7 rules of firearm safety
This section of the guide goes into detail about the 7 safety rules.
You can also read about the rules here:
7 rules of firearm safety
Firearms licensing and obligations
This section of the guide explains licensing periods and your obligations as a licence holder.
You can also read about licensing here:
Licensing
Basic firearm types
This section of the guide explains what a firearm is, describes its parts, how firearms work, and important information about a range of firearms, including:
- rifles
- bolt-action rifle
- lever-action rifle
- semi-automatic rifle
- shotguns
- break-open shotgun
- pump-action shotgun
- old shotguns, especially if Damascus barrelled
- pistols and target pistol shooting
- muzzle-loading
- airguns – conditions for having or using
- paintball and airsoft guns
- Specially Dangerous Airguns (PCPs)
- safe storage of airguns
- prohibited firearms and prohibited magazines.
Ammunition
This section of the code covers the following topics, including pictures:
- using the correct ammunition
- commonly available ammunition calibres and gauges
- how to know you have the right ammunition
- cartridge types and how they work
- modern cartridges
- common projectiles
- components of a modern cartridge
- shotgun ammunition
- components of a shotshell
- drill rounds and snap caps
- blank cartridges
- range and impact potential of your firearm and ammunition
- maximum and effective range of projectiles
- terminal ballistics
- safely dealing with ammunition faults and malfunctions
- misfires
- hang fire (delayed discharge)
- squib load
- what to do when you experience and ammunition fault
- destruction of unsafe ammunition
- safe ammunition storage
- security of ammunition
- correct storage conditions.
Firearm states of readiness
This section of the code covers:
- firearm states – load, action, instant, unload
- how and when to use the different states.
Preparing your firearm for use and zeroing
This section of the code covers:
- when to check your firearm
- how to prepare a firearm for use
- zeroing (or sighting-in or sight adjustment)
- shotgun patterning.
Safe firearms practice
This section of the code covers:
- what is safe handling?
- handing a firearm to another person
- dealing with fences, obstacles, and rough terrain
- trips or falls in rough terrain
- thick vegetation
- carrying your firearm
- two-handed across body hold
- slung
- moving as a group when carrying firearms
- moving in single file
- moving in line formation
- safety in maimai
- transporting firearms (also see: Storage and transportation for more detailed information)
- shooting in low light
- night vision devices (NVDs)
- spotlights.
Safety equipment and first aid
This section of the code covers:
- protecting your hearing
- protecting your eyesight
- first aid
- trauma training
- self-help
- first aid kits
- personal locator beacons (PLBs)
- harmful substances.
Safety at a shooting range
This section of the code describes shooting ranges and the rules known as Range Standing Orders.
Offences
Appendix 1 of the code lists all offences under the Arms Act applying to firearms holders.
