SAFETY AWARENESS Handguns

SAFETY AWARENESS Handguns MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 1

COURSE OUTLINE A THEORY COMPONENT of four hours duration with instruction in: Legislation pertaining to handguns Basic handgun types and actions Basic ballistics including reloading Safe handling of handguns A theory assessment will be carried out during this component A PRACTICAL COMPONENT of four hours duration with instruction in: Safe handling of handguns Making safe a handgun Loading and unloading a handgun Safe clearance of malfunctions Live fire exercise A practical assessment in the safe handling of handguns will be conducted MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 2

PRINCIPLES OF GUN SAFETY (inserted by JPP) A firearm is a powerful thing: It can inflict considerable damage if misused or handled neglectfully. It endows the user with an aura of power. Making a safe firearm user requires changes in two main areas: changes in attitude toward firearms and their handling and use adoption and practice of safe handling methods & procedures MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 3

PRINCIPLES OF GUN SAFETY (inserted by JPP) The main principle in achieving SAFETY is to build up layers of defence against the one event that causes significant damage, injury or death. Each layer decreases the risk of accident and gives an increase in safety. Together, these layers maintain the level of safety desired. Take away one or more of the layers and the risk of an accident increases considerably - with the potential for only one more failure to bring on the unwanted event. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 4

PRINCIPLES OF GUN SAFETY (inserted by JPP) MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 5

THREE LAWS THE THREE LAWS OF GUN SAFETY First law: The gun is always loaded. Second law: Never point the gun at anything you are not prepared to shoot. Third law: Always be sure of your target and what is behind it. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 6

HANDGUN LICENCES ** PROVISIONAL ** (inserted by JPP) A person may be granted a non-renewal provisional licence to possess, carry or use a handgun for target shooting for a period of NO LESS THAN 6 months and NO MORE THAN 12 months. To demonstrate that a licence is required for target shooting the applicant must be a current member of an approved shooting-club or shooting organisation To obtain a provisional handgun licence the applicant must: not be a prohibited person be 12 years of age or over be a fit and proper person to possess a handgun not be a danger to public safety or peace have the written consent of a parent or guardian for both engaging in shooting and for the instructor providing the instruction, if 12 years or over and under the age of 18 years MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 7

HANDGUN LICENCES ** PROVISIONAL (Cont.) ** (inserted by JPP) The Provisional Licence is granted for the holder to carry or use the classes of general category handguns specified in the provisional licence at approved handgun target shooting matches and handgun target shoots. A provisional licence is subject to the condition that the holder of the licence must, within the first 3 months of the licence, complete a course in handgun safety approved by the Chief Commissioner. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 8

HANDGUN LICENCES ADULT A person may be licensed to possess, carry or use a handgun for various reasons including for target shooting. To demonstrate that a licence is required for target shooting the applicant must be a current member of an approved shooting-club or shooting organisation To obtain a handgun licence the applicant must: not be a prohibited person be 18 years of age or over be a fit and proper person to possess a handgun not be a danger to public safety or peace have passed an approved course of firearms safety and have a good knowledge of the firearms laws can comply with the storage requirements set out by the act MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 9

HANDGUN LICENCES ADULT (cont.) Handgun licences for recreational use are subject to the following conditions: General Conditions (contained in Schedule 1 of the Act) - the holder of the licence: must permit a member of the police force to inspect the holder s storage arrangements at any reasonable time. must not transfer, lend or give the licence to another person. must only use firearms for the reasons authorised by the licence. Special Conditions (contained Section 15 (2)(b)) the holder must be a member of an approved club and the firearms held under the licence must be used at an approved shooting range. The Chief Commissioner also has the power to impose other conditions on handgun licence. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 10

HANDGUN LICENCES JUNIOR A Licence for a person who is of or over 12 years and under 18 years of age to carry or use handguns of the type specified in the licence for the purpose of: receiving instruction in the use of such firearms or engaging in competition shooting To obtain junior handgun licence the applicant must: not be a prohibited person be a fit and proper person to possess a handgun not be a danger to public safety or peace have passed a course of firearms safety approved by the Chief Commissioner and have a good knowledge of the firearms laws have the written consent of a parent or guardian MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 11

HANDGUN LICENCES JUNIOR (cont.) Junior handgun licences are subject to the following conditions: General Conditions (contained in Schedule 1 of the Act) the licence is not transferable (do not lend or give the licence to another person). firearms held under the licence must not be used for unauthorised reasons. Special Conditions (contained in item 4 of Schedule 2) the holder of the licence must not carry or use a handgun except under the supervision of a person with a handgun licence the holder is authorised to carry or use a handgun on an approved shooting range the holder is not authorised to purchase ammunition. The licence is also subject to any other condition the Chief Commissioner imposes. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 12

