Probation Study Module 1 - Pistol Safety 9-23

Probation Pistol Safety Study Module one

9 - 23

Module One Contains

21 page document

One hour NRA video

25 question Written Test - Link to test end of this module.

Est module completion time 2.0 - 3.0 hours

Table of Contents

Introduction

Content Support Documents

NRA video - The Basics of Pistol Shooting and Safety

Gun Handling Basic Safety Rules

Home and Travel Handgun Security Issues

Safe Storage

Gun Storage Options

Backyard/ outdoor shooting range

Outdoor Shooting Range / area Diagram

How to keep your shots on the backstop

Safe shooting skill improvement tips

Ammunition.

001

Module one Introduction Pistol Safety

In this module the person will learn to use the best practices regarding pistol ownership at home, on the street, during interstate travel and the backyard home built shooting range. It is incumbent on the pistol owner t o know how to operate a pistol and the laws regarding the owning and use of a pistol. That starts with making the decision to own a pistol . The owner should never have to guess or question their actions. Do your homework. You will find people willing to give advice or their interpretation of the law or how a handgun works and the best one to buy. But you can be sure they will not be willing to accept the consequences of bad advice. Lack of planning ahead c an put you and someone else's life in physical danger and legal jeopardy. Discipline and the attention to the job at hand is a must . Do not let peer pressure influence your decisions to do the right thing. This can be especially true in a group setting where the pressure is the greatest. Power and responsibility go hand in hand . The firearms owner has more power than any government agency. Their actions can create a life-or-death situation based on their decisions anytime a firearm is being used. People can jeopardize another’s safety in many ways. People “accidentally” shoot themselves or others on a regular basis. This can occur at home, at the gun range, and anywhere a firearm is present. Accident or not if you pull the trigger, it’s your bullet and

your responsibility that may have lifelong consequences. Don't put yourself in a position that cannot be undone.

002

Support Documents Links Michigan State Police Links

MSP G eneral Contact Director y Concealed Pistol Licensing: 517-284-3700 MSP- &3/ DQG )LUHDUPV 0RVW XVHG UHIHUHQFH ZHEVLWH 0LFKLJDQ DWWRUQH\ JHQHUDO '15 $7) 76$ +RPHODQG 6HFXULW\ 8V &XVWRPV DQG %RUGHU 3DWU ol

003

Gun Handling Basic Safety Rules Four basic rules of firearms safety are the foundation of good gun handling . These four rules apply to ALL situations.The rules apply on the firing range, at home, while on the job, everywhere and at all times- Here are the basic rules : All guns are always loaded . The assumption that a gun is unloaded is the cause of many tragic shootings. Once the cylinder is closed on a revolver or the slide is closed (in battery) on a semi-auto pistol then the gun is a "loaded" gun, whether or not you believe that a round is in the chamber. Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to shoot . The muzzle end of a gun- the end the bullet comes out of--is the dangerous end of the gun. Do not point the muzzle at anything you do not intend to shoot and destroy. People who have been around guns a lot in a casual or uncontrolled environment often become careless about where the gun is pointing. You may hear them say, "Don't worry about it, isn't loaded." Of course, this violates rule 1. If a gun is under your control (that is, in your hands) then you must always be aware of where the muzzle is pointed. This rule is not just a shooting rule, it is a handling rule . You are responsible for muzzle control while cleaning the gun, loading and unloading the gun and whenever you are carrying or holding the gun. Keep your finger off the trigger until the slights are on the target . The trigger finger must be off the trigger until you are on-target and ready to fire. If you train on the range with this technique, then this will not, be any slower than leaving your finger on the trigger. Your trigger finger goes on the trigger as the gun comes on target and comes off the trigger as you lower the gun to the ready position. The finger is not on the trigger during the following operations : when drawing the gun from the holster or removing a long gun like a shotgun or rifle from its rack, when searching with the gun in your hand, when running ormoving with the gun in your hand, while reloading the gun, while clearing a malfunction ofthe gun, when holstering the gun or placing a long gun in its case or rack. The purpose of this rule is to prevent the firing of the gun until you truly intend to tire it. This rule will prevent the vast majority ofunintentional discharges. The fingers of the hand will clench when you are startled, under extreme stress, about to lose your gun in a struggle, or when failing. Unless you have trained yourself to keep your finger offthe trigger, you may fire the gun without intending to do so.

