FIREARM, AMMUNITION & KNIFE SAFETY
Safety should always come first when handling firearms, ammunition, knives, and other potentially dangerous equipment.
At Vizard's Guns & Ammo, we encourage responsible ownership, proper handling, secure storage, and familiarity with the manufacturer's instructions for every product you own or use.
The following information provides general safety guidance. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific firearm, ammunition, knife, or other product and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
FIREARM SAFETY
Every firearm should be handled responsibly, whether you are at home, at a shooting range, hunting, transporting a firearm, or handling one for inspection or cleaning.
Follow these fundamental firearm safety practices:
• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
• Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you intend to fire.
• Always be certain of your target and what is around and beyond it before firing.
• Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to shoot.
• Make sure you are using the correct ammunition recommended for your firearm.
• Read and understand the manufacturer's owner's manual before operating an unfamiliar firearm.
• Never rely solely on a firearm's mechanical safety.
• Never handle or operate firearms while impaired by alcohol, drugs, medication, or any condition that may affect your judgment or ability to safely operate the firearm.
• Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection when shooting.
• When a firearm is not in use, unload it and store it securely.
If you are unfamiliar with the operation of a particular firearm, do not attempt to use it until you understand how to operate it safely. Consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek assistance from a qualified professional.
SAFE FIREARM STORAGE
Responsible firearm ownership continues after you finish shooting.
Firearms that are not being used should be stored in a manner that helps prevent unauthorized access, theft, and accidental handling.
Consider the following safe-storage practices:
• Unload firearms before storing them.
• Store firearms in a secure gun safe, lock box, or other appropriate secure storage device.
• Use an appropriate cable lock, trigger lock, or other firearm locking device when applicable.
• Prevent unauthorized individuals and children from gaining access to stored firearms.
• Keep keys and combinations for firearm storage devices secured from unauthorized individuals.
• Store ammunition securely and appropriately.
• Follow all applicable federal, state, and local firearm-storage requirements.
A locked vehicle alone should not be considered secure firearm storage. If a firearm must temporarily remain in a vehicle, consider using an appropriate secured lock box or other firearm storage device and keep the firearm out of sight.
AMMUNITION SAFETY
Ammunition should be handled and stored with the same level of responsibility as firearms.
Follow these general ammunition safety practices:
• Use only the correct caliber or gauge and ammunition type recommended by the firearm manufacturer.
• Never attempt to fire ammunition that you cannot positively identify as appropriate for the firearm.
• Inspect ammunition before use. Do not use cartridges or shells that appear damaged, severely corroded, deformed, contaminated, or otherwise unsafe.
• Keep ammunition away from excessive heat, open flames, moisture, and other conditions that could damage it.
• Store ammunition in a secure, dry location.
• Keep ammunition secured from unauthorized individuals and children.
• Follow the ammunition manufacturer's instructions and warnings.
• Never attempt to modify factory-loaded ammunition unless you are properly trained and using appropriate components, equipment, and published reloading data.
If you are uncertain whether ammunition is appropriate for a particular firearm, consult the firearm manufacturer's specifications before using it.
KNIFE SAFETY
Knives are useful tools, but improper handling can cause serious injuries.
Follow these general knife safety practices:
• Always cut away from your body.
• Keep your free hand and fingers away from the cutting path.
• Use the correct knife for the task.
• Maintain a secure grip and work on a stable surface whenever possible.
• Do not attempt to catch a falling knife. Move away and allow it to fall.
• When handing a knife to another person, place it on a clean, stable surface and allow the other person to pick it up whenever practical.
• When carrying an appropriate fixed-blade knife by hand, keep it securely controlled with the point directed downward and the cutting edge away from your body.
• Do not leave knives near the edge of a table, counter, workbench, or other surface where they could fall.
• Keep knives appropriately stored when they are not in use.
• Keep knives secured from children and unauthorized individuals.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for folding, locking, assisted-opening, or other specialized knife mechanisms.
• Never use a knife as a pry bar, screwdriver, or for another task for which it was not designed.
EYE & HEARING PROTECTION
Appropriate eye and hearing protection should be worn when shooting firearms.
Eye protection can help protect against debris, fragments, gases, and other hazards associated with shooting.
Hearing protection can help reduce exposure to the extremely high sound levels produced by firearm discharge.
Follow all range rules and consider the manufacturer's recommendations when selecting protective equipment.
LEAD EXPOSURE & HYGIENE
Firearms, ammunition, primers, projectiles, shooting ranges, and firearm cleaning activities may expose individuals to lead and other substances.
After shooting, handling ammunition, or cleaning firearms:
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, or touching your face until you have cleaned your hands.
• Follow applicable range rules and product warnings.
• Keep shooting and firearm-cleaning materials away from food preparation areas.
Follow manufacturer warnings and appropriate safety practices to help reduce unnecessary exposure.
KNOW AND FOLLOW THE LAW
Firearm, ammunition, and knife laws can vary by state and local jurisdiction.
Owners and users are responsible for understanding and complying with the laws applicable to the purchase, possession, transportation, storage, carrying, transfer, and use of their products.
Laws and regulations can change. Consult appropriate government authorities or qualified legal counsel when you need guidance regarding a specific legal requirement.
RESPONSIBLE OWNERSHIP STARTS WITH SAFETY
Firearms, ammunition, and knives should always be treated with respect and handled responsibly.
Take the time to understand your equipment, follow manufacturer instructions, use appropriate protective equipment, practice safe handling, and securely store firearms, ammunition, and knives when they are not in use.
Safety is everyone's responsibility.
Vizard's Guns & Ammo
VIZARDSGUNSANDAMMO.COM
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The information provided on this page is intended as general safety information and is not a substitute for manufacturer instructions, professional firearms or safety training, or applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Always read and follow the warnings and instructions supplied by the manufacturer of your firearm, ammunition, knife, or other equipment.