BUYING A HANDGUN PERMIT TO ACQUIRE A HANDGUN Section 103 of the Firearms Act 1996 allows the Chief Commissioner to issue a permit to a person to acquire a handgun if that person is the holder of a licence that authorises the possession of handguns. The applicant for a permit to acquire a hand gun must: not be a prohibited person be a fit and proper person to possess a handgun be able to comply with the storage set out under the Act be able to demonstrate that the reason for which the licence was required continues to apply in respect of the handgun for which the application for the permit is made can demonstrate a genuine need for the handgun. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 13

BUYING A HANDGUN PERMIT TO ACQUIRE A HANDGUN (cont.) The Chief Commissioner will take into account the number, category and type of firearms already possessed in determining the genuine need to possess. Applications for a permit to acquire a hand gun must be in the form and manner approved by the Chief Commissioner and verified by a Statutory Declaration. For the first handgun acquisition, a permit to acquire will not be issued until 28 days have passed after making the application. The permit will expire after 28 days of issue. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 14

STORAGE OF HANDGUNS SAFEKEEPING OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION The requirements for the storage of handguns is set out in Schedule 4 of the Firearms Act 1996. Handguns must be stored in a steel safe : that is of a thickness that is not easily penetrable that must be bolted to the structure of the premises (where the firearm is authorised to be kept) if it weighs less than 150 kilogram when it is empty, that is locked when any firearm is stored in it If more than 15 firearms are stored on the premises, the premises must be fitted with an effective alarm system. Any ammunition for the firearm must be stored in a separately-locked container (not loose or in the safe in which the firearms are stored). MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 15

STORAGE OF HANDGUNS SAFEKEEPING OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION WHILE BEING CARRIED OR USED Section 126 of the Firearms Act 1996 requires that a person who is carrying or using a handgun must: ensure that the handgun is carried and used in a manner that is secure and is not dangerous must take reasonable precautions to ensure that the handgun is not lost or stolen. Note: The onus is on the licence holder to ensure that his handguns are secured at home, whilst travelling to an approved range and whilst shooting at approved ranges. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 16

HANDGUN LICENCE EXEMPTIONS NON-PROHIBITED PERSONS WHO ARE EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO HOLD A LICENCE Schedule 3 of the Firearms Act 1996 exempts certain categories of person from requiring a licence: any person who is of or over the age of 18 years who is receiving instruction under the immediate supervision of the holder of a handgun licence. Any person of or over the age of 12 years and under 18 years who is receiving instruction under the immediate supervision of the holder of a handgun licence and who has the written consent of their parent or guardian. This only applies when carrying or using at an approved shooting range the handgun specified in the supervisor s licence for the purpose of receiving instruction. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 17

OFFENCES HANDGUNS There are many offences within the Act that can relate to a person possessing a handgun.. These include but are not limited to: failing to notify the Chief Commissioner within 7 days of change of address failing to notify the Chief Commissioner of the loss, theft or destruction of a handgun within 24 hours failing to advise the Chief Commissioner of the permanent removal of a handgun from Victoria failing to produce a licence on demand of a member of the police force failing to produce a handgun for inspection by police MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 18

OFFENCES HANDGUNS (cont.) Offences within the Act (cont): permitting an unauthorised person to carry or use a handgun damaging property with a firearm using a handgun in a dangerous manner carrying a loaded handgun or using a handgun in a town etc carrying or using a handgun whilst intoxicated MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 19

OFFENCES AMMUNITION A person must not possess ammunition unless that person: is the holder of a firearm licence, or is the holder of a licence under the Dangerous Goods Act, or is not required to have a firearms licence A person with a firearms licence must not possess ammunition that is not suitable for use in the category of firearm for which the person is licensed. Note: A guilty verdict at court for an offence against the Firearms Act 1996 or an offence against any other Act involving possession and use of firearms (where the court was able to impose a term of imprisonment) will result in the cancellation of a handgun licence. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 20

TYPES OF HANDGUNS There are four main types of handguns commonly available to the sporting shooter in Australia: Revolvers Semi-automatic pistols Air pistols Single shot pistols MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 21

TYPES OF HANDGUNS REVOLVERS The majority of revolvers are six shot breech loading handguns. A number of centre fire revolvers are currently being manufactured with a seven or eight-shot capacity and some rimfire revolvers may hold up to nine rounds. The majority of revolvers are produced have: a solid frame a swing out type of cylinder having six chambers located around a central axis can be fired either double or single action. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 22