004

People under stress undergo physiological changes which include loss of the ability to perform precise movements with the hands and fingers. At the same time, muscle strength and tension increase. Even in a training environment it is possible to see this unconscious response to stress. Individuals carrying revolvers, who are improperly trained to keep their finger on the trigger, will often exert enough pressure on the trigger to pull the hammer halfway back, without being aware that they are doing this. For these reasons, no matter what kind of gun is being used, the rule remains the same keep your finger off the trigger until your gun is on target. The proper position for the trigger finger (when not on the trigger) is on the frame of the gun, outside of the trigger guard, Be sure of your target and what is behind and beyondyour target . If you intend to fire the gun you must be sure that you have properly identified your target. Even during the stress of a real gun battle, shooting at movement or muzzle flashesor any other unidentified target is a serious error since you don't know at what you are shooting. Many police officers are shot each year by fellow officers who have not bothered to identifythe target. Those officers who work in plain, civilian clothes are at the greatest risk of being shot if they display a weapon. Just because a person is armed does not automatically makehim or her a threat a nd does not sufficiently identify that person as someone you can shoot. In darkness, you should use your flashlight to identify the potential threat. Verbal challenges may also serve to help identify a questionable person. Be aware of the area behind your intendedtarget . Even in a situation where you are justified in shooting, there may be innocent bystanders behind and beyond the intended target; the presence of these peoplemay cause you to hold your fire. Modern handgun ammunition will penetrate several interior sheetrock walls , and some bullets will pass through exterior walls and retain enough energy to kill or wound someone on the other side. If you must shoot inside a building, do not consider walls of sheet metal, sheetrock, plywood, etc. as a safe, bullet stopping back- ground. Although many consider a firing range to be a safe shooting environment, the responsibility for determining that it is safe to shoot is yours. It is possible for shooters to begin shooting when someone is still downrange behind the targets. Some firing ranges have a fairly low backstop beneath the targets and it is possible to fire bullets over the top of this backstop. A handgun bullet fired at a 30 degree angle may travel over 1/4 mile and retain enough energy to kill or wound. Since you are pointing the gun and pulling the trigger, w here and what the bullet hits is your responsibility. There are no exceptions to the above basic safety rules. If you follow these rules you cannot have a firearms "accident."

005

Safety While Cleaning Your Gun The four basic safety rules covered above always apply while cleaning your gun. In addition, the gun must be unloaded in a safe place prior to cleaning or disassembly. Note that some semiauto pistols (like the Glock) require that the user pull the trigger in order to disassemble the gun of course, this means that the user must have a safe place to unload the gun, point the gun and pull the trigger before disassembling the gun. The safety ritual which must be observed whenever you clean or disassemble your gun is this: You must remove all ammunition from the gun and the immediate area. The gun must be unloaded, the magazines empty, the duty belt and speedloaders extra magazines removed from sight and reach. Verify that the gun is empty both by looking and touching. Place your smallest finger in the chamber of an auto pistol (it is possible for a mechanical defect to cause a cartridge to remain in the chamber). Permit no distractions during the process . If you are interrupted during the unloading or cleaning, you must go back to the beginning of this ritual to verify again that the gun is unloaded. Some interruptions which may lead to an accident include taking phone calls, watching television, having visitors or children come in. What often happens is that the gun is loaded at some point just before or during the interruption, and the user does not remember that the gun is loaded when he returns to it after the interruption. The user of the gun then treats the gun as if it is unloaded and fires it. Make a conscious switch to practice mode . Tell yourself out loud that the gun is unloaded for the purpose of cleaning. You must have a safe, bullet-stopping aimpoint if you will snap or dry-fire the gun during the cleaning, disassembly or assembly process. Never violate the safety rules which require you to treat all guns as if they are loaded and point the gun only at something you are willing to destroy. Once the gun is reassembled make a conscious switch back to reality. Say out loud, The gun is loaded and will fire if you pull the trigger." You must impress upon yourself that it is no longer safe to handle the gun. When the gun is reassembled you should put it away immediately. The gun should be bolstered and cased, whether loaded or not, and removed from sight and reach. If the gun is left within sight and reach, there will be a temptation to pick it up and snap the trigger. There are no shortcuts to gun safety . If you follow the above ritual every tune you will not have a gun accident.

