Firearms Safety
Instructors Manual
DRAFT
The Firearms Safety Instructors Manual and the accompanying Firearm
Safety Course PowerPoint presentation were developed by
Revised with the assistance of:
Course: Longarm Safety Course
Module: Overview
Session: Three Sessions and Examination
Duration: 180 Min
Session Plan
Purpose: The purpose of this block of instruction is to introduce the
Divisional Firearms Ofcer if present, the Program Instructors
and state the purpose of the program then;
Introduce and explain the Firearm Safety Code; plus
To describe the different types and actions of rearms; plus
The legal information required by the applicant to legally
posses carry and use rearms in Victoria.
Scope: Instruct the applicants to pass a test to obtain a Recreational
Longarms Licence at a course organised by the local
Divisional Firearms Ofcer.
Objectives: At the completion of this instructional program the applicant
should know and understand -
The required sections of the Firearms Act 1996; plus -
The Firearms Safety Code; plus -
Safe rearms handling principles;
And be able to demonstrate that knowledge through written
examination
Stores & Requirements:
Each Instructor will require their own copy of the Firearms Safety Code
Handbook. Multimedia Projector - PowerPoint Presentation - Computer,
DVD Player and TV well illuminated classroom - desks and chairs
Trainer/Assessor:
Firearm Safety Instructor Authority Longarm Safety Course
RED MUST BE TAUGHT
BLUE SHOULD BE TAUGHT
1
Content Key Points Time
Setup
Setup room according to the size and
number of applicants for the course.
Ensure that all applicants will be able to
clearly see the Instructor and any visual aids
being used during the course.
Ensure that prior to the course all electronic
equipment such as projectors, computers,
DVD players and TVs are in good working
order.
Display “INSTRUCTORS” page on screen
for applicants to view.
Verify each applicant’s identity and cross
reference with list of applicants provided by
the DFO.
Pre-amble / Welcome
Welcome
Students to the
program
Introduce the Divisional Firearms Ofcer if
present.
Instructors present should introduce
themselves and tell the class:- their
involvement as an instructor, club afliations
and experience in the rearm eld.
Point out to class any Safety Issues to do
with the venue such as Fire Exits etc.
Safety Pre-amble
Carry out safety
precautions of
rearms and
designate safe
area for pointing
rearms
Carry out safety precautions of rearms to
class to conrm that rearms are safe.
Question class if any person is in possession
of live ammunition.
Designate Safe Area as to pointing rearms
in classroom
Module: Firearm Safety Rules
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2
Content Key Points Time
Purpose
State the
purpose of the
program
Legal requirement.
Need for Firearm Safety Code to be known.
Reduction in unintentional rearm
discharges.
To encourage all sections of the community
in rearm safety.
Introduction
Firearm Safety
Code
This session of instruction is to introduce the
students to the Firearm Safety Code.
To provide them with the necessary
knowledge required to handle, use and store
rearms safely.
Objectives
Explain the Tests At the completion of this block of instruction
students should know, understand and be
able to pass a test on the Firearm Safety
Code.
The Firearm Safety Code Test has a 30
multiple choice questions. Applicants
must have at least 28 correct and have all
7 Mandatory Safety Questions correct.
There will also be a 10 question multiple
choice exam based on Firearms Law.
The applicant must have all 10 questions
correct to pass this exam.
At the completion of this students should
have a better understanding of the Fire-
arm Law.
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3
Content Key Points Time
Firearm Accidents
Firearm Owner’s
Responsibilities
Explain that rearm owners have a
responsibility to:-
Themselves, Their families, and Everyone
else
Explain that issues such as:-
• SAFE HANDLING of Firearms,
• SAFE use of Firearms,
• TARGET Identication and what may
be beyond the target
• STORAGE of Firearms
Are rearms
dangerous?
Ask the question, “Are Firearms
Dangerous?” Get the students to respond.
