Firearms licensing: shotgun safety
Shotgun Safety
It is of paramount importance that shotguns are always stored and used in a safe manner. Whether in the field or simply clay pigeon shooting, it cannot be stressed highly enough how important it is to always be aware that you are in possession of a lethal weapon.
- When not in use, always keep your shotgun safe and secure, preferably locked away in your gun cabinet. It is preferable to store your cartridges, locked and secure, in a separate cabinet or compartment.
- Never put a loaded shotgun away in your cabinet.
- Always prove that a shotgun is unloaded as soon as you handle it.
- Always prove that a shotgun is empty, before handing it to someone else, by offering it to them with the breech open.
- Never load your shotgun indoors.
- Never allow unauthorised persons access to your shotgun.
- Never allow unsupervised or unsuitable persons, especially children, access to your shotgun.
- Never leave a shotgun, even unloaded, unattended.
- Never stand a shotgun in such a position that it can fall or be knocked over.
Transportation safety
- Always keep your shotgun in its case or cover whilst transporting it.
- Never transport a loaded shotgun.
- If staying away from home overnight, your shotgun should be stored, preferably with a Registered Firearms Dealer or in a secure cabinet of another suitable certificate holder.
- If it is absolutely necessary to leave your shotgun in a vehicle, it must be stored out of sight, preferably in the locked boot. Consider taking a small part of the weapon, such as the fore-end, with you and always ensure that you lock the vehicle securely.
- If this is to be a regular habit, consider having a lockable metal storage case welded inside the vehicle's boot.