Professional Documents
Culture Documents
REFERENCE MANUAL
PART 1: Firearm operations and
management
March 2003
SECTION B
Firearms operations
Contents
SECTION B
Module 4 The Self Loading Rifle (LR) ....................................................................33
Module 5 The Pump Action Shotgun ......................................................................58
Module 6 Firearm Safety and Firing Range Instruction ..........................................74
MODULE 4
Summary:
The L1A1 self loading rifle (SLR) has been approved by the FAAST Management
Committee for use by FAAST shooters, but only after the necessary modifications
are made to make it suitable for aerial shooting operations.
The loading and firing cycle of an L1A1 SLR involves the following steps:
unlocking, ejection, feeding and locking.
The most important aspect of firearm safety is to check that the firearm is unloaded
and the safety is engaged before handling. This involves six steps.
To operate an L1A1 SLR successfully, the user must be able to strip, assemble and
clean it.
An L1A1 SLR rifle needs to be fitted with a non-magnification red dot scope
before use and must be zeroed before use.
4.1
Learning outcomes
4.2
Introduction
Prior to 1992 the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Rural Lands
Protection Boards used firearms with differing calibres and actions for the job of feral
animal control via aerial shooting. The choice of calibre and firearm usually reflected
personal choice.
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When FAAST was established in 1992, it became clear that the choice of firearm
needed to be limited.
Advice from experienced pilots and rangers coupled with the logistics of obtaining
and maintaining a rifle, suggested that a semi-automatic rifle, commonly known as the
SLR (L1A1) in calibre .308 Winchester, be used. This became the approved firearm
for the aerial culling of feral animals by the FAAST.
4.3
Figure 4.1
Photo: S McGilchrist
This rifle is an imperial scaled copy of the Belgium F.A.L rifle and was produced at
Lithgow, NSW between 1959 and 1988.
The qualities that made this rifle an excellent military service weapon are the same
that make it suitable for aerial culling of feral animals. These include factors like:
Suitable calibre
7.62mm (.308Win)
Semi automatic
1 round is fired on each depression of the trigger, allowing for fast, repetitive,
aimed shots.
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4.4
Prior to using the rifle from an aircraft the following modifications must be
performed.
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Figure 4.2
4.5
Photo: S McGilchrist
Cycle of operation
4.5.1 To load
1.
2.
Insert magazine.
3.
4.
5.
4.5.2 Firing
1.
2.
Acquire target
3.
4.
The hammer will strike the rear of the firing pin extension, driving it and the
firing pin forward against the primer in the base of the round.
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Figure 4.3
MODULE 4
Source: Australian Army Volume 4 Pamphlet No.5. The Self Loading Rifle 7.62mm Liai, 1983
Figure 4.4
Source: Australian Army Volume 4 Pamphlet No.5. The Self Loading Rifle 7.62mm Liai, 1983
4.6
Operation
As the expanding gases drive the bullet down the barrel, they enter the gas vent and
pass through the gas plug into the gas cylinder and drive the piston rearward.
Excess gas escapes though the hole in the gas block, the amount being determined by
the setting on the gas regulator.
The piston strikes the bolt carrier and drives it rearward compressing the return spring
which arrests the rearward movement of the carrier, which then commences to drive
forward.
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GAS CYLINDER
Figure 4.5
Source: Australian Army Volume 4 Pamphlet No.5. The Self Loading Rifle 7.62mm Liai, 1983
4.6.1 Unlocking
As the slide travels rearward it lifts the breechblock up and out of the locked position,
carrying it to the rear.
4.6.2 Ejection
The empty case is held by the extractor and is drawn out of the chamber as the breech
bolt moves rearwards. During the rearward movement the base of the cartridge case
hits the ejector, causing the case to be thrown out of the ejection port. As the breech
block clears the magazine the next round moves upwards and is positioned ready for
firing.
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Breech Block
Figure 4.6
Source: Australian Army Volume 4 Pamphlet No.5. The Self Loading Rifle 7.62mm Liai, 1983
Cartridge case
Ejector
Figure 4.7
Source: Australian Army Volume 4 Pamphlet No.5. The Self Loading Rifle 7.62mm Liai, 1983
4.6.3 Feeding
As the return spring pushes the breech bolt and carrier forward, the breech bolt
contacts the top round in the magazine and feeds it into the chamber.
