The Robinson Rifle Team’s
#1 Priority is SAFETY!
The 3 basic safety rules that every team member must know and follow are:
ALWAYS keep the rifle pointed in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of rifle safety. A safe direction means that the rifle is pointed so that even if it were to go off 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 on different circumstances.
ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
When holding a rifle, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the rifle. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
ALWAYS keep the rifle unloaded until ready to use.
Whenever you pick up a rifle, immediately engage the safety device if possible before opening the action and looking into the chamber which should be clear of ammunition.
Additional Safety Advice–Shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
Robinson requires team members to use eye and ear protection when shooting smallbore (.22 cal.) rifles, and eye protection when shooting air rifles.
Eye and hearing protection will be worn by shooters and everyone present when shooting smallbore, and eye protection when shooting air rifles.
Always listen to and obey Range Safety Officer Commands and instructions.
Range Safety Officers are designated at every practice and match, usually a coach. Team members must know and obey the commands of the Range Officer. Anyone present on the range and observing an unsafe, or potentially unsafe act, must yell “Cease Fire, Cease Fire.”
At the command “Cease Fire,” shooters take their fingers off the trigger and immediately stop shooting, and wait for the Range Officer’s instructions.
Know your target and what is beyond
In high school rifle, targets are always defined, so this situation normally does not apply. This principle would apply to hunting and other shooting activities). Know your target and the area beyond. Never fire in a direction where people, animals, property, or any other potential for mishap could occur. Always observe and think first before shooting.
Know how to use the rifle safely.
Before handling a rifle, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the rifle or magazine. Remember, a rifle’s mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe rifle handling.
Be sure the rifle is safe to operate.
Just like other tools, rifles need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the rifle’s general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a rifle’s ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.
Use only the correct ammunition for your rifle.
Only pellets or cartridges designed for a particular rifle can be fired safely in that rifle. Most rifles have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the box and sometimes stamped on the cartridge. Do not shoot the rifle unless you know you have the proper ammunition.
The Robinson Sports Code of Conduct precludes athletes using alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco products.
Never use alcohol, over-the-counter, or illegal or prescription drugs which impair normal mental or physical bodily functions and inhabit the safe use handling of target rifles.
Store rifles so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store rifles. A person’s particular situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of rifle storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the rifle, are available. However, mechanical locking devices, like the mechanical safeties built into rifles, can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe rifle handling and the observance of all rifle safety.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is important in order for rifles to operate correctly and safely. Taking proper care of it will also maintain its value and extend its life. Your rifle should be cleaned every time that it is used. A rifle brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the rifle from operating properly. Before cleaning your rifle, make absolutely sure that it is unloaded. The rifle’s action should be open during the cleaning process. Also, be sure that no ammunition is present in the cleaning area.