FAQs

FAQs

What are the 3 fundamental rules of firearms safety?

Whether you are an athlete or a recreational target shooter, you must observe the following three (3) fundamental rules of safe firearms handling at all times:

  1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to discharge, it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle, or front end of the barrel, is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction depending upon different circumstances.
    When a pistol is brought to the firing line it should point down range, unless holstered.
  2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until on target and ready to shoot. When holding a gun, people have a natural tendency to place their finger on the trigger - don't do it! Rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun until you are actually ready to fire.
  3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately open the action and look into the chamber(s) to ensure that the gun is clear, or empty, of ammunition. If the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and make sure it is also empty. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and seek assistance from a licensed person who does.

What are the rules for safety and conduct on a range?

The NSWAPA Technical Committee established a code of conduct for athletes participating in match events or casually attending a range, in May 1979. This is a consolidated summary of the latest ammendments issued by the Executive Committee, in 1990.

  1. Immediately upon entering the Range:
    1. Every Member shall sign the Attendance Book.
    2. Every Visitor whether competitor or spectator shall sign his or her name and address (or Club) in the Visitors' Book.
  2. Every person entering the Range, whether Member or Visitor, places himself or herself under the full control of the Range Officer or his or her assistants, and must at all times comply with their lawful directions and instructions, and these Rules for Safety and Conduct.
  3. Refusal to Obey: No person shall refuse to obey the instruction of the Range Officer or any other Official in the proper conduct of the affairs of their office.
  4. No person shall enter or leave the Range with a loaded pistol.
  5. Loaded Pistols: No pistol will be loaded until the Competitor is in their place at the shooting line and the command "LOAD" has been given by the Range Officer. At all times, while loaded, the pistol shall point in the direction of the Target or Impact Area.
  6. Unloaded Pistol: When not at the shooting line, pistols shall be unloaded at all times. Cylinders will be open, or slides back and magazines out, unless the pistol is cased or holstered.
  7. Removal of Pistols: No pistol shall be removed from the shooting line until it and magazines have been checked as CLEAR by the Range Officer.
  8. No person shall touch the pistol of another person without the Owner's permission, In the case of club pistols, permission must be obtained from the Range Officer.

What are a shooter's obligations under the law?

The obligations of pistol club members are set out under the Firearms and Dangerous Weapons Act, 1996 (As Amended) and the Firearms Act 1996 (As Amended).

Carrying of Pistol: Any person holding a Target Pistol Licence may carry such pistol only when travelling to and from:

  • An Approved Pistol Range.
  • A Firearms Dealer.
  • A Police Station.

Notification to Club Secretary: The State Police Firearms Registry and the Club Secretary must be notified within seven (7) days of:

  • Change of Name or Address.
  • Sale, Purchase or Transfer of any Target Pistol, giving details of current Target Pistol Licence Number.

Lending of Pistols: Pistols may only be loaned to another Licensed Pistol Club Member, persons currently exempt from holding a licence, or juniors who hold a current junior target pistol permit, and then only for use on an Approved Pistol Range.

Licence: The appropriate Licence must be carried at all times when carrying one or more pistols.

Storage and Carriage: Pistols must be carried unloaded, and must be stored in a secure manner in a Safe or Security Cabinet of a type approved by the Commissioner of Police, to guard against loss or theft.

Attendance: Members must attend Club Shoots regularly. A minimum of six (6) club approved competitions, as well as, depending upon the number of types of target pistols owned, additional practices must be completed annually. All shooters must sign a members' or visitor's book upon entering an Approved Range.

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