Firearms Safety Rules

At Apex Pistol Training, safety is our highest priority. Every student is expected to follow these rules during classroom instruction, range activities, and any other firearms training conducted by Apex Pistol Training.

 

The Four Fundamental Rules of Firearm Safety

 

1. Treat Every Firearm as if It Is Loaded

 

Always assume a firearm is loaded, even when you believe it is unloaded. Handle every firearm with the same level of care and attention.

 

2. Never Point a Firearm at Anything You Are Not Willing to Destroy

 

Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Be aware of where the muzzle is pointing, including when loading, unloading, holstering, handling, or moving with a firearm.

 

3. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until You Are Ready to Fire

 

Keep your trigger finger straight and outside the trigger guard until your sights are on the intended target and you have made the decision to fire.

 

4. Know Your Target and What Is Beyond It

 

Before firing, identify your target and understand what is behind and around it. Never fire at a target you cannot clearly identify.

 

Additional Training Rules

 

Students must:

• Follow all instructions given by Apex Pistol Training instructors and range personnel.

• Follow all applicable federal, state, and local firearms laws and regulations.

• Follow all posted range rules and safety procedures.

• Wear required eye and hearing protection while on the range.

• Keep firearms pointed in a safe direction when handling them.

• Keep firearms unloaded until instructed otherwise by the instructor or range personnel.

• Handle firearms only when authorized to do so.

• Immediately stop handling a firearm if instructed to do so.

• Immediately notify an instructor of any unsafe condition, malfunction, injury, or other safety concern.

• Maintain control of firearms and ammunition at all times.

• Never handle or discharge a firearm while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or any substance that may affect judgment, coordination, or reaction time.

• Never engage in horseplay, threatening behavior, or other unsafe conduct.

 

Range Commands

 

Students must immediately comply with all range commands. If a student does not understand a command or is unsure what to do, the student should keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, keep the finger outside the trigger guard, and ask the instructor for assistance.

 

Firearm Malfunctions

 

If a firearm malfunctions, the student should keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, keep the finger outside the trigger guard, and notify the instructor. Students should not attempt to correct an unfamiliar or potentially dangerous malfunction without instructor guidance.

 

Right to Stop Training

 

Apex Pistol Training instructors may stop an activity, remove a student from the range, or discontinue a student's participation when the instructor determines that continued participation presents a safety concern.

 

Apex Pistol Training reserves the right to refuse or discontinue training for any person whose conduct creates an unsafe environment for the student, instructor, range personnel, or other participants.

 

Student Responsibility

 

Firearms are inherently dangerous when improperly handled. Safe firearms ownership and use require continued education, practice, judgment, and compliance with applicable laws.

 

Completion of a course does not guarantee a student's ability to safely operate a firearm in every situation. Students are responsible for continuing to practice safe firearm handling and seeking additional instruction when appropriate.

 

By participating in training with Apex Pistol Training, students acknowledge that they are expected to follow these safety rules and all instructions provided by Apex Pistol Training and the applicable shooting facility.