Prove a bolt action rie (bolt open, magazine
out, chamber empty) and place on the oor.
Ask “would you all agree that the rearm
is unloaded, bolt open, magazine out and
chamber empty?”
Ask “Is that rearm, as you see it,
dangerous?” If a student answers yes, get
them to briey explain why.
Load the magazine with imaginary rounds.
Tell them that the rearm is now loaded,
according to law.
Ask “Is that rearm, as you see it,
dangerous?” Any student who answers yes,
get them to explain why.
Chamber an imaginary round. Tell them that
the rearm is now loaded and cocked. Ask
“Is that rearm, as you see it, dangerous?”
Explain that the rearm is an inert object
that cannot be trained. It only becomes
dangerous when we add a person.
That is why we have these safety courses,
to train them in the safe handling and use of
rearms.
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4
Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety Rules
The 10 Firearm
Safety Rules
1. Treat every rearm as being
loaded
2. Always point rearms in a
safe direction
3. Load a rearm only when
ready to re
4. Identify you target beyond all
doubt
5. Check your ring zone
6. Store rearms and
ammunition safely
7. Avoid alcohol or drugs when
handling rearms
8. Never have loaded rearms in
the car, home or camp.
9. Never re at hard surfaces or
water
10. Do not climb fences or
obstacles with loaded
rearms
Briey go over the 10 rearm safety rules.
They will be covered in detail during the
course.
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5
Content Key Points Time
Firearm Categories / Possible Demostration
Category A
Firearms
Category A Firearms are:
• Air Rie (Not a paintball gun / marker)
• Rimre Rie (Not a semi-automatic)
• Single or Double Barrel Shotgun (Not a
pump action or semi- automatic)
• Combination Rimre and Shotgun
Firearm
Category B
Firearms
Category B Firearms are:
• Muzzle Loading Firearm
• Centre Fire Rie (Not an automatic or
semi-automatic) being bolt action, lever
and pump action centre re ries
• Combination Centre Fire and Shotgun
Firearm (Not an automatic or semi-
automatic shotgun or rie, or a pump
action shotgun)
• Black Powder, Ball Firing Cannon
• Category B Licences allow you to
possess, carry or use Category A
Firearms
Category C
Firearms
Category C Firearms are:
• Semi–automatic Rimre magazine
capacity of no more than 10 rounds.
• Shotguns magazine capacity of no more
than 5 rounds for both semi auto and
pump action.
• This course is for Category A, B and
Junior Licences.
• Mention why semi-automatics are
considered more dangerous; once
cocked, they automatically load another
round every time you pull the trigger until
the magazine is empty.
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6
Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety Rules
Rule 1
Treat every rearm as being
loaded.
This is the principal point that the Firearm
Safety Rules are built upon.
Always treat the rearm as if it were
loaded. Do not take the word of another
person that the rearm is unloaded.
Check every rearm yourself.
How can you tell if the rearm is loaded or
unloaded?
• Do not take anyone’s word that a rearm
is unloaded
• Keep your nger off the trigger; always
point the muzzle in a safe direction; open
the action and inspect the chamber and
magazine if tted
• If you do not know how to open a
rearm, LEAVE IT ALONE
Never hand a rearm to anyone with the
bolt or action closed. Before handing over
a rearm -
Point the muzzle in a safe direction
Open the bolt or action
Check that the chamber and magazine
are empty
Times for special care - closing, cocking,
releasing the safety catch, uncocking,
opening a loaded rearm and using the
action to unload live rounds.
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7
Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety Rules (continued)
Rule 2
Always point rearms in a safe
direction.
Loaded or unloaded, always point the
muzzle in a safe direction. Do not point a
rearm at anyone else or yourself. “A safe
direction” will depend on where you are;
remember bullets or pellets can go through
ceilings or walls
Do not allow careless habits to form.
Concentrate on what you are doing when
handling rearms - no day-dreaming
You could dene a safe direction as -
The direction that if the rearm were to
discharge there would be no loss of life,
no injury to another person and minimal
damage to property.
