Firearms Safety Code

Because it is not practical to apply this rule to semiautomatic shotguns and rifles, it is recommended that when you have seen, or expect to flush game at any moment, you load the firearm and place the previously tested safety catch on ‘safe’. If you release the safety catch but decide not to shoot, re-apply the safety catch. Whenever a round is in the chamber, you must be absolutely sure that the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. Test the safety catch before loading any ammunition into the chamber. If you have any doubt about the safety catch don’t trust it. Have it checked by a gunsmith.

Note: No matter what type of firearm you use, you should be cautious when using the safety catch. In most cases, they lock the trigger or the bolt but, like all mechanical things, they are subject to wear and tear and may not work properly. The safety catch is only one of several safety precautions you should use when handling firearms.

When a hunter is tired, or excited about sighting game animals, emotions may override rational thinking (buck or stag fever). Perception can play tricks and you may ‘see’ what you expect to see. Objects – often people – look like game animals.

There could be other hunters nearby. They may make noises imitating the calls of game. Even the definite sighting of skin and antlers is not positive enough – hunters have been shot while carrying a deer. BEFORE you shoot! Ask yourself: “Is this a person?” This will focus your mind toward expecting to see a person, rather than assuming it is an animal.

Keep your finger away from the trigger until you are ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN it is safe to fire. Bright coloured clothing and gear can help you to be seen, especially in dim or fading light such as that in the early morning, late evening or under the cover of bush. However, no one colour will be easily seen at all times of the day and in all surroundings. Wear a colour that stands out from the background you are shooting in, and is different from any game animals in that area. While this may minimise your risk of being shot, it will only do so if other hunters properly identify their targets.

Hunters should use binocular vision, rather than rifle telescopic sights only, to identify their target. If using binoculars or telescopic sights, beware of the ‘tunnel vision’ that limits your view to each side. Sweep the telescope or binoculars from side to side to ensure no person is close to your field of fire.

Remember – it is ALWAYS the responsibility of the shooter to identify clearly the target. This is regardless of whatever strategies other hunters may or may not use to be seen.

Range:

Extreme range for projectiles may be as much as:

• .22 rimfire: 1.5 kilometres
• .308 calibre: 4.5 kilometres
• Airgun: up to 400 metres
• Shotgun: from 250 metres to 750 metres (Depending on the type of cartridge.)

Sights need to be set correctly to prevent rounds falling short or going far beyond the target.

Firing zones:

Your firing zone changes rapidly when you follow a moving target with a firearm. As you swing the muzzle around in an arc be aware of the position of other hunters.
Make sure they are not caught in the path between your firearm and the target, or beyond the target. This applies particularly when shooting with shotguns. Duck shooters sharing a maimai can drive vertical poles into the ground to prevent an ‘over- swing’ endangering a companion.

The Arms Regulations require these minimum standards when storing your firearm:

• A firearm must not be put in any place where a child has ready access to it.
• Ammunition must be stored separately or the firearm made incapable of firing.
• Police advocates taking the following steps to ensure safe storage of firearms:
  • Remove the bolt and magazine from bolt-action firearms and lock away separately from the firearm.
  • Make sure both the chamber and the magazine are empty before storing any firearm.
  • For lever, pump or semi-automatic firearms, you may not be able to remove the action. Use a trigger locking device in this case.
  • Dismantile break-open types.
• Licence holders must take reasonable steps to secure firearms against theft. These steps include:
  • Locking your firearm away in:
    • A lockable cabinet, container or receptacle of ‘stout construction’.
      The Police interprets "stout construction" as strong enough to stop a child or opportunist thief getting access. Police recognises the international standard of thwarting attack by hand tools (unpowered tools) for a minimum of 10 minutes. Putting a lock on a cupboard, wardrobe, or gun-case is not enough. Wooden or MDF cabinets/receptacles are unlikely to meet this standard. Seek advice from your Police Arms Officer before purchasing any cabinet, container or receptacle of 'stout construction', as not all containers on offer will meet the standard. The cabinet/container must be used for storing firearms only and accessible to the licence holder only. All cabinets, containers, safes, and receptacles are to be securely fixed to the frame of the building to prevent removal.
    • A display cabinet or rack that locks in and immobilises firearms so they cannot be fired.
    • A steel and concrete strong-room.
  • Unloading and locking your firearm away whenever it is not in use or not under the immediate supervision of a licence holder.
  • Never leaving your firearm in an unattended vehicle.

Anyone owning pistols, restricted weapons or military style semi-automatic firearms (MSSA) is required to have security of a higher standard than that required for sporting firearms (‘A’ category) owners. Contact your local Arms Officer for specifications.

All family members, especially children, need to know what a firearm is, what it is designed for, and why it must not be touched. Letting children handle firearms when you are supervising them may help to satisfy their natural curiosity but it is essential that children realise that firearms are not playthings and must be treated with respect. Children should be taught not to touch a firearm without an adult present, and if they find a firearm to seek the assistance of an adult.