.. _Safety:

******
Safety
******

It is important to keep the gun pointing in a safe direction, especially when firing it.

* Check that the barrel is pointing in a safe direction in case there is something wrong with the sights.
* Use the procedures in :ref:`Initial Sighting-in` when the accuracy of the setting of the sights cannot be relied upon, such as after mounting a scope.
* When missing the target by even a small amount can cause expensive damage (such as with electronic targets at Bisley [#HLSARTS]_), do not perform the procedures in :ref:`Initial Sighting-in` on that range, and do not use such ranges until you are sure that you can achieve sufficient accuracy with your 1st shot on other ranges using the procedures in :ref:`Adjusting for Distance & Conditions`.

.. rubric:: Footnotes
	    
.. [#HLSARTS] Electronic targets at Hythe or Lydd are not so puny.  They are fired at with fully automatic weapons.  If you manage to break one with a shot, the range authorities will not charge for repairs, but rather apologise for the inconvenience the target failure causes you.