4.6.4 Locking
As the breech bolt stops, the carrier continues forward and forces the breech bolt
down into the locked position at the same time the extractor grips the base of the
round.
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Figure 4.8
Source: Australian Army Volume 4 Pamphlet No.5. The Self Loading Rifle 7.62mm Liai, 1983
4.7
Safety precautions
The most important aspect of firearm safety is to check that the firearm is unloaded
and the safety is engaged before handling.
This involves the following six steps:
1.
2.
Remove magazine.
3.
With the firearm tilted to the right, engage the cocking handle and pull it to the
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rear.
4.
Engage the hold open device or physically hold the bolt carrier to the rear.
5.
6.
4.8
Stripping dismantles the firearm for maintenance and cleaning and involves the
following steps:
1.
2.
3.
Remove the gas plug and piston by depressing the wide end of the gas plug
plunger. Turn the plug a quarter of a turn clockwise and remove it under
control.
4.
With the muzzle pointed down, press the body locking lever to the rear and
open the weapon by lowering the butt.
5.
6.
Remove the bolt carrier by pulling the rat tail and slide and supporting the bolt
from below, until the slide is fully withdrawn.
7.
Separate the bolt from the carrier by depressing the firing pin extension and
pulling the bolt away from the rat tail end of the carrier.
4.9
After stripping for maintenance or cleaning, the L1A1 SLR needs to be assembled.
This involves the following steps:
1.
Reassemble the breech block and slide by turning the bolt carrier upside down
and placing the firing pin extension through the hole on the rear of the slide.
Then press the firing pin, as for stripping, and lower the bolt into the slide.
2.
With the body open and the muzzle pointed down slide the carrier and bolt
down the body.
3.
4.
5.
With the rifle held upright replace the gas piston and spring into the gas tube.
6.
Replace the gas plug on the piston head with the narrow recess on the side of
the plug to the left. Push the plug in as far as it will go and turn it
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2.
Pull the cocking handle to the rear and engage the hold open device.
3.
Tilt the rifle to the left and look into the body and chamber.
4.10.1 Stoppages
Stoppages are commonly due to an empty magazine, an empty chamber or an
insufficient gas supply. Other causes and their corrective actions are listed later in this
module.
Empty magazine
Remove the magazine and replace with a full one. Then engage the cocking handle
and pull to rear. Release the cocking handle and resume firing.
Empty chamber
If the chamber is empty and there are rounds still in the magazine pullback and
release the cocking handle and resume firing.
Gas stoppage
If, after conducting the IA drill, the firearm stops again, pull back the cocking handle
and release it. Engage the safety and withdraw the rifle and turn the gas regulator
down 2 numbers lower. Return safety to R position and resume firing.
Figure 4.9
Source: Australian Army Volume 4 Pamphlet No.5. The Self Loading Rifle 7.62mm Liai, 1983
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Table 4.1
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Stoppage
Failure to feed, chamber or load
a round into the breech
Failure to fire
Corrective action
Damaged magazine.
Replace magazine
Reload magazine
Double feed
Broken or damaged return spring
Faulty ammunition
Replace ammunition
Empty magazine
Replace magazine
Insufficient gas
Turn gas regulator down two
Failure to extract or eject
Replace extractor
Broken ejector
Gunsmith required
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Figure 4.10
Source: A manual for the control of feral animals from helicopters, FMC May 1999
The housing of the metallic cartridge is called the case, which is described as a semiwater proof pressure pot. The case contains the primer which is a device developed to
explode after being struck by the firing pin of the rifle.
The primer ignites the stored energy contained in the propellent which sits above the
primer and is held by the case.
Upon ignition the propellent burns rapidly creating a large amount of pressure and gas
which drives upwards and pushes the projectile, which sits in the neck of the case, out
of the firearm.
Figure 4.11
Source: A manual for the control of feral animals from helicopters, FMC May 1999
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Depending on the weight of the projectile and the type of targets to be destroyed a
number of types of projectile constructions are used by FAAST. The most common
are a 130-160 grain, hollow point, jacketed expanding bullets. These are generally
used on small to medium target species. When larger animals are destroyed the 180
grain projectile is often used, which has a soft point construction.
