear in the gun’s instruction manual and on the ammunition boxes.
Improper or incorrect ammunition can destroy a gun and cause serious personal injury. It only takes one cartridge of improper caliber or gauge to wreck your gun and only a second to check each one as you load it. Use only ammunition that exactly matches the caliber or gauge of your gun.
Firearms are designed, manufactured and proof tested to standards based upon factory loaded ammunition. Hand loaded or reloaded ammunition deviating from pressures generated by factory loads or from component recommendations specified in reputable hand loading manuals can be dangerous and can cause severe damage to guns and serious injury to the shooter. Do not use improper reloads or ammunition made of unknown components.
Ammunition that has become very wet or has been submerged in water should be discarded in a safe manner. Do not spray oil or solvents on ammunition or place ammunition in excessively lubricated firearms. Poor ignition, unsatisfactory performance, or damage to your firearm and harm to yourself or others could result from using such ammunition.
Form the habit of examining every cartridge you put into your gun. Never use damaged or substandard ammunition – the money you save is not worth a ruined gun or very much worse.
6. If Your Gun Fails to Fire When the Trigger is Pulled, Handle with Care!
Occasionally, a cartridge may not fire when the trigger is pulled. If this occurs, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your face away from the breech. Then, carefully open the action, unload the firearm, and dispose of the cartridge in a safe way.
Any time there is a cartridge in the chamber, your gun is loaded and ready to fire – even if you’ve tried to shoot and it did not go off. It could go off at any time, so you must always remember. Rule No 1 and watch the muzzle!
7. Always Wear Eye And Ear Protection When Shooting
All shooters should wear protective shooting glasses and some form of hearing protectors while shooting. Exposure to shooting noise can damage hearing and adequate vision protection is essential. Shooting glasses guard against twigs, falling shot, clay target chips and the rare ruptured case or firearm malfunction. There is a wide variety of eye and ear protectors available. No target shooter, plinker or hunter should ever be without them. Wearing eye protection when disassembling and cleaning any gun will also help prevent the possibility of springs, spring tensioned parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes.
Most rules of shooting safety are intended to protect you and others around you, but this rule is for your protection alone. Furthermore, having your hearing and eyes protected will make your shooting easier by helping to improve your concentration and your enjoyment of the shooting sports.
8. Be Sure the Barrel is Clear of Obstructions Before Shooting
Before you load your firearm, open the action and be certain that no ammunition is in the chamber or magazine. Then glance through the barrel to be sure it is clear of any obstruction. Even a small bit of mud, snow, excess lubricating oil, or grease in the bore can cause dangerously increased pressures, causing the barrel to bulge or even burst on firing, which can cause injury to the shooter and bystanders. Make it a habit to clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch to wipe away anti-rust compounds in the gun ,each time immediately before you shoot it. If the noise or recoil on firing seems weak, or doesn’t seem quite “right”, cease firing immediately and be sure to check that no obstruction or projectile has become lodged in the barrel.
Placing a smaller gauge or caliber cartridge into a gun (such as a 20 gauge shell in a 12 gauge shotgun) can result in the smaller cartridge falling into the barrel and acting as a bore obstruction when a cartridge of proper size is fired. This can cause a burst barrel or worse. You can easily avoid this type of accident by paying close attention to each cartridge you insert into your firearm. This is really a case where “haste makes waste”.
9. Don’t Alter or Modify Your Gun, and Have Guns Serviced Regularly
Firearms are complicated mechanisms which are designed by experts to function properly in their original condition. Any alterations or changes made to firearms after manufacture can make the gun dangerous and usually void any factory warranties. Do not jeopardize your safety or the safety of others by allowing unqualified persons to repair or modify them. You’ll usually ruin an expensive gun. Don’t do it!
Your gun is a mechanical device which will not last forever and is subject to wear. As such, it requires periodic inspection, adjustment and service. Check with the manufacturer of your firearm for recommended servicing.
10. Learn the Mechanical and Handling Characteristics of The Firearm You are Using
Not all firearms are the same. The method of carrying and handling firearms varies in accordance with the mechanical characteristics of each gun. Since guns can be so different, no person should handle any firearm without first having thoroughly familiarized himself with the particular type of firearm he is using, the safe gun handling rules for loading, unloading, carrying, handling that firearm and the rules of safe gun handling in general.
If You Don't Know How It Works Find Out, Read or Ask, Before You Use It.
Just by way of one example, many handgun manufacturers recommend that their handguns always be carried with the hammer down on an empty chamber. This is particularly true for older single-action revolvers, but applies equally to some double-action revolvers to automatic pistols. You should always read and refer to the instruction manual you received with your gun, or if you have misplaced it, simply write to the manufacturer for a free copy.
The person with the gun in his possession has a full-time job. He cannot guess, he cannot forget. He must know how to use, handle and store his firearm safely. Do not use any firearm without having a complete understanding of its particular characteristics and safe use. There is no such thing as a fool proof gun.