Never lean your rearms against vehicles
or put them in any place where they could
slide or fall. This could damage your
rearm and make them re accidentally.
Always be particularly careful when
placing rearms in or removing them from
vehicles and boats. Never let the muzzle
point at yourself or any other person.
Remove the rearm butt rst.
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Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety Rules (continued)
Rule 3
Load a Firearm Only When
Ready to Fire
Only load a rearm when you have
reached your shooting area and you
are ready to shoot.
Only load your ammunition into the
magazine when you have reached your
shooting area.
Explain the difference between
loaded magazine and loaded
chamber
DO NOT load the chamber until you
are ready to shoot.
Unload the chamber when not ring a
shot
Unload completely with no rounds
in the chamber or magazine before
leaving a shooting area or before
entering a hut, camp or vehicle.
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9
Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety Rules (continued)
Rule 4
Identify your target beyond all
doubt
NEVER FIRE until you are absolutely certain.
Your target must be positively identied
before ring;
if in doubt, DON’T SHOOT
Do not re at –
• MOVEMENT ONLY
• COLOUR ONLY
• SOUND ONLY
• SHAPE ONLY
SIZE and LOCATION are also helpful in
assisting you to
Are you looking at a deer or are you
wanting to see a deer? What are
you actually looking at? Is it another
human being crouched over whilst
walking through the bush that gives the
appearance of a large animal such as a
deer.
Elaborate on this, emphasising the time of
year when accidents are most common.
Here in Victoria, duck and deer season are
of particular concern. Emphasise the need
to know what type of area you are in. What
is beyond the target?
What will happen if the shot misses?
Emphasise the importance of correct sight-
setting.
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Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety Rules (continued)
Rule 5
Check your ring zone
Explain that a shotgun cartridge has a
number of pellets compared to a single
projectile for a rie.
For example there is approximately 350
pellets in a one ounce/28 gram shotgun load
of number 7 lead shot.
Explain fully that the discharge from a
shotgun commonly known as the “SHOT
PATTERN” increases in width over distance.
For example a shotgun pattern can
be as wide as a metre at a distance of
40 metres and becomes wider as the
distance increases.
Special care is to be taken when using
spotlights or telescopic sights as they
limit your eld of view.
Explain how telescopic sights and spotlights
restricts your view of what is between you
and the target and beyond.
To your left and to the right, and beyond
the target...
Check what is to the left or right of the
target, What is beyond your target? What is
between you and your target?
Know your Danger ranges
.22 Rimre Approx 1500 metres
30/06 Centerre Approx 4000 metres
12 gauge Shotgun Approx 300 metres
Air rie Approx 150 metres.
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Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety Rules (continued)
Rule 6
Store Firearms and Ammunition
Separately
Emphasise the responsibility of the rearms
owner as to the safe storage of rearms and
ammunition.
Emphasise that an owners family may be
well aware of the safety rules, but visiting
adults and children may not.
Safe storage is essential
Also note that it is a prerequisite for a
rearms ownership that an applicant will
provide safe storage for all rearms and
ammunition.
Explain this is LAW and will be covered in
more detail in the LAW Section.
Firearm Safety Rules (continued)
Rule 7
No Alcohol or drugs when
handling rearms.
Good judgement is the key to safe
handling and use of rearms.
Alcohol and drugs can dull and slow your
mental and physical reactions.
The use of prescription drugs can also
impede your reaction time which may
result in an accident causing serious
injury or death to another person.
Alcohol or drugs must not be taken prior to
going shooting or while you are shooting.
Wait until your rearms have been locked
away before you consume alcohol.
REFUSE to shoot with others who have
been drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
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Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety Rules (continued)
Rule 8
Never have loaded rearms in
the Home, Car or Camp.