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4.11.3
External ballistics
Bullet trajectory
Many forces exert influence on a projectile in flight. The most significant is air
resistance, which works upon the projectile the instant it leaves the muzzle. Gravity
also exerts a strong force on the projectile. From the moment a projectile leaves the
muzzle it losses velocity and steadily drops lower the further it travels. With these two
natural forces working on the projectile the bullet path tends towards an increasing
curve the further it travels from the muzzle. This is known as bullet trajectory and can
be best explained by the diagram below.
Wind
Another force encountered may be wind. A strong wind across a projectiles path will
blow it off course in the winds direction. The wind factor, when present must be taken
into account while aiming. Some lead into the wind will be necessary, particularly at
longer distances when the projectiles velocity is lower.
Other forces
There are other forces which act on a projectile in flight. These are, altitude,
atmospheric pressure, temperature, rain and shooting up hill and down hill and over
water. However, these factors have such a minimal influence on trajectory under
100m that they are not worthy of consideration.
FAAST shooters normally encounter moving targets and for longer shots some lead
may need to be given to the target. However at shorter distances none or very little
may be required because the helicopter will normally be travelling at a faster or
equivalent rate to the target and the speed of the projectile will mostly negate the need
for lead time. For example a .308 130 grain projectile will travel at approximately
2,800 ft/sec and have a flight time of 0.1173 of a second at 100m and 0.2701 of a
second at 200m.
When a 130-160 grain .308 hollow point projectile (as commonly used by FAAST)
hits a target animal it releases an excess of 2,000 foot ponds of energy. When this
energy enters the animals vital zone the projectile will expand and break up, creating
a massive wound channel with excessive amounts of bleeding and shock followed by
a rapid death.
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Figure 4.12
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Source: A manual for the control of feral animals from helicopters, FMC May 1999
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Figure 4.13
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use run 2 or 3 clean patches through to remove excess oil as this may caused
excessive pressure build up in the first couple of shots.
Clean the gas plug and head of the gas piston with solvent and Scotch Brite
material.
Only strip the gas tube and regulator for cleaning when there is a large build up of
carbon material. Excessive stripping of this area will cause unnecessary wear.
Lightly oil the working parts but keep the face of the breech block and gas vent
dry.
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Figure 4.15
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Figure 4.16
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1.
To put the L1A1 SLR rifle in safety position, which direction is the safety
catch moved?
2.
List the 6 steps to be followed to be sure an L1A1 SLR rifle is safe to handle.
3.
What is the first step required for stripping and cleaning of an L1A1 SLR
rifle?
4.
5.
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5.
MODULE 5
Summary:
While the effective range is less than for a self-loading rifle, pump action shotguns
play a valuable role in aerial shooting operations.
There are two shotgun models recommended for FAAST activities which are only
to be used with approved ammunition.
FAAST shotguns also requires an approved configuration (setup)
There are 4 steps to ensure a shotgun is safe before handling it.
Likely faults, their causes and recommended actions are listed
5.1
Learning outcomes
5.2
Introduction
The shotgun is a versatile firearm that can fire a single round or launch groups of submissiles towards the intended target. It is designed for shooting fast moving targets
and kills by expelling multiple projectiles (shot). Multiple projectile wounds kill very
quickly. The theory being that 2 or more wounds are not just multiples, but squared
multiples, of that effect. For example, 2 wounds have 4 times the effect as 1 and 3
wounds have 9 times the effect as 1.
Historically, all manner of makes and action types have been used for aerial culling
by FAAST shooters, with differing levels of success. How ever like for the SLR the
FMC has restricted their use. Currently the approved shotguns for FAAST activities
are the:
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5.3
Ammunition
The approved calibre is the 2 12 gauge cartridge, bore dimension 0.729 .The
ammunition must be plastic sided rather than paper or cardboard which can cause
jamming.
Figure 5.1
Source: A manual for the control of feral animals from helicopters, FMC May 1999
Table 5.1 lists the recommended shot to be used for the different size animals likely to
be targeted during FAAST shooting operations.
Table 5.1
Game size
Example
Recommended shot
Small game
Foxes/Cats/Piglets
Medium game
Pigs/Goats
SG (00), SSG
Large Game
Cattle
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Table 5.2 outlines the characteristics of each type of shot recommended for use by
FAAST shooters. These figures are an indication only, as pellet size and the number
of pellets can vary between brands.