MICHIGAN FIREARMS LAW AND LEGAL LIABILITY

006

Safe Storage Page 1 of 2 Home and Travel handgun Security Issues

Under public Act 381 there are areas and establishments where the carrying of a concealed weapon is not allowed. This means there will be times when you will be required to leave your handgun in your car when you enter these areas . At all times, at home or in the car, the handgun must be “securely and safely” stored to avoid theft. Failure to do so could put you at risk of civil and criminal liability. Safe storage must always be the priority, an accidental discharge should never happen. Firearms should be made available to authorized individuals only. Children, spouse, relatives or visitors may have access to your gun if you keep it in the home. Guns attract the curious who may have no training in safe handling. Here are some ideas which may help you maintain a safe home: Install a LOCK on a Closet door and make a routine of placing your gun in the locked Closet as soon as you arrive home. Buy a small lockable gun box to which only you have the combination. Install a trigger lock or bore lock on the gun when it is not in use. These are available in gun stores at a reasonable price Educate your family and Children about gun safety to minimize their risk, not only at your home, but also if they should encounter a gun while in another home. Education of Children is practical if they are at an age where they can understand your instructions, the concept of death, and can be expected to be responsible for their actions. No one can set the standard for safety in your home -- you must decide how your gun is best stored. There are statutes in this State governing the storage of guns in a private residence. Civil and Criminal penalties can apply to those who negligently store handguns and they are accessed by unauthorized individuals.

Your guns should be stored safely at home

Use trigger locks

The Gun Vault allows safely storing a loaded handgun at home

Safe storage boxes

Under the counter storage

Store firearms safely away from children

Educate your family about firearms

Handgun Training Specialists

007

Michigan’s new safe storage laws: • People must lock up their firearms in the presence of minors, someone under the age of 18. • A person could be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by not more than 93 days in jail, a fine at most $500, or both, if a minor obtains the firearm due to improper storage. • If that minor should hurt another person with that obtained firearm, a person could be guilty of a felony punishable by up to five years imprisonment, an up to $5,000 fine, or both. • Fines would jump to a potential 15-year prison sentence, up to $7,500 in fines, or both, should that minor kill another person with the obtained firearm. • The act will officially become law 90 days after the lawmakers adjourn session. That is March 31, 2024

MICHIGAN FIREARMS LAWAND LEGAL LIABILITY

008

SAFE STORAGE Michigan State Law in Effect February 3, 2001 Firearm ownership carries with it a responsibility RI VDIHJXDUGLQJ WKH ZHOIDUH RI \RXUVHOI DQG RWKHUV ZKHQ KDQGOLQJ ILUHDUPV $FFLGHQW SUHYHQWLRQ LV WKH XVHU¶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ou may be criminally and civilly liable for any harm caused by a person less than 18 years of age who lawfully gains unsupervised access to your firearm if unlawfully stored. As such, a trigger lock, gun case or other device designed to prevent unautho rized access to a firearm is strongly recommended. 7KH LPSURSHU VWRUDJH RI D ILUHDUP DW KRPH FRXOG UHVXOW LQ WKH DUPLQJ RI D FULPLQDO EUHDNLQJ LQWR WKH KRPH RU WKH LQMXU\ RU GHDWK RI D FKLOG ZKR GLVFRYHUV WKH ILUHDUP DQG SOD\V ZLWK LW 'LVFKDUJLQJ D ILUHDUP DW D UDQJH ZLWKRXW SURSHU HDU DQG H\H SURWHFWLRQ FRXOG UHVXOW LQ SHUPD QHQW GDPDJH WR WKRVH VHQVHV 2Q D VHPL DXWRPDWLF ILUHDUP \RX VKRXOG NHHS WKH VDIHW\ RQ DQG RU DFWLRQ RSHQ XQOHVV ILULQJ y y y y y p g yg p y y stored. As such, a trigger lock, gun case or other device designed to prevent unautho access to a firearm is strongly recommended. gg g rized

Handgun Training Specialists

009

Gun Storage Options The options you choose will depend on your needs: 1. Storing it with no intent to have available for self-defense. 2. Securing a loaded handgun to have it available for immediate access. Usually, a storage device that has a push button storage device that allows quick access to the handgun Michigan residences are allowed to keep a handgun in their home for sporting purposes and self defense. Also, a Michigan resident does not need a concealed pistol license to carry a handgun concealed in his or her dwelling house, place of business or on other land possessed by the person. 1. Plastic Carry Box with Padlock is for transporting a

handgun to and from the range. Gun Unloaded and magazine out and unloaded.

