Range Safety Rules
Warning. Safety violations on the range or anywhere else can cause serious or fatal injury to you or others. It can also cause extensive damage to Air Force property. The M-16 rifle is not a toy; it can kill a person with one bullet. Remember, a weapon is only as safe as the person using it.The following rules are to protect you and the people around you. OBEY THEM!
Treat all weapons as if they were loaded. A weapon is never safe to handle until you have cleared it. Ensure it is unloaded (Note: You will receive detailed instructions on how to clear the weapon during your classroom training. Pay attention! Clearing the weapon is one of the most important things you will learn).
- Never point a weapon at anyone or anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Keep weapon pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Weapon is equipped with a mechanical safety. Keep it on SAFE when it is not being fired.
- Never engage in horseplay when handling (or around) weapons.
- If you have to take medication, inform your instructor so you can be watched more closely.
- Do not handle the weapon until you are told to do so.
- While on the range, keep the weapon pointed toward the target at all times.
- Immediately obey all commands on the range.
- Immediately remove finger from the trigger upon hearing "Cease Fire," regardless of who gives it.
Some Firing Tips
Sight Alignment. Sight alignment is accomplished by aligning the front and rear sight. The front sight post will be aligned directly in the center of the rear sight. Once this is accomplished the shooter will then need to concentrate on the front sight until it is crystal clear. This is accomplished by placing your face on the stock of the rifle approximately 2 to 3 fingers away from the charging handle. If your face is farther away, proper sight alignment will be difficult.
Sight Picture. The sight picture is simply the addition of the target to the sight alignment Once the front and rear sights are aligned, place them on the target. The front sight post will cover up the bottom half of the target. You will not cover the entire target with the front sight post. The front sight must remain crystal clear when aiming at the target, and the target will remain blurry.
Wobble Area. When you aim at the target, notice your front sight wobbles back and forth. This is caused by heartbeat and muscle fatigue. this can't be stopped, ignore it.
Breath Control. Hold your breath while firing any shot. Take a deep breath, let it out until you reach your natural respiratory pause, and then hold it. Relax all muscles in your body, and begin your trigger squeeze.
Trigger Control. Accomplished by applying slow steady pressure to the trigger. There should be a 4 to 6 second time period from the time you start applying pressure to the time the weapon actually fires. Do not take your finger off the trigger completely when releasing the pressure on the trigger.
Anticipation. Concentrate on the front sight. Keep it aligned as your finger eases the trigger back. Do not anticipate the weapon going off...let it surprise you.
Follow Through. Keep your face on the stock and your firing and support hands in place throughout the movement of your weapon.