Table 5.2
Shot size
Number of pellets
Diameter of pellets
Rifled slug
0.729
Weight of each
pellet
493.0 grains (32g)
SG00
0.330
SSG
18
0.270
AAA
42
0.205
BB
82
0.168
No.4
169
0.130
grains (0.2g)
5.4
Effective range
Due to its multi-pelleted ammunition and low velocity, the shotgun should not be used
for FAAST activities at distances greater than 30 metres. As the range increases the
total pattern of the pellets grows larger. This expansion resembles a cone with its apex
being the muzzle of the shotgun.
Not only do the pellets spread, reducing the number that strikes the target, there is
also an appreciable drop in velocity over a relatively short range. For example: No.4
shot fired from a 20 barrel gives a velocity at the muzzle of 381 m/sec, but at 35
metres this has reduced to 237 m/sec.
Therefore in areas that are heavily wooded or have natural features that prevent the
aircraft from closing to within 30 metres of the target, shotguns should not be the
primary firearm used.
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Figure 5.2
5.5
Chokes
A choke is a constriction at the muzzle of a shotgun to reduce the spread and increase
the density of the shot column.
The 4 commonly identified chokes are:
5.6
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5.6.3 Sights
Due to the need for accurate shooting, the single bead front sight is not acceptable for
FAAST operations. The minimum requirement is for rifle sights to be fitted. Ghost
ring sights, pictured below, have produced good results. If funding allows, red dot
sights would be the ideal choice. They greatly assist in target acquisition.
5.6.4 Choke
A modified choke or improved cylinder is recommended. Full choke has a tendency
to elongate the pattern spread when using SG and true cylinder shortens the effective
range as the pattern spreads too quickly.
5.7
When receiving a shotgun always check its condition. The following steps outline the
procedure required to ensure the shotgun is safe.
Point the muzzle in a safe direction
Slide the fore-end to the rear. (If this doesnt move it indicates that the firearms is
cocked, and possibly with a chambered shell. If so depress the action bar lock
then slide the fore-end to the rear)
Look into the breech and to ensure it is clear of all ammunition. Then using a
finger manually feel for ammunition.
Invert the firearm, depress the carrier, look into the magazine then manually feel
for any ammunition.
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Empty chamber
If on inspection of the chamber after an IA drill there is no ammunition in the
chamber or elevator, but there is ammunition in the magazine;
-
Cycle the action slide firmly to chamber a round from the magazine
Failure to fire
If upon carrying out the IA a live shell is ejected and there are cartridges in the
magazine;
-
Failure to eject
If after carrying out the IA drill a cartridge has not been ejected;
- Leave the action slide to the rear
- Tilt the shotgun to the right
- Flick the round out with your fingers
Failure to fire
If after an IA drill there is still a round in the chamber;
-
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5.9
MODULE 5
This is one of the pump action shotguns recommended for FAAST activities.
Figure 5.4
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a)
Figure 5.5
b)
Remington 870 pump action shotgun
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Figure 5.6
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Figure 5.7
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Figure 5.8
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Figure 5.9
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Figure 5.10
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Due to the greater volume of projectiles emitted which increases the probability of
hitting the kill zone, shotguns are normally pointed at targets rather than aimed.
Basic pump action shotgun marksmanship principles are listed below:
Set up the shot gun properly. Ensure it is in safe working order and that any
extra sights are secure and fitted correctly. FAAST shooters come in a variety of
shapes and sizes and customised stocks which are light and have moveable cheek
pieces and butts are often used.
State of mind. Before shooting ensure that you are comfortable, alert and
focused, but not tense.
Know your shotgun. Nothing will substitute for experience with a firearm and
the better you know your individual firearms parts, their workings and
capabilities the more consistent your accuracy will become.
Know your ammunition. Know the spread pattern, size and number of shot for
the ammunition being used and understand the limitations of the ammunition and
the appropriate use of the ammunition for different target species.
Breathing. Consistent, normal breathing is required when aerial shooting with a
shotgun.
Trigger control. Develop a consistent trigger pull to ensure that the shooting
process does not vary and the moment of firearm discharge is predictable.