2. Heavy metal storage box with quick push button access and carry handle. Can be mounted to a fixed object.

3. The Gun Vault provides push button quick access for home self-defense. Can be mounted to a fixed object.

010

4. One-gun quick access storage box. 1.5 inches deep it is designed to fit under the set of a car. Cable attaches to seat mounting post.

5. The home gun and accessories vault with a combination cylinder lock

The handgun gun is also an emergency tool for self-defense. Because you can keep a handgun in your home to defend yourself and other family members. (A person can protect others as they would themselves under like circumstances) This involves storing a loaded handgun that is only available to the designated user. It is important proper precautions are taken to ensure safe storage. Therefore, the handgun placed in the quick access box is a loaded handgun.

This is a 2-part goal: 1. The handgun must be stored so it not available to unauthorized people. 2. It must be immediate accessible in the time of an emergency.

I f you have only one handgun and one quick access box this should not present any problems if you treat all handgun as if they are loaded. You would then need an addition gun box to transport the handgun to the shooting range. Usually, a storage box like the Gun Vault works best. It has a push button access code that is easy to use even in dark or dim lite rooms.

011

ĂĐŬLJĂƌĚͬ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ ƐŚŽŽƚŝŶŐ ƌĂŶŐĞ

KƵƚĚŽŽƌ ƌĂŶŐĞ rules

ϭ͘ Stay in your own shooting lane Ϯ͘ Do not cross fire into another’s lane 3. Do not shoot at another's target 4͘ Always Keep guns pointed down range 5͘ Load and unload guns on the firing line.

6͘ Use chamber plugs so you and others can easily see the firearm is Ƶ nloaded and safe . Ž ŶŽƚ ŐŽ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĨŝƌŝŶŐ ůŝŶĞ ƵŶůĞƐƐ Ăůů ƚŚĞ ĨŽůůŽǁŝŶŐ ƐĂĨĞƚLJ ƌƵůĞƐ ĂƌĞ ŝŶ ƉůĂĐĞ . Firearm is unloaded and is placed on a bench with the chamber side up or secured in a holster

Range safety officer checks each firearm Chamber safety plug with flag in place

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012

Outdoor Shooting Range / area Diagram

Berm – The last line of defense

Backstop

Targets

Shooting/firing Line

Safety Line/ cease fire

Safety officer/observer

There should be 2 shooing lines marked on the ground. The firing line The safety/ceasefire line

Safety officer is a non-shooter that knows range safety rules and safe firearms operation.

Firing line: A line parallel to the targets , from behind which firearms are discharged. The range is open (or hot): Shooting is taking place, and no one is allowed beyond the firing line.

The range is closed (or cold): All shooters have ceased firing, have made safe and moved away from their firearms, and shooters can now move forward of the firing line to set up or check targets. Each range is a little bit different, and you need to know the specific rules, restrictions, and procedures for the range where you plan to shoot.

013

Keep your shots on the backstop

Berm

Shooting at the same distance from the target

BackStop

Target

Standing

Kneeling

Prone

I f you shoot at the same distance from the target. Staying on the center of the target while changing shooting positions requires lowering the target as you lower your position. Shooting from the prone position may require lower the target to keep from shooting over the backstop and maybe the berm. The other alternative would be to increase the distance between the target and the shooter.

The berm is designed, and its function is to keep all rounds with the boundaries of the range. Shot placement is never to exceed the height of the berm

014

^ŚŽŽƚŝŶŐ ^Ŭŝůů /ŵƉƌŽǀĞŵĞŶƚ dŝƉƐ

Practice all the fundaments of shooting at home or in the range. “Laser bullets” are inexpensive and you never run out of ammo.