TYPES OF HANDGUNS REVOLVERS (cont.) THE TWO ACTIONS..... Single-action: the hammer must be manually cocked then pulling the trigger releases of the hammer. Double action: pulling the trigger performs two functions movement of the hammer from the de-cocked position back to the cocked position (while rotating the cylinder), then release of the hammer. Some single action type revolvers do not have a swing out cylinder and are loaded/unloaded and checked through a loading gate located on the right hand side of the frame. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 23

TYPES OF HANDGUNS SEMI-AUTOMATIC Most Semi-automatic pistols have the following features: mechanically locked recoil operated single or double action (or combination) fitted with some form of safety mechanism. Another form of semi-automatic pistol action is a blow-back - generally in.22 or.32 calibre with a fixed barrel and a slide that is pushed back by the gas pressure in the cartridge case after ignition of the propellant. All semi-automatic pistols reload after each shot until the source of ammunition is depleted. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 24

TYPES OF HANDGUNS SEMI-AUTOMATIC MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 25

TYPES OF HANDGUNS SEMI-AUTOMATIC (cont.) The term semi-automatic pistol by accepted usage signifies a handgun in which squeezing the trigger when the chamber and magazine are loaded will: fire the cartridge in the chamber eject the fired cartridge case cock the firing mechanism ready for the next shot, and load a cartridge from the magazine into the chamber in position for firing Some gas operated semi-automatic and blowback pistols are available however the majority of semi-automatic pistols are recoil operated. Most double action pistols perform as single actions once they have been fired as the slide movement re-cocks the hammer. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 26

TYPES OF HANDGUNS AIR PISTOLS A variety of designs - some are repeating pistols and look like either revolvers or semi-automatic pistols. The majority of air pistols are of a single shot design. The air pistol uses compressed air (or CO 2 gas) to drive the lead pellet (projectile). The compressed air may be released: from a storage cylinder into the barrel by means of a regulator activated by the trigger mechanism, or by means of a piston and spring mechanism that forcibly compresses the air at the moment the trigger is activated. Air pistols are designed to be shot in indoor venues and have a low velocity - around 100 to 200 metres per second. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 27

TYPES OF HANDGUNS AIR PISTOLS (cont.) Crosman 2240 AERON BRNO Chameleon Model 4 UMAREX RWS C-225 (Sig Sauer P225) Crosman 357 Steyr LP10 MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 28

TYPES OF HANDGUNS SINGLE SHOT PISTOLS Similar to air pistols, single shot pistols come in a variety of designs and calibres. Single shot pistols are noted for their accuracy and ease of use. They generally have few safety features and very light trigger weight. FREE PISTOL THOMPSON CONTENDER MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 29

HANDGUN CARTRIDGES Conventional cartridges (fixed ammunition) have existed for some 130 years. They are comprised of the following basic parts: a case - to contain everything, generally of brass propellant powder - to generate a large volume of gas a primer - serves to initiate the burning of the propellant powder a projectile - the bullet that emerges from the firearm Two main types of cartridge are RIMFIRE and CENTRE FIRE. This refers to the position of the priming charge (and therefore the impact point of the firing pin): RIMFIRE refers to those cartridges that have their priming compound in the rim around the base of the cartridge. CENTRE FIRE refers to those cartridges that have a primer seated in the centre of the base of the cartridge. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 30

HANDGUN CARTRIDGES MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 31

BALLISTICS INTERNAL BALLISTICS - WHEN A CARTRIDGE IS FIRED the firing pin firmly dents the primer crushing the priming compound the priming compound detonates sending a flame through the flash hole (for a centre fire cartridge) into the propellant powder the propellant ignites and burns at a fast, even rate producing hot expanding gases the resultant pressure exerts a force on all components of the cartridge and eventually drives the projectile down the barrel. the propellant continues to burn producing more gas, driving the projectile into the rifling of the barrel imparting a stabilising spin, to stabilise the motion of the projectile (which aids in the accuracy) the reaction to the acceleration of the projectile produces the recoil felt by the shooter MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 32

BALLISTICS EXTERNAL BALLISTICS - BULLET PATH (TRAJECTORY) On leaving the barrel, a projectile is affected by gravity and air resistance: These two forces progressively slow the projectile down and cause the projectile to fall below its initial path toward the ground. As the target range increases the shooter has to aim higher to strike the target. The maximum effective range for a handgun is 200 metres when it is used in such matches as metallic silhouette. The following diagram relates to a.44 Magnum shooting a 240 grain (15.55 gram) projectile at 1400 feet per second (427 m/s) NOTE: Handgun projectiles can carry for up to 4 km and are therefore potentially dangerous out to considerable distances beyond normal target shooting ranges MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 33