Emphasis the importance of ensuring that
NO LOADED rearms are
to be taken into:
• The CAR. Explain that car interiors and
bodies do not offer protection against
bullets or shot. Before entering any
type of transport, all rearms must be
unloaded.
• The HOME. Explain that a large majority
of rearm accidents occur in or around
the family home. Loaded rearms are not
to be kept or taken into the home.
• The CAMP. Explain prior to returning
and once in camp all rearms must be
unloaded and stored correctly. Many
accidents occur at camp sites involving
rearms.
Emphasise that on no occasion should
loaded rearms be taken into or kept in
the HOME, CAR or CAMP.
Explain that every rearm user has a duty of
care to ensure that all rearms are unloaded
and that the actions are open and
magazines are emptied or removed prior
to entering any of the above places.
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Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety Rules (continued)
Rule 9
Never Fire at Hard Surfaces or
Water.
A ricochet will almost certainly occur from
shooting at hard, smooth, at surfaces,
water or rocks.
Explain the dangers of ricochets,
Explain that all rounds are subject to
ricochet, particularly as they rapidly slow
down.
Emphasise that pellets from air ries are
extremely prone to ricochet due to their slow
velocity.
Explain that most ricochet are caused by a
round hitting a at hard surface or water.
Explain that ricochets are extremely
dangerous and are to be avoided at all costs
Explain that in order to minimise the risk
of ricochet a shooter should be aware of
any risk areas in his ring zone and areas
beyond.
If you are uncertain that your shot will NOT
cause a ricochet then do not re.
Emphasis the dangers of shooting near
water.
Explain that the shot from a shotgun will
ricochet when red over water, this is
particularly so when hunting ducks over
decoys.
“If in doubt, don’t shoot”
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Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety Rules (continued)
Rule 10
Do Not Climb Fences or
Obstacles with Loaded Firearms
Before attempting to climb through or
over a fence or negotiate any obstacle,
make sure your rearm is unloaded.
An obstacle is any situation that MAY
cause you to lose control of the muzzle
Emphasise the dangers of climbing
through or over fences with loaded
rearms.
Demonstrate:
(a) The method of going through or over a
fence alone.
(b) The method of going through or over a
fence with companions.
Explain that these methods are the same
for negotiating obstacles.
Emphasise that SAFEY CATCHES
SHOULD NOT BE RELIED ON – THEY
ONLY SUPPLEMENT SAFE HANDLING
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Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety
Firearm Safety
Rules
Briey go through the 10
Firearm Safety Rules again.
1. Treat every rearm as
being loaded
2. Always point rearms in
a safe direction
3. Load a rearm only when
ready to re
4. Identify your target
beyond all doubt
5. Check your ring zone
6. Store ammunition and
rearms separately
7. Avoid alcohol or drugs when
handling rearms
8. Never have loaded rearms in
the Home, Car or Camp
9. Never re at hard surfaces
or water
10. Don’t climb fences or obstacles
with loaded rearms
OBSERVE THIS CODE; INSIST OTHERS DO THE SAME
LEARN
PRACTISE
TEACH AND PROMOTE
THE FIREARM SAFETY RULES
“If in doubt, don’t shoot”
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Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety (continued)
Personal Safety
in the Field
Explain the importance of having personal
safety equipment when heading into the
eld
Tell somebody where you are going and
when you expect to return even if it is
only a short trip locally.
In the event of an accident or other personal
health problem it is a good idea to consider
carrying the following items in a day pack,
Mobile phone, First Aid Kit, Knife, Lighter,
Compass, GPS, Wet weather jacket,
Torch or Headlamp, Spare Batteries and
consideration to an EPIRB should be
given, this is especially true of all hunters
who travel and hunt in remote areas.
Handling in the
Field
The purpose of this section is to emphasise
the particular safety points which apply to
the use of rearms in the eld or hunting
situation.
Emphasise though, that strict observance
of the basic rearms safety rules are the
responsibility of each and every member of
the party. If the rules are strictly observed
(and particularly point the muzzle in a safe
direction) accidents should be prevented.