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015

Shooting Skill Accessories x Save Time and Money and Learn More x Maintain and improve current skills. x Learn new skills. x Reduce costs. Ammunition and Firearms are all but impossible to find. But that should not keep the handgun owner from training.

Snap Caps: Protects the firing pin system during dry fire practice. Practice loading and unloading. Used to help identify shooting errors such as flinching. Used in fail to fire drills. Used in “ball and dummy” drills.

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Practice muscle memory skills, such as grip, drawing from a holster and trigger finger control.

016

Ammunition Identify where to find the correct type of ammunition for your gun • Gun Barrel •Operating Manual • Ammo Box • Head of case

Reloaded Ammunition Considerations • Quality control • Insurance • Liability Source of Ammo Use “factory reloads” only Other persons hand loaded ammo • Unknow quality issues • No insurance Semi -Auto Specific • Semi autos are “ammunition sensitive” • 50 rds to assure operation • If you change gun or ammo must test fire again • Jacket round nose bullets feed better

Interchange • 357 Mag gun will shoot. 38 and +P+ • 38 OK in .357 • 357 NOT 0K in .38 (will not fit in .38)

017

What rounds are safe to shoot in your handgun (May not say on gun barrel or slide) Check operating manual Ask Expert Check with factory

Types of loads • Reloads - Target practice only • Regular Factory New - Self Defense / Target · +P Higher performance / more cylinder pressure • +P+ Very high performance / much more cylinder pressure

Ammunition care and Storage

• Solvents/Cleaning fluids can deactivate primers • Keep dry - away from extreme heat - change defense ammo year • Do not mix different ammo in same container. Store in original box / container • Keep only the ammo being used on gun shooting bench

• Check before buying • Check before using

Ammunition Malfunctions

1. Misfire. A failure of the primer to ignite the powder . ( Failure of the round to discharge) Keep the firearm pointed down range and on target for ten -15 seconds in the event it is a “hangfire”. 2. Hangfire. A delayed detonation of the primer. A hangfire can be dangerous in revolvers and pistols. Hangfires “hangup” will typically discharge within 5 seconds after trigger is pulled, Hold your firearm on target for about 10 seconds to assure the gun is pointed in a safe direction if it fires a few seconds late. . This type of malfunction occurs with older ammunition or ammunition that has been tampered with, or cleaned with solvents or oil. 3. Squib. A cartridge which is missing the powder or does not ignite properly. The symptom is a cap pistol type sound, and no recoil. When this happens, enough gas is generated to force the bullet from the neck of the casing, but not enough to push it through to the muzzle. In revolvers, it will often stop at the forcing cone, or just up the barrel. It is dangerous to fire another round behind. Any time you hear the tell tail “Pop”, STOP SHOOTING, DO NOT PULL THE TRIGGER, check the barrel for obstructions, call your range officer for help if necessary.

018

Ammunition 0D[LPXP 5DQJH and Safe Shooting Whether you're hunting, target shooting or plinking, it's important that you be aware of the maximum range of the gun and cartridge combination you're using. The maximum range is the greatest distance a projectile can travel when fired at the optimum angle of elevation of the gun barrel. This optimal angle of elevation is usually around 30 degrees from horizontal. Note that the maximum range is far greater than the effective range of the cartridge, which is the maximum distance at which a projectile can be expected to be useful. This is usually determined by factors such as accuracy and, for hunting or military uses, striking energy. The importance of maximum range stems from the safety rule " Know your target and what is beyond." A bullet from an errant shot or a miss may fly several miles before it impacts the earth. A knowledge of maximum range (as well as what lies beyond the target area) can help a shooter assess whether it is or is not safe to fire. The following table contains representative figures for the maximum range for many common rifle and handgun cartridges. Note that these figures are approximate and are useful for rough comparison only . Variations in barrel length, the velocity level of the load, bullet ballistic coefficient and more will affect the actual distance attained by a particular load in a particular gun under specific conditions.

019

Click Here for Written Test

020

Module 1 Written Test Pistol Safety

25 questions All true/false or yes/no

Click here to complete Module 1 Written Test Submit test to our office - see test fo r m for instructions

1. Complete test 2. Submit to my officer for review and correction 3. Corrected test will be returned to you 4. Questions ? call or text 248-309-9579