Practice! Practice! Practice!. When undertaking ground range practice always
shoot as if you are in a helicopter and live animals are being shot. Some FAAST
shooters employ the third eye technique which many professional sports
shooters use. This method involves shooters imagining themselves hitting the
target animal in the right spot whilst aerial shooting. The simulation of stoppage
drills and unexpected situations by FAAST shooters whilst practicing on the range
is also important.
All of these factors and other pump action shotgun marksmanship principles will be
covered during practical range demonstrations and range practice during Part 1 and
Part 2 of the FAAST training course.
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Figure 5.11
Source: K Pines
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times and remove it 5 - 10 minutes later with and clean patches. Finally run a
patch through the bore with light gun oil on it. Remember before using the firearm
next time, run 2 or 3 clean patches through to remove excess oil as this may
caused excessive pressure build up in the first couple of shots.
4. Clean the breach and ejection port with solvent and Scotch Brite material.
5. The working parts should be lightly oiled but the face of the breech block and gas
vent should be dry.
FAULT
1. Shell fails to load
3. Failure to feed
4. Double feed
5. Stacked feed
6. Failure to fire
7. Failure to extract
8. Action will not open
9. Failure to eject
CAUSE
Bent carrier does not allow
shell alignment with magazine.
Defective shell latch
Bent action bars
Jammed or bent shell latch
Foreign object or part in
receiver.
Shell latch holding back shell
Magazine follower sticks in
magazine tube.
Failure of shell latch to retain
shell in magazine after one has
been ejected onto the carrier
and action can not close.
ACTION
Gunsmith repair
Gunsmith repair
Gunsmith repair
Gunsmith repair
Remove and clean
Gunsmith repair
Clean and lightly oil
With the action open press
down on the nose of the
shell and push the
partially released shell
into the magazine until
retained by shell latch.
Apply safety catch. Grasp
the fore-end firmly and
pull back firmly whilst
depressing the action bar
lock.
Load weapon
Disengage safety. Cycle
the action.
Gunsmith repair
Gunsmith repair
Clean weapon
Correct as per stacked
feed
Gunsmith repair
Pull for-end fully to the
rear, remove the shell,
cycle the action forward
and continue firing.
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1. A shotgun should not be used for targets greater than ______metres away?
2. What does the choke do on a shotgun?
3. What are the first two steps to be carried out when stripping a Remington 870 or a
Mossberg 500?
4. List 3 possible causes for a shotgun failing to fire.
5. What is the recommended choke setting and magazine capacity for FAAST
shotguns?
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6.
MODULE 6
Summary:
The use of firearms, particularly from helicopters is a dangerous and hazardous
practice and penalties apply to FAAST shooters and students for breaches of
protocol.
There are 8 key firearms safety commandments and many others which are
contained in the NSW Police Handbook on Firearms Safety Awareness.
There are a number of essential safety precautions for the handling of firearms
around base camps.
A number of firing range protocols and commands exist to ensure that clear and
concise directions are conveyed between shooters and range officers and that safe
and professional conduct is exhibited by all.
6.1
Learning outcomes
6.2
Introduction
Firearms are inherently dangerous and hazardous items, particularly when in the
hands of inexperienced or incompetent users. However, if used in a safe and
professional manner they are a crucial tool for pest and wildlife managers.
For FAAST shooters, the risks of firearms are somewhat greater than in normal
shooting situations. This is due to the capabilities of the firearms involved and the
nature of aerial shooting with its many additional principles, safety procedures and
potential risks.
For this reason FAAST shooters and students undertaking training must ensure that
before handling firearms, they are alert and aware of all of their actions and
responsibilities. There is no second chance if a FAAST shooter or a student
mishandles a firearm through carelessness, horseplay or other inappropriate practice
(see FAAST shooters disciplinary code - module 2 of this manual and the FAAST
Procedures Guide).
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FAAST students will have a thorough grounding in the safe handling and use of
FAAST firearms however, due to the inherent risks of using FAAST firearms for the
first time:
ANY BREACH OF FIREARM SAFETY AT A FAAST TRAINING COURSE
WILL LEAD TO THE INSTANT DISMISSAL FROM THE COURSE OF THE
STUDENT CONCERNED.
