Gun Safety

Safety, Responsibility, Good Sportsmanship

Tom feels that those are the ingredients for maintaining a healthy shooting sport and our Constitution of The United States!

Tom would like all to understand that the particular type of target shooting that he executes during his exhibitions is made up from well practiced routines and has been assisted by professional guidance.

Tom cautions anyone that is tempted to try this type of target shooting as to the dangers that are possible when operating a firearm concerning unfamiliar and abnormal uses and firing positions.

For those concerned about the many "difficult to understand" photos of Tom's pyrotechnic displays and finales, these routines are also tried and proven routines using modern devices and prescribed distances and are not used at all show locations where fire hazards and other potential dangers exist. Please take a moment and review these commonsense and practical "Golden Rules".

Don't be shy when you think it's necessary to remind someone, regardless of their age, of these very important RULES.

Safety First Rules:

NRA Gun Safety Rules Golden Rules:

  • Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
  • Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
  • Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

Additional Safety Precautions

  • Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
  • Know how to safely use the gun.
  • Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
  • Know your target and what is beyond.
  • Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
  • Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
  • Store guns so that they are not accessible to unauthorized persons (especially children).

Reference: "The Basics of Personal Protection" - an educational training publication of the National Rifle Association. Reprinted by permission of the National Rifle Association of America.

Hunting Safety:

TREAT EVERY GUN AS IF IT WERE LOADED. Don't assume the firearm you're carrying is empty. Give it the respect you would a loaded gun.

WATCH YOUR MUZZLE. Know and control the direction of your muzzle at all times. Never pull a gun by the muzzle toward you.

KNOW YOUR TARGET. Make sure you identify your target before firing, and know your safe zone of fire. Prepare yourself by studying game features before hunting.

DON'T LOAD BEFORE YOU'RE READY. Take down or have all actions open before traveling. Make sure firearms are unloaded while in their cases.

WATCH YOUR STEP. Never climb fences, jump ditches or make awkward moves while holding a loaded firearm.

CONTROL YOUR TARGET PRACTICE. Be aware of your line of sight. Make sure your backstop is more than adequate. Avoid shooting at hard, flat surfaces or bodies of water, and always wear hearing and eye protection.

KEEP IT SERIOUS. No matter how enjoyable it is, hunting is no game. Avoid horseplay, and never point a firearm where you don't want to shoot.

INSPECT YOUR FIREARMS. Before loading, inspect your barrel for obstructions. Check ammunition to make sure its specifications match those of your gun.

STORE FIREARMS SAFELY. When not in use, store unloaded firearms separately from ammunition. Keep all out of reach of children and inexperienced users.

NEVER DRINK AND HUNT. Never consume alcoholic beverages or other mood-altering drugs before or while hunting.