Several points should be stressed, which
relate particularly to hunting or eld
activities.
Ditches and Streams
Muzzle conscious, if not in control, unload
Margin of safety
Stumbling and Falling
Safety catches only supplement safe
handling.
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Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety (continued)
Handling in the
Field (Continued)
This is a continuation of the Handling in the
Field information. Instructors should explain
the following points:
Zeroing Sights
Identifying Target
Telescopic Sights, Searching for Game
Half Open Bolt or State of Semi –
Readiness (Explain)
Only load the rearm when you are ready
to shoot
Dawn / Dusk – Positive target
identication is difcult
The best back stop for shooting
rearms is a clay bank
Checking action and magazine of a Lever
/ Pump Action Firearm
Correct Ammunition – Explain Example 20
Gauge / into 12 Gauge shotgun
Explain ammunition malfunction report
Barrel Obstruction – Explain
Hammer Firearms – Added Risk – Explain
Damascus Twist Barrels – and modern
ammunition – Explain
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Content Key Points Time
Firearm Safety (continued)
Ways of carrying
rearms safely
This is a reminder to demonstrate the
different types and actions of rearms if not
already shown.
• Cradle Carry
• Trail Carry
• Side Carry
• Two Handed Carry
• Sling Carry
Firearm Safety
Video
Show the Firearm Safety Video ‘No
Second Chance’.
Firearms Law
Introduction There are four main sources of ofcial
information in relation to rearms law—
• The Firearms Act
• The Firearms Regulations
• The Wildlife Act
• The Wildlife Regulations
The easiest way for rearm owners / users
to keep up to date with changes to the
Firearms Laws is to join a club.
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Firearms Law (continued)
Firearm Licence
Categories
With the introduction of the Firearms Act
1996, rearm licences were classied by
category. The licences are:-
• Category A, B, C, D, E (Longarms)
• Junior (Longarm & Handgun)
• General category & E category Handgun
• Category 1 & 2 Firearm Collector
• Antique Handgun
• Ammunition Collector
• Heirloom
• Dealer
• Paint Ball Marker
Category A
Licence
With a Category A licence, you may
possess, carry or use:-
• Airgun (including paintball guns)
• Rimre rie (not a semi-automatic)
• Shotgun (not a pump action or semi-
automatic)
• Combination of a shotgun and a rimre
rie
Category B
Licence
With a Category B licence, you may
possess, carry or use:-
• Muzzle loading rearm
• Centre re rie (not an automatic or semi-
automatic)
• Combination of a shotgun and centre re
rie (not an seloading shotgun or rie or
pump action shotgun)
• Black powder, ball ring cannon
Category B licence automatically allows
you to possess, carry or use Category A
rearms
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Content Key Points Time
Firearms Law (continued)
Junior Licence
Junior licence is issued to:-
• Person of or over 12 years and under 18
years of age
• To carry or use Category A or B
longarms, Category C longarms ( being
shotguns)
• For the purpose of receiving instruction
in the use of such rearms or engaging in
sport or target shooting competitions.
• Must be under the immediate supervision
of an adult licence holder at all times
when using or carrying a rearm
Other Category
Licences
For information and eligibility of other
Category Licences, contact the Divisional
Firearm Ofcer
Inform students that a full birth certicate,
not an extract is required.