BALLISTICS EXTERNAL BALLISTICS - BULLET PATH (TRAJECTORY) TRAJECTORY WITH CORRECTION LINE OF SIGHT LINE OF BORE TARGET TRAJECTORY WITHOUT CORRECTION Range - Ht - 0 yd 0 50 yd 9" 100 yd 13" NOTE: TYPICAL TRAJECTORY FIGURES FOR.44 MAGNUM 150 yd 10" 200 yd 0" MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 34

CARTRIDGE RELOADING BASIC PRECAUTIONS When reloading the following basic rules should be followed: Have a full understanding of the reloading process before you commence. Always wear eye protection when reloading. Do not smoke whilst reloading. Store powder & primers out of the reach of children. Develop a set routine and do not rush. Do not use propellant powder unless its identity is known. Do not exceed recommended loads. Keep the reloading area neat and tidy, promptly clean up any spilled powder or primers. Pay attention to detail when setting scales, powder throwers and seating depths. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 35

CARTRIDGE RELOADING BASIC PRECAUTIONS What can happen when you lose concentration while reloading: From THE S&W REVOLVER - Jerry Kunhausen MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 36

SAFETY AT HOME All firearms stored at your home should be stored in accord with current legislative requirements. Handguns - must be stored in an approved steel safe. Ammunition - must be stored in a separately-locked container. Children - must not have access to the handguns or to the safe at any time. Handguns should never be loaded with live ammunition at home. Every time a handgun is removed from the safe for any reason whatsoever, the handgun should be proved and made safe. At no time should firearms be handled whilst under the influence of alcohol or any other drug. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 37

SAFETY TRAVELLING When transporting a handgun it should be stored in either a box or a pistol case When transporting a handgun you should travel directly to and from the range - avoid stopping off to do some shopping on the way. Should the car be stolen, your handguns will also be stolen. Whilst travelling the boot of your vehicle is the most secure area If you must stop en-route for fuel or refreshments ensure that the vehicle is locked and remains in sight at all times. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 38

SAFETY ON THE RANGE Shooting on a SSAA range is conducted under the control of a Range Officer (RO). The CEASE FIRE command means that you are to stop firing and lower your handgun, render it safe and put it down in plain view on the firing bench. Other rules for shooting at a range are: Always wear both eye and ear protection Firearms should remain in a box or cover until about to shoot All Range Officer commands must be obeyed immediately muzzle The handgun must remain pointed down range at all times (muzzle consciousness) At all times whilst not engaging a target the finger must remain off the trigger. Always fire the handgun in a direction which will not let a round exit the range area or clear the backstop. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 39

SAFETY ON THE RANGE (cont.) Be aware of the muzzle direction in relation to your feet and ground surface Whilst not on the firing line handguns should only be handled in designated safety areas. Load the handgun only whilst under the control of a Range Officer. Do not leave any handguns unattended at any time. If in doubt at any time as to what to do, holster the handgun or point it in a safe direction and seek RO assistance. When laying a firearm down the action must be open and magazine removed (if applicable) Whilst clearing malfunctions the muzzle must remain pointed down range in a safe direction. Never look down the barrel if checking for a stuck projectile. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 40

SAFETY CLASSROOM SAFETY For reasons of safety, from this point in time until the commencement of the live fire practise, no student or instructor is to have in their possession any live ammunition whatsoever. All students and instructors must check their pockets, bags and any other potential repositories where ammunition may be stored. If any student has any live ammunition with them I must now ask them to declare the presence of this ammunition and produce it for safe keeping. MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 41

DANGEROUS GOODS - REGULATIONS Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2000 Storage Quantities: Small Scale Storage (no licence required) Propellant Gunpowder 1.1D 5 kg Propellant Powder 1.3C 20 kg Primers/Percussion Caps 1.4S 10,000 units Safety Cartridges 1.4S 40,000 rounds Medium Scale Storage (licence to store required) Propellant Gunpowder 1.1D 50 kg Propellant Powder 1.3C 100 kg Primers/Percussion Caps 1.4S 50,000 units Safety Cartridges 1.4S 1,00,000 rounds MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 42

DANGEROUS GOODS - REGULATIONS (cont.) Storage General Fire Precautions: 2 metres away from Flammables 2 metres away from all sources if ignition Not to be stored in SAFES or REFRIGERATORS Storage of Propellants In its original container (UN approved) stored in a locked receptacle, cupboard or room out of reach of children under 18 years of age MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 43

DANGEROUS GOODS - REGULATIONS (cont.) Filling and Capping of Cartridges A person must not fill or cap cartridges for commercial purposes unless licensed Sale A person must not sell explosives unless licensed or, in the case of ammunition, is a licensed dealer under the Firearms Act 1996 MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 44

RIFLING - WHAT A BORE! MARCH, 2010 HANDGUN SAFETY AWARENESS 45