6.3
Some firearms safety principles are generic and can be applied to all situations
involving firearms. In this section some of the generic firearms safety principles
relevant to aerial shooting operations, including those relevant to ground range work,
will be outlined. All of these principles and others are contained in the NSW Police
Handbook on Firearms Safety Awareness produced by the NSW Firearms Safety
Awareness Council. A full copy of this booklet can be found in attachment.3.
Figure 6.1
Source :A.Moriarty
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Do not fire at movement. Do not fire at colour. Do not fire at shape. Do not fire
at sound.
When shooting check your danger zone. The danger zone is the area between you
and your target and the area beyond the target which is within range of your
projectile. Remember, for high powered rifles a bullet from an upward shot may
travel for kilometres. Ensure that the path from the muzzle to the target is free of
obstructions likely to impede its safe progress.
Never shoot during the hours of darkness. During these hours it is impossible to
see what may be in your danger zone.
Never shoot over the top of hills or ridges. This creates danger to people, animals
and property because you have no knowledge of what may be out of sight.
Always seek the permission of land-holders before shooting on their land.
Firing at or across water, flat hard ground or metal objects is always dangerous
and may cause a ricochet.
Unless you are an expert, damaged firearms should be repaired by a gunsmith.
Use only the correct ammunition as specified for your firearm.
Be particularly careful at the moment of closing, cocking, taking off the safety
catch, uncocking or opening a loaded firearm. This is the time when accidental
discharge most frequently occurs.
Practice self-control continually when shooting. Indiscriminate, unplanned
shooting usually results in damage to property and may cause death or injury to
humans or livestock.
If you shoot at an animal and cause obvious injury, do your utmost to make the
final kill. Failure to do this will often subject the animal to days or weeks of
suffering before death.
Repeated exposure to shotgun and centre-fire rifle explosion discharge can cause
permanent hearing damage.
It is recommended that FAAST students and FAAST shooters read and familiarise
themselves with all firearms safety principles as outlined in the NSW Police
Handbook on Firearms Safety Awareness (attachment 3).
6.4
The following rules must be adhered to around the base camp during all FAAST
operations and FAAST training courses.
All students/shooters must be licensed for the weapons they carry and use.
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6.5
It is critical that firing range rules are fully understood and followed by everyone
using the range.
The range master will be the officer in charge of these sessions and will wear
identifiable clothing.
No more than four students, each with an instructor, will be on the range at any
one time. Everyone else must remain off the range in a designated area.
Weapons will be removed from the storage area under the directions of a weapons
instructor.
Weapons will be conveyed to the range in one vehicle under the supervision of a
weapons instructor. No loaded weapons will be conveyed and ammunition will be
conveyed in a separate vehicle.
All weapons will remain in the designated vehicle under the immediate control of
a weapons instructor, whilst at the back of the range, in a designated area.
Ammunition and magazines will be located on a separate vehicle located a safe
distance away from the weapons vehicle. All weapons, not in immediate use,
must be placed on a nominated vehicle.
One instructor will be nominated ammunitions officer and will have sole
responsibility over ammunition.
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Weapons will be issued to the students when required to be taken into the range.
They will remain checked and unloaded until directed otherwise by the range
master.
Weapons movement to and from the range will be as follows - Actions locked
open, magazines removed and the muzzle of the weapon pointed in a safe
direction.
All weapons will be taken onto the range and placed on the ground with the
muzzle facing directly down towards the target.
No weapon will be loaded until directed by the range master.
All fire will cease and safety catches will be applied immediately on the direction
of the range master.
At the completion of the live shoot, weapons will have their magazines removed
and proved clear by the weapons instructor prior to being returned to the
designated weapons vehicle.
Figure 6.2
6.6
It is critical that firing range rules are fully understood and followed by
everyone using the range.
Source: D.Pitt
The range master will explain the sequences to the students before entering the firing
range. Students will be given the opportunity to ask questions to ensure that everyone
clearly understands the sequences.
The range master will call, "Students ready. Earmuffs on."
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Figure 6.3
Source: D Pitt
1.
2.
What is the maximum number of students allowed on the firing range at any
time?
3.
4.
How are shooters to respond if the range master gives repeated whistle blasts?
5.
When transporting FAAST firearms to a range for use where should the
ammunition be?
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