Go through the procedure of lodging
application – approximately 6 weeks
Data card arrives, explain signing in front of
camera operator – within 4 weeks
Licence and carrier explaining conditions,
particularly rights to inspect storage facilities
Carriage of
Firearms
The carriage of loaded rearms in any type
of transport or public place is an extremely
dangerous practice and is against the law
Travelling – Car Your rearm stored out of sight, preferably
in a lockable gun case. FIREARMS AND
MAGAZINES MUST BE UNLOADED
Must take reasonable precautions to ensure
that the rearm and ammunition are not lost
or stolen
When removing a rearm from a vehicle,
it should be removed butt rst – NEVER
MUZZLE FIRST
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Content Key Points Time
Firearms Law (continued)
Camping –
Backpacking or
Hiking
You must either:-
• Leave a licensed person in camp to look
after any rearms, or take your rearms
with you at all times
• Must take reasonable precautions to
ensure that rearms and ammunition is
not lost or stolen
Lost Firearms
During
Transportation
Person carrying or using a rearm must –
• Ensure that the rearm is carried and
used in a manner that is secure and is not
dangerous, and
• Must take reasonable precautions to
ensure that rearms and ammunition is
not lost or stolen
Firearm Lose,
Theft or
Destruction
You must notify the police if your rearms
are –
LOST
STOLEN
DESTROYED
The holder of a rearm must notify
the Chief Commissioner of any loss,
theft or destruction of a rearm in the
holder’s possession within 24 hours after
becoming aware of that loss, theft or
destruction
Move Address
You must notify police of a change of
address, in writing, within 14 days of
moving
This applies to a change of storage, postal
or residential address
A “Change of Details” form is available from
your local police station
A change of details will trigger a rearm
storage inspection
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Content Key Points Time
Firearms Law (continued)
Permit to Acquire
A rearm licence holder must obtain a
Permit to Acquire before purchasing or
taking ownership of a rearm
There is a mandatory 28 day waiting period
before the issue of your rst permit
PERMITS TO ACQUIRE ARE ONLY
ISSUED BY THE FIREARMS REGISTRY
Application, 1st rearm, approximately 6
weeks Permit arrives, 28 day life, MUST pay
and use by expiry date
Firearm
Registration
All rearms owned, possessed or carried by
a rearm licence holder must be registered
Category A & B
Firearm Storage
Firearm must be stored in a receptacle –
• Which is constructed of hard wood or
steel that is not easily penetrable; and
• If it weighs less than 150 Kilograms when
empty, must be xed to the frame or oor
of the premises in such a manner that it is
not easily removable; and
• Which, when any rearm is stored in it, is
locked with a lock of sturdy construction;
and
• If more than 15 rearms are stored on the
premises, must be tted with an effective
alarm system
Ammunition
Storage
Ammunition must be stored in a locked
container separate from the receptacle in
which the rearm must be stored. This may
not apply with some approved safes.
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Content Key Points Time
Firearms Law (continued)
Ammunition
Being Carried or
Used
A person who is carrying or using cartridge
ammunition or rearms must
• Ensure that the cartridge ammunition
is carried and used in a manner that is
secure and is not dangerous; and
• Must take all reasonable precautions to
ensure that the cartridge ammunition or
rearm is not lost or stolen
Private Property
You may only shoot on private property
with the owners permission
The permission may be either written or
verbal
Authority to
Demand Licence
Any member of the police force; or
An Authorised Ofcer under Section 83 of
the Conservation Forest and Lands Act 1987
Has the authority to demand that you
produce your rearms licence when you are
in possession of a rearm
It is an offence to fail to produce your
shooters licence to any of the above.
Firearm /
Ammunition
Possession
You may only possess rearms and / or
ammunition for the category of licence
that you possess
You may not possess rearms or
ammunition unless you are the holder of the
appropriate licence
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Content Key Points Time
Firearms Law (continued)
Under the
Inuence of
Alcohol or Drugs
It is an offence to carry or use a rearm
whilst under the inuence of alcohol or
drugs.
Includes legal and prescription drugs, any
medication that warns about driving or using
equipment after use. This would also include
any medication that you know effects your
ability to drive or operate equipment.
Game Licence A rearm licence holder must be in
possession of a Game Licence when
hunting—
DUCK DEER QUAIL
Any member of the police force; or
An Authorised Ofcer under Sectio 83 of the
Conservation Forest and Lands Act 1987
Has the authority to demand that you
produce your Game Licence when you